Simply Groups very rarely advertise and we have no grand plans to grow to the point where clients become reference numbers and can never speak to someone who can make a decision. Our clients welcome the personal service that we are able to provide and they benefit from the 25 years experience and knowledge that we have. This enables us to discuss options that are available so that an itinerary can be provided that meets with the satisfaction of each member of the group.

The following are reports and testimonials from clients.

LUXEMBOURG FAMILIARISATION TOUR AND ‘SIMPLY GROUPS’

Recently we were lucky enough to be invited by Simply Groups for their Familiarisation Trip to Luxembourg. Organisers were met at the appointed time convenient to their homes and with a couple of stops en route made our way to the ferry where we enjoyed a two course lunch before disembarking in Calais We continued our journey through Belgium before arriving in the picturesque town of Vianden and the superbly refurbished hotel for our four night’s stay in Luxembourg. The meals at all times were excellent and the staff very friendly.
The next three days were spent on excellent trips to see the various sites that Luxembourg has to offer, i.e. magnificent castles, museums, gardens, breweries, wineries not forgetting Luxembourg City itself. Some of which, were accompanied by excellent and knowledgeable guides. We also managed a chairlift across the gorge for a panoramic view of Vianden. Luxembourg has much to offer for groups in the way of history, beautiful scenery and excellent food. All these trips were extremely well organised by Shauna for Simply Groups.
The information we received from Shauna prior to this trip was very impressive, right down to the smallest detail. Speaking to other members of our group who have used Simply Groups in the past, spoke most highly of the standard within the organisation.
Enid Pamment GTOA member 1136
Shefford Leisure Group

SHIRLEY WARD IN AUSTRIA
We sometimes travel with our clients and this recent picture (right) was taken in Austria by Shirley Ward of some of her group on top of the world in Austria. The group had a wonderful time in the scenic Tyrolean Alps.

HETHER POWELLL IN CROATIA
Heather Powell took the image by a waterfall on her recent trip to Croatia, where the group had a fantastic time and had some excellent excursions to some of Croatia's most scenic regions. The next picture was taken by Shauna when she travelled with David & Sheila Everson, whose group insisted that we put this image on the web site. David and his group had a wonderful time walking through the forests and around the lakes and as you can see from the picture, a few cool beers soothed any aching feet!

ANGIE HARRIS IN NORTHUMBERLAND
The photo with Mills Coaches was taken by Angie Harris at the back of the hotel with some of her group when they visited the north east earlier this year. Angie has been a client and good friend for many years and the group had some lovely weather for their tour which was a huge success visiting castles and gardens in Northumberland and Newcastle

Here are just a few lovely letters of thanks that we have picked out from the many we have received from our clients in the last
few years.

"As a group organiser it is very satisfying to have such splendid back up from a tour company down to every detail, including being wonderfully helpful with an unfortunate insurance claim - full marks to Shauna, Simon and the team at Simply Groups"
Danny Linford ARP/050

"First of all many thanks for putting together such a very enjoyable few days in Luxembourg. We all had a wonderful time and no disappointment. A special thank you for the 'canny' driver Laurie. He was loved by each of my members. He was supreme. The hotel was perfect, welcoming, friendly. In other words faultless."
Herbert Hamilton Smith Unison Retired Members

"I have spoken to many of the ladies & gentlemen that were on this short break and they all appear to have thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The planning and visits arranged must have taken a great deal of your time, for which I personally thank you all for making it in my opinion the best yet."
Mrs Sue Smith, Townswomens Guild National Vice Chairman

"On behalf of our group I would like to thank everyone at Simply Groups who helped in the organization of our trip to Luxembourg."
Mrs Jean James, 'Bookworms'

"This is just to say thanks for the trip to Budapest. I have had numerous phone calls saying what a good trip it was; well organized and put together. The guide in Budapest was excellent in providing information, answering questions and looking after them (it looks like I am not needed any more!) We look forward to Italy next year."
Fred Hill, Guildford Postal Service

"The general opinion of those people who traveled was that it was the best trip ever and I have to agree with them! Your suggestion of trips en-route, the Han Grotto and the river Moselle cruise were very popular choices, particularly the grotto. Finally rounding the whole trip off by spendingt the last night at the Casino Hotel was the icing on the cake, it certainly lived up to our expectations. Once again thanks for your help and the efficiency of your arrangements and prompt responses to all our queries."
Persis Stewart. Twinning Association

"As you will see from the report forms we all had a terrific time and were pleased with the coach and driver, the outings and especially the meals out. I thank you all for the friendly phone cals before we went, the programme of events & travel arrangements that went smoothly from pick up to final drop off." Mrs Anne Pond, Kent ARA

THE RHINE CRUISE

This tour was for small gropus and individuals that departed on November 15th and the group travelled out by coach joining the M.V. Virginia in Cologne. The first impression of the boat was that it was extremely well maintained, very comfortable and the staff were all wearing santa hats, smiling and were extremely friendly and helpful.

The cabins were spotlessly clean and comfortable each had private en-suite facilities (shower, toilet and hand basin) and there was a tv with satelite channels. The main lounge area was very spacious, beautifully furnished with a dance area and lovely bar. The views from here were superb and it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the passing scenery.

Dinner was served in the dining room, which is at eye level with the water line and took a little time to get used to. However, the food was absolutely brilliant. A well thought out menu with something for everyone. We were informed that if the menu, posted each morning on the notice board, was not to our liking we could ask the purser to inform the chef, who would provide an alternative.

Day 2 We set sail to Konigswinter on a crystal clear cloudless morning. It soon became obviousthat this was a superb way to see the Rhine in a warm, friendly and comfortable environment. No traffic, no getting on and off a coach just slow gentle meandering down this fascinating waterway. Kongigswinter is a small but pleasant town with the main feature being the dominating Drachenfels Castle. We took the wonderful funicular railway to the top and the views were breathtaking. The leaves were still on the trees and the colours were stunning.

Day 3 We departed from Konigswinter for Koblenz where, after lunch we were met by our guide Hans. He was absolutely brilliant. Not too formal, lovely sense of humour and a fascinating insight into the history of the city with a smattering of jokes thrown in.

Day 4 It was back to Cologne where we had the afternoon to explore the city. Everyone made a 'b' line for the stunning cathedral and then the shops.

In conclusion this was a wonderful tour. A super boat with a fantastic compliment of staff, excellent food and great excursions.

Alan's visit to the Garden of England

As featured in the Group Travel Organiser Magazine Alan from the Milton Keynes National Trust Association had a wonderful tour and we quote from the article;

"A very full 4 day break in Kent & Sussex was enjoyed  by 46 members of the Milton Keynes National Trust Association recently. Group travel organiser Alan Prockter arranged the trip in conjunction with Simply Groups, the Yorkshire based tour operator.
"My wife and I once lived in Sussex and so we knew Kent well enough to be sure that our members would love it" says Alan. " I told the staff at Simply Groups where we would like to visit and they arranged everything from coach travel to full board accommodation at the very comfortable Ashford International Hotel in Ashford, Simply Groups were very good to deal with"
Over the four days, the group enjoyed several excursions - also arranged by Simply Groups - to places such as Canterbury and historic castles such as Walmer Castle in Kent and both Scotney Castle and Bodiam Castle in Sussex. Batemans in Sussex - the former home of Rudyard Kipling and a National Trust Property also provided an interesting day out for the group.
"The real highlight of the break was visiting Sissinghurst Gardens, which is located in Sussex and owned by the National Trust. The grounds looked beautiful and the whole group agreed that it was the best excursion of the whole trip" concludes Alan.