Best Of
Re: Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna & Prague 2024
We were on the same trip with Deborah (hi, Deborah!) and on our full day in Krakow went to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is magnificent. EVERYTHING - statues, even a cathedral, is carved out of salt. Has to be seen to be believed, but the pics/videos you'll see online don't quite do it justice (imo).
There is a VERY long staircase that takes you down the the start of the tour, and it might leave your legs a little wobbly, and for that reason, it is not for those who have difficulty walking.
BTW, this is not on the Tauck itinerary. We arranged it ourselves during free time in Krakow. Tickets are available on the site's web page.
It was a real highlight for us. It is about a 25 minute drive from Krakow - arranged for a car/driver via a quick email to our hotel prior to the trip.
Mark_H
Re: Portrait of India questions! Luggage, water, etc
Not sure of the reasoning but...for the Portrait of India tour, I received my duffel on-site. For the Northern India + Nepal tour, the duffel (which was smaller than the POI duffel) was mailed to my home. Upon arrival, the TD gave each traveler another large duffel (the same one we used for the Portrait of India tour). He thought the mailed duffel was too small. Of course you had the option of declining the larger duffel or leaving the smaller duffel behind at the first hotel. It worked out well. As I already had a larger duffel from my first tour, I decided to use it while on your, but I left it in Mumbai. The smaller one came in handy to transport the few items I purchased in Nepal and all the Tauck gifts the TD provided. Don't forget your bathing suit for the visit to Kerala.
POI is a great tour--in my Top 3!
Re: Thoughts on Namibia Adventure
The fully packed Tauck duffel is too big for carry on. I recommend packing that duffel in your carryon and then transferring your safari clothing into the duffel in Windhoek. Tauck will keep your carryon and get it to you at the last lodge, the stunning Omaanda. Have a blast!
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