Escorted & Package Tours

Packages for the Independent Traveler

Package tours are simply a way to buy the airfare, accommodations, and other elements of your trip (such as car rentals, airport transfers, and sometimes even activities) at the same time and often at discounted prices.

One good source of package deals is the airlines themselves. Most major airlines offer air/land packages, including American Airlines Vacations (tel. 800/321-2121: www.aavacations.com), Delta Vacations (tel. 800/654-6559: www.deltavacations.com), Continental Airlines Vacations (tel. 800/301-3800: www.covacations.com), and United Vacations (tel. 888/854-3899: www.unitedvacations.com). Several big online travel agencies -- Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Site59, and Lastminute.com -- also do a brisk business in packages.

Travel packages are also listed in the travel section of your local Sunday newspaper. Or check ads in national travel magazines such as Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel Magazine, Travel & Leisure, National Geographic Traveler, and Condé Nast Traveler.

Escorted General-Interest Tours

Escorted tours are structured group tours, with a group leader. The price usually includes everything from airfare to hotels, meals, tours, admission costs, and local transportation.

Despite the fact that escorted tours require big deposits and they predetermine hotels, restaurants, and itineraries, many travelers derive security and peace of mind from the structure they offer. Escorted tours -- whether they're navigated by bus, motor coach, train, or boat -- let travelers sit back and enjoy the trip without having to drive or worry about details. They take you to the maximum number of sights in the minimum amount of time with the least amount of hassle. They're particularly convenient for people with limited mobility, and they can be a great way to make new friends.

On the downside, you'll have little opportunity for serendipitous interactions with locals. The tours can be jam-packed with activities, leaving little room for individual sightseeing, whim, or adventure. They often focus on the heavily traveled sites, so you miss out on many a lesser-known gem.

More than 50 U.S. tour operators offer packages to Croatia. Try Adriatic Tours, 777 W. 9th St., San Pedro, CA 90731 (tel. 800/262-1718; fax 310/831-8382; www.adriatictours.com) or Homeric Tours, 55 E. 59th St., New York, NY 10022 (tel. 800/223-5570; fax 212/753-0319; www.homerictours.com).

Adriatic specializes in Croatia and offers both escorted and hosted tours to almost all regions of the country. Adriatic also puts together religious tours and cruises. Homeric offers one hosted tour with a Croatian component and a "Dalmatian Sunshine" escorted tour that visits Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice Lakes, Zagreb, and more. The New York-based Croatia Travel Agency (tel. 1-800-554-7016; ww.croatiatravel.com) offers a full complement of itineraries for Croatia.

Private guides: If you have the resources, consider booking a private English-speaking guide who not only can plan a custom itinerary for you but also can arrange transport, transfers, and admittance to otherwise inaccessible sites. Jelena Delic (tel. 91-531-8782; damale3@hotmail.com) is one of the best. Nada Kozul (tel. 098/373-167; OS571643@yahoo.com) is another accomplished English speaking guide who can take you "behind the scenes" at vineyards, kulen and cheese factories, national parks, and other venues where tourists rarely venture on their own. She will customize your Croatia tour to fit your specifications as well as accompany you along the route.