Best Of
Re: Itinerary Change for 2027: Now Bordeaux, the Dordogne & Biarritz (No Paris, No Lyon)
We are days away from leaving for this tour, current iteration. We’ve been to Paris many times, but it never gets old. We’re glad it starts there and it sure makes flying in a lot easier. One of the reasons we booked was Lyon; probably would not have if that city was excluded. Only positive change for 2027 (my opinion) is extra time in Biarritz.
Re: Essence of Japan
I went on this tour in early March. We saw early cherry blossoms and tons of plum trees blooming. It was cold, but the crowds at popular sights were heavy but manageable. Our tour director told us to avoid cherry blossom high season at all costs - the crowds are crazy. We also saw Mt. Fuji three days in a row! Only one day of rain and one of snow, otherwise sunshine. I was traveling solo in a small group (23 total). The entire experience was outstanding.
melachap
Re: Bike excursion around Avignon
I have chosen bicycle excursions during 3 of my 4 Tauck river cruises. I have also requested a bicycle from the ones on the ship to venture out solo in the City of Lyon on its paved bicycle path.The only challenging portion of the Avignon cycling excursion was the brief part within the city... cobblestone streets and dodging traffic, other local cyclists and pedestrians. Once we crossed over the bridge to the island to cycle through the orchards, it was much easier and calmer,... a very pleasant experience.
My cycling excursion along the Saone river south to Macon was extremely windy and challenging, even for the local cycling guide. The excursion through the vineyards along the Douro in Portugal was challenging due to the sloping and rocky portions of the trek. Avignon was the easiest and least challenging.
Patrice
Laundry
I am going on the Essence of Japan trip with my family in June and was hoping to do laundry midway through the trip. Is there a good hotel/place that provides this service for a decent fee?
Re: Family Safari - August 12
@Mimitravels
Thanks, so much. I do have a question related to the bike ride. I will send you a private message.
bobbette
Re: Family Safari - August 12
bobbette- Castles on the Rhine Family River cruise was our first Tauck trip back in 2016. About half the guests were kids. It was a wonderful trip and it's what brought us back the following year on the Bridges Danube river cruise. We have also done Bridges Costa Rica and Bridges Tanzania Family safari. Message me if you ever have any questions.
Re: Hotel Hairdryers?
I have thick coarse hair that takes a long time to dry and having the right hair dryer is very important to me which is why I always bring my own. However, on our recent trip to Istanbul and Athens, I did not need to use it in any of our accommodations. The Intercontinental Hotel in Istanbul, the Windstar Legend, and the Grande Bretagne in Athens all had excellent hair dryers.
September 2026
We are going on the Classic Italy tour this September and while we are in Venice we will celebrate my husbands 70th Birthday. Wanting ideas for great local restaurants in Venice that can accommodate a party of seven. Great food and great wines! Thank you!
Re: Laundry
We used the self service laundry at the Hyatt House which is right next to the Hyatt Centric Kanazawa. Just cross the patio and tell them you are staying next door and they will give you a key to the laundry room. We put a load in before our dinner at the Hyatt Centric and moved the laundry to the dryer between courses. Our tour director did his laundry there as well.
clothing and Vancouver activities
We are taking this trip in June. What is the dress like on this trip especially for dinners in the evening? Do the men need a jacket? What about on the train? Also any suggestions for activities in Vancouver outside of what Tauck covers would be appreciated.
Thanks!
CM2019