Guest Reviews

Small Escorted Tours was the perfect solution to our travel dilemma: how to see the best of Ireland without being confined to a tour bus or attempting to drive on the left-hand side of the road. Our trip, including family members from 47 to 81, was a great success.

We were, ultimately, most grateful for the luxury of following our own itinerary – one geared to our tastes and enthusiasms…

The broad knowledge, keen insights and engaging personality of our guide/driver kept us charmed, interested and often laughing throughout the tour. An unscheduled side trip, into the depths of the Burren to visit the marvelous garden of the Burren Perfumery, is just one example of the benefits of a customized service. No tour bus could ever have accommodated such an individual interest or negotiated those very narrow roads.

You know you’ve had a wonderful time when a dozen experiences, such as this one, vie in your mind for highlight of the trip, and that was the happy predicament in which we found ourselves.

We couldn’t have been more pleased with our accommodations, but were, ultimately, most grateful for the luxury of following our own itinerary – one geared to our tastes and enthusiasms, rather than the standard tourist fare. It made all the difference in providing us with many memories to cherish and recount.

Small Escorted Tours will give you value for money and a chance to learn about the real Ireland of yesterday and today, instead of merely the usual kitschy stereotypes. I recommend them highly.

We are three American couples living near Seattle, Washington. We are experienced international travelers and hired Ireland Escorted to take us on a two week tour of Ireland.

We found them on the internet, booked sight unseen after an extended e-mail and phone discussion, and were totally satisfied with the experience. The service was extremely flexible and always willing to tailor the trip to our desires and budget.

Our guide was honest, an excellent and predictable driver, able and ready to cope with any situation, and knowledgeable of the terrain, history, and culture of his country. He has an unfailing sense of humor, made himself available any time of the day or evening, and consistently took us to excellent guest houses and restaurants or pubs.

We highly recommend Ireland Escorted to anyone wishing to see a side of Ireland off the normal tourist circuit that is simply not available in large busses and tour groups.

A year ago my wife and I and two friends had the pleasure of touring Ireland with Ireland Escorted. It was a most unforgettable experience. The memories of Ireland we carry are as strong and positive today as they were the day before we departed.

We saw Ireland as the Irish rather than as tourists, never feeling “locked in” or constrained in any manner.

We had a highly skilled driver and professional chauffeur. Exceptionally well read, he knew the most intimate details of Ireland’s past, as well as the present, which he presented in a smooth, natural, conversational manner. Although a teetotaller, he knew bars and restaurants from “Main Street” to “Neighborhood” establishments.

We saw Ireland as the Irish rather than as tourists, never feeling “locked in” or constrained in any manner. As an experienced traveler I say without hesitation or equivocation, traveling with Ireland Escorted is a most enjoyable, pleasurable experience and I strongly recommend them.

OUTSTANDING, SENSATIONAL, FANTASTIC, the GREATEST – These are simply a few of the words which describe Escorted Tours of Ireland, the company that made our trip to Ireland a most memorable one.

The personal attention to our every need and the personality, knowledge, wit and experience of our tour guide made this vacation a top-notch one for all of us who are experienced travelers.

From our arrival at Shannon Airport to the visits through cities such as Dublin, to the beautiful countryside – everything was perfect. Having a “personal” tour guide was the ultimate travel experience, and Ireland Escorted is the ultimate in this type of travel. The five of us were escorted daily in a comfortable vehicle by a most personable and knowledgeable tour guide.

Not only were we shown the typical tourist sites, but we were privy to many of the charming “out-of-the-way” spots as well. The personal attention to our every need and the personality, knowledge, wit and experience of our tour guide made this vacation a top-notch one for all of us who are experienced travelers.

Upon leaving Ireland, we felt as if we were leaving family – and we are most anxious to return to Ireland and to Ireland Escorted, the very best in the business.

Our relationship with you began in 1999 when you brought us to many locations in Ireland during our biennial international tour to England and Ireland. Along the way you informed us of points of interest with knowledgeable aplomb and interesting anecdotes. Of great importance was on the final night in Dublin when you prevented a possible tragic accident to one of our students by sounding your horn as you saw an oncoming automobile. I remain indebted to you for your quick action.

Our last trip was also under your guidance. Again your ability to help us transportation our equipment and luggage and be flexible to our needs was greatly appreciated. Also my son and wife thank you deeply for taking them to Kilkenny after leaving the rest of us at the airport. Your thoughtfulness in arranging accommodation for them is another indication of your genuine concern for others.

Finally, when Solisti look forward to traveling again to Ireland, you can rest assured that I will be calling you early to request that you take care of us again during our visit. You have not only become our friend professionally but someone we consider a personal friend.

We were fortunate to hire Ireland Escorted last October. I had been to Ireland twice before but saw more of the country and learned more about its history with our guide and driver than on the previous trips.

His friendly, easy-going personality made the trip very pleasant. He has a huge fund of knowledge about Ireland. He enthusiastically answered all of our questions, and his jokes and stories kept us laughing along the way. He took us to good restaurants and fun pubs, and the B&Bs were all comfortable and interesting.

I have very happy recollections of our tour and would highly recommend Ireland Escorted to anyone visiting Ireland. Taking advantage of their knowledge and professionalism will make for a wonderful Irish experience.