Best Of
Re: Extra day at Dromoland Castle
I emailed the Dromoland Castle to ask some questions about falconry and horseback riding. Emma Barry emailed me back quickly and answered my questions. She explained that falconry gets booked up and she arranged a reservation for us on Sunday, May 18th. I asked if I needed to sign up ahead of time for the complimentary history walk on Saturday and she signed us up tor that. Then after I made a reservation for horseback riding and found out they require cash and do not have credit card equipment, she explained they can do a currency exchange at the castle without fees (just the current exchange rate that day). She even offered to give us euros and add the fee to our room rate. This fee will show up as a cash advance, though, so we may just bring US dollars for the exchange. I was impressed how prompt and helpful Emma has been. She said this is what she is there for, so I should ask as many questions as I wanted.
Sussan
Re: Our Review of the The Rhine, Swiss Alps & Amsterdam River Cruise.
ChrisJ - This was our first river cruise as well after taking many land tours. Because it was so flawless, we immediately booked another...and another....
In retrospect, I wouldn't rank it as a favorite but because of the outstanding crew, food and amenities, we have been devoted river cruisers since.
kfnknfzk
Re: Tour Changes
Have a great time Claudia, I know you will make the most of it with the changes.
When I went in 2022 we did not have a boat ride in Copenhagen we visited the Frederiksborg and Christianborg palaces, also no choice of Fram or Kontiki only Fram.
So it looks like they made changes to the tour for the better.
Autumn along the Rhine...Munich's October Fest 09/24-10/03 2019
Just got an email from Tauck requesting our sizes for Octoberfest. They are providing lederhosen and dirndl for the event. Amazing! I don't know if we Americans can pull that off.Always a terrific trip in every respect with Tauck. Can't wait to go and enjoy.
RWC
Tour Changes
We are booked for this tour and just got our final documents overnight. There has been several changes to the tour and I called Tauck this morning for some clarification.
Stockholm - Day 1 - there has been some questions about the Vasa museum tour before the welcome dinner. It is only 30 minutes. It's unguided so you can wander as you wish. It closes at 5 and our time there is 6:15-6:45. Welcome reception is at 4 and dinner follows the Vasa visit.
The overnight ferry from Copenhagen to Oslo is no longer part of the tour. The ferries were bought by a different company last year and Tauck couldn't reach agreement so you fly to Oslo instead. This has caused changes to both the Copenhagen and Oslo days. Here's my notes from talking to the agent:
Day 4 - arrive in Copenhagen late afternoon. Tickets to Tivoli gardens provided to be used anytime you want while in the city. It will be the Phoenix hotel not the NH as previously advertised in some documents.
Day 5 - 10:30-12:30 canal boat ride city tour - 5pm departure for afterhours tour of Frederiksborg Palace and dinner at a restaurant. Free time in btwn the boat ride and leaving for the palace. You could use this to visit Tivoli or there are a bunch of other museums closer to the hotel which might be what we chose. (might be a better idea if Tauck just offered a choice and reimbursement instead of the Tivoli only)
Day 6 - 9am dep for the airport - arrive Oslo early afternoon - 4pm Oslo short orientation tour
Day 7 - morning - choice of Fram or Kontiki guided tour - lunch at 12:30 - back at hotel at 1:30 with free time the rest of the afternoon and evening. I'm going to look into booking a fjord cruise or bike excursion - maybe both
Day 9 - I don't have the timing for this but it includes the Glacier Museum, lunch in Skei, travel to Loen and the skylift up Mt Hoven - 2 night hotel stay in Loen.
In spite of the changes (and mental readjustments) we're still hoping it's a great tour.
Re: Trip Cancellation on Crystal
Yes, you have to read these insurances very carefully. If you cancel because of something that means you might never be able to travel again, or you die, that’ll not good.
British
Re: French Escapade changes days 9 to 12
There is some structural issue with a bridge over the Rhône apparently.
Nothing to do with the water level.
Re: French Escapade changes days 9 to 12
I got the same message yesterday. Still hoping it’ll be resolved! The possible thought of being bussed everywhere is not very appealing but I’m sure that Tauck will do their best for us.
Day 6 Hidden Galapagos & Peru
sfkucker