1. Design the tour’s parameters:  So, once a trip designer has defined a tour’s characteristics:  size, sight locations, guest age & mobility, they then must consider the following factors:
    a. Package Itinerary:
        (a) jam-packed with site visits & activities or
        (b) prudent mix of sites & activities & 'free-time' segments.
    b. Package sites & activities vs 'free-time':
        1) a ’busy major sites only, or 
        2) a major Tier 1 site plus a relaxed Tier 2 site versus, or 
        3) a mix of sites & activities, or 
        4) just specific activities (cooking, fishing, genealogy).
    c. Pace: comfortable speed with relaxed guide conversations vs rushed with constant canned guide’s commentary, little question /answer. [YTclip. Albania fort tour clip]
    d. Dining & hotel quality: high vs medium vs large box; welcoming vs chilly.
    e. Optional Excursions: highly curated for safety, skilled guide & variety of sites & activities
    f. Transport: interesting & scenic routes vs fast & direct between cities/sites

2. Research & Test the Tour Package’s Design.  Once the ideal package tour is roughly designed it must be thoroughly researched & tested on the road, so to speak. Transport routes, schedules & accessible site parking, restaurants tested for quality of ambiance & food, hotels reconnoitered for bus & luggage accessibility & amenities, and guide’s professionalism…. so your tour’s execution is smooth and professional. 

Anecdote: St. Petersburg ‘cruise’ restaurant: On Shore Excursion’s restaurant served a horrible fish dish. Vast majority of 60 guests left it untouched. Cruise company should have vetted Shore Excursion restaurant better. I would never trust either again.

Also, each newly designed tour must compete with the company’s other tours AND more importantly, with the hundreds of other companies' tour offerings. An extremely complex task.  

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