London/Paris: To ABD or not to ABD? - Page 2 - The DIS Discussion Forums

pjacobi · 05-17-2011, 07:35 PM

Here are two other tour companies that provide tours of London and Paris:

http://www.goldentours.com/
http://www.evanevanstours.co.uk/train-tours.htm

If you want Eurostar tickets, books as far in advance to get the best possible prices at http://www.eurostar.com. Eurostar ticket prices increase dramatically as seats fill up, like airline tickets! If you are within 60 days of trip, check with tour companies that may have Eurostar "tour" packages cheeper than tickets available through the Eurostar site because they are trying to sell off a block of seats.

-Paul

blondietink · 05-18-2011, 07:48 AM

Honestly, I wouldn't bother with Stonehenge unless you can get a sunrise tour (or another tour) where you can actually walk among the stones. Since they built the fences, it really takes away the impact of the place, IMHO.

pjacobi · 05-18-2011, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blondietink

Honestly, I wouldn't bother with Stonehenge unless you can get a sunrise tour (or another tour) where you can actually walk among the stones. Since they built the fences, it really takes away the impact of the place, IMHO.

Yes, the fence at Stonehenge is a distraction.

Alternatively, to walk among the stones, I suggest a stop at Avebury Stone circle which is open at any time.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avebury

Mad Max provides van tours of both Stonehenge and Avebury from Bath.
http://www.madmaxtours.co.uk/

-Paul

kristilew · 05-18-2011, 04:57 PM

ITA about the Museum Pass in Paris. This does get you to the front of the line, and covers so many places you'll want to see. Plus, we visited some places we never would have without it, such as a wonderful little museum about hospitals. we were able to do an extra stop each day since we could skip the lines, too.

Andtototoo · 07-11-2011, 10:59 AM

We were in England last year. I think London and the environs is totally doable on your own. If you want to hook into a tour for transportation or other factors, many hotels have info on day trips and tours. Tons of options for tours in London or outside of town. And London itself is easy enough to get around. Even my dh -- who is a very nervous traveler -- felt we could have done London on our own.

Stonehenge was definitely on my bucket list and I'm glad I didn't let other people's angst over the fence make me decide not to go. The fence did not bother me in the slightest. And you can't see it in any of my photos. I think the key to Stonehenge is getting there early before the crowds. When we first got there, we were the only people there.

NancyIL · 07-11-2011, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjacobi

Yes, the fence at Stonehenge is a distraction.

Alternatively, to walk among the stones, I suggest a stop at Avebury Stone circle which is open at any time.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avebury

Mad Max provides van tours of both Stonehenge and Avebury from Bath.
http://www.madmaxtours.co.uk/

-Paul

I did the Mad Max tour from Bath last July, and it was great. I was expecting a BIG FENCE at Stonehenge. Instead, it was a little rope around the perimeter of the stones that I didn't find at all distracting. Avebury is much larger, but the stones are spread over such a large area that you'd need to view it from the air to see all of it.

I am sorry I'll just be passing through the UK as I change planes at Heathrow next May.

*WDW*Groupie* · 07-11-2011, 12:43 PM

We just completed the 11 night Med Cruise with the ABD add-on.

I can't say enough good things about ABD. They are first class all the way. Even the little details are taken care of -- like putting a bottle of soap in the restroom in Gozo because they didn't have any. I LOVE LOVE LOVED them always taking family photos - that was worth so much to me. And they could always make the kids smile (which I somehow cannot seem to do

)!! Also, my dd made a great friend on the trip, which really helped get us through the intensive touring cities like Rome. My ds made a few great friends as well. We had such a great group of people traveling with us and we enjoyed seeing them every day. I have just mentioned a few little things ABD did - there is so so so much more they do on a grander scale. Although we had a great time touring Barcelona for 3 days on our own before the cruise, I really, really enjoyed having everything planned for us with ABD.

I definitely plan on doing an ABD adventure next year (I am anxiously awaiting the 2012 itineraries!). I will add 2 or 3 days before and after the trip so we can explore the cities on our own and see sights that ABD might not cover.

Also, I can't say enough good things about Dreams Unlimited Travel

. First class organization. I will use them to book our trip next summer without a doubt.

sayhello · 07-11-2011, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *WDW*Groupie*

We just completed the 11 night Med Cruise with the ABD add-on.

