Hi Cameron
Probably the main perks are having lodging, a wakeup call, breakfast and sightseeing on a coach (bus) all figured out for you.
To me, when considering a trip to Europe, paying for the privilege of having all that taken care of is not only unnecessary, it is undesirable.
If you consider that an advantage, go for it. But watch that sativa.[]

So why are you even considering a guided tour??
 
 A ‘Tour’ doesn’t have to be a guided Tour.  Having Tour Guides every step of the way is why ‘Guided Tours’ are so much more expensive.
 
There are many Tour Operators that offer ‘On your own’ type Tours:  They include transportation, baggage transfer and Hotels (or Hostals).  Check with a Travel Agency after you have decided where you want to go.   Pick up some brochures while you are there. 
 
8-12 Days is not very much, especially if you are counting your arrival and departure days in that total.   Keeping that in mind, decide specifically where you want to visit and/or what you want to see.   Plan to buy an ‘open jaw’ airline ticket (i.e., fly into one place and home from another) if appropriate. 
 
If you plan to travel in May, 2008, it’s time to get moving!  
 
 

Thanks for your replies.
 
I actually didn’t mean guided tour, I have not even considered following a tour guide around Europe. I was referring to riding a bus from city to city with the same group of people and coming and going on my own as time allows.
 
I realiize 8-12 days is not much, I also realize that’s how long I am going.
 
So, if I’m thinking Paris, Amsterdam, plus one more city TBD, it seems much more cost efficient to travel independently than to see 8 countries in the same amount of time with a Contiki tour.
 
Any suggestions on the undecided city keeping in mind cost and proximity?

I’d choose London—it is not cheap, but it would work.
You don’t have to choose another city, though.
You could probably find plenty to do with just Paris, Amsterdam, day trips, and travel time. It really depends on how many days you actually have to deal with.

London is the front runner, but so costly as you said.
 
I am more constrained by money than time. I would love to stay for 2 weeks, but simply can’t afford it. I am working with about 2,000 for flights, rooms, and some train travel, and about 1,000 to take on the trip.
 
I would like to be in europe for at least 7 nights, and I know I can swing that financially. How long should I legitimately expect to stay for that much money?
 
Thanks so much…
 
– Cameron
www.DeltaDrift.com
 

Where are you flying out of?
You might want to see what kind of airfare you are looking at, and you also might want to seriously consider just two cities. I’ve done trips similar to yours, except they were more like 9 days, and just did Paris/London, or just London and environs.

3000 bucks will be fine for 12 days

I think you should go to London

Buy an open jaw ticket
I’d recommend Paris 5 days, Amsterdam 3 days, London 3 days

If London doesn’t work money or time wise, I’d go to Bayeux and the Normandy coast, Blois and the Loire, or Brugge

happy travels

Hi

These days distance doesn’t equal cost.

It is as cheap to take a cheap flight from London to, say, South Spain as it is to get a train to Paris or Amsterdam.

And, in May, you’ll appreciate the better weather !

Ryanair are quoting GBP40 one way London – Seville today.

Peter

[=“times new roman”]On a Paris to Amsterdam trip – add Brussels and/or Brugge  [/]
[=“times new roman”] [/]
[=“times new roman”]Brugge is a great little city to stay for a day or two and just relax drink a beer and see the old city. [/]
[=“times new roman”] [/]
[=“times new roman”]Brussels is a little more time consuming and you could spend 2-5 days there.[/]
[=“times new roman”] [/]
[=“times new roman”]Personally I would pick Brugge.  Its also between Paris and Amsterdam so will fit right in.[/]