Best Of
Re: Norwegian Fjords
Sereneleen: I am sorry to hear about the negative aspects of your recent trip to Scandinavia. It seems that lately, travel is filled with stress and uncertainties due to the increase of people traveling across the world. I also experienced a few negative issues on our recent River Cruise to France due to changes in the Itinerary and Hotels from the original booking and unexpected detours, however, Tauck did their best to overcome the negatives and provided an enjoyable cruise in the end.
The itinerary for the current Scandinavia Tour is somewhat similar to the Tour I took with Tauck in 2005. I was reviewing a copy of the trip report I posted on the Tauck Website back then and noted many similarities to the current itinerary. Yes, there are many hours on the buses, but this is really the only true way to tour these countries in order to soak up the beauty of the mountains and the landscape of Norway is so amazing. I seem to recall that Tauck did break up the long bus rides with various sites in between.
Our visit to the incredible Vasa Museum, back then, was also very short. It wasn't an after hours tour, but I could have definitely spent at least another hour or so viewing the exhibits. I think we only had about 15 minutes after the tour to view the exhibits. I do feel that this portion of the tour deserves additional time.
In addition, I really enjoyed the ferry from Denmark to Norway, it was alot of fun and very comfortable. I agree with kfnknfzk that the Flåmsbana railway tour was wonderful but no longer offered, such a shame. They need to bring that back.
All said and done, it was a wonderful trip. If you enjoy scenery, you will love this itinerary.
Re: Biking on Danube
If you go to the Museum of Communism you might notice a picture of Aya Zonova (American name) on the wall of people who defected. She and my wife skated together as the two female principles of the Ice Capades. My wife was a teenager, and Aya Zanova was quite a bit older so they were not really friends. I don’t think the guide believed us when we told her that story. My father once noticed me watching Eloise on TV and said, “You think she’s kind of cute, don’t you?”. I said, yes. And, forty years later I married her.
Sealord
Re: When did you fly out to return to the states when tour ended?
The GM tour ends with a day room at the Hemingway hotel. We flew in from the last lodge in the morning, then stopped at a major gift shop on the way to the hotel. Got to the hotel a little before lunch (included, at own time). One person on the trip decided to skip the gift shop and was taken to the hotel while others shopped; he was headed for Israel and his flight left earlier than those flying back to the US, him leaving the hotel after lunch. Most of us left the hotel around 7/8 in the evening after dinner, as our flights to the East Coast were all after 11pm (last official day of the tour). The last day is mostly downtime at the hotel: relaxing, eating, and packing.
One person on our tour stayed extra days as she wanted to go to the Karen Blixen Center and an elephant sanctuary, which she was able to do in one day with a hired driver. If you had something specific you wanted to do in Nairobi, you could likely pre-arrange to do so on the last day of the tour rather than spending it around the hotel.
PGH
Re: outlet adapter recommendations
This one worked for me. It will adapt to the outlets of a number of different countries and it has USB charging ports, both A and C.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C9Q11WFH/?th=1
It is a bit big but when you consider what it can do, it's not too bad.
Here's another that's a bit less expensive:
Re: General Questions
I tell fb the absolute minimum about myself include gender or photo. Mostly use it to connect with friends and family.
Re: Norwegian Fjords
I took Tauck's Scandinavia tour years ago even though I am from the region. I wanted my husband to experience the magnificent fjords of Norway. The itinerary has changed drastically since then. Yes, the bus rides were long but what better way to appreciate the beautiful countryside? I do not think they include the Flåmsbane railway tour in Norway anymore and, in my opinion, that is unfortunate.
I spoke once before about the hotels. I prefer the ones in the countryside because of their quaintness and hospitality. The hotels in the larger cities, primarily Oslo and København are geared more for the business traveler, not the tourist. Nonetheless, they are clean and efficient.
Food might be more of an issue for some than the hotels. If your palate craves for American "fast" food, you might be disappointed. Try some regional food. Fish is plentiful, as are root vegetables. Besides, who doesn't like Swedish meatballs? Actually, Danish meatballs are superior, especially when served the traditional way with fresh lingonberries!
For those who are apprehensive about the tour, I recommend doing some research beforehand. If we take our preconceived notions of what "should be" with us, we will surely be disappointed.
kfnknfzk
Re: Norwegian Fjords
I think it is important to keep in mind that we are talking about the tour itself and not the geography or the culture, which in my opinion definitely merit a visit.
Wan
Re: Norwegian Fjords
I"m not put off by the "review" posted. Most of it I already had factored into my expectations and some of it I don't care about like finding food we want. We don't have any dietary restrictions and are willing to try most things at least once. The only things I hope they fix before next year are the Vasa Museum tour, local guide and a more comfortable bus. The rest I'm good with. Having an experienced TD and a "go with the punches" group means more.
Re: Package from Tauck
kfnknfzk, what a lovely story! The best TDs are the best listeners.
Re: Package from Tauck
On our Dec 2023 holiday tour, one of the directors approached me saying she had overheard my husband telling another guest that he would no longer be traveling long distances (too difficult now). I thought nothing of it and had a lovely chat with her. About two months after returning home, my husband received a beautiful card signed by multiple Tauck employees thanking him for his years of travel and wishing him well in his "retirement." Along with the card, he received a beautiful ceramic container with lid made by Tiffany--blue box and all. It has the Tauck logo and a map of the world. It's just another example of the incredible graciousness and class of Tauck.
kfnknfzk