wake up

This is posted under "money saving strategies" so you might not get many responses. If you're speaking about a RS tour, it depends on the itinerary for the day. On my 5 different tours, the earliest departure was 7 a.m. (a long bus day) and some days didn't get going until 10 a.m.

It kind of depends...usually hotel don't start breakfast service until 7-730. If you are on a transit day you might leave earlier than if you are in a day in the city with an orientation walk and maybe a museum which would be later. Over my Rick Steves tour "career", hahahahah, I don't think I ever remember earlier than maybe 745 for something special and occasionally a 9A meet up time.

I do remember on a free day in Switzerland the guide was going to take anyone who wanted to go up to the top of the Shilthorn. He recommended we leave at 715 to get the cheapest gondola ride to the top. Since it was an optional experience no one minded but that was unusual.

I agree with Pam's advise that it depends on the activities that day. I just want to add on the 9 tours I've taken I'd say the average is between 8 and 8:30 to be on the bus. IF waking up is difficult for you, maybe you can catch a short snooze on the bus. The only time an early start is difficult for me is if we are getting up extra early to meet a reservation time. I like to start off slowly in the morning,

Thanks to all!! I get up early (5:30ish) but drink coffee and read until I walk which is usually 7:00-7:30. My husband is a bit slower but the times sound perfect. Just didn’t want surprises like “be on the bus by 6” ;)

When we did the Best of Greece tour, we had to be up and at the dock in Hydra by 6 am but that was unusual because of ferry problems. Normally 8-8:30, a few earlier, a few later.

We stayed in the same hotel as a RS tour in Bacharach. We were woken up at some crazy early hour by everybody streaming out of the hotel, rolling their suitcases along the cobblestones. Easily before 7:30. The hotel had to set up breakfast early for the group, they said.