Hi, I'll be taking the European Whirl tour in March 2010. I was just wondering how much time is spent on the bus per day. This tour will visit 8 countries. How much time do we actually get to spend sightseeing? Has anyone taken this tour? What were your opinions? I don't want to get my expectations up too high. Otherwise I might be disappointed that we won't have much time to do much of anything if most of the time is spent on the bus.

Hi Bess11

We did the European Experience which has a very similar itinerary to the European Whirl. The European Experience is basically the Costsaver version of the European Whirl. So perhaps you'd like to have a look at my tour tale? It's under my name in the tour tales section and is called European Experience. We had an amazing time, loved it!

We did spend many hours on the bus, but it didn't feel that way. I found that we needed the "down time" that the bus trips provided, as the tour was quite fast paced. On the bus I either caught up on my travel journal, gazed out of the window - beautiful scenery! - or snoozed. A couple of times, when the area wasn't particularly scenic our TD put a video on - something appropriate to the place we were going.

The day that you travel from London to Amsterdam is a long one, so be prepared for that.

I found we had lots of time for sightseeing, but there are definitely places I'd like to return to for a more indepth visit. A tour of this nature gives you a "taste" of many places, it whets your appetite.

In most places we had an orientation tour on the bus and then were given free time to explore and told to be back at the bus at a given time.

You're going to have a wonderful time for sure

Bess, my husband and I took the European Interlude and saw 8 countries in 18 days. It was our very first tour. Just be prepared as it will be quite fast-paced...a whirlwind if you will. I think that surprised me the most....you are going every minute. The bus rides is a welcome respite.
You will have a ball!

I went on European Marvel which is a similar tour. Yes, you do spend hours on the bus since you need to get from one city or country to another. There is no escaping that. However, you stop every 2-3 hours for restrooms, snack, lunch and see places on the way. There are days when the distances are greater then others. Be prepared to rest on the bus, get a lot of information and history from the TG and if you are lucky, and have a great TG, this experience can be very good. You also have time to talk to other people on the coach and make new friends. I did not find the time on the bus too bad. Once you stop for a tour, you may be there for 1 or 2 hours, depends on the site.

Bess thanks for asking this question. We are on the European Whirl next July.

Thanks for all the responses.

Since your tour will be ahead of ours I expect a full report when you get back. Again thanks for asking the question.

Jim

hi bess , my wife and 13yr old
daughter and my self will be on the march 30 whirl and i to was thinking about the buss leg room and such as im 185 cm (6f 2")

We did the Grand European this year. The bus was quite comfortable (i am 182cm) and for the tallest member of the tour, he chose to sit in the middle at the back however I think there would have been enough room for him anywhere on the coach with the exception of the front seats on both sides.

Getting around Europe means lots of motorway driving between places of interest howeve the rule seems to be a stop every 2 - 3 hours for a comfort break. Depending on the tour this is a motorway diner or else a specific destination for a tour. Either way we found the stops comfortable and the available food reasonable.

Bus life flies past quickly either talking to thoase around you, your TD's wealth of interesting facts of where you are passing or going, window gazing at the passing parade, dozing or a DVD. The countryside can be very scenic however some sections of motorways are fenced in with sound barriers etc.

I feel the general excitement of being on tour will by far out weigh any sense or bordom. When all else fails you can get up and walk up and down the bus chatting to your new friends. (they do not encourage it however they wont stop you)

Enjoy your trips, we certainly did.

Do the bus seats recline any? I'm guessing it is like coach on the airlines.....goes back maybe about 4 inches or do they go back at all?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by isujim:
Do the bus seats recline any? I'm guessing it is like coach on the airlines.....goes back maybe about 4 inches or do they go back at all?[
/QUOTE]

I've been on quite a few of these and unless my memory is failing, I don't remember any seats reclining. I have seen (not very often) where they were adjustable "left to right," a feature "I've never seen used, probably because it would impinge on the space between the 2 rows. BTW , are you familiar with "seat rotation"? That's another "can of worms."

Bob

Bob the only thing I know about the seat rotation is what I have read. We are travelling with another couple. I just hope the 4 of us can rotate together so to speak. I understand the need to rotate front to back or back to front......I just hope the 4 of us can stay pretty close together no matter where it is on the bus.

Jim

Provided you initially sit on the same side of the coach, i.e. one couple behind the other you will stay together.

That's kinda what I figured Tangata.......I'm guessing there may be only one day when we either get to the front of the bus or back of the bus when 2 get rotated up and the other 2 are still at the back........it's no big deal..

We do look forward to meeting others on the tour but we would also like to stay at least close to our travelling companions.

I know this is probably of little value, but for what it's worth: When arriving to the hotel for the night, I always leave my coat, umbrella, guide books, maps (walking stick in my case also), other small things, on the assigned seat for the next day, it helps not to carry all the stuff and to know exactly where to sit next day, (helps others also once they know the routine). I also let the photographers sit on the front when is my turn.

I also let the photographers sit on the front when is my turn.[/QUOTE]

WOW that is a fantastic gesture on your part! I am a "photographer" tho far from a pro! but I become quite obsessed with being able to video and photograph because I love to relive my travels over and over again!! Luckily we are not all alike but I still find it impossible to believe that there are people who don't need to video.... maybe it has to do with the fact that I haven't travelled extensively and am still totally hyped up with all the wonderful adventures. So when we did our Italian Glory trip and the seat rotation was somewhat messed up with us NEVER reaching the front of the bus...not to mention the my frustration on the day day where we travelled the Amalfi Coast and the person in one of the front seats fell asleep!!... I would have loved to have you on board!

quote:

Originally posted by Californian:
I also let the photographers sit on the front when is my turn.

Ahhh...a traveler after my own heart!!!

I take a lot of pictures on the trips and always post them online and give the link to whomever wants it so that they can take whatever photos they like. On the last trip, a woman let me sit in the front seat as we drove from Olympia to Delphi. I got some nice shots.

I also prefer the aisle seat for shooting photos. Less chance of hitting the window with the longer lens...lol