Springboard promoting group travel with the locals
The Los Angeles-based Springboard Vacations, known for upscale travel packages to the South Pacific, is expanding into Europe.
Countries featured in Springboard’s new European itineraries include Italy, Greece, France, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Croatia, Belgium, Malta and Poland.
Unlike Springboard’s South Pacific trips, the European tours will cater to a maximum of a dozen people. Said Ruth Grau, president:
“Traveling in a group of 12 makes it feel more like traveling with a bunch of friends than an organized tour. It means you get to experience more of the local culture.”
The programs emphasize real-world experiences ranging from sampling wine at local bars to exploring the peaks and gorges of a country on foot.
“In Europe, we shop in local markets, stay in family-owned hotels, eat in local restaurants and use rail, foot and pedal power whenever possible,” said Ms Grau. ”In fact, we do all the things local people do.” The new European tours will range from eight to 22 days.
Tours start as low as $695 for an eight-day Greek Island Sailing trip.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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