I can't say enough good things about ABD. They are first class all the way. Even the little details are taken care of -- like putting a bottle of soap in the restroom in Gozo because they didn't have any. I LOVE LOVE LOVED them always taking family photos - that was worth so much to me. And they could always make the kids smile (which I somehow cannot seem to do

)!! Also, my dd made a great friend on the trip, which really helped get us through the intensive touring cities like Rome. My ds made a few great friends as well. We had such a great group of people traveling with us and we enjoyed seeing them every day. I have just mentioned a few little things ABD did - there is so so so much more they do on a grander scale. Although we had a great time touring Barcelona for 3 days on our own before the cruise, I really, really enjoyed having everything planned for us with ABD.

I definitely plan on doing an ABD adventure next year (I am anxiously awaiting the 2012 itineraries!). I will add 2 or 3 days before and after the trip so we can explore the cities on our own and see sights that ABD might not cover.

Also, I can't say enough good things about Dreams Unlimited Travel

. First class organization. I will use them to book our trip next summer without a doubt.

*WDW*Groupie*, I totally agree with what you say about ABD and the Med add-on! I'm so glad you enjoyed the trip, and are joining us in the anxious wait for next year's itineraries!

Will you be doing a report?

Sayhello

*WDW*Groupie* · 07-12-2011, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sayhello

Will you be doing a report?

Sayhello

If I could figure out how to post a picture

and thought it might interest anyone, I would to it!

I'm still waiting for a few photos to arrive in the mail!!

05-17-2011, 07:35 PM	#16
pjacobi DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Nashua, NH Posts: 783	Tips on Eurostar Here are two other tour companies that provide tours of London and Paris: http://www.goldentours.com/ http://www.evanevanstours.co.uk/train-tours.htm If you want Eurostar tickets, books as far in advance to get the best possible prices at http://www.eurostar.com. Eurostar ticket prices increase dramatically as seats fill up, like airline tickets! If you are within 60 days of trip, check with tour companies that may have Eurostar "tour" packages cheeper than tickets available through the Eurostar site because they are trying to sell off a block of seats. -Paul

05-18-2011, 07:48 AM	#17
blondietink DIS Veteran Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Western New York State Posts: 1,530	Honestly, I wouldn't bother with Stonehenge unless you can get a sunrise tour (or another tour) where you can actually walk among the stones. Since they built the fences, it really takes away the impact of the place, IMHO. __________________ Barb

07-11-2011, 12:43 PM	#22
WDWGroupie* Mouseketeer Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: TO Canada & Boca Raton FL Posts: 176	We just completed the 11 night Med Cruise with the ABD add-on. I can't say enough good things about ABD. They are first class all the way. Even the little details are taken care of -- like putting a bottle of soap in the restroom in Gozo because they didn't have any. I LOVE LOVE LOVED them always taking family photos - that was worth so much to me. And they could always make the kids smile (which I somehow cannot seem to do )!! Also, my dd made a great friend on the trip, which really helped get us through the intensive touring cities like Rome. My ds made a few great friends as well. We had such a great group of people traveling with us and we enjoyed seeing them every day. I have just mentioned a few little things ABD did - there is so so so much more they do on a grander scale. Although we had a great time touring Barcelona for 3 days on our own before the cruise, I really, really enjoyed having everything planned for us with ABD. I definitely plan on doing an ABD adventure next year (I am anxiously awaiting the 2012 itineraries!). I will add 2 or 3 days before and after the trip so we can explore the cities on our own and see sights that ABD might not cover. Also, I can't say enough good things about Dreams Unlimited Travel. First class organization. I will use them to book our trip next summer without a doubt. __________________

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05-18-2011, 04:57 PM	#19
kristilew DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Coastal NC Posts: 1,795	ITA about the Museum Pass in Paris. This does get you to the front of the line, and covers so many places you'll want to see. Plus, we visited some places we never would have without it, such as a wonderful little museum about hospitals. we were able to do an extra stop each day since we could skip the lines, too.

07-11-2011, 10:59 AM	#20
Andtototoo DIS Veteran Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 2,338	We were in England last year. I think London and the environs is totally doable on your own. If you want to hook into a tour for transportation or other factors, many hotels have info on day trips and tours. Tons of options for tours in London or outside of town. And London itself is easy enough to get around. Even my dh -- who is a very nervous traveler -- felt we could have done London on our own. Stonehenge was definitely on my bucket list and I'm glad I didn't let other people's angst over the fence make me decide not to go. The fence did not bother me in the slightest. And you can't see it in any of my photos. I think the key to Stonehenge is getting there early before the crowds. When we first got there, we were the only people there.