This is my first RS tour to GSA in August 2026.
I am trying to plan my time during this tour when we have "time on your own" at the various cities but of course I don't know when we will be cut loose or how much time I will have.
What are some tips on planning activities? And what are some must-do activities when you are on your own?
Thanks!
For specific tips and activities you should use your itinerary to provide us with specific towns and the specific dates you will be in them. Things like wine festivals only take place on certain days, and some sights/museums are closed on certain days...
Your tour starts in Koblenz. Will you be arriving there a day or two early, as some tour members choose to do? If so, I could make a suggestion or two if I had your planned arrival time/date, the date your tour begins, etc.
I have been on 12 RS tours. I don’t do a lot of planning in advance. Here’s what I do to prepare:
I read through the itinerary and make a list of sights that are specifically mentioned. I also assume that “walking tours” will include most important sights. Then I make a list of other sights that I think I might want to see or visit if there is time. I base this list on information in RS and other guidebooks, websites and so on. I also make note of restaurants or shops that catch my eye. Once I am actually on the tour, I am thus prepared to fit these possibilities into my free time based on the daily schedule provided by the tour leader, my mood and energy level, the weather, what other people might be doing of interest and so on.
I only make specific plans if someplace requires a timed ticket or reservation because of demand. This is not necessary for most places. Sometimes it’s just fun to wander a neighborhood and be open to spontaneous experiences.
Also keep in mind that Rick’s wonderful guides usually provide an orientation at each location and offer many good suggestions about possible activities, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment. Occasionally they will offer to take anyone interested to a particular favorite place. For instance, our guide in Rome took about half the group to an excellent out-of-the-way Indian restaurant for a change of pace from pasta. In Naples, our guide took those interested to a fun folk-style concert. Another guide arranged for a private concert and happy hour in honor of several tour members who happened to have birthdays on the trip.
