Tour Operators

* Kutrubes Travel, 800-878-8566, http://www.kutrubestravel.com. Balkan vacations and cultural travel are its specialty, via scheduled small-group tours as well as customized itineraries for individuals and groups. On tap for Croatia in 2008 are a "Grand Tour," "Discover Croatia" and "Treasures of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina."

* Abercrombie & Kent, 800-652-2405, http://www.abercrombiekent.com. This deluxe operator puts together independent and group itineraries around the world. Its "Signature Croatia" nine-day independent trip includes a ferry ride along the Dalmatian coast and a stay in the walled citadel of Dubrovnik.

Czech Republic

* Isram World, 800-223-7460, http://www.isram.com. One of the oldest and largest tour operators in the United States, Isram is best for groups and individuals who like general interest packages. Its "Splendors of Central Europe" tour travels to Prague, Budapest and Vienna.

* Panorama Travel, 800-204-7130, http://www.panoramatravel.com. Full-service specialists in individual and group travel in Russia and Eastern Europe, Panorama is increasingly known for its health-spa packages, which integrate medicine and tourism at resorts, such as the Czech Republic's Karlovy Vary.

* Tatra Travel, 800-321-2999, http://www.tatratravel.com. Czech natives staff the New York office of this company, which has been in business since 1932, expertly planning independent trips to central Europe; its current roster lists at least nine Prague packages.

France

* Air France Holidays, 800-237-2623, http://www.airfranceholidays.com. France's main carrier offers all-inclusive vacation packages for destinations throughout France and elsewhere in Europe, with a host of options from visiting vineyards in Bordeaux to touring towns in Provence. For independent travelers.

* Discover France, 800-960-2221, http://www.discoverfrance.com. Specialists in hiking and biking tours, Discover France lists more than 30 self-guided itineraries, as well as a number of custom-designed and themed tours.

* Enchanted France, 866-313-2856, http://www.enchanted-france.com. Parisian-born owner organizes culinary, wine, hiking and other special-interest tours, as well as regional excursions and custom itineraries for individuals and groups.

Germany

* Brendan Worldwide Vacations, 800-421-8446, http://www.brendanvacations.com. Escorted motor coach group travel is Brendan's specialty, with itineraries named "Best of Germany" and "Bohemian Highlights" among those covering German territory.

* Globus and Cosmos, 800-221-0090, http://www.globusandcosmos.com. One of the largest escorted-tour companies, in business since 1928, Globus also plans independent travel and river cruises. Of note: Its specially designed "German Heritage" vacation offers an in-depth taste of German culture.

* Trafalgar Tours, 800-854-0103, http://www.trafalgartours.com. This London company (in business since 1947) caters to first-time travelers, people traveling alone and families or groups. Trafalgar's tours are all escorted and of endless variety: It offers 79 Germany tours.

Great Britain

* CIE Tours International, 800-243-8687, http://www.cietours.com. Founded 75 years ago, CIE specializes in escorted travel to Ireland but also arranges travel through England, Scotland and Wales -- and Rome, Croatia and Russia. Offers combo tours of Britain and Ireland, indie London trips and group travel.