Best Of
Re: christmas river cruise
We've done them both a few times. While the Rhine is stunning - the Danube is better and the markets are more authentic. The Xmas Markets originated in Germany and are still best there compared to the ones on the Rhine which are mostly Switzerland and France w/more Chinese imported items (compared to the wood and pewter items you will see in Germany). You really can't beat Vienna, Salzburg, Passau, Regensburg, & Nuremberg for the Xmas Markets.
The Rhine towns are stunning. But if the Markets are a one & done trip for you - def do the Danube. Book early and extend on each end.
Re: Laundry/dining
We cruised on the Emerald in April. Here is a copy of their laundry request form to give you an idea of their fees. Hope you have a great trip!
TNVFL
Re: Is it time to boycott cash tips to get Tauck to join the modern era?
NOthing is finalized or signed yet.
BKMD
Re: Mobility steps
And I would add Bellagio. I recall crowded steps, no rail getting into the main part of town from the dock.
Re: England, & The West Country
Hi Henry, here goes...
Was the bus filled? No. Any room to spread out? Yes. Did Tauck still use the assigned seat policy? Nobody had assigned seats, the TD gently suggested that we move around, by using a daily seat rotation. Did any one fight for seats? No, everyone was kind. Were there adapters or outlets on the bus for charging? Maybe....If there was, we did not use or need.
How is the Eden Project? Only one couple went to the Eden project; they reported that they enjoyed thoroughly. Did a lot of people go back to Fowey in the afternoon? Yes, everyone else went back early to Fowey. Are there things to do in Fowey? Yes, spa and pools in the hotel, plus sightseeing and shopping on the Fowey waterfront. Plus, we had an open night to enjoy dinner on the waterfront (Sam's Fowey, excellent fish).
Is the Bovey castle a rest day? No, you will be busy. There are a selection of prepaid activities (morning and afternoon timings) and you can purchase additional excursions. Are there things to do outside of the castle? It's remote.... there is a small village, basically a pub, that is walking distance. I don't golf, but if you do, there is a beautiful course at Bovey.
Note: Stonehenge is a 2.5 hour stop on the way from Bovey Castle to Windsor.
How is the last day in Windsor? We arrived in the middle of the afternoon, many people went to the pool/spa areas. Did Tauck go inside Windsor Castle? No, nobody went to Windsor Castle that day. How much time they spent at Stonehnenge? Approximately 2.5 hours. Is the drive from Bovey Castle to Windsor long? Yes, but it includes a lunch stop and is essentially the same route as Stonehenge and Heathrow, thus no time is wasted. Is it worthwhile? Yes, the final night includes a gala farewell reception with a surprise guest, we were not disappointed. Also, the Windsor Fairmont is a lavish newer hotel, huge, with many amenities.
Are hiking boots absolutely necessdary for St Michale's mount? We brought ours and used them, especially at St. Michael's and Tintagel, but some guests did not bother. Note that we had an excellent, dry weather day at St. Michael's. If it's wet it could be dangerous.
I hope that this is helpful. Cheers also.
Re: Rhine Connoisseur
Consider taking the train to Bern, Switzerland’s legislative capital. It is a very clean, walkable city and has a lovely old town area.
kfnknfzk
Re: How to use daily credit for category 5 rooms
Very helpful insights. Thanks to all - we're on Villages and Vintages: Cruising the Douro River Valley aboard Andorinha next May as the 2nd leg of a Tauck back-to-back, the first being a land tour Northern Spain: Barcelona to Porto . . . for us, the comment about using the credit for laundry was spot-on (all puns intended).
Re: Binoculars
Under a 100 is tough. Look at Nikon or opticron. I use Nikon monarchs for other things. Either 8 x 32 or 8 x 42
Ben