Best Of
Re: Arc de Triomphe - bag restrictions
I wouldn't have a problem with that so no I don't think it's too strict. That's15" x15" x8". I try not to load myself down when sightseeing. Also no strollers, no dogs, no selfie sticks, etc. 284 steps to the top. You really want to be carrying more than that?
https://youtu.be/c6MFVLB8ue8?feature=shared
Re: Michigan's Lakes and Mackinac Island
The food we had was served on dishes, not paper, but it wasn’t very good.
Choc
Re: Let the fun begin in B, Z & SA!
There was a No1 Detective TV series starring Jill Scott some years ago which if you can find it, is good to watch
British
Re: Let the fun begin in B, Z & SA!
Have the time of your life, HooHeel! I went solo too, and I loved every minute of that tour. I second Tribal Trends when you hit Capetown. If Reagan is still a waiter at Kabu please give him my best.
Re: Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna & Prague 2024
The Wieliczka Salt Mine was included on the "Royal Danube, Berlin & Krakow" trip that I took in 2022 (One of my favorite trips). Our farewell dinner was held deep within the salt mine. People were given the option of walking down all those steps, or taking an elevator down. I chose to walk. We all took the elevator to return to the surface after dinner. I agree that it is not to be missed.
MCD
Re: Just returned from Jordan & Egypt-small group (2/2024)
BKMD. I would definitely go back when the GEM is fully open. I'm thinking in 10 years Inshallah.
Re: Michigan's Lakes and Mackinac Island
This morning, we set out in the tenders to dock at Mackinac Island. The lake was beautiful and calm and the weather perfect. We got onto horse drawn carriages with two carriage horses, through the shopping street and upwards to a halfway point where we could choose to stay on and go up to the Grand Hotel or change carriages and take a guided ride through the forest, stopping off at Mackinac Fort which was really interesting and had wonderful views of the lighthouse and lake. This carriage had three horses pulling it. We then had to walk three quarters of a mile down to the Grand Hotel where we were all meeting for lunch.
Everywhere on the island are gorgeous flowers and shrubs. The gardens at the hotel are wonderful and the hotel spectacular inside and out. The only disappointment was lunch. The dining room had hundreds of people in it, all lining up for I guess, what we thought would be an elegant lunch experience. Instead it was a buffet off paper plates!
We walked around the hotel inside afterwards and then meandered down to the shopping area, seeing all of the 17 fudge shops and T shirt stores. It was busy. We caught the 3pm tender back to our ship.
British
Re: Small"er" Group Tours??
Merely to offer a different opinion, I prefer the regular sized groups - more personalities and people to engage with (or avoid). Even with a land tour group of 44, there was significant comradery. I never have felt that too much time was wasted getting on/off bus, etc. To me, the larger groups make for a more interesting trip. The only time that has been difficulties with ‘waiting’ for others was on a trip with a total of 8 guests. One guest was perpetually late or lost. As has been said, the larger group is always broken down to smaller groups. Clearly this is a personal preference- I just want others not to feel obligated to spend the extra money for the smaller group size.
