“We have been traveling for 45 years and have gone to Europe 19 times, as of this date. We first went with major international tour companies and the trips were great but very rigid.  In 2006, we took our first trip with European Backroads to Switzerland and what a difference!  Instead of seeing just the big cities and touristy places, we went to places off the beaten track.  We stayed in quaint villages and visited places we have never heard of before.  This gave us a chance to meet with the local people and enjoy the delicacies of the country instead of a dinner of just American food that is usually included with other tours.  We found Dennis Hartranft to be the best and most caring tour guide with whom we ever travelled.  The large tour companies never deviate from the set itinerary, but Dennis will change the itinerary if the weather is bad and instead of trudging in the mud to see a waterfall, he will come up with something better on a rainy day.  Sometimes one of the local people will suggest an attraction in the area and Dennis will take a vote and go there if that is what the majority of the group wishes.  He is most considerate of everyone’s needs and we can’t praise him enough.  We find his trips to be exciting and delightful! Proof to the above statement is the fact that since our first trip with European Tours, we have gone every year since and plan to continue to do so.  Once you travel with Dennis Hartranft, you will not want to go any other way, providing that you are in good health!  His trips are adventuresome and you must be in good shape to keep us with the group!”

Connie & Lee F.

“We really enjoy traveling with you and what we like about it is the places we get to see that big tour groups can’t get to.  The comradeship is great and the flexibility of options when we get to a certain area is very nice.”

Art and Kathy L.

“If your idea of a European vacation is staying in a chain hotel in a big city, visiting cathedrals and museums all day, and seeing 15 countries in 10 days, then European Backroads Tours is definitely not for you. But if you enjoy two or three-night stays in small villages, meeting local residents, taking walks through Alpine meadows and discovering out-of-the-way places, then we heartily recommend EBT. The cost has been quite reasonable and we enjoy the flexibility of dining when and where we want.  Discovering sidewalk cafes and small local restaurants is half the fun of the trip. We have been on four trips with Dennis Hartranft and have thoroughly enjoyed every one.  Each trip is different and Dennis goes out of his way to suit his clients’ needs.  The inevitable travel glitches often became the unexpected highlights of the trip.  Dennis is a master at handling these “diversions”. Every travel group has been very congenial, perhaps because we all appreciate the same type of traveling.  EBT matches our travel style and we look forward to more trips in the future.”

Mike & Donna W.