Flights for Europe Tours

Hi Jose, if you're looking for information on RS tours you'll need to go to that section of the website, this section is only volunteers, fellow travelers, RS staff doesn't come here and answer questions. But to answer your second question if and when you sign up for a tour they will advise you of the meeting location.

Jose, I have only taken one RS tour, there are some here who have taken many. Number one thing most of us will recommend is to fly in a day or two before the tour starts. This is important for several reasons,, first you will be tired and jetlagged, after paying for a tour its nice to start it ready to go, not exhausted. Also if luggage gets lost,, it helps to give airlines a day or two to track you down if they find it. Also, if for some freak reason your flight is late or delayed,, the cushion of a day or two before the tour starts is helpful . On the tour I took it started in Rome,, there was a family who missed the first day of the tour. The tour usually stays in same hotel for first two days, so at least they didn't have to try and track down the group, but, they did miss some of the beginning of the tour, and when you think what you pay,, you don't want to miss a minute! Its very simple to arrange your own flights. The Rick Steves people will send you ( closer to tour date) the list of all the hotels you will be staying in( handy to leave a copy of list with friends/family at home) and they include directions on how to get to first hotel from the airport. Most people like to book the same hotel the tour starts from for the first night or two before the tour starts, but some will stay somewhere else and join group on tour day. It depends on what you are comfortable with. You will have a great time!

Jose, For arranging flights, you have a couple of choices: > Once you've determined your departure and return dates, simply visit a local Travel Agency and they'll be able to set everything up for you. Be sure to ask the T.A. about Travel Medical Insurance at the same time. > You can book online using either the travel websites (Expedia, PriceLine, etc.) OR go directly to the airlines websites. I'm not familiar with "Cypress" so have no idea where your nearest international airport is, or which airlines serve your area? As Pat mentioned, it's generally a good idea to arrive a day or two prior to the start of the tour. That provides an opportunity to not only get over jet lag but also to have a look at sights that aren't included in the tour. You'll have to pay separately for the Hotel room prior to the start of the tour. I usually try to book a room in the same Hotel used by the tour. Your tour will start with an introductory meeting at about 17:00 on the first day. There will be a note posted in the Hotel Lobby with the exact details and time of the meeting. At that time, you'll meet your fellow tour members as well as the Guide, take a familiarization walk around the neighborhood and then have a group dinner together. The details on that will be provided with your tour information package. You may find it helpful to have a look at the London guidebook that's sent to you prior to the tour. That contains good information on the local transportation in London, sightseeing, etc. You'll find that it's VERY easy to get around on "The Tube". Happy travels in London!