FEEDBACK – A Caravan into the Land of the Rising Sun (Japan)

2005

A well thought out itinerary. Every day was exciting and special. I particularly liked Nagasaki... having a tour leader is a first for me and I think it works well. I came with The Oriental Caravan for a trip to see Japan and Japanese and avoid the usual ‘touristy’ elements. I enjoyed TOC’s style of travelling and would certainly recommend TOC to anyone who is interested in a trip east. Mrs S. E. Lancashire, UK

Good introduction to Japan. Its great to see the Japan other tour groups miss. When you are welcomed warmly in places you visit frequently it makes group members feel at home. Mrs J. L. London UK
A nice sampling of different places in Japan. I enjoyed them all. A well-organised, well thought out trip, well planned and executed. Ms R. D. San Francisco, USA

Excellent. A really memorable experience! Even in 2 weeks I felt that I had a real taste of Japanese culture. Gave a real mix of traditional and modern Japan. Enjoyed ‘free’ afternoons/days because provided opportunity to refresh batteries if necessary. Mrs L.H. UK
Great variety of scenery, sights, gardens etc – all most interesting and well chosen. Tour leader was really good; provided a caring attitude to all ages and all requests. Mrs S.W. UK
Very pleased to have a Japanese speaking tour guide – very informative, friendly and helpful, thank you! Would not have benefited so much from visiting Japan without the information and advice we received. Anon
Enjoyed every stop... we would not have thought to go to some of these places on our own. Had a great time with you. You are well-organised, knowledgeable and fun. Mr B.C. Missouri, USA
Great! Trip of a lifetime. Mr A.H Cambridgeshire, UK

Fantastically well-organised. Good to explore further then most western tourists get. Never imagined we could eat so well for so little money. Very pleased to have been introduced to so many types/styles of food – a gastronomic tour as well. Mrs M.C. Stockport, UK

Just thank you for a perfect holiday. So many wonderful memories. Mrs S.C. Redhill, UK

All I can say is it was a wonderful experience. (Tour leader) What could one say – absolutely great, considerate to us older more delicate ladies. We all had a wonderful trip thanks to Phil and his planning. Mrs L.F. Isle of Man

2004

We’ve seen so much and such a wide variety that we’ve never been bored for a moment. Phil is very skilled. good judgement of the group and in the amount of information given and its timing. Just about perfect I’d say! Mr and Mrs R. and S. W. Cheltenham, UK
I think [the tour leader] did a great job being able to handle all the various personalities of the group and [his] obvious interest in the country. Mr C.R. Maine, USA
My lasting impression will be of an unbelievably smooth operation: there was always enough time to do what was required whether it was visiting gardens and temples; museums and markets or stocking up on daily supplies. What fascinated m e was the way Phil would reach into a shoulder strap underneath his jacket and conjure up as if by magic, an endless supply of material but above all those precious train tickets skilfully handed out as if individual names had been written on them. Of course, what the pre-departure information does not prepare you for is the way that Phil makes everyone’s comfort his particular concern, with help cheerfully given to those who needed it and the genuine pleasure and generosity of spirit with which all this was rendered. Mrs A.W. London, UK

Phil Colley is an ideal guide for such a trip with his knowledge of the country and ability to communicate in Japanese. He was totally unflappable and dealt with all members of the group equally. This was an excellent experience of a new culture and country. I shall be recommending both Japan and The Oriental Caravan to other travelling friends and family. Phil made the trip. Mrs S.B. Devon, UK
Something of interest every day and I consider it was very good value for money. Phil was just brilliant. Cannot speak too highly of the holiday from start to finish. Mrs A.S. Surrey, UK
It is really difficult for me to express in English how much we want to thank you for the experiences which you offered to us. There were so many ‘small touches’ which made the trip particularly outstanding. I [will] spread the ‘good news’ among my friends, they should not miss out on extraordinary experiences – a big thank you again for all your troubles. Mrs A.F. Derbyshire, UK
We enjoyed [the tour leader’s] patient and caring attitude… The guide in Kyoto was/is a treasure – his profound knowledge and his ‘English’ sense of humour; do not lose him. Mr A.F. Derbyshire, UK

2003

It was such fun and everything was wonderful. You did a great job planning and guiding this trip. You are one wonderful, with it guy. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Mrs P.L. New York, USA

Good blend of nursemaiding and independence...Wonderful trip, wonderful company and Phil was great. I felt group size was just about right with 12 of us. Phil had picked up that it was Ron’s birthday during the holiday and celebrated it with a bottle of Champagne and a gift from the group. Very nice and truly appreciated.Thank you for a truly brilliant value for money holiday. Mrs B.C. Bristol, UK

Hit Counter