Why Use European Focus?

An "Us" vs. "Them" Comparison

How Our Tours Compare to the "Big Bus Companies"

Them — You're just one of the mob
The emphasis is on the masses. You're just another tuna in a very large, moving tuna can. (A big, uncomfortable bus.)

Us — Each individual is important
The emphasis is on the individual. We put together tours for singles, couples or small family groups up to 10. We travel in style, using sedans, station wagons or our company van to accommodate you comfortably.

Them — The more people, the more profit
Profits are maximized by cutting corners. You are oftentimes staying in industrial zones, far away from town or city centers. Meals are planned around cost savings. "Chicken or beef" is usually your choice for dinner.

Us — Our livelihood depends on your happiness
We care more about your happiness than we do about the bottom line. We stay in the heart of historic towns, always in small inns and never in chain hotels. We give you free choice off the menu at every meal. We select restaurants according to what you feel like eating.

Them — What you pay for, you get exactly
You're lured in by a cheap price for your tour, then hit later by "optional" activities that cost you extra. Your trip cost can easily be double what the brochure or web site promises.

Us — You get more than you pay for
Your total trip cost is determined in advance, before you sign a contract. We never surprise you with optional activity fees. You even enjoy activities that are not on the plan, "just because." See something interesting over yonder? We go there, and we don't stick you with an "optional sightseeing fee."

Them — Exhausted by the itinerary
A rushed, hectic itinerary that crams too many sites into too many days. Early wake ups, long days. You may book your tour thinking you're getting a lot for your money, but you're actually doing windshield tours of most of the sights, leaving you exhausted and feeling like "If it's Tuesday, this must be Belgium."

Us — Relaxed exploration
We pace your tour at your speed. Want to sleep in until 9 and have a leisurely breakfast? Fine. We adjust our itinerary according to your mood. This is impossible with a big group of people, who must be kept on a rigid schedule if the tour is to run smoothly. We love to be spontaneous. Want to spend a little more time shopping or sightseeing in a particular town? Great! We can easily adjust and we love to divert off plan.

Them — "Never go with a big tour bus again"
You may never take another bus tour, after you've been on one. In fact, we often hear comments like this from our guests: "We took a bus tour once and enjoyed it, but after a private tour with you, we'll never go back to that kind of touring. This is so much more relaxed."

Us — See you next time
About a third of the tours we book each year are with repeat clients. One guest we will never forget said "I don't ever want to travel more than 100 miles from home again without (European Focus)." It's up to you. Save money and go with a big tour company, and possibly regret the choice. Or, spend more, have more flexibility, enjoy the experience thoroughly and come back for seconds, thirds or fourths. If exceptional service, attention and dedication to your happiness is important to you, then come with us for an adventure that will result in a lifetime of memories.

Continue with the first steps to design your own tour here.

Or learn about our featured, planned itinerary tours.

"Traveling with Jim is like traveling with your best friend plus with his knowledge, expertise, and language skills you see more and learn more. You can't find a better way to travel."
— Ralph & Marge Kroehler, Illinois

"I could never travel more than 100 miles away from home again without James and Jenean Derheim"
— Nancy Sauers, California

"We saw and did things we never imagined were possible, and we were truly spoiled the entire trip. The only problem with James is that he did such a great job, we would not want to travel again without him."
— Pete and Judy Hildebrandt, Oregon

"Jim & Jenean have created truly memorable journeys for our family. Where ever we wanted to go, they found us great places to stay and fascinating places to see. It makes me laugh when I receive mailings promising better — there is no better!"
— Lynn Patterson, Oregon

"My family has traveled with Jim the last two summers and we hope to have the opportunity to do so again in the future. I wouldn't want to travel to Europe without him. He is an extremely knowledgeable, gracious and overall outstanding tour guide."
— Tim Soliday, Arizona


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Small, Private Group Tours in Europe

Why Use European Focus?

How Our Tours Compare to the "Big Bus Companies"