Is the tour leader a native English speaker?
This cuts both ways. A tour leader who is a native of the country you are visiting brings insights that can be very valuable. But if the person doesn’t have a good command of English, it can be very difficult to follow the lectures. Is the tour in English? It takes time for everyone to gather around the tour guide for those words of wisdom. When every direction and description has to be repeated in two or three languages, time drags, especially if it’s raining or you’re eager to get in as much time as possible at a particular site. Also, if your language is in the minority, you may find your group getting short shrift. Will the same tour leader stay with you throughout the trip or will you get local tour leaders in each town? Most tours have one bus driver and one leader who accompany the group, which assures continuity. But a tour is often enhanced by the addition of local guides who are ultra-familiar with a specific cathedral, ruin, etc. Are entrance fees included? Entrance fees add
