Testimonials to Great Trains of Europe Tours
I just wanted to say a very big ‘Thank You’ for another wonderful tour. I loved every moment of it, from the idiosyncrasies of the train through to the magnificent scenery and fabulous architecture. This is a credit to your skill and experience in putting together such an itinerary.
As I have said, I don’t research where my travels are taking me, so everything is a wonderful surprise and I am never disappointed. Once again you have somehow combined a great group of fellow travelers who somehow all managed to get along beautifully, I’m sure in no small part due to your people handling experience.
I am looking forward to once again meeting up for the ‘Off the Beaten Track’ tour and having another great travel experience.
Angela, Sunshine Coast. Two times Great Trains traveler, with a third tour booked.
I wanted to say how much I enjoyed our trip and that was largely thanks to you, Stan. Your unfailing patience and humour in some difficult situations [eg. the rail strike!] was amazing. I loved all the gardens we visited and appreciated your knowledge of the history of the areas.
Loraine, Sydney – Gardens Tour 2023
I’ve just spent some time looking at all my photos of the trips I have done with you. Thousands of photos I might add, but all with some wonderful memories attached.
Your tours are really informative and you have given me many opportunities to see parts of the world I would never thought possible to see. I have amazing photos of places we visited, we covered so many miles and saw so many countries with really good guides and lots of laughs and experiences along the way.
So a big thank you Stan, for your amazing knowledge, humour and exceptional guidance on all the tours I have done with you. I look forward to a few more.
I just thought I would let you know how honoured I feel to have toured with you.
Lynda Gerrard, Auckland NZ. Six time tour member, Great Trains of Europe Tours
Just wanted to thank you very much for all you did to prepare, organize and lead the tour. I learnt so much about the history of the OSJ and also of the countries we visited. You have such an impressive knowledge. It was appreciated that you also arranged guides with knowledge of the OSJ.
Robyn and I enjoyed visiting countries we probably would not have visited but for this tour. It was so reassuring & relaxing to have your leadership. So a big congratulations on a most successful tour.
Dr Jeff Prebble, Toowoomba
Thank you so much for my best ever trip to Europe / UK …what we experienced in 3 weeks was truly amazing; your tour leadership was brilliant.
Ms Helen Ivory, Toowoomba
My goodness, such a wonderful experience being on your tour. You remain so focussed and nothing ever goes awry! Luggage… no worries. Trains… no worries. Accommodation… no worries. Acta Diurna a good idea, so there’s simply great communication and no confusion.
Very fine, stress free holiday. Thank you.
Ms Chris Tyson-Doneley, Toowoomba
“The tour was a great success: a big ‘thank you’ for being such a good and enthusiastic Tour Leader, going to the limit and beyond the call of duty. Dealing with the luggage was a masterstroke… the memories of the tour will be replayed in our minds many times.”
Brian and Brenda Bowers, SA.
“I have taken 5 Great Trains of Europe tours in the past 3 years. Stan’s tours are the group tours for those who don’t like group tours – well organised but not regimented, flexible with plenty of free time; no rush, no bustle.”
Jackie Wood, Melbourne, Vic.
Yvonne’s Ode of the Springtime Gardens Tour
We flew into Amsterdam early in May
and there we met Stan on a lovely Spring day.
His laughter was hearty, his stride firm and long,
and on some occasions he’d burst into song.
Through tulips in Holland, green fields slashed with gold,
Hollanders all smiling, no frowns to behold.
And bicycles, bicycles, raced everywhere.
Watch out! or they’ll get you - we learned to take care.
In Paris the Eiffel and great Notre Dame,
Just one missing traveller - no need for alarm.
Stan to the rescue: she’ll come to no harm.
Perhaps she’d be better back home on the farm?
We’ve packed bags again, for in England we’re due
But where is that traveller? She’s locked in the loo.
Stan saved her again with his voice loud and clear.
She’s driving him balmy - he wished she could hear.
We’ve traversed old England - North, South, East and West
Throughout the whole tour Stan has shown us the best.
We’ve walked through great houses, their history Stan told,
the treasures breathtaking - a sight to behold.
In coach bus and train and on foot Stan has led,
making sure at each step that we were very well fed.
Through gardens so lovely with artistry planned
and so very different from those in our land.
Extraordinaire tour guide, and Master of pun,
To travel with Stan has been loads of fun.
And back in dear Aussie I’ll work on my plan
to save all my pennies and go touring with Stan.
Yvonne Barnes, Cooma, NSW
Springtime Gardens Tour 2016
“Stan’s tours are very well planned and the best part about them is you make them as flexible or inflexible as you like. Actually, perhaps the best part is not having to carry your luggage on the train with you!! The kids on the Winter Wonderland Tour all got along really well as did the parents which made it all the more enjoyable. I have no problem in recommending you and Stan's tours to anyone.”
