Best Of
Re: New Ships for the Seine and Rhône Rivers
Alina - It is my understanding the new area where Arthur’s was will have coffee. I could be wrong, however.
kfnknfzk
Notes about the Andorinha
Just finished the Lisbon to Madrid cruise 9/11/2023.
One of the best cruises we have ever taken.
Many little “Tauck Treats & Surprises”.
Here are a couple of misc. notes about the Andorinha:
The cabin walls are NOT metal (i.e. steel),so magnetic hooks have nearly no place to hang up items. I found only one location and it was the steel door frame inside the walk-in closet and used it for belts and a tie.
There is a light inside the medicine cabinet mirrored doors. The switch is up very high at the top of the cabinet right beside the electrical outlet. It cannot be used as a night light as it turns off with the room lights. There is under counter light which works well as a night light.
Re: Douro River Cruse comments please
This was one of our favorite river cruises with Tauck. The scenery along the river was stunning, especially because it was fall (Nov 2021) and the vineyards were ablaze in fall colors. The bus rides for the river excursions were not long at all in my opinion.
The strikingly beautiful m.s. Andorhina only sails during the day, so while on excursion the boat continues along the river to meet you. It is not a hectic cruise but, rather, a very relaxing one.
We took the westbound tour and the longest bus ride was from Porto to Lisbon, but it was broken up by stopping in Coimbra. The bus ride from Madrid to embarkation was also broken up by a stop in Salamanca. We have never been bothered by bus rides and enjoy having the opportunity to see the countryside.
I hope this was helpful. I would be happy to attempt to answer more questions should you have some.
kfnknfzk
Re: Any place for exercise walking on Douro River Boat (the Andhorina)?
There is room to walk.
Sealord
Re: Any place for exercise walking on Douro River Boat (the Andhorina)?
As Sealord said, there is room for walking on the top deck. Be mindful of the time restrictions, however, so as not to disturb those in the cabins below.
The ship sails during the day while you are on excursions.
kfnknfzk
Re: March Trips: Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence OR Exploring the Douro, plus Madrid & Lisbon
Terrilynn, we did the Douro in late Oct/early Nov. We did avoid heat in places like Lisbon and Spain and the colors were lovely. But we had rainy days on the river, very little chance to enjoy the newly designed sun deck and our welcome dinner at the Queluz Palace started after dark so we didn't see the garden. If I was planning it again I'd opt for a week or 2 earlier in Oct.
Re: March Trips: Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence OR Exploring the Douro, plus Madrid & Lisbon
I have taken both the Savoring France and the Douro tours; the former in Apr/May and latter in Nov. Weather was perfect both times.
kfnknfzk
Re: Lausanne OLYMPIC museum
I’ll purchase when we get there just in case plans change👍As always appreciate all tips.
Re: March Trips: Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence OR Exploring the Douro, plus Madrid & Lisbon
We have done both of these tours. The Douro in May and Savoring France in late September. I’m afraid I can’t say anything about March. These are both ‘wine’ tours. On the Douro trip you will taste a lot of Port. On the Savoring France you will taste a variety of French red wines. We enjoyed both tours a lot, but if we had to pick a winner it was probably Savoring France. We had good weather on both tours … not too hot. I can appreciate the ‘availability’ issue. When you try to do a riverboat or even a small ship cruise less than a year in advance the pickings get slim. We normally get on the ‘wait list’ before the trip is even offered for sale. I was a bit late on our 2026 choices and the room choices were ‘limited’.
Sealord