Air Canada was AWFUL! Delayed flights, very RUDE customer service on the ground in California, Canada and Germany. LOST luggage was a HUGE hassle and caused a few of us to miss tour events. I gave all travelers the very clear instructions, NO CHECKED BAGS, along with all airline requirements for proper baggage sizing. All students followed all luggage sizing policies. Still, many bags were taken from us at either check-in or even boarding, and the desk staff were very rude and insulting about it. I scoured the Air Canada website prior to leaving to figure out meal service, and it was never clear info for our flight from San Diego to Toronto. I asked at the check-in counter if there would be a meal provided on our flight, the desk attendant said yes. When food service came around on the plane there was only food you could purchase, it was not included in the flight service. I told all kids to order what they wanted (I would've told them to either pack a lunch from home or be prepared to purchase it in the airport before boarding) and was prepared to just buy them all a lunch. I had also contacted my Tour Consultant to ask if she knew, which she did not. In the end, Air Canada did comp. all kids food/lunch on flight. I should be clear that all staff ON the airplanes were very kind, considerate and polite to us all along the way. Our group got split up after the flight delay with some not arriving in Rome until the late on the 22nd, missing The Vatican City, with no option to try and make another trip/tour possible. Many were VERY disappointed.
Our bus in Rome had NO air conditioning, and NO fresh air circulation options. I had kids on the back sections of the bus getting sick!
Athens left a lot to be desired except for the Acropolis & Parthenon. The city was very dirty and impacted with not much to see or do within the city in terms of sights, exploring, etc. ALL travelers really liked the Greek Evening/dinner.
From Rome to Meteora was great, but quickly declined in Athens. The hotel was good, and had a great roof top pool that some of the kids enjoyed. Many travelers wanted to see the water, as advertised on the posters and fliers provided by EF that I handed out & posted to generate interest. Many were disappointed to learn that no beach trip was included, nor could be arranged once there.
I do hope EF will be refunding monies to students who did not get to tour/visit Vatican City.
All things considered, I give this tour a 3.
