Best Of
Re: Good Review of Cruise Options
So what value added does 'Shawn' bring if, "He doesn't do airfare, (before and after) hotels, or any other type of ancillary arrangement?" (unless he gives a handsome, but prohibited, kickback). It is easy peasy to book a tour thru Tauck, it is the other stuff that can sometimes require the assistance of a TA though I've only used a TA once, when we took our family of 10 to WDW followed by a Disney cruise- talk about ancillary arrangements! Yikes 
AlanS
Re: Good Review of Cruise Options
I stopped using a travel agent, find it so much better to make contact myself and I can do research for extra days and time. I've always booked by own air, only once I used Tauck. I really enjoy booking the trips myself.
Re: Salzburg visit or Nurenberg Past and Present
I've been to Salzburg 3 times, the first time I had booked a tour with Viator from Munich, don't remember how long it took to get there but it's a lovely place and worth seeing, the other 2 times where on river cruises, one of them was a Christmas Market cruise and we went during the day and then returned at night, it was magical.
Re: Salzburg visit or Nurenberg Past and Present
On our Danube Christmas cruise in 2023 the ship docked at Linz which is about the same distance to Salzburg. Our coach ride was an adventure. The area had been hit with the biggest snow storm in years but the coach headed out anyway and we zoomed down the autobahn at a pretty good pace i.e. scared the .. out of me. We did make a rest stop at a hotel/restaurant complex. Sadly for some the power cut out after about a 1/3 of us made it thru the restrooms. The rest had to just get back on the bus. Ouch.
It was Saturday so nothing had been