EF Go Ahead Tours
EF Go Ahead Tours
1.5
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1.5
17 reviews
Excellent
1
Very good
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6
Terrible
10
comgoddess
Midwest20 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
EF Go Ahead Tours is an absolutely terrible company and once they have your money they can't be bothered with you.
I questioned why we had a 6-hour layover in Minneapolis when there were much better flights available especially since they had inflated the airfare by $700. The salesperson tried to assure me that we were getting a "full-service company" in an effort to justify their overcharges and if I wanted a better connecting flight, I'd have to pay the difference. We were about to discover what a load of BS their claim of being "full-service" was.
We had an 8-member family trip planned for a Scandinavian tour 7/19/2024-7/31/2024. Our flights began in Bismarck to Minneapolis and then on to Amsterdam and initially, Stockholm. Flights were cancelled by Delta the morning we were to leave due to the Crowdstrike outage with no further information. We contacted the emergency line to EF and were told to take the initial leg of the trip and by the time we reached our connecting flight, the situation might be resolved. EF did not provide any assistance whatsoever, telling us there was nothing they could do and that we were now Delta's problem. We learned that our flights were rebooked for 3-1/2 days later. We asked about cancelling the trip because we had travel insurance as well as their additional misnamed "Any Reason" insurance policy but were told that since we had already begun the trip, the insurance no longer was in force even though EF directed us to start the trip.
We were completely on our own to struggle with a stressful situation along with hundreds of other stranded travelers. We fought to find any available hotels in the suburbs and incurred meal and transportation expenses while awaiting our rescheduled flight. After returning from our trip, we were each instructed to file a claim separately with the insurance company. That process is a convoluted nightmare and after spending valuable hours obtaining the necessary paperwork to try to recoup our losses with no assistance from EF, we have heard nothing and received nothing from the insurance company. I discovered that my claim has been closed with no contact whatsoever. We lost almost 4 days along with the welcome dinner and the entire tour of Sweden along with the additional excursions. As for the remainder of the trip, the descriptions of what is included are misleading. Oh, you will see the sites listed in the itinerary but from the bus window as you zoom by.
I've booked with other tour companies and have had wonderful trips. Friendly Planet stepped up and helped us immediately when we had flight issues and I can't recommend them enough. If I had read the reviews about EF Go Ahead Tours beforehand, it would have saved us from an expensive, miserable experience that overshadowed our entire family vacation.
I questioned why we had a 6-hour layover in Minneapolis when there were much better flights available especially since they had inflated the airfare by $700. The salesperson tried to assure me that we were getting a "full-service company" in an effort to justify their overcharges and if I wanted a better connecting flight, I'd have to pay the difference. We were about to discover what a load of BS their claim of being "full-service" was.
We had an 8-member family trip planned for a Scandinavian tour 7/19/2024-7/31/2024. Our flights began in Bismarck to Minneapolis and then on to Amsterdam and initially, Stockholm. Flights were cancelled by Delta the morning we were to leave due to the Crowdstrike outage with no further information. We contacted the emergency line to EF and were told to take the initial leg of the trip and by the time we reached our connecting flight, the situation might be resolved. EF did not provide any assistance whatsoever, telling us there was nothing they could do and that we were now Delta's problem. We learned that our flights were rebooked for 3-1/2 days later. We asked about cancelling the trip because we had travel insurance as well as their additional misnamed "Any Reason" insurance policy but were told that since we had already begun the trip, the insurance no longer was in force even though EF directed us to start the trip.
We were completely on our own to struggle with a stressful situation along with hundreds of other stranded travelers. We fought to find any available hotels in the suburbs and incurred meal and transportation expenses while awaiting our rescheduled flight. After returning from our trip, we were each instructed to file a claim separately with the insurance company. That process is a convoluted nightmare and after spending valuable hours obtaining the necessary paperwork to try to recoup our losses with no assistance from EF, we have heard nothing and received nothing from the insurance company. I discovered that my claim has been closed with no contact whatsoever. We lost almost 4 days along with the welcome dinner and the entire tour of Sweden along with the additional excursions. As for the remainder of the trip, the descriptions of what is included are misleading. Oh, you will see the sites listed in the itinerary but from the bus window as you zoom by.
I've booked with other tour companies and have had wonderful trips. Friendly Planet stepped up and helped us immediately when we had flight issues and I can't recommend them enough. If I had read the reviews about EF Go Ahead Tours beforehand, it would have saved us from an expensive, miserable experience that overshadowed our entire family vacation.
