The most exciting day pre-tour is the day you get your tour goodies in the mail. The second-most exciting day is the day you get the tour hotel list and roster, and learn who your guide will be. All those names that mean nothing to you but which in a month or so will elicit all kinds of wonderful memories. And looking up all your hotels' websites ... It's just so exciting! Today is my second-most exciting day. I've spent a giddy morning (at the office) looking at photos online of all the GAS tour hotels. My tour guide is Daniela Wedel. I've read some of the comments in the Tour Reviews section, and they seem to be roundly positive. I was just wondering if anyone here on the Helpline has had Daniela as a guide?
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1329 posts
No, but I know that feeling! Have a terrific tour!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32349 posts
Teresa, I can very much appreciate your pre-tour feelings, as I've been through the same thing five times now and will again when I take my sixth tour. I also enjoy getting my tour goodies via UPS and also receiving the Tour Roster and Hotel list. I haven't toured with Daniela, but have visited with her on several occasions at the big Tour Reunion events. Be sure to leave some time open in mid-January (you're fortunate as you live in Seattle - the rest of us have to make a journey to get there). It will be a chaotic and long day, but lots of fun as you'll possibly be re-united with the people on your tour and with your Guide (unfortunately not all tour members attend the reunions). It will also be a good opportunity to attend the Test Drive A Tour Guide sessions so that you can scope out your next tour! Although I've never taken the GAS tour, I've been to many of the places you'll be visiting, and I know you're going to have an incredible time! Happy travels!
Posted by
Peterborough, ON, Canada
1631 posts
I know how you feel! I'm leaving for a tour of China on September 17th and the travel agency that put the tour together is hosting a get-together for participants on August 25th. Can't wait to meet the people I'll be spending 22 days with! A little worried though as we travel a lot, and always independently, so it will be an adjustment to do the tour thing.
Posted by
OP
Seattle
922 posts
Oo, a pre-tour get-together? Now that's exciting!
Posted by
Peterborough, ON, Canada
1631 posts
Teresa,
It is very exciting! The travel agency specializes in China and markets heavily in the T.O. area (also have a branch in Montreal), so most of the participants are within driving distance. They also host weekly info sessions which is how they got us to sign on the dotted line.
Posted by
Chatham, Canada
49 posts
Hi Teresa,
I am in a very similar situation to you and I am just as excited. I am leaving on the 21 Day Best of Europe tour at the end of this month. I too excitedly checked out the hotel and guide reviews. I hope that you have a wonderful time!
Posted by
Tucson, AZ, USA
134 posts
Hi Teresa, We were on the GAS tour in May and LOVED it! Our Guide was Fabian and he was fantastic. This was our 6th RS Tour and all of the Guides have been personable, knowledgeable and with a great sense of humor. I'm sure Daniela will be the same and that you will have an incredible trip. You mentioned looking at the hotels online. Our favorite was the Jungfrau in Murren where we each had a balcony with a view of the snow covered Alps----breathtaking!
Teri
Posted by
OP
Seattle
922 posts
We're staying at the Jungfrau! I remember walking by it on our day up in Murren during the BOE tour in 2010, and I was really jealous because our group was staying down in Stechelberg. I can't wait!