Zobel Family, Adelaide
“We think of our trip so very often and thank you for all the effort you put into ensuring we had such a wonderful time on our Great Trains Journey. It was and is very memorable.”
Noni & June, Noosa, Qld
“Thank You for wonderful memories of the Off the Beaten Track tour this year, and for your personal (above and beyond, etc.) contributions along the way, particularly your generosity in sharing your knowledge of delightful eating spots, and your company at dinner.”
Coral Haddock, Sydney
“I had a wonderful time. Thanks for all your assistance, Stan, and for your patience and good humour. You made yourself available at all times. I am happy to recommend your tours to anyone who likes small group tours.”
Carmel Dyball, Perth, WA.
“We want to congratulate and thank you, Stan on yet another wonderful and memorable tour. We were fortunate to have another terrific group of people to travel with.”
Richard & Dorothy Collingwood, Sunshine Coast, Qld. (5 time tour members on the Great Trains of Europe Tours)
“Thank you Stan for all the preparation and organization that you put into our trip. What a wonderful time we had! What a great group of people! We have a new group of friends.”
Leone and Jack Bade, Sunshine Coast, Qld.
“It really is an impressive product you provide… As a travel agent it's hard sometimes to find suppliers who really know what they are doing (and because I'm from Europe myself I know what I'm looking for). It's been a pleasure booking with you and I hope I get the opportunity to make more bookings in the future.”
Mia Osterberg, Flight Centre, Belconnen, ACT.
“Life is a collection of experiences: let Stan be your guide”
Alwynne Towler, Brisbane (5 time tour member on the Great Trains of Europe Tours)
“What a sensational holiday it was, I am still raving about it… It is something I will never forget, especially all you wonderful people and our leader Stan.”
Betty Konta, Sydney
“We think of you often and give thanks that we had such a great tour group”
Jennifer & Frank van der Korput, Central Coast, NSW
“I am still raving about the tour, and am joining another one with Stan in April”
Judy Gunns, Woolongong, NSW
“Our time together was an amazing experience for which I will always be appreciative.”
Brenda Radford, Auckland.
“Thank you for everything, Stan, we have had a wonderful time and will never forget your professionalism, care and sense of humour.”
Alan and Yvonne Fraser, Melbourne, Vic.
“Thanks for the wonderful tour which we thoroughly enjoyed. So thankful to have seen all we did. Your freshness, friendly nature and the ability to answer yet another “dumb” question get full marks. I certainly hope we shall be able to join you again in the future on another Great Trains tour.”
Robyn and Bryan Laurens, Brisbane, Qld.
“We would like to say a very sincere 'Thank you' for the great trip; it will remain in our minds forever. Your efforts were appreciated by all, particularly the behind the scenes work that adds that extra enjoyment. Thanks again.”
Rob and Ruth Squires, Shepparton, Vic.
“Thank you for the marvellous trip we had with you on the Great Trains of Europe. It was truly above all our expectations. Your care, attention and understanding, both before and during the trip, were greatly appreciated. Your thoughts on the causes of the First World War, as we stood together at Villers Brettoneux, was a special moment we shall never forget.”
Alan and Merle Abbey, Melbourne.
“The best features of the tour were the tour leader, the hotels, the meals organized by the tour leader, and of course the gardens and the trains. It was outstanding value for money. Many thanks for assisting with Walter's mobility problems.”
Jill & Walter Britton, Victoria, BC, Canada.
“Everything on the tour was meticulously planned; there was not too much crammed into any day; they were lovely people on the tour. It was a pleasure to have a tour leader who did not have a superiority complex. Please feel free to use as a referee for anyone else considering one of your tours.”
Diane and Reg Opie, Perth.
“Thanks, Stan, for a most enjoyable tour. You have tempted me to return to study some more history (after 50 years!)”
Scott Walker, Brisbane.
“Excellent hotels in the middle of it all, good value for money, sympathetic and knowledgeable Tour Leader. Stan, your 5 minute thumbnail sketch of Jewish history at the Ghetto in Venice was a tour de force.”
Anne and Michael Ford, Minlaton, SA.
“Thanks Stan, the highlights of the tour for me were the very pleasant hotels and the travel on the trains as opposed to coaches. I loved Venice and Prague and, of course, the snow was an added bonus. Loved the 4 night stops.”
Jan Rigo, Perth.
“Thanks a lot Stan, your humour and personality truly made it a great holiday. No fuss, and we didn't have to worry about a thing.”
Wendy Ryan, Oakey, Qld.