We're on the tour that leaves Canada on May 1. Will we have the coach to ourselves?

Not likely......I went on the B of Britain in May 2005 and there were 37 on the coach.Had a great time and sure you will also. It's a nice time of year to travel as there are fewer tourists. The internary for Best of Britain has changed slightly from 2005 but is essentually the same.I would recommend the following options if offered:
Cardiff Castle Tour,Rosslyn Chapel Tour & Trail
,Highland Sheep Farm Visit,Lake Windermere Cruise and Steam Train Ride, Nevis Cable Car (only on a clear day),Warwick Castle. Enjoy your Tour.

Thanks for the recommendations. We were interested in most of them (not sure about the sheep farm or Nevis cable car having been to Mt. Pilatus and the Rockies). Did you do any of the optional dinners?

No, didn't do the optional dinner and I believe there was just one offered while in Edinburgh with entertainment.

You mentioned Mt. Pilatus,which is included in the tour of Switzerland that I will be on in May. Looking forward to Mt. Pilatus, as well as some of the other cable cars throughtout Switzerland.

quote:

Originally posted by garnet:
Thanks for the recommendations. We were interested in most of them (not sure about the sheep farm or Nevis cable car having been to Mt. Pilatus and the Rockies). Did you do any of the optional dinners?

We were going on this trip last Sept but due to a bike accident had to cancel. Would like to take it in the near future. Would you do a post when you get back. Would love to hear what you liked/disliked

I too am going on the B of Britain, leaving June 13. Will be interested to hear about your trip.
Thanks Jerry, for the suggestions on optionals. My husband is a train fanatic so the Steam train ride is a must for us - was it a pretty short ride as the description suggests?

Hi Idaho Sue

I will come back and tell you all about the Britain and Ireland experince, leaving in 2 weeks so excited.

Ray and Geri

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sue:
I too am going on the B of Britain, leaving June 13. Will be interested to hear about your trip.
Thanks Jerry, for the suggestions on optionals. My husband is a train fanatic so the Steam train ride is a must for us - was it a pretty short ride as the description suggests?

Just returned last week from the BOB tour and LOVED every second of it. The steam train ride was a little short but totally worth it. Try to make your way to the very last car if you can - the back is all glassed in and some of my best photos from the tour were from there. Before the train leaves, if you have time, walk through the sheds that are on the yard. A heaven for train buffs. Oh and try a scone with jam and cream in the coffee shop before you go too!

quote:

Originally posted by garnet:
We're on the tour that leaves Canada on May 1. Will we have the coach to ourselves?

I'm glad you weren't alone on that coach! My brother and I loved meeting you guys!

Hi Carmen
It was a great trip, wasn't it? I have a rough copy of a review but we're fighting the flu -(one day okay, one day not so) so it a little tricky sitting at the computer. Hopefully, I'll be able to post the review this week. John has worked on the pictures (1000+) and got some amazing shots.
We saw you and Colin heading out the day we left. Hope you had a good time exploring London.

Garnet,
Hope you are feeling better soon- am looking forward to reading your rewiew. I have 2 specific questions- were you able to sleep at all on the way over to London? We got some "No Jet Lag" pill and some neck pillows in hopes that they help! And what did you do on that first 1/2 day free in Chelsea?
16 days left to panic!

Hi Idaho Sue
We took the midnight flight to London from Toronto, thinking we would be tired and actually be able to sleep. No such luck. By the time we got to Chelsea, it was close after 2 p.m. We had a rest and then went out find something to eat but that was the day of the BIG soccer match (next to the hotel). All the pubs were booked so we had to grab a burger from the concession stand. We watched the police (who were shoulder to shoulder) and the fans pouring into the stadium. We caught some of the match on TV before falling asleep.
On a previous trip, we went to the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace (we were much younger then)on the first day. It's easy to get to from Chelsea. We went ot the Ceremony of the keys one evening.
On our sightseeing tour the day before we came home, we saw the Guards rehearsing for the Trooping of the Colours Ceremony (the Queen's official birthday) which will be sometime in June. You might want to check the date because it could affect sightseeing plans. I'll see if I can find out when it is and if it will affect you.

The Trooping of the Colours takes place on Saturday June 14. It's a big ceremony and you enterd a lottery to get tickets. For more info, check out www.trooping-the-colour.co.uk

I just recently saw that the Queens BD is the 14th. That is the day we arrive in London so it will probably not affect us. Thanks for mentioning it though! I think we will try to rest a bit too, then just soak up some local flavor. We are retired folks (54 & 61)and traveling with our 16 year old daughter! Luckily she is at the stage where teens need more sleep than we do!
What is the Ceremony of the Keys - have not heard of that.

The Ceremony of the Keys is the locking up of the Tower of London at night. Tickets are free but you must send away for them and enclose a stamped (British postage) self-addressed envelope. International Reply Coupons, available at post offices, are acceptable in lieu of British postage. It was a very interesting experience to be in the Tower at night. The Ceremony only last about 30 minutes but there is a little pomp associated with it. You actually leave by a little side door in the main gate.