Written November 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GrandTour27636634045
2 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
I am not looking forward to this trip , but I will go because there is no refund. I have traveled with a few different companies to Europe. The best was Tauck Tours in 2018. I decided to try EF Tours for a Greece solo trip coming this April-May. I decided to let them handle the flight b/c I noticed that this tour included a flight in Greece as well. Long story short, they sold me on a $1620 flight which would include airport pickup and a checked bag. They also claimed they would get the best flight. When I received my itinerary, I had the worst possible flight. Leaving DFW 6:20 am to Boston to wait for a 5pm flight. It is a 5 hr layover in Boston! I called customer service , agent basically said, we will not change anything without a cost of $300 that I would incur. They already overcharged me for an economy seat! The flight on Delta Airlines (their partner) and other airlines were averaging 1200. This is about 300-400 more, and the transfer and luggage is probably less than $150. The supervisor I spoke with also refused to change this. I have never been so disgusted in a company, but I want to warn other people. Avoid this company and do your own flights. Tauck provided me with a direct flight which was on KLM , airport p/u, and it was cheaper than the flights online.
Written March 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy D
Acworth, GA2 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
We spent an inordinate amount of time on bus rides, not much touring. Even in St Patrick's Cathedral, we were told to meet the bus in 20 minutes. No dialogue. Last day was about a 9-10 hour bus ride
Urine smell in HI Express room, Edenburg. Front desk did not address this issue so we smelled urine for 2 days/nights. NO refund by EF for this hotel stay.
Novetel - Several of us were in rooms on the street side and got no sleep because of engines gunning all night NO refund offered
Was nice to spend 2 nights in hotels versus 1. Too rushed with only 1 night
Why was Liverpool added. Wasted day
ATL is DAL hub and we could not get direct flight from Ireland. We paid $5,000 to upgrade to Premium Select. We were booked on a Hop ECONOMY, then Air France Flight that was delayed by 3 hours. Long dang day. The head of the flight department should be fired. No refund offered for return upgrade of $2500 that we did not get
Tour director "hounded" us daily for tip reminder. I know some gave her less because of her emphasis on her tips
Bus driver let us off at terminal 2 in Dublin. Our Hop left from Terminal 1. Nobody was in the airport to ask where we would check in or how to get to terminal 1. We spent an hour wandering around then 4 elderly folks had to walk a long way to get to Terminal 1. He could have dropped us off at both terminals.
We don't want future tour credit because we have no intention of using this company
Urine smell in HI Express room, Edenburg. Front desk did not address this issue so we smelled urine for 2 days/nights. NO refund by EF for this hotel stay.
Novetel - Several of us were in rooms on the street side and got no sleep because of engines gunning all night NO refund offered
Was nice to spend 2 nights in hotels versus 1. Too rushed with only 1 night
Why was Liverpool added. Wasted day
ATL is DAL hub and we could not get direct flight from Ireland. We paid $5,000 to upgrade to Premium Select. We were booked on a Hop ECONOMY, then Air France Flight that was delayed by 3 hours. Long dang day. The head of the flight department should be fired. No refund offered for return upgrade of $2500 that we did not get
Tour director "hounded" us daily for tip reminder. I know some gave her less because of her emphasis on her tips
Bus driver let us off at terminal 2 in Dublin. Our Hop left from Terminal 1. Nobody was in the airport to ask where we would check in or how to get to terminal 1. We spent an hour wandering around then 4 elderly folks had to walk a long way to get to Terminal 1. He could have dropped us off at both terminals.
We don't want future tour credit because we have no intention of using this company
Written September 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Voyage21035922096
2 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Don’t use ef go ahead tours. Wound up being more expensive because of extras and travel protection the hotels were way out of area and too much time was spent on bus travels. Hotels were subpar as were the included meals in package. Some days were spent “shopping” at locations that were overpriced with kickbacks to them. Never again will I use them.
Written May 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
angie11111
Oradell, NJ31 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
I have just returned from an EF Go Ahead Solo tour through Switzerland, Germany and Austria. This was my first solo trip, and it was absolutely fantastic. We met our tour guide Atto right off the plane in Zurich. He is an absolute gem and made our trip so wonderful with his professionalism, deep knowledge of the countries we visited, patience, advice and humor made the trip stress free. Atto set a tone from day one and I, along with the wonderful fellow tour members (now friends!) all loved him and felt he was the key to our immediate bonding.
Our hotels were clean and centrally located. The food at the included dinners was very good (local cuisine like schnitzel, sausages, salmon and also vegetarian dishes for those who requested). I took all of the excursions offered and they were so worthwhile. The boat on lake Lucerne, going to the top of Mount Pilatus, Mozart concert and dinner, an additional classical concert and many more memorable experiences. During "free time" Atto explained the areas we were in, provided maps of the local area and gave us tips on what we might enjoy seeing.
We had local tour guides join us at each city stop and they were also knowledgeable, professional and friendly.
I am lucky that I live near Newark airport, so I was able to have EF schedule direct flights, so I did not have the trouble that others have with flight bookings.
Yes, you do not spend a great deal of time at each destination but in each country, we had delightful experiences and got a feel for where we might want to return for longer stays (Vienna for me for sure!)
Tips: European hotels are not the same as American hotels. The rooms are small and there are fewer amenities, but I have travelled a great deal and was not at all disappointed. Each room was clean, and the beds were comfortable.
