[Cowperson]

If you're thinking long term and anticipate you'll be returning a bunch of times through the next few decades, you might do the Contiki thing to get a base of experience in multiple places then go back and experience those places in more depth later.

But I'm with some of the other guys in that Mrs. Cowperson and I like to go plunk ourselves down in a single, downtown spot in a place like London or Rome for about a week and a half and basically "live" in the place, walking around and experiencing it in depth.

Outside of major metro areas, I definitely favour driving versus a tour. I've driven around France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy . . . . . I wouldn't drive in Paris or Rome. Those places are nuts. I have driven around the core in London though!!!

Good luck.

Cowperson