Best Of
Re: Souvenirs
BethWentzel - we go over to the markets about every other yr - we will be on the Danube cruise Dec 7 this yr with 10 of our friends. Vendors on the actual markets don't ship. You will find specialty Xmas Stores that will ship - BUT, do know that European shipping is rapidly changing now due to tariffs & has been on the news a lot this week.
When we 1st started going over, we did ship things home a couple times, but I must say -- it was quite a hassle & we no longer do that. It took LOTS of time at the PostOffice (this was in Nuremberg twice), the postal workers were VERY busy & not helpful - and the way you have to pack everything and basically 'make' the box was very confusing and stressful. We now take a Rick Steves HideAway Tote (available on his website - makes a great market bag as it's light, a great size, packs into itself, & has a zipper) - we take it over empty and bring it back as our CarryOn full of our purchases. You can also fill it with clothes and pack your purchases in your suitcase. Just bring some sort of tote, duffle, backpack for your souvenirs.
It is a super casual cruise, so don't feel like you have to pack fancy clothes, etc = save luggage space for gifts. And layers. You will see lots of unique items - lots of wood, pewter, spinners, smokers, nativities. The vendors want Euros -- many will take a CC for the higher priced items >75Euros or so.
Re: Detailed, Hourly Travel Itineraries
Every Tauck trip we've taken - we've gotten the detailed schedule on the first night of the trip or in our room the day before as we arrived a day or two early.
You can always try to find a trip report of the tour you are going and it may have more details.
MNNUTE
Re: Souvenirs
Beth, Terrilynn is the one who hopefully will see this message and make suggestion for you.
British
Re: Souvenirs
The markets are mostly all cash. The only time I could use credit was on something that was over 70 euros. I don't remember any market vendors offering shipping. If you go into stores like Kathe Wohlfart you can pay with credit and likely get shipping. Of course that chain has a US website so you can shop there. I flew Premium class which gets you 2 free bags. I flew over with one bag as lightly packed as possible and brought bubble wrap and an empty duffle. Shopping went home in the main bag and dirty laundry in the duffle.
Re: Souvenirs
I didn’t spend too much time at the markets (different tour), but I would say the vendors within the plazas will not ship, nor will they accept credit cards. Some might. You will have better luck with credit cards at some shops. Save room for souvenirs; bring a tote bag or simply pack light.
Have a great tour.
kfnknfzk
Re: September 12, 2025 Trip - Detailed Itinerary
I've never known Tauck to send out the hourly schedules any sooner than tour start day.
Even if you have the detailed hourly, things can change. We took this tour last Sep and had several changes mostly caused by changes to ferry schedules including one ferry that got canceled the day of and traffic congestion caused by seasonal road work and once by a fatal traffic accident.
Here's a link to my post tour review. https://forums.tauck.com/discussion/18211/17-27-sep-24-tour-review#latest
If you have specific questions let me know and I'll try to answer. For those taking this tour next year, the itinerary has some major changes
Re: September 12, 2025 Trip - Detailed Itinerary
No. You'll get a more detailed daily schedule when you check in at your hotel or on the first day of the tour. This schedule is prepared by the TD and may cover 1 or more days. Each TD's schedule will have its own style and level of detail. It is also subject to change at any time.
AlanS
Re: Money type for AU and Z
I’m bringing $200 worth of AUD and NZD only because I’m more comfortable with having a little cash in hand. I may want to give an extra tip to the driver from the airport to the hotel.
Dottie D
Re: When to book airfare for July 2026 Great Migration Trip?
I heard Qatar is better in Economy than other airlines. We could only afford to put our family in Economy whilst we were in Business last year on the family safari. They were ok apart from the return flight when a sort of deranged passenger would not stay seated and at one point sat on my son’s knee until being removed! Doha airport is amazing, you might want to check if you could pay to go into the Business class lounge where you can shower or even sleep in one of the many secluded corners or pay for a few hours in the Oryx hotel, of which there are two. We used the hotel one time, first walking to the wrong one. I can’t recall how much we paid. I’m thinking it may not have been as expensive as rWilson paid. Maybe you could look into it if you think Qatar may be an option for you. It would certainly be cheaper than business class.
British