The Segway tour looks like so much fun! Has anyone done the tour at night? or did you prefer day? Would love to hear what you think. Also did you pre-reserve or just reserved the day you decided to take the tour?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Lisa,
I've taken the night Segway Tour and it was a lot of fun - highly recommended! As I recall, the night tour is a bit shorter than the day tour (can't remember the reason?).
I believe I reserved either the day previously or earlier on the day of the tour. You'll generally meet the Guide under the Eiffel Tower, and then return to their office to do the paperwork. You can't miss the Guide - he's the one on the Segway!
There's about a 30-minute training course and then the tour begins. They'll probably give you the green key to start (limits the machine to lower speeds) but may issue a higher level key as the tour progresses. Only the Guide gets the coveted black or red key (max. speed!).
They used to require a deposit in case someone doesn't follow instructions and damages the machine. If you return the Segway in good order, they will tear-up the charge slip.
Let us know your impressions after you return.
Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Italy 2012
104 posts
Thanks Ken,
I think we are going to do the tour. I might even change our itinerary and make it our first activity in Paris as a way to familiarize ourselves with the city. Thank you so much for the info on the key colors and speed. I know my husband and son would spend the first 30 mins of the tour saying "my segway is broken its not going fast enough"
Thanks again you have actually responded to many of my posts as I plan our first trip to Europe. May 1st! (now behave yourselve Ekyldiogsionzcnhofhfg (however you spell) volcano!!
Posted by
Seattle
922 posts
Ditto what Ken said. My BF and I took the nighttime Segway tour in October '08 and had a terrific time. Our guide was very funny, and everything was lit up ... very pretty. I believe we just phoned up in the morning and were able to reserve for that evening, but it couldn't hurt to call a day or two ahead of time, especially if you're going during high season.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Lisa,
A few comments to add to my earlier reply.
The Segway Transporters are actually quite easy to use, but it does take some practice. One of the most challenging parts is going over small curbs, as the machine has a tendency to tilt forward. It's all a question of balance and hitting the curb at the "right" speed.
The Segways are cleverly designed so that when you get to spot where the Guide wants to walk a short distance, just run the machine up to a wall and step off. It will keep itself perfectly balanced.
My ankles were a bit "weary" after the tour from the constant rocking back and forth to control the machine, but I was so happy I didn't care!
Be sure to tell your husband and son to control their "need for speed", or the Guide might "tear a strip" off them!
I agree, I sure hope the Volcano behaves itself, as I'm supposed to depart May 13th for Rome (via Frankfurt).