This is a  great question because if you've never traveled this way before, it's easy to assume you'll be following a tour guide around with a little flag from sunrise to sunset.

The reality? Guided tours have come a long way, and they're one of my favorite ways to experience a new destination, especially if you want to spend your vacation exploring and indulging,  instead of figuring out train schedules or which museum requires timed tickets.

But Wait... What Is a Guided Tour?

A guided tour (sometimes called an escorted tour) is exactly what it sounds like. The planning is done for you.

Your hotels are booked, transportation is arranged, major sightseeing is included, and you have an experienced tour director there to make sure everything runs smoothly as well as share all sorts of insight and history with you!

Instead of spending months researching every detail, you get to show up and enjoy the destination. ( big perk)

What's Usually Included?

Comfortable Hotels

Transportation

An Amazing Tour Director

Local Guides

Sightseeing and Attraction Tickets

Some Meals

What Isn't Usually Included?

• Airfare


• Travel insurance


• Optional excursions


• Personal shopping


• Some gratuities (depending on the tour company)

Will I Actually Have Free Time?

Are Guided Tours Worth It?

Who Loves Guided Tours?

• First-time visitors to Europe/ Continent


• Couples looking for a stress-free vacation


• Solo travelers who want built-in community


• Friends traveling together


• Multi-generational families


• Anyone who wants to see more without planning every little detail

There's a guided tour style for just about every type of traveler.

Planning your first trip to Europe can feel overwhelming. With so many countries, cities, hotels, and transportation options, it's hard to know where to start. If you're looking for a hassle- free way to experience Europe, a river cruise may be the perfect solution.

You want to see the world, but the how starts to feel  overwhelming and daunting. That’s where guided tours shine.

I’ve helped travelers who wanted everything handled down to their dinner reservations… and others who just needed a little structure with room to wander into a hidden café. The “perfect tour” isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s more like finding the right travel rhythm for you.

Start by considering, what TYPE of tour you want

Fully Guided Tours
Think of this as your “just show up and enjoy” option. Your hotels, transportation, excursions, and often meals are all arranged. You’ll have a tour director with you throughout the journey, keeping everything smooth and tidy.

Best for:

• First-time international travelers


• Those who don’t want to plan logistics


• Travelers who love structure and storytelling along the way

Partially Guided Tours ( my favorite option ) 
A little structure, a little freedom. These tours include key experiences (like city tours or transfers), but leave space for independent exploring and of course finding great local spots !

Best for:

• Travelers who want flexibility


• Repeat visitors to a destination


• Anyone who likes a plan… but not a packed minute-by-minute schedule

Group Size:  It Actually Matters !!

This is one of the biggest factors people don’t think about— thats why I'm here

Small Groups (typically 10–25 people)
More intimate, more immersive. You can slip into boutique hotels, dine at local spots, and move through destinations without feeling like a herd.

Vibe: relaxed, personal, authentic

Large Groups (30–50 people)
More social, often more budget-friendly, and very efficient. You’ll see a lot, cover ground quickly, and meet a wide range of people. I have met some of my best travel friends on guided tours!

The vibe: energetic, structured, and social.

There’s no “better”—just what feels right for you.

Inclusions

Not all tours are created equal, and this is where the details make your experience.

Here’s what I always help my clients consider;

• Accommodations: Are they centrally located or far outside the city?


• Meals: Are they included—and are they meaningful local experiences or just convenient options?


• Excursions: Are the highlights included, or will you be paying extra once you’re there?


• Transportation: Private coaches, trains, flights—how seamless is it?


• Free Time: Yes, this matters. The best trips leave room for authenticity!

A tour might look similar on paper, but these details are where the magic lives

How Do You Choose?

Here’s the honest answer: you don’t have to figure it out alone.

The “perfect” tour comes down to a blend of your travel style, your priorities, and the little details you might not even know to look for yet. That’s where I come in—I help match you with the right experience so your trip feels intentional for you  and memorable for years to come.

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So, Now Ready to Find Your Perfect Tour...

