India & Nepal Reviews

5 Rating 48 Reviews

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smarTours is a leading provider of direct-to-consumer, affordable travel experiences to exotic global destinations. The Company offers travelers curated, pre-packaged itineraries to over 50 destinations across the globe. By offering tours directly to consumers, the Company provides premium-quality experiences at value prices, and as a result, has cultivated a highly passionate and loyal community of repeat travelers. More than 200,000 travelers have taken a smarTours trip since the founding of the Company in 1996. smarTours is… the smarter way to see the world.

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“An incredibly intense, eye-opening journey, demanding but equally rewarding, all made unforgettable by the extraordinarily gifted and loving tour director, Bonita Backer. Her heart and soul belongs to India and Nepal, and now ours do to. A phenomenal, broadening, and moving two-week experience, not to mention great fun.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“Our trip to India and Nepal was truly a life changing experience. So glad we went there. Bonnie was just the best. She seemed to know everything ...and everyone there. Well they all seemed to know her anyway. We were treated so well, that we really felt that, for once, we were able to relax on our vacation. Even in the midst of chaos she was able to exude calm...and humor. Such a great time we actually missed her and some of our travel companions when we got home.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“This was a life changing experience and Bonnie Backer was instrumental in making this trip o unforgettable. She is one of, if not the best, tour guides I have ever met. She was and is passionate and enthusiastic about the country, its culture and its people and conveyed that to all on the tour. Many of us would like to return to India again especially if she is the guide. The actual tour was fascinating; we saw and did so much but at the same time had some free time so we did not feel that every minute was scheduled with an activity. The accommodations were great, especial the Meridian, the Jass Radisson in Khajuraho and the Crowne Plaza in Nepal (those wee my favorites). The food was also great….lots of variety and a chance to try new dishes. The trip to the Taj Majal and Veranasi were memorable, incredible actually. Nepal, in light of the subsequent earthquake, was haunting; we saw so many national heritage sites that were devastated by the quake and aftershocks. Again I cannot say enough about Bonnie Backer…she really made this tour come alive and sparkle. She will have to be a part of my next tour to Inia!”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“My daughter and I were lucky enough to go on your India/Nepal tour from Dec. 25 until Jan. 8, 2015. This is my third trip with Smartours and I am always amazed at your itineraries, accommodations, excursions, food and tour guides you provide. But I was blown away by our recent trip to India and Nepal. Our tour guide, Bonnie Backer, was absolutely fabulous; from meeting her in the airport with open arms to the sad ending of our trip, where we cried, hugged and had to say goodbye. She is the best ambassador to India with all of her exuberant passion for "her country" and her knowledge of the people, stories, and history. I always felt excellently taken care of by Bonnie as she was so professional in guiding us around both India and Nepal. In any new country, you always have the need to feel comfortable and safe; Bonnie took care of those needs every step of the way. As we traveled to many cities, hotels, shops, restaurants, sites, etc., I could see the love people had for Bonnie as she led with kindness and her caring nature. She respected all the people she encountered. I know with the recent earthquake in Nepal, you won't be including that in your tours, so I feel so lucky to have accompanied Bonnie to this beautiful country. I hope you will be continuing with India and I want you to know you are so lucky to have the BEST TOUR GUIDE ever! Thanks for the experience.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“The India and Nepal trip was absolutely amazing. I had been on ten previous Smartours, and I must say that our tour guide, Bonnie Backer, was the most knowledgeable, most enthusiastic, tour guide that I have ever had. She was so excited to share this experience and all her wonderful friends at each location. The entourage of assistants were very beautiful, kind people, as were people in general everywhere we went. I must say the Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist people welcomed us with open arms and I have never received such a warm feeling while traveling. We are so saddened by the disaster in Nepal and we are praying for all the lovely people there.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“Last year, I had the absolute pleasure of touring India and Nepal. I am somewhat of a smarTours veteran having visited several countries with this company. Every trip was wonderful but the most outstanding experience I have had was the India and Nepal tour. This was due to our guide, Bonnie Backer, whom I affectionately call Miss India. A title well earned and deserved. Bonnie knows India - the people, the food, the sites and the culture. Her passion for all things Indian and Nepalese is infectious and her knowledge and resources in both these countries is invaluable. Bonnie's ability to meet the needs of all the members of our group was overwhelming - I know this first-hand as she went above and beyond to accommodate all of my special requests. Bonnie's sense of humor and commitment to details made for a fantastic experience for all. This review is particularly significant because of the devastation currently taking place in Nepal. My thoughts and good wishes go out to Bonnie and the many friends I made throughout India and Nepal. I am proud to call Bonnie my friend and will always appreciate the experience she provided for me while touring India. She really is Miss India and I will forever be grateful for all her efforts on my behalf while in India and Nepal.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“My trip to India and Nepal was incredibly special because of my tour leader Bonnie. Her personal touch turned an interesting trip into a very memorable experience. Her energy and enthusiasm for the countries shined through and made each day more exciting. Furthermore, her knowledge and understanding of the food, culture, arts, and religion connected us to the countries in a way no guide book ever could. The attention to detail to organize and meet the needs of 29 travelers in such a diverse group is never easy and yet each adventure went without issue. She made each day seamless, which is clearly a credit to her hard work behind the scenes. We feel very fortunate that she led our trip because we know our time in India (and Nepal) would not have been as much fun without her. From the friends for each bus bazaar, the rickshaw rides or photo wallahs, she truly made the trip outstanding. We are deeply appreciative of she added flair to make the trip amazing.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“A journey into the mysterious and enigmatic, full of strange fascination - from the splendid Taj Mahal to the erotic temples of Khajuraho. The country of mysterious paradoxes; the land where civilizations and times intermix... Please enjoy the pictures from our fantastic trip to India: http://www.webgraphic.us/photography/india-2014”

Helpful Report

Posted 10 years ago