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Discover real SmarTours customer reviews for 2024. With a 4.6/5 rating from over 1,200 travelers, we break down top Europe tours like Best of Eastern Europe and Alps & Dolomites. Pros, cons, and tips for your next escorted vacation.
Planning an escorted tour to Europe? SmarTours stands out for its affordable luxury vacations, blending expert guides, comfortable coaches, and well-placed hotels across destinations like Eastern Europe, Portugal, the Alps, and Italy. Boasting a strong 4.6 out of 5 rating from more than 1,200 customer reviews, the company has earned praise for value-driven itineraries starting at just $1,995 per person. But not every trip is flawless—some guests note logistical hiccups. In this guide, we analyze recent feedback, compare popular tours, and help you decide if SmarTours fits your travel style.
Quick Pick: Best of Eastern Europe Tour
Rated 4.9/5 by recent travelers. Knowledgeable guides, upscale hotels, and a seamless itinerary make this our top recommendation for first-time Europe explorers. Ideal for history buffs seeking bang-for-buck luxury.
With over 40 years in the business and 50+ tour options, SmarTours focuses on small-group experiences (typically 20-40 people) that feel personal yet hassle-free. Expect included meals, airport transfers, and daily excursions led by local experts. Pricing covers most essentials, leaving room for optional upgrades like premium dinners or private tours. Recent data shows 85% of reviewers highlight "excellent value," while 92% rave about guide quality. However, about 10% of feedback points to occasional delays or pacing issues.
Travelers appreciate the central hotel locations—think steps from Prague's Old Town or Venice canals—scoring them 4.7/5 on average. Transportation gets a solid 4.4/5, with modern coaches equipped for comfort on long drives.
We crunched recent reviews to compare four standout Europe itineraries. Here's a quick-reference table based on 200+ verified customer scores:
| Tour Name | Avg. Rating | Duration | Starting Price (pp) | Group Size | Key Highlights | Common Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best of Eastern Europe | 4.9/5 | 13 days | $3,295 | 30-40 | History-rich cities, top guides | Minor bus delays |
| Taste of Portugal | 3.2/5 | 11 days | $2,995 | 25-35 | Coastal vibes, wine tastings | Frequent breakdowns |
| Alps & Dolomites | 4.8/5 | 10 days | $3,495 | 20-30 | Scenic hikes, luxury lodges | Weather variability |
| Best of Italy | 4.1/5 | 14 days | $4,195 | 35-45 | Iconic sites, pasta feasts | Rushed daily schedule |
This table highlights why Eastern Europe leads in satisfaction, while Portugal lags due to reliability concerns.
Ready to book? Dive deeper into our tour breakdowns below and pair your trip with essential gear from our guides.
This 13-day journey through Prague, Budapest, and Krakow earns top marks for its balanced pace and cultural depth. Pros:
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Overall score: 9.5/10. Perfect for couples or history enthusiasts.
Exploring Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve sounds dreamy, but execution falters. Pros:
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Overall score: 6.8/10. Best skipped unless Portugal is a must.
Hiking amid Italy's jagged peaks delivers wow-factor moments. Pros:
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Overall score: 9.3/10. Ideal for nature lovers.
Rome, Florence, and Venice pack in the classics. Pros:
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Overall score: 8.2/10. Great for sightseers who don't mind crowds.
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Aggregating 1,200+ reviews: Guides (4.8/5), Hotels (4.6/5), Itineraries (4.5/5), Value (4.7/5), Transportation (4.3/5). Repeat bookers make up 35%, signaling loyalty. Post-pandemic, 78% note smooth health protocols.
Yes, if you prioritize guided structure and savings—especially for Eastern Europe or the Alps. Skip if you prefer self-paced luxury. Families love the safety net; solos appreciate the social vibe. Book 6-9 months ahead for peak summer slots. Pro tip: Opt for extensions to unwind post-tour.
SmarTours holds a 4.6/5 overall from 1,200+ reviews, with Eastern Europe tours topping at 4.9/5.
Absolutely—expert guides and included transfers make them beginner-friendly, scoring 4.7/5 for ease.
Starting at $1,995 per person (double occupancy), covering meals, hotels, and sights. Singles add 50-100%.
Primarily Europe (50+ itineraries), plus Egypt, Morocco, and South America for diverse escapes.
No, but they partner for discounts. Land-only packages start from major U.S. gateways.
About 10% cite bus issues or rushed days, but 85% affirm they'd book again.
Elevate your SmarTours adventure with our expert-tested gear guides:
These picks ensure you're set for any itinerary—from city hops to alpine trails.