You need to be in pretty good shape because there is a great deal of walking and hiking to scenic vantage points. To me this is a good thing!
I participated in the pre-trip chat on the EF website and felt like I already knew my soon to be co-adventurers before we all met up in Switzerland! I would recommend that.
Several of the people on my tour had taken solo tours with EF before this one , so that is a great endorsement for me.
Thank you EF tours and Atto our wonderful tour guide !
Our hotels were clean and centrally located. The food at the included dinners was very good (local cuisine like schnitzel, sausages, salmon and also vegetarian dishes for those who requested). I took all of the excursions offered and they were so worthwhile. The boat on lake Lucerne, going to the top of Mount Pilatus, Mozart concert and dinner, an additional classical concert and many more memorable experiences. During "free time" Atto explained the areas we were in, provided maps of the local area and gave us tips on what we might enjoy seeing.
We had local tour guides join us at each city stop and they were also knowledgeable, professional and friendly.
I am lucky that I live near Newark airport, so I was able to have EF schedule direct flights, so I did not have the trouble that others have with flight bookings.
Yes, you do not spend a great deal of time at each destination but in each country, we had delightful experiences and got a feel for where we might want to return for longer stays (Vienna for me for sure!)
Tips: European hotels are not the same as American hotels. The rooms are small and there are fewer amenities, but I have travelled a great deal and was not at all disappointed. Each room was clean, and the beds were comfortable.
You need to be in pretty good shape because there is a great deal of walking and hiking to scenic vantage points. To me this is a good thing!
I participated in the pre-trip chat on the EF website and felt like I already knew my soon to be co-adventurers before we all met up in Switzerland! I would recommend that.
Several of the people on my tour had taken solo tours with EF before this one , so that is a great endorsement for me.
Thank you EF tours and Atto our wonderful tour guide !
Written October 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Howard R
New Milford, CT89 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Based on our experience on a recent EF Go Ahead tour we personally believe you should be careful about booking a trip with this company. We were on a tour of Eastern Europe and our luggage was never put on the bus and was left at the hotel when we moved from Prague to the next location. This was entirely the fault of the EF Tour agents who did not perform the proper checks before we left. But, we were told that if we wanted our luggage back WE had to pay for it to be shipped to our new location and we would be reimbursed later through our EF trip insurance. The cost was just over $570 including currency conversion fees. We thought this was outrageous since the entire situation was the fault of EF Tours, but we paid because it was the only way to get our luggage. Our reimbursement check finally arrived seven weeks after we arrived home. In addition, EF Tours has made no concrete gesture or offer, however small, to indicate they regret the disruption of our trip or that they wanted us back. We have traveled extensively for over 30 years and we have never been treated like this. Of course, we will not be back.
Written August 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fmp930
somers, ny29 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
I was interested in go tours sicily until i did some research on my own. I was going to book a 2 night extension in taromina that was $589 a person so basically $1200 a couple. I priced the same hotel, same dates and 2 nights was about $400. There were no included tours for $1200. When i asked what i was getting for an additional $800 i was told well theres a tour director available and a goodbye cocktail. When i very nicelly questioned the price they hung up on me. I just suggest do your homework before you book.
Written July 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Burcu O
5 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
EF tours is a terrible company They practically ripped us up . We paid around $9500 per person. Hotels were terrible. Air conditioning either did not work or worked marginally. Food they provided was disgusting . Very poor experience for the money. I would not recommend them
Written September 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel N
Palmyra18 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
Just completed a tour of Budapest, Prague, Vienna and Salzburg with Go Ahead. Months before departure we booked and paid for several excursions on the trip. Three of the excursions were cancelled. We were told at first we would receive a refund in three business days, than within two weeks and now they are telling us ten or more weeks. They had no problem collecting the money promptly but apparently are unable and/or unwilling to refund almost the $800.00 due. Is it bait and switch?? Be aware.
Written November 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CptLouisRenault
Raleigh, NC29 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
The good: The hotels were clean and pleasant.
The bad: Some of the meals were ok and others I thought they were joking. But they weren't.
It seems we spent more time on buses and ferries than we did actually seeing sites.
The descriptions of what you will see are misleading at best. Oh, you will see the sites ...from the bus as you pass by.
And the tour guide was unprofessional on several occasions.
Lastly, this company refuses to layout a detailed itinerary so that you can make plans during your free time. It is like they are making it up as they go along.
I will not be going on another tour with this company and I would recommend you not take your first. You can plan it better and cheaper.
The bad: Some of the meals were ok and others I thought they were joking. But they weren't.
It seems we spent more time on buses and ferries than we did actually seeing sites.
The descriptions of what you will see are misleading at best. Oh, you will see the sites ...from the bus as you pass by.
And the tour guide was unprofessional on several occasions.
Lastly, this company refuses to layout a detailed itinerary so that you can make plans during your free time. It is like they are making it up as they go along.
I will not be going on another tour with this company and I would recommend you not take your first. You can plan it better and cheaper.
Written November 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.