Best Of
Re: New to Tauck and wonder if our expereince was typical
I did a Week in Spain and found the time at major sites, like Gaudi’s cathedral, sufficient. That said, some people were disappointed Guell Park was not included. This is why it’s important to really study the itinerary; I booked a flight arriving two days earlier so I could see some sites that were not listed. We only spent an hour at the Prado Museum, but I found that to be enough time. We had an excellent guide and people who wanted to stay longer could but would have to find their own way back, which I think is fair.
That said, I can certainly understand why only 30 minutes at Windsor Castkr was not sufficient. That is not a typical Tauck experience in my opinion.
Re: Trip Report, June 2024 Botswana, S Africa & Zambia
We took this tour in September 2016. The difference will be the temperatures. It will be extremely hot at Camp Kalahari. The night sleeping on the salt pan was one of our favorite Tack experiences.watching the stars, and even seeing satellites in the very dark conditions was wonderful.

Re: Seeking reviews, suggestions, etc.
Thanks.
We have a year to wait before taking this cruise. As time goes on I am sure I will have more questions.
And of course, any reviews or suggestions between now and then will be appreciated.
Re: Walking sticks
Unless you’re planning on taking an independent hike down from the Jungfrau, or hiking alone outside of the tour - poles and traction devices are overkill. The Jungfrau can get mushy or slippery —- but you can choose where to walk, or not,. There are plenty of ‘vistas’ to be seen without slipping.

Re: Switzerland: Europe's Crown Jewel - September 2024
Everyone is always so ramped up about the GE, but to be honest, we saw MUCH better scenery on other trains and on the motor coach thru Switzerland. Switzerland is stunning- yes, the GE is super scenic - but so is everything you will see.
We did this tour many years ago and did do the GE, but it wasn't a highlight for us.
We did the Ultimate Alps & Dolomites and saw so much more scenery than anything we saw on the GE.
You will love Switzerland
Re: Switzerland: Europe's Crown Jewel vs. Ultimate Alps and Dolomites. Preference?
We've taken both tours and while both were worth taking, we preferred the Alps and Dolomites. It gave you a wider variety of things to see and we thoroughly enjoyed the trip up Mt. Titlis.
Since the highlight of the Switzerland tour was the scenery, it had more bus time. As others have said, I was not impressed with the Glacier Express, so don't feel bad about missing it. You're on the train and don't see all of the magnificent bridges in the brochures.
The fact that the hotel in Lucerne (Switzerland) is in the heart of the city on the lakefront appeals to me more than the Burgenstock that is up in the mountains overlooking Lucerne (Alps and Dolomites).
Whichever you choose, go early and spend additional time in either Munich or Lausanne. There is so much to see and do in Munich that a few days extra would be warranted! Lausanne is a surprise with much to do there and in other towns along the lake.
Re: Is 2 tours back-to-back too much?
Thank you all! My hubby and I appreciate all your informed comments. Happy traveling, Tauck pals!
Re: Is 2 tours back-to-back too much?
Stellie, who’s betting it won’t be your last. East AFRICA next, it’s so different!

Re: Is 2 tours back-to-back too much?
About to embark on back to back tours South Africa "Elegant Adventure" and "Epic" Namibia . It's a LONNNG flight! So decided to do both! Unlike most of you who have been returning to Africa numerous times I imagine this will be my one & only trip.
Carpe Diem!