We went on a 18 day package tour of europe Mid April 2008 - booked in Karve Rd office Pune. Here’s the bad and good
BAD
1) Till the last few days, there was no regular updates on the actual plan for the trip, timing of the flight, how we were going to be picked up, how we were supposed to pay etc. I had to run around at the last when a short deadline was given that compounded our problem purchasing euros and dollars as a
Dual Citizen of US and India(OCI).
2) SOTC does not make much effort to match profiles when they group. It is just first come first serve I guess. They did not bother to introduce the groups in a formal manner either before or in the midst of th tour.
3) Our Tour Bus could be a bit more comfortable. One hotel were really a dump. I don’t mind going out of the city to have a better place.
4) Giving options regarding food. Instead of force feeding indian food day in and day out
GOOD
1) The spirit of the people working for SOTC is the saving grace. Shailesh Sanap our tour manager did all he could to make it work. The highlight is the way he pulled things together when a unfortunate emergency forced few groups members to abort from the trip. Keep it up man I heard good things about Mr Khusroo too the tour mgr for the other group coming with us .
2) In general, we had a great time - once we adjust ourselves to the rhythm of the tour. It was a great break to have when someones is else is doing all the coordination adn you just enjoy.
3) The sightseeing spots were good, a bit hurried but we knew what to expect as it is really a europe sampler. You can’t ask for lot of time tor each the spots.
4) The emirates flight was decent both ways.
5) Most of the hotels, especially in Italy and Switzerland were great. No complaints whatsoever.
6) The free cruise was a decent add on for early birds.