What's included says, "all breakfasts and half your dinners." Does that mean NONE of your lunches? Also, what time is breakfast and what time do you have to be "on the road" each day?
Posted by
Seattle
922 posts
Occasionally the guide will organize a light lunch or, more likely, a picnic, but you shouldn't rely on any lunches being provided. On the Best of England tour, there is a tea provided on one day, and I think a lot of us felt it was sufficient enough that no one really wanted much in the way of dinner that evening.
Breakfasts are usually available from 7:00 a.m., with the deadline to be on the bus set at sometime between 8:00 and 9:00. It will vary day to day, but I seem to remember that this tour generally had later daily start times than most of the tours I've been on (though that could have been down to the guide's preference).
It's a lovely tour! If you sign up, try The Scallop Shell in Bath for fish and chips.
Posted by
Atlanta
5236 posts
Years ago all your breakfasts and half your lunches and half your dinners were included. But I stress that was years ago. The it changed to all your breakfasts and half of your total lunches / dinners . Our most recent tours mirrored Teresa's experience. All your breakfasts, half your dinners, and an occasional light lunch in a special place, or picnic (which are great). In England and Scotland an occasional tea is provided. One of the good points of the current arrangement is that it offers many possibilities to seek out local places on one's own and eat with the locals. Breakfast starts about 7:00 to 7:30 a.m. and day's activities kick off between 8:00 and 9:00 depending on the plan for the day.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14822 posts
Yes, I agree with the others. We had a picnic lunch of pasties on the day we went to Glastonbury and then tea and scones on the transit day to Wales. If it is not a day where lunch is provided you do have a convenient stop where food is easily obtained. I'm thinking of the stop at Vindolanda on Hadrian's Wall where we ate at our own expense in the quite nice on-site cafe. Chilly day, hot soup!
Usually your departure time is about 45 minutes after they start serving breakfast, so you really can't tarry overmuch around the table. Each person does what works for them but I like to be to breakfast when it opens (I have an early stomach) and then have about 15 minutes to, uhhh...brush my teeth.
I loved this tour - especially the guide/bus driver combination I had! Neat guys (Tom and Ben)! One of the things I really appreciate about the Rick Steves tours is that the drive is part of the "group". They are fun and interesting. Ben (the driver) also was musical and joined in with the music presentation on one of the pub nights.