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Best of Europe in 21 Days questions…

Posted by on

My wife and I are getting ready to sign up for this tour in 2027 and have a few questions for those of you that have taken this tour. Thanks in advance for your expertise!

  1. We are tentatively planning on doing a late April early May trip. Is that a pretty decent timeline considering weather and not as large of crowds?
  2. Do most people really just bring a carry on piece of luggage and small backpack for a 21 day trip?
  3. For the dinners that are a part of the tour is there any choice of entrees or is it one item this is set in advance?
  4. I assume we should get trip insurance and possibly medical as well a we are both on Medicare? Any recommendations on what policy is the best and when we should purchase the insurance?
  5. Obviously there is a lot of bus travel. I am a retired band director so I am used to spending a lot of time on buses but does the large amount of bus travel detract from the overall trip experience or does it work out about right?

If there is any other other pertinent information that you can add about the trip that would be great! Thanks again!

Posted by
1881 posts

We are about to go on our 4th RS tour. (None of which are the 21 day tour.)
1. Late April/Early May is a nice time to travel; avoiding the larger summer crowds. Though crowds can be large in certain places no matter what season. Spring weather can bring spring showers. So the answer is who knows, but probably yes.
2. A lot of people, yes. Us, no. We did carry on for one of the tours, and it just doesn't work for us. There's plenty of room in the bus undercarriage. Bring anything you want; the key is that you must manage it. You aren't always dropped off right in front of your hotel. Can you manage on cobblestones; up/down hills. Up stairs if there is no elevator with your luggage?
3. The meals almost always involve a choice of entrees. (Breakfast is always buffet.) Before the trip, you need to mention your food allergies such as dairy free or gluten free or if you are vegan/vegetarian, so that is planned well in advance. Usually the guide passes a paper around a night or two in advance where you make your dinner meal choices for the next couple of upcoming meals. Sometimes we've had a lunch stop at a local place where it's sort of on the table to be passed around; take what you like in a farmhouse or winery scenario. We've also had lunches where everybody can get their own thing, like at a travel center stop, etc. But, your dinners usually have several options of main course, dessert, etc.
4. Nobody can answer the "best policy" question. What state you live in; your age; what your needs are has everything to do with it.
5. The buses are large and carry 50+ passengers, so it's only half full. Lots of room! Fantastic time to sit back and take in the view. Some people nap. The tour guide often shares travel info about what we are seeing/passing, etc. I actually find it very relaxing. It always works out just about right. And like your years with the band, you know the bus always seems to have a bonding experience.
Enjoy!!!

Posted by
27 posts

Obviously there is a lot of bus travel. I am a retired band director so I am used to spending a lot of time on buses but does the large amount of bus travel detract from the overall trip experience or does it work out about right?

I don't have a lot to offer since I'm taking the Best of Europe in 21 days tour later this year. However, as a former marching band kid, I sure hope these bus trips are at least half as fun as those day-long bus trips with the band!

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