t is an unfortunate fact that many tour operators will always combine groups and individual tour participants to ensure they have a full bus load. It is equally unfortunate that these combined groups and individuals will rarely share the same goals, which can often lead to differing aspirations and inevitable conflicts of interest on tour.

THE HEIGHT OF PERSONAL ATTENTION... Casterbridge promotes the very tangible benefits of independent group travel. Casterbridge Tours will always guarantee a personalised itinerary and the exclusive use of a vehicle and guide with as few as 10 paying participants. It is significant that the most repeated positive comment from group leaders refers to the personal service that each group receives as a result of this fundamental touring structure.

DESIGN YOUR OWN TOUR... With Caterbridge, independent travel also means you can always design a tour to suit your own specific requirements, and that the atmosphere on tour will be consistent with your own academic or cultural emphasis. It is only by travelling as an independent group that a school can fully ensure that the appropriate standards of discipline and code of conduct are applied on tour.

There is just no better place to start your planning than at CasterbridgE-Tours. This unique interactive database facility will allow you to custom-design the content for your itinerary and outlines other potential visits that might be of interest to your group in the region that you are visiting. Once completed, your selections can be submitted directly to our offices and a detailed itinerary and response can often be e-mailed back to you within 72 hours!

NO LAST MINUTE SURPRISES... A close examination of many of our competitors' brochures also reveals that they reserve the right to change your tour dates and departure city as late as two to ten days prior to your planned departure. As many tour operators frequently consolidate their tours and combine individual groups, teachers are increasingly coming into conflict with their principals, governors and parents when tour dates are changed just prior to their planned departure! Every tour Casterbridge operates is tailored to each school's specific vacation or study dates and we will unequivocally guarantee your flight dates at the time of booking.

CLEAR ADVANTAGES FROM THE OUTSET... While most tour operators will keep you waiting at the airport for other groups to arrive, Casterbridge will immediately transfer your independent group from the hustle of the airport en route to your first hotel. The vast majority of our tours are either custom designed by group leaders or contain specific features and attractions requested for the group. Furthermore, with the exclusive use of a Casterbridge Tourguide, you have the permanent presence of a travel professional dedicated to ensuring your tour is a total success. It is often these factors that turn a good tour into an outstanding or unique travel experience and which epitomise the personal service for which Casterbridge is renowned.