Your opinion of Untours

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Permalink Reply by Kathy Raines on February 19, 2010 at 12:15pm

I used Untours for a trip to Provence and was totally happy and pleased with everything. The apartment that we had was very clean and typical of that part of France. It was certainly not a 4 star hotel but that is why I chose it. We stayed right in the middle of a very small town where we could walk to restaurants and small grocery stores and bakeries. They met us at the airport, took us to our rental car and provided us with directions to the apartment. We also had access to onsite support if we should need it. I am using them again in June for a trip to the Netherlands, I think what I appreciate so much from them as the personal imput that I receive from them when I call before even booking asking loads of questions. I have travelled to Europe frequently and have even booked a house on my own in Tuscany. No complaints from me (so far!) at all. Kathy Raines

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Permalink Reply by Tom Haas on February 19, 2010 at 10:23pm

Jo, Untours is quite possibly the best company I have ever done business with. Our trip was arranged by caring professionals who took the time to fashion our trip to our interests. While in Europe, the Untour staff was outstanding. We had all the support we needed and were pleased with all of the information provided. Our Swiss mountain home was clean and well stocked. The experience was authentic and our landlady was exceptional. I can think of nothing negative in my dealings with Untours and imagine you will get similar answers from other Untourists. Happy Travels!

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Permalink Reply by Linda Paplinski on February 20, 2010 at 11:12am

Jo,
You will not be disappointed if you choose to travel with Untours. From the planning stage through the trip itself someone is always available to answer all your questions. For each of our trips we found our apartments and our ground transportation to be more then satisfactory. The people you work with, both here in the States and at your European destination, are friendly, helpful, knowledgable and just plain nice. Here on the Cafe pages just click on a few pictures of people who have traveled with Untours and I think their stories will give you the peace of mind you need.
Linda

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Permalink Reply by Joan and Bruce on February 20, 2010 at 4:56pm

Hi Jo: First, to answer your specific questions: Reliable? We have made twelve visits to Switzerland, the Castle in Germany, and Austia. That should answer reliable. Rental not up to par/available? Beyond par, always available, sometimes, in the case of Austria, a nice warm cake awaits. The Count in Sommersdor may change your perception of "Counts". The staff(s) are beyond what you are looking for. For us, many are old (and young) friends. Years ago, a staff member who excelled in history, made our trip come to "life", and is one of the reasons we return so often.

An added value to using Untours, is that you become a member of a unique group of knowledgeable, thrifty, helpful group of Untourists. Untours, the company is there from the beginning, through your trip. Untourists are always happy to give advice from curling irons, international cell phones, clothing, culture, and about anything else "travel" related. Happy planning Jo. Cheers. Joan.

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Permalink Reply by Bill Kover on February 20, 2010 at 6:25pm

"The luckiest day of your life may be just around the corner, like the day we found Untours."

"Yes.. I'm sure. This was our best day in Paris.....at least until tomorrow."

"Sadness overwhelmed us as we gave them one last hug before boarding the train. How can anyone not love these two people. We envy anyone who is a member of their family." (A statement I made about our two most favorite Untours hosts from Sachseln, Switzerland, Albert and Berit Greutert)

"You are good at your job." A statement I made to Dodge Amaral, who is helping us arrange our next Untour, Paris.

These are quotes I've made in the past. I meant every word.

On our very first Untour (Swiss Heartland) Untours Swiss staff member, Francy Douglas Breon, suggested we try a restaurant in Zurich during our trip. It is called Blindekuh. You dine in total darkness while being served by blind waitresses. Our Swiss host, Albert Greutert, helped us make the reservations. The lunch we had was a incredible experience we will never forget...thanks to Francy and Albert. This is just one example of the service that is in store when you decide to become an "Untourist."

This year we will being spending one month in Paris to celebrate our 40th anniversary. Obviously I made my arrangements though Untours. I know a good thing when I see it!

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Permalink Reply by Deborah and Donald Wise on February 21, 2010 at 10:05am

We have only been on two Untours, Holland and a sampler of Paris, Rome, Florence. That was 4 different apartments. All were clean, comfortable and located in neighborhoods that were convenient to transportation. All were exactly as described. Untours is a wonderful way to travel. We absolutely loved our apartment in Rome.

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Permalink Reply by Lukehead on February 23, 2010 at 1:32pm

I can't think of a better way to holiday in Europe (or actually anywhere in the world) than in the style of Untours. You do have to buy into the style however. You will not have daily housekeeping if you don't make the bed or wash the coffee pot. You will not have an "institutional" meal unless you choose to eat at McDonald's. You will not have a wake-up call unless you set the alarm. You don't have to be in the lobby at 8:15 unless you agreed to meet a friend at that time. You don't have to be in an assigned seat unless you have a ticket for the opera. Get my point? You are traveling on your personal schedule and doing what is interesting to you at a pace that is comfortable for you. You are living in a real neighborhood with people who live there everyday, not just for a week or two. There may be some linguistic challenges but what fun it is to work them out. The apartments may not be luxurious (some might be) but they are clean and well maintained. They have everything you truly NEED to be comfortable. And they even provide a starter stash of groceries so you don't have to panic about where to get your first morning cup of coffee.

The staff support you have prior to departure is excellent. They are always available to answer any questions. The materials they provide are excellent, well researched and written. My only complaint (?) was the map of Germany they sent us was too large but I certainly did appreciate the detail it provided. I just cut it into smaller sections to make handling it easier. The support you receive on arrival is equally fine, always at the ready for you, so accommodating to you. What Untours does is make putting yourself in a cultural exploration experience easy. I am much more relaxed if I don't have to "sweat the details" - Untours has done this for you, I'm there to enjoy and learn as much as I can in thelimited time I have.

I'm a fan. My husband is a fan. We just put in a reservation for an Untour in Budapest for fall.

Interesting side note: While at the German castle last October, on 3 different days we met 2 German firends and an US expat at our apartment before spending time together. Each one ws very impressed with the apartment, surrounding area and information we had been provided and the cost of the adventure. One, a German living near Heidelburg, made arrangements to bring his wife back for a weekend getaway. He had lived in the area all his life but never explored this region.

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Permalink Reply by Vance Roy on February 23, 2010 at 1:55pm

I got hooked on Idyll or Untours, whatever, in 1979. Moved to Switzerland to save airfare in 1994. Been here since. If you do not find it worth your while, I would question if you need to travel at all. The Italian Untours people would serve you well, I believe. No rip-off in there vocabulary!

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