Journey times, driver breaks, parking, welcoming the driver: the coach needs to be planned as soon as the tour is designed. Our advice for a trouble-free journey.
Building the coach into the itinerary
Driving and rest times
Coach drivers are subject to strict regulations on driving and rest times, with compulsory breaks and a maximum daily driving time. The itinerary must therefore include regular breaks and reasonable stages. Your coach operator will help you check that the route is feasible; on a long journey, they can arrange a second driver.
Access and parking
Historic centres are often closed to coaches and drop-off spaces are limited. Identify the drop-off and pick-up points for the sites you are visiting in advance, and check that the hotel has suitable parking. Circuitgroupes partner hotels commit to making coach parking easy.
The driver and the group leader
Their accommodation and meals
The driver and the group leader are part of the trip: their room and meals should be shown in the quote. With Circuitgroupes, they enjoy a dedicated welcome and preferential terms in our partner hotels.
Departure day
Give the driver the detailed itinerary, the address of each stop and local contacts. Prepare a list of travellers and a clear meeting point for each day. A reminder of the timings the evening before avoids many delays.
Tours designed for coach operators
Coach operators, agencies and group travel organisers will find in our tours itineraries already designed for coach travel, with hotels used to groups. Request a quote or see our page Organising a group tour in France to prepare the other stages of your stay.
