Best Of
Re: Salzburg versus Cesky Krumlov
Went to both, both are beautiful!
Salzburg 
If you like classical music and like Mozart, you would find interesting the Mozart's House, also you could enjoy eating Mozart Balls.
A stroll around the Maribell gardens it's nice and the views of the castle/river are incredible. At the Maribell gardens - there is always live music- and lots of flowers, also there is the Cathedral at the city center, then the Opera House, built inside a rock , you could do a day tours inside. You could also visit the Castle above the city- great views and as you come down on a cable car... across from the Funicular entrance there is a pet's cemetery, very cute!
Also, a couple of miles from the center there is the Schloss Hellbrunn- palace with tricky water fountains.
And the last thing, which I cannot stand... the infamous Sound of Music tour. YUK!!!!
Sorry, I don't like musicals on TV or Julie Andrews.
Cesky Krumlov it's beautiful too but smaller and with limited things to see, compared to Salzburg.
They have a great Baroque- Rennaissant castle in which you'll see the coat of arms etc.. you will also visit the beautiful Baroque theater which it's well preserve and from the bridge connecting both also the views of the city center, houses and surroundings.
At the city center you could visit a church, next to a beer pub and the main square with shops. - not much more..
Driving to both it's great and the scenery beautiful.
Take your pick according to your interest. If you have a day off from Tauck tour , do CK on your own.
mil
Re: Budapest August 11, 2016 - Arriving early
I was on the Blue Danube driver cruise (Prague to Budapest) in October 2023. I added extra days at both ends and added the following tours in Budapest:
Tour of Parliament / buy tickets in advance
Food walking tour (mailto:tiberiustours@gmail.com)
Strudel workshop-Flavors of Budapest
http://www.cookinghungary.com
Jewish heritage plus sites in Budapest not covered by TAUCK. Andrea G. at ToursByLocals <guide_1071-101@toursbylocals.com
It was a fantastic trip!! So much to see!!
Re: Tours in Prague
When I was there I took an WWII underground walking tour. It was fascinating. There is a beautiful city underground that dates back to the 1400’s as I recall. I was there in 2014 and I’m sure there are still companies that run a similar tour.
Re: Advertising
Rick Steves has been an activist for various causes for many years. It's nothing new. He still produces excellent guide books, videos, etc for travel and most people who have taken his tours are very happy with them. We all have the right to support businesses who's philosophies we agree with or boycott them if we don't.
Re: WiFi problems
I agree with all of you. Those are all the advantages you all mentioned of cell phone use that I’m referring to. I think it’s so rude and inappropriate when a person is speaking to someone on their phone to another person and I’m in ear-shot. There isn’t any cell phone etiquette.
Re: WiFi on river cruises
I rarely use my phone on a tour. I use my iPad if there is wifi, otherwise I forget about it. I use ‘ Notes’ for my diary of the trip which doesn't need Wi-Fi. My family can get in touch with Tauck if there is an emergency. WhatsApp is useful and no phone plan needed.
British
Re: WiFi problems
Oh my goodness. This seems like more trouble than it’s worth for a mere 2 and a half week trip. One way or another, we’ve all become addicted to these devices. It’s amazing when observing how many heads are bent down looking at a phone especially when there is something to see. I have no idea what the long run effect of this will be socially in time to come. I understand that technology has its advantages and disadvantages.
Re: Advertising
Travel should not be political. That said, I see that Rick Steves is now involved in fundraising that I don't agree with. He should stick with what he knows.
SGF
Re: US passports can now be renewed online!
Using your own camera to take your passport photo for the online application is incredibly easy. You follow general guidelines- white or light background, no smile, no glasses. approx size, etc. Then, as you upload the photo the online software does any cropping needed. Seriously, it was easy.
AlanS