Whoopee! Just got the tour docs. I've been checking every day for the last two weeks, Lol, ever the optimist.
There are only 25 on the tour; comparing hometowns and groupings of names, it looks like 2 groups of four, a family of three, and 2 singles probably traveling together. 4 singles total, two guys and two gals.
And the greatest geographical range I've ever seen when all the tour members are from the States: Washington, Arizona, New Hampshire, Maryland, and more.
What fun this will be!
Hooray!! My tour docs are supposed to be posted next week - did they post yours when they said they would? This always makes it seem more real....so I'll really start panicking about my clothing choices :)
CL, no, they always seem to come earlier. Mine were supposed to come next Wednesday; they arrived this morning (Friday.) My experience has been that they show up in your tour account 4 or 5 days before the scheduled date. That's why I've been checking so often!
And yes, having the lists makes everything more real, and more urgent. I also have been scrutinizing my clothing choices, since I've had to replace several of my tried-and-true travel pieces.
I'm almost in panic mode; since we have other activities (including another RSE tour) before the Basque tour, we're leaving here in about 10 days. Definitely crunch time!
Oh, I forget to mention: Todd Hudnall is our guide on the tour.
Woohoo! Good for you Jane, my friend who took the Basque tour loved it and still raves about it. I’m sure you will have a wonderful time.
My tour docs for my Alpine tour arrived on the 14th about 5 days early. I’ve learned to check ahead of the posted date. I have so much to do to prepare.
Hi, my husband and I are scheduled for the Basque tour that starts Sept. 26, 2023. Is this the same tour you are booked on?
I've been trying to decide where to go before and after the tour. We arrive in Paris and depart from Madrid. Just booked two nights in Sarlat, France, before our tour begins. Might be an issue with trains, but we're game. Not sure where to book at the end of the tour, since we have a couple of nights free before 2 nights in Madrid. Thinking of Burgos or Zaragoza. Would love any suggestions.
Carolyn
This is a little premature, but I’m looking forward to your trip report. I used the one you did for the Loire to the South of France repeatedly, both in preparation and as we went along. I know they take time and effort, but you do a fantastic job. This tour is on our short list.
Have a wonderful time.
HI, Heissmiami. No, that's not ours, more's the pity.
We will have spent a few nights in Bordeaux, then one in Bayonne, before the tour begins. After the tour, we're staying on another 3 nights in Bilbao, then flying to Lyon to spend about a week and a half in France.
I envy your time in Sarlat; what a beautiful town. That's one we'd definitely love to visit again. Afterward? Maybe more time in Madrid? Have you been there before? That's another place we'd love to revisit, but, then again, what isn't?
Judy B, I know you're excited about your Alpine tour. What fun!
Patty, how thoughtful of you to post that!
And yes, I'm sure I'll be posting trip reports, but not for a while. What with the 2 RSE tours and about 3 weeks travel on our own, it'll be mid-October before we get home.
Jane, a Friday night surprise - my tour info is posted!! Thanks for the heads up to check! Looks like 26 in group, five solo and the rest couples or families, and a wide geography too (only one Canadian couple - different than my prior tours which were Canadian heavy, eh!). Tour guide is Elvan Ozbay.
CL, great news! I was just heading to answer your PM when I saw this. Have a wonderful trip.
Hi Jane! I imagine you and Stan have already returned from this tour as I see you have a meeting scheduled in October. I'm trying to decide between Basque Country or Village Italy for my next RS trip. I fell in love with Orvieto on our BOE trip back in 2018 but there are still many places to explore. I know you have done both probably more than once. I'd love to know which you would pick to do if you could only do one trip for the year (gasp!). We're going to be cruising Alaska in May 2024 so I can't do an extended stay in Europe this year. Thanks... Others feel free to chime in too.
Hi, dstewarts. Is this who I think it is? If so, Greetings; we remember that 2018 tour fondly. That may have been Stan's favorite tour ever.
Yes. we got home almost 2 weeks ago, and I am slowly posting trip reports and reviews.
Basque Country or Village Italy? For me it would be Village Italy, one of my all time favorite tours. There are so many activities, so many chances to learn more about current day culture. I'm not denigrating the Basque tour; it was very good, but Village Italy, along with Villages of Eastern France, shine in my memory more than the other tours we've taken. (You also might take a look at the Sicily tour; it wasn't my favorite (even though we took it twice!), but it also introduces things and activities that are more out of the ordinary.)
But of the two you list, Village Italy.
I'm going to try to post my tour reports this week, if possible. I meant to have them done already, but dang! Life keeps getting in the way!
Good to hear from you. Keep in touch.
Yes Jane it is who you think it is if you think it's Deborah from BOE 2018! lol
I may sign up and go solo for the Village Italy Tour probably Fall 2024. All the tours sound wonderful but Village Italy seems to be calling out and beckoning me to come. I look forward to seeing your recent trip notes as they are always so well done. I'm with Stan on the BOE 2018 trip being a favorite, it's been a hard one to top.
Deborah, I’m going solo on the Village Italy beginning Sept 2. A little early for weather but coming out of Arizona it’ll be fine and saves $400 from a week later. I hear it’s a fun tour. I’m already getting excited.
