Best Of
Re: So far, not happy with 2 of the 3 hotels...
Claudia - Our final prices included the extra GOT night prior to both tours.
Re: So far, not happy with 2 of the 3 hotels...
I know that Switzerland is not part of the EU. It's Swiss law that prohibited air conditioning before June 1 -- at least, that's what we were told.
MCD
Cruising the Land of the Rising Sun
I am taking this trip on April 26. Any tips from previous guests or are there fellow travelers out there? I am aware of the previous criticisms about this trip but am willing to give it a go anyway because the itinerary fits my interests and because Tauck has supposedly addressed some of these issues.
smarks50
Re: Cruising the Land of the Rising Sun
I am also gonna be a young 70 in a few weeks. The best gift anyone can give me is to travel and good health and happiness.
Re: Wind Star Ship
Whatever size ship my job is to fetch that first cappuccino and maybe a pastry or two. This little device makes it a lot easier and it folds flat for packing. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07V5CRLR1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
Re: England, Scotland Wales
There's over a hundred threads on this tour alone -- comments, questions/answers and reviews. You could start there.
Re: Christmas Market
Second that on Tauck's hotel in Vienna. Very well placed to walk or take a tram to most all the markets or other sights. The rooms were very nice. My group of 6 women traveling solo in Cat 1 cabins all had great rooms.
Re: Vaccinations
I think they want to protect themselves by recommending a vaccine for every possibility.
You think maybe they want to protect you, huh?
Re: Advice please about these restaurants in Portugal and Spain
That is quite a list!
My suggestion would be to focus on the area instead of individual restaurants.
Madrid - There are some excellent tapas bars around the Plaza Mayor area. There is a remarkable market there as well -- Mercado San Miguel. As LissaM mentioned, Botin is excellent, but reservations are essential. Their specialty is roasted suckling pig.
Lisbon - For authentic Portuguese cuisine, the Alfama district has many "mom and pop" restaurants. If you like grilled octopus, have it there.
Porto - Many places along the river. Weave in and out of the side streets to find the best ones.
Coimbra - Select any outdoor seating area along the pedestrian-free zone. We had a lovely pumpkin soup there.
Pinhao - Shy away from the dock area. Walk up the main hill and pick one of the cafés. There was a tiny place operated by a delightful young man. Simple and unpretentious.
Edited 14 May to provide additional clarification in Madrid.
kfnknfzk
Re: Advice please about these restaurants in Portugal and Spain
Botin in Madrid was excellent when I ate there. Enjoy your trip.
LissaM