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Very happy with the RS Prague/Budapest Tour

Hi forum, I will just post a very short paragraph here and will write up a trip report later as I still have a lot of trip to enjoy - both now & after this tour! I know there’s been some discussion recently on a Sicily tour that had some negative issues. I just want to reassure anyone getting ready for this tour or thinking about it for next year, that so far it’s great!

One thing I loved is that the first day began at 2pm & we were on the tram to the castle by 3pm, so it felt like a full day vs. just an evening together.

Meals: papers were passed around at our first dinner together to choose our main dish from a selection of at least two for each future meal. Our first meal didn’t have a choice obviously, but several of us commented that it was exceptional for an initial meal.

Drinks with meals: there were more options than just water. These were the options our guide offered as included with our dinner at no charge. As I glanced down my table, the entire variety was represented: water, lemonade, soft drinks, beer, wine.

Concerns: our guide requested at our initial meeting to please come talk to her right away if there are any concerns, so she has a chance to fix them. No need to wait for a mid-trip review.

Hotel room: our Prague Hotel, Hotel Bookquet, is lovely! My room is a nice size double and the entire hotel is one that a couple celebrating an anniversary by going on this trip would be happy with the hotel experience. It’s also very close to main sites, I am very picky about that as a solo traveler walking back at night. I felt completely comfortable. The hotel breakfast selection is an excellent variety, plus they will make an omelette on request. I usually just select a little meat/cheese & bread & fruit, but I’ve been having a mushroom omelette for a delicious morning protein option.

WhatsApp: it is being set up for scheduling. (Only two posts during the Prague days & a couple of photos from a group activity, so everyone’s being respectful.)

Group: people are friendly & having a good start together! (Hint: I printed a US graphic and placed the names of the group in the states where they live. It’s helpful so far to give an additional visual to learn names & have nice conversation.)

And only one day with a bus! I love my independent travel, but I think this specific tour is a winner!

Posted by
11457 posts

Jean, I am glad this tour is off to a great start.

I love your idea of the map to associate people with their homes ! I allllllways ask people where they are from.

Enjoy enjoy enjoy !!!! Some of my very favorite places on this planet.

Posted by
1394 posts

I’m so glad to hear this. I’ll be looking forward to your report after the trip.

Posted by
10289 posts

It is wonderful to hear about your tour and its good start. I'm sure it will continue to be great for you.

Posted by
897 posts

Sounds wonderful, Jean! The 2 p.m. first day start time sounds like a great idea! Enjoy!

Posted by
990 posts

Is Katka your guide? If so your entire tour is going to be phenomenal ! (she was our best of Eastern Europe guide in 2018)

Posted by
11571 posts

It’s so wonderful that your trip is off to a good start. Enjoy! I’m looking forward to the trip report.

Posted by
9783 posts

We’re off to Budapest tomorrow. The tour has continued to be fantastic! I’m resting my feet for a break before our finale dinner for Prague & private opera concert this evening.

Usually I write a bit of my trip report each evening during a trip, but I’m woefully behind. I’ll be catching up during the bus ride tomorrow. : )

Posted by
17249 posts

I'm so glad you are having fun!

Posted by
1848 posts

That's great Jean, thanks for giving us a trip update during your tour! I knew you were off to Europe, but had no idea where-to, so that's nice to hear. (I had just assumed you'd be in Puglia...)

Posted by
86 posts

Loved this tour; took it in 2022. I had never done a RS tour because for years I planned my own trips and didn't think I'd do well with a group. At the start I thought I had made such a mistake.
Andrea was in training and a delight. It really changed my mind about tours. If she remembers, tell her Keto Jodi says Hi!

Posted by
9783 posts

We’re wrapping up this tour tonight. Don’t look for a trip report for a few weeks because I’m flying to Bari, Italy tomorrow for several Italian cities in Puglia & Umbria.

This tour is definitely a winner, and Andrea is one of my favorite tour guides! She has all of the qualities you wish for an excellent guide, plus I continually notice the small, courteous things she does.

This has been a wonderful chance to see Budapest - first in 1975 as a communist country & now with lots of changes. And Mr. E & I were able to meet up & have a nice conversation over delicious Ukrainian food!

Posted by
9783 posts

Jodi, I’ll try to remember to tell Andrea! : )

Update: I did tell Andrea. : )

Posted by
1049 posts

Jean, I’m so glad you loved the tour, I felt sure you would. It seemed like a perfect blend of fun and thoughtful reflection that was right up your alley. Enjoy Italy!