Glad to hear that you had a good time in Prague and I am sure that you will have a great time in Turkey.

Two coaches running together is a sign of change, in 2003 there was only 19 of us on the one coach.

Being 10 minutes late must have been unsettling!

Love to Mrs Dragon

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Tangata,

Tangata,

quote:

Two coaches running together is a sign of change, in 2003 there was only 19 of us on the one coach.

As the Treasures of Turkey website shows, there are actually two departures per day, twice a week on this tour until almost the end of October and they're almost all TG. As I've said elsewhere on this BB, the Treasures of Turkey tour is probably the best value for money tour in Insight's current brochures, considering the standard of hotels, included visits and meals.

phil

In 2003 Bush was starting a bloody war in neighbouring Iraq and John Howard was backing him and it then seemed to us all too likely that the tour would be cancelled for lack of numbers.

Then came SARS to seemingly drive another nail into the coffin.

Despite which it went ahead, but we were welcomed everywhere like the first swallows.

Tangata how was your cruise to Normandy?

We did two tours, Paris and Normandy and Burgundy and Provence (which we did in reverse) which combined to make “Grand France”

Both were great, but if we had to pick one I think we would go for Burgundy and Provence as it seemed more interesting and doesn’t retrace its route. However, if artists and paintings are your thing then Paris and Normandy may be best – van Gough and Monet both featured prominently, although van Gough also featured on the Burgundy and Provence cruise.

Both the ships were great, we thought River Royale slightly superior as it was roomier and in our case we had a “balcony” which means that you can sit in your cabin and put your feet on your balcony! However we also thought that the food on the River Baroness was slightly superior.

Not that you need worry; the food was great on both cruises and we were really spoilt for choice.

It was certainly far more relaxing than a Coach Tour and accordingly has a somewhat older crowd than you would get on a Coach Tour.

I am happy to share my diary if anyone wants it.

Tangata I would like to read your diary. I could post my e-mail for a short time.

Tangata,

I too am very keen to learn more of peoples' experiences on river cruises as coach touring is becoming somewhat difficult for me (mobility problems). Do you intend to post a report on the TT BB?

phil

quote:

Do you intend to post a report on the TT BB?

We have been back a week from the cruises and the BB Tour and so far I have my diary sort of sorted out, I have my still photographs is some sort of order and I'm about half way through editing the first of five planned videos! To cap that I start work in Hong Kong in 11 days. So I won't be submitting a report.

However, if anyone wants my diary they can email me at ttangat@hotmai.com and I'll be glad to send it and answer any questions you may have.

I might also tell you about our next cruise which I can't mention on this BB!

Phil, if you email me [see profile], I can send you info about the river cruise we took in 2006.

Sadly all good things eventually come to an end and we had to return home to the nest to dream about what was.

Thanks everyone for your comments. I didn't respond to them while on the tour because I was only posting to this thread with my mobile phone.