In the planning stages for our RS 2017 tour. We have chosen Portugal and we were planning on returning to Barcelona, either before or after, as we did not get enough of it on our Best of Spain tour this year. Then, we looked at the London in 7 Days tour. It's been 15 years since we were there. Our adult daughter who will be with us has never been. I looked at prices for doing this independently and the tour actually looks like it's priced fairly. So, now we are thinking of ditching Barcelons and taking these two tours back to back. We are a late 60's couple in good shape (gym 6 days/week, daily 3-6 mile walks). But, even with the off day between tours we wonder about how strenuous this would be, especially since the London tour appears to be non stop. So, trying to decide if we can do this, and, if so, which tour first? Anyone done these two back to back, or have any advice? We are experience with RS tours, this will be our 6th, wife and daughters 7th. Thanks.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13952 posts
I have not done these 2 but last year I did Best of England and some of us got in a discussion on back to back tours. One couple had done RS Portugal and then Best of England and thought it was a great combo because it was 2 different cultures. Another couple was doing England and Ireland together and felt there was some sameness. I've done several back to backs with no problem. I've done 8 RS Tours, btw. Back to backs were 21 Best of Europe/Best of Paris/Village Italy and Best of England/Paris and Heart of France.
I would probably choose to do Portugal first as you are moving quite a bit on that one. With the London tour you will be in one hotel so to me that is easier. Also with London if you decide you are fatigued you can easily return to your hotel from any of the activities. I would definitely stay at the tour hotel on your arrival day even if it is a bit more than your budget.
Sounds like a fun time!
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
I think, with more walking, you are better off doing the week in London first. You really have 3 days with nought but the transfer from London to Lisbon
Sat - London tour finishes at breakfast. Fly to Lisbon
Sun - Rest day
Mon - Portugal tour meets at 5pm
Posted by
7676 posts
I would go with one country. Pick either London and surrounding area or Portugal. If you do Portugal, make sure you go to Porto and if possible do a Douro River cruise.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
I would do both in a heartbeat.. I have only done one RS tour ( 14 days) and found it too short.. I would have boarded another tour in a second ! I didn't find the tour that psyhically tiring.. and we did all the extras . I am not a lot younger than you.. and only walk 4-5 days a week at home.. so I think you will be fine.
Posted by
OP
Folsom
2707 posts
Just found out (from the very helpful RS tour folks) that the alumni discount can only be applied to one tour per year. Sure enough, it's on the website, I missed it. Bummer. Wish Rick could come up with some other incentive to book two tours, but, having said that, we are going ahead anyway. Still deciding which first. Sort of leaning toward Portugal, then settling into the one hotel in London, maybe a few more days in London with day trips.
Posted by
OP
Folsom
2707 posts
It was a coin toss, but we settled on Portugal first, then London. Trying to decide on spending that those two nights between in Porto, London, or splitting them. Any thoughts? My wife favors London as she wants to visit Kew Gardens, which we saw on our honeymoon 43 years ago.