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Re: Is it time to boycott cash tips to get Tauck to join the modern era?
Well said, Ken from Vegas. Thank you.
kfnknfzk
Re: Tour Guide for Paris
JamesBoyce - Consider sending an e-mail to your hotel’s concierge and ask for assistance in finding someone. I have done this in other cities but primarily when visiting museums. I would much rather pay a college student working on her/his advanced degree than a middleman.
Some thoughts on what you can easily do yourself in Paris…
Hop-on-Hop-off bus. Take the longest route without getting off and make notes of areas of interest. Take the route again and get on and off as you please.
Explore the smaller museums such as Musée Rodin. I am assuming the Louvre is included as part of your tour.
Montmartre is a wonderful place to explore. Take the little train/trolley to go up and then back down the hill. The views of the city are unparalleled.
The Marais area offers museums, Jewish history and wonderful side streets to explore.
And probably the best…just walk…some of our best memories are the unscripted ones.
Enjoy!
kfnknfzk
Re: Electronic Travel Authorization Requirement When Flying Through LHR
Mike H - Do you volunteer paying extra taxers, too?
No, but I've always said that I want to pay lots and lots of taxes because it means that I'm making lots and lots of money 
Re: Is it time to boycott cash tips to get Tauck to join the modern era?
This subject was discussed with the Tauck CEO on the 1925 Circle zoom meeting this morning. Here's my takeaway:
- They definitely are aware of the concerns about tipping and looking for solutions.
- They want to stick to the tipping model where practical (i.e. land tours).
- There is no app available that would allow tipping internationally (they've looked).
- They are going to try a pilot program of electronic tipping on tours in the US.
One interesting note, the reason that Bridges tours have the tipping included is that they found that parents don't tip for their kids - even though the kids require the most attention.
Re: Feedback about the Grand European Cruise experience
I've been looking at that tour for next year so please post your opinion when you return.
Re: Mobility steps
A few flights of stairs on this tour. Definitely in Doge's palace in Venice and Isola Bella, the later has stairs in the garden that might be tricky. There may also be steps in the Roman Ampitheater in Verona. Also, boat ride in Como and Venice, so you need to be comfortable getting on and off a boat. There are steep cobbled roads in Bergamo. Lots of walking on the tour, like most Italian tours. Some upstairs dining, but there should be hand railings for those. Hope this helps.
Re: Electronic Travel Authorization Requirement When Flying Through LHR
The ETA is not very expensive, easy to apply for, and good for two years. It's a good thing to have in your travel kit.
Re: Rhine Connoisseur
Gladys, don't worry about Ireland. I ate a ton of excellent seafood there. The trick is avoiding lamb/mutton.
Re: Lausanne OLYMPIC museum
We are going a couple of weeks after you. On the museum website it says that the permanent exhibition on Level 1 is closed. that appears to be the history of how the Olympic Games were started. I am getting more information on this from a local tour guide. Safe travels and look forward to hearing about your trips!
taxare