If you’re dreaming about a guided trip but not sure where to start, I’d love to help you narrow it down and find the one that fits you perfectly.

Whether you want fully guided ease, a flexible adventure, or a solo-friendly experience with built-in travel pals—I’ll take the guesswork off your plate.

Let’s start planning → Reach out to me and we’ll find your next incredible journey together.

One of the most common questions I get as a travel advisor (and river cruise enthusiast!) is:
“How do I choose ?”

Both Avalon Waterways and AmaWaterways deliver incredible experiences… but they each have their own personality. Think of it like choosing between two amazing trips, just with a slightly different onboard vibe.

Let’s Talk Onboard Vibes First

If you’re picturing yourself sipping wine, watching castles drift by, and keeping your days fairly relaxed, Avalon might be your match. Their ships are designed to maximize those views, and the overall pace feels easy and flexible.

If you’re the type who wants to do all the things… biking through villages, diving into wine tastings, or joining more immersive excursions, AmaWaterways tends to lean that way. There’s just a bit more energy and variety built into the experience.

Avalon is known for their Panorama Suites, where your bed literally faces the window… so yes, you can wake up to Europe rolling by like a living postcard.

AmaWaterways offers more room categories, including their popular twin-balcony staterooms, which give you both a French balcony and a step-out option. It feels a little more traditional, with a touch of luxury.

Food, Wine & Onboard Experience

You really can’t go wrong here, but there are some subtle differences.

AmaWaterways tends to shine with its culinary experiences and wine-focused sailings. If you’re a foodie or wine lover, this can be a big plus.

Avalon keeps things a bit more laid-back and flexible. Think quality dining without feeling overly structured… perfect if you like to go with the flow.

Excursions & Daily Experience

Both include guided tours, but how you experience them can feel different.

Avalon is great if you like having a mix of planned excursions and free time to wander on your own.

AmaWaterways offers more choices each day, especially if you’re interested in active tours like hiking or biking, or more themed experiences.

So…Which One Is Right for You?

Here’s how I usually break it down for my clients:

• Go with Avalon Waterways if you want a more relaxed, scenic, go-at-your-own-pace experience


• Choose AmaWaterways if you want more included options, activity, and a slightly more elevated feel

My advice? There’s no “wrong” choice here, just the right fit for you.

And this is exactly why I specialize in river cruises. The differences aren’t always obvious until you’ve really dug into them… and matching the right cruise line to your travel style can make all the difference in your experience.

If you’ve been thinking about your first river cruise, I’d love to help you narrow it down and find the perfect fit.

Before setting sail on the Rhine, I spent a few dreamy days in Amsterdam, and it was the perfect way to ease into vacation mode. Spring had the city sparkling, with tulips in full bloom and pops of color everywhere you looked. Window boxes, parks, even casual street corners felt like they were competing for “most photogenic.”

One of my favorite stops was the Heineken Experience, which was equal parts history lesson and fun hangout. Learning how the iconic beer is made, then ending with a fresh pour ( or four), felt like a very Dutch welcome to the city.

Food was a highlight, as expected. Dutch pancakes deserve their own fan club. Light, fluffy, and topped with everything from powdered sugar to savory meats and cheeses. I may or may not still be thinking about them. In addition to a ton of amazing cheeses and fondue spots and lets not forget the FRIES!!! With all the amazing sauces for dipping - this is a do not skip late night snack.

Another unforgettable evening was a canal dinner cruise. Gliding through the canals as the sun dipped low, lights twinkled on, and courses were served felt straight out of a movie.

Of course, wandering was half the fun. Exploring the narrow streets, peeking into shops, and yes, even walking through the Red Light District, which is far more historic  than most people expect. It’s a fascinating part of Amsterdam’s story and culture.

Amsterdam in the spring is charming, lively, and effortlessly cool. As a pre-cruise destination, it checked every box: beautiful scenery, amazing food, unique experiences, and that laid-back European vibe that instantly makes you slow down and savor the moment, but don't slow down too much - a cyclist will run you over!

Curious about adding Amsterdam on to your next European itinerary ? Reach out to get started.