Idyll, Ltd., a ‘wonderful solution’

My husband and I have done quite a bit of traveling. We research in depth the places to which we are going. We do not like traveling with large groups, as we travel for art, history and architecture and do not want to be rushed through places where we would like to spend a lot of time. Thus, we travel alone or with a private guide.

We have found the most wonderful solution for our travel needs. We learned of Idyll, Ltd. (Box 405, Media, PA 19063; phone 888/868-6871, e-mail info@untours.com or visit www.untours.com) a year or so ago. The company rents apartments throughout Europe and in Vietnam. You stay for one or two weeks in each place you are visiting.

In May ’03 we took a Hapsburg “Untour” of Prague, Budapest and Vienna (one week in each, although most Idyll tours are two weeks in each location), with Idyll making the arrangements. We stayed in wonderful apartments, beautifully decorated and most comfortable, all in security buildings.

The price for the two of us was $2,599 each including air. (Prices vary depending on the number of people in each apartment and the time of year. There also was the possibility of our paying our own air or traveling on frequent-flyer miles; the trip would have been $1,919 had we done that.)

We were told that a few basics in the way of food would be in each apartment to get us through the first day. The apartment owners went way beyond that with wonderful meats, cheeses, cereal, eggs, butter, milk and even wine and champagne!

In Vienna, the owner had purchased for us a bag of peanuts advertised as “the peanuts Americans like best” and had left a tray of ice because, although Europeans do not use so much ice, she said she knew Americans do.

Each apartment owner also had left information about the city and surrounding area for us to read.

Idyll provided pickup and delivery at the airport; a wonderful orientation meeting where we received maps marked with tram and bus and metro routes along with major sites to see; tickets for one cultural event in each city; city transportation passes for the time we were there, and a number where their local contact could be reached 24 hours a day. We did not need additional help because everything was handled so well.

This company is exceptional. The employees work in teams, so when dealing with one country you work with one team and with another country, another team. The advantage of this is that all their employees have visited the area with which they are working, and they have seen the apartments and can make recommendations just for your personal needs.

The very best part about Idyll is that their profits support charitable organizations. The owner, Hal Taussig, is most delightful and is very much a “hands on” part of his company.

Again, this is perfect for people wanting a really special way to travel on their own and help people in need at the same time. We are already booked for next year.

Mrs. HENRY L. EWBANK
Tucson, AZ