Mini Coach	v	Big Coach
We operate with a maximum group size of 16 passengers and enjoy priority access at the attractions meaning no queues and more time at each of the attractions.	V	With a group size of 54 passengers bear in mind how long it takes just to get on and off the coach - this invariably eats into your sightseeing time.
We spend more time at each attraction, for example 3 hours in Bath giving you time to explore with your guide, shop, and sightsee independently.	V	Larger coach companies can spend up to 9 hours of your tour on the road meaning you have an average of only 30 minutes at the attractions.
Our customers are collected at the hotel door and we are heading out of the city by 08.15. Our customers are at the first attraction before the crowds arrive in time to enjoy a cup of morning tea with their guide.	V	Large coaches have a typical pick up routine of two hours before dropping you at the capitals busiest coach station to locate the correct coach for your tour. You'll leave London by 09.30 if you're lucky!
Our Mercedes mini-coaches are able to use the country lanes to get you off the 'beaten track' and explore a side of England that only we can show you.	V	Large coaches are restricted to using the highways - and a highway in England is pretty much like a highway anywhere in the world.
The extra time on our tours mean that in addition to famous attractions we can take you away from the normal overcrowded and commercialised tourist traps. Let us show you scenic villages that you may not have heard but definitely will not want to miss.	V	Larger coaches simply can not physically reach smaller villages such as The Slaughters and Castle Coombe meaning they all visit the same places. The villages are overcrowded and are more theme park than English countryside.
We return to London by 6.30pm and can offer a drop off routine to suit all clients on board giving you time to freshen up before heading to dinner or the theatre.	V	Other operators arrive back to a central drop off point as late as 10pm. Sightseeing in the dark is not much fun and leaves no time for evening activities.
Smaller groups leave fewer footprints. Our tours are environmentally more friendly and less disruptive to local communities meaning we will be welcome for years to come.	V	Litter, traffic congestion and noise pollution are just three of the problems contributed to by the large coach operators - why would you want to be a part of this?

Still Not Convinced?

Our guides are on hand all day to give advice and information for you to make the most of your day. With only 16 passengers to a guide you are guaranteed a personlised service to make your day memorable. Our guides are all local British guides employed solely by us for their individual knowledge and passion.

Choosing our small group tours doesn't mean you compromise on comfort or safety. We use recent models Mercedes mini coaches (less then 3 years old) - coaches renowned for their reliability and safety, custom built to our specification for your comfort - huge panoramic windows for the very best views above the hedgerows, high backed coach seats, 3 point seat belts, air conditioned and a first class sound system.

We are child-friendly with space on board for pushchairs and relaxed itineraries balanced to ensure a day that is perfect for everyone.

Customers often ask why our tours are the same price as the larger coach operators - quite simply we do not pay inflated commission rates or participate in commission stops. We pride ourselves on giving the best value for money making Astral the most popular and favourite sightseeing tour company in Britain.