CIE Tours vs Untours - Tour Companies Compared

New Jersey-based CIE Tours, in business since 1932, is one of the largest operators of escorted coach tours through the British Isles, Eastern Europe, Italy, and Ireland.

Quick facts

Founded in 1932

Travel Style: Large Coaches, not handicap accessible

Single supplement required for those traveling solo

Group Size: Average 35, maximum 48

Typical Age Range: Older travelers 50+. Children are welcome, minimum of 8 years old, so families are common as well.

Average Tour Price: $2,233

Accommodation Style: 3, 4, and 5 star hotels, depending on the itinerary. 4 stars are the most popular, combining a decent price with comfortability.  

What Makes CIE Tours Stand Out?

• Specialize in Ireland tours
• All-inclusive and great value
• Discount Offers

CIE is a long-established company with extensive regional knowledge in Ireland. They offers especially good value, with all-inclusive pricing. Also look for early-booking discounts as well as seasonal discounts for solo travelers.

As part of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), CIE ensures that their company goes above and beyond when it comes to their client’s safety. They also offer a wide-range of itineraries depending on the client’s budget, interest, and schedule.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling with CIE Tours?

• Ages 50+
• History buffs
• Mid to high budget travelers
• Those who want all parts of the itinerary planned out

Travelers seeking all-inclusive group tours of England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as a few destinations in Continental Europe. Customers tend to be aged 50-plus and have an interest in history and wish to stay in nice hotels (ranging from three to five stars) with a choice of budgets.

The kind of traveler who enjoys a completely hassle free experience, with all activities, meals, and sightseeing planned out. Coach tours are generally enjoyed by travelers who like driving - daydream and gaze out large windows at the world passing by in comfort on your way to the next wonderful stop.

If you love learning about history, culture, with your days full of ancient cities, churches, and historical information their guide style would be a good fit. And with the occasional spa day at your hotel thrown in these all-encompassing journeys take care of the mind and the body.

Top Destinations

• Ireland
• Europe

CIE Tours are especially known for tours in and around Ireland, and this is their primarily focus. They also travel to Scotland and Britain, with a small number of coach tours offered in Italy, Eastern Europe, and the Balkan Peninsula. Occasionally, river cruises on the Rhine and Danube are also available.

CIE Tours Travel Style

Most of their tours are on large, roomy, comfortable coaches, in the premium - luxury range. Amenities on board are basic, and coaches make frequent stops to avoid the need for using the restroom on the bus.

Group size is a max of 48, though 35 people is the average on the CIE Tours. Virtually all aspects of the trip – with no optional extras -- are included in the initial rate, which will not go up after booking, and departures are guaranteed. Itineraries range from 5 to 24 days, though the majority sit in the 8-10 day range.

CIE will also set up self-drive trips and homestay and B&B vacations for you if you want to travel on your own, or arrange customized tours for groups of 10 or more people.

Why Choose a Tour With CIE?

With more than eight decades of experience, CIE Tours offers dependable service and regional know-how. The company estimates that the average traveler will save $550 per week by not having to pay for optional extras during the trip. Their all-inclusive tours alleviate the stress of planning a vacation by providing daily guided tours, hotels, meals, and airport transfers.

CIE Tour guides are experts in Ireland and the other regions they travel through, so if you’re looking for comfort, inclusivity of price, plus a high caliber of knowledge and experience, this is a good place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the CIE Travel Protection Plan?

Travel insurance is required on all CIE Tours. The Travel Protection Plan is an easy, convenient way to purchase insurance at the time of your booking, covering cancellation. See other travel insurance options  

2. Are there restrooms on the coaches?

Yes, most CIE coaches have restrooms for emergencies. Safety protocol means they are not to be used while the coach is in motion. CIE Tours make regular stops for travelers to stretch their legs and use the facilities.

3. Are CIE Tours handicap accessible?

No. Unfortunately the coaches are not equip to handle large wheelchairs or scooters. Walkers or foldable wheelchairs can be accommodated. Sightseeing tours require some walking over short distances, and some difficult stairs, such as when exploring castles. Uneven surfaces are common especially when exploring old sites and ruins.

4. What should I pack?

One large piece of luggage is permitted, which will fit under the coach. Layers are advisable for the weather in Ireland, which can be chilly. You may also bring a small backpack or purse. On “Supreme” tours, men will require a dinner jacket, but on all other tours this is not necessary. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

5. Are tips included?

No, tips for your driver, porter, guides, and tour director are not included in the price. They are not required, but are a customary show of gratitude, especially if you enjoyed the trip!

6. What about airport transfer?

If you choose to purchase airfare through CIE, complimentary airport transfer is provided for flights arriving before noon. You can choose to purchase airport transfer if you elect to buy your airfare separately.

When is a tour not a tour? When it’s an Untour, of course. Pennsylvania-based Untours stakes out its own ground in the tour business, offering “all the fun of independent travel without all the work.” And they’ve been doing it for more than 40 years, building an experienced, knowledgeable staff both in the U.S. and Europe.

What Makes Them Stand Out?

As its name suggests, Untours is different than a typical tour agency. It doesn’t offer guided tours or group tours, but it does offer unlimited pre-trip planning advice, orientation upon arrival at your European destination, a private apartment to stay in, and transportation while there.

Who Travels With Them?

Untours clients like the idea of being mostly on their own while traveling, but are looking for extra assistance in planning, getting oriented, and arranging for lodging and transport. Since the Untours method saves time and energy when traveling to an unfamiliar place, it’s especially popular with people of working age or those who don’t enjoy extensive research.

Where Do They Operate?

Untours operates in 24 European locations, including multiple cities, towns and villages in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Other locations are in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Holland, Ireland, the UK, and Greece.

How Does it Work?

You choose the European location of your dreams – it could be Alsace, France; Tuscany, Italy; London, England; Budapest, Hungary; Barcelona, Spain; Leiden, Holland; Nafplio, Greece; or a village in Switzerland, among others – and Untours will set you up. You can ask all the questions about your destination that you want, and you’ll also be given an Untours guidebook to the region. When you arrive, Untours’ local staff will fill you in on anything you want or need to know. They’ll transfer you from the airport to your private apartment, cottage, or farmhouse -- where you’ll stay for one to two weeks -- and also set you up with a rental car, rail pass, or mass-transit pass, depending on your location. Otherwise, you’re entirely on your own to do what you want.

Why Travel With Them?

Untours offers an unusual service that strikes a balance between a guided tour and independent travel. Of course, you can put together your own group of friends or family if you don’t want to travel strictly on your own. You can also combine Untours (they’ll provide transfers between regions) if you want a longer trip, or opt for customized itineraries and luxury-level properties. You can even choose to just book one of their properties and dispense with the other planning and orientation.