This is a silly question.
I sat on the wrong side of the bus in Alps. I sat on the wrong side of the bus along the Amalfi coast, in Germany, and on several other tours as well. I don’t want to sit on the wrong side of the bus going through the Pyrenees. For once I’d like a view without looking through seats and people. It seems that I’m always next to the banks with the view on the other side of the bus.
For those who have taken the RS Basque tour, what side gives one a decent view? Or does it matter? I leave the front seats for those who suffer motion sickness.
I love mountain scenery and will gladly give up ocean views to anyone wanting to have an ocean view. I see the Pacific daily.
Posted by
1436 posts
It’s one thing to leave the front for others if the guide mentions that someone needs it, but there’s no reason not to take a front seat for a day if it hasn’t been designated. We’ve only had one RS tour with that request. Otherwise it was open as an option.
Posted by
Southport, NC
439 posts
If you're going with a spouse/friend/other, sit on different sides. That way you can scootch over to see the views when needed. There will be plenty of room on the bus for you each to have your own bench.
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6803 posts
JS, great idea! There are almost always enough seat for each person to have one.
And KD, unless there is someone who has motion sickness, the guide will usually suggest people take turns sitting up front.
Posted by
Southern Oregon
675 posts
I too would love to know what side of the bus to sit on for the Basque tour. Can anyone help Diane (and me)?
Posted by
1436 posts
Jane, yes, why I suggested if it's not designated she could consider taking an up front seat for a day ; the day she is most interested in getting a view.
And there is plenty of open seating since the bus is only half full. That's a real perk of Rick Steves tours!
Posted by
Tennessee
475 posts
I was on the RS Basque tour in mid-May. Great tour! My recollection is:
1st day on bus (leave Bayonne/St. Jean de Pied de Port; drive through Pyrenees): left side of bus preferable after leave St. Jean de Pied de Port and drive through Pyrenees
Day arrive at San Sebastian: right side of bus preferable bc before going to hotel in San Sebastian will drive to an impressive overlook with city on the right as you ascend.
There's not alot of bus time on this tour.
Posted by
OP
CA
2213 posts
Thanks Elizabeth.
As far as getting the upfront seat, I’m not one to be the first in line. As nice as most RS tour members are, some just have to nudge their way to be first in line. I hate that!
Posted by
Walnut Creek, CA
753 posts
Just be aware that the road trip (bus ride) from St. Jean Pied a Port to Roncesvalle through the Pyrenees is not very dramatic as you are expecting. You will not see snow capped mountain peaks in the distance. The camino at this point is the lowest elevation through the Pyrenees and that's why the pilgrims chose it as a route.
The scenery is mostly trees, and lots of green fields with some high embankments on the right side, so I'd sit on the left side of the bus for this section.
The bus will take the N135 south from St. jean pied a port to Roncesvalle and then south to Pamplona.
If you look at a google earth map - earth view-- you will get an idea of the topography. Not as dramatic as further East where you can see the snow capped peaks on the Google Earth view.
We did this tour a couple years ago, and I don't have any pictures of spectacular views throughout this road section of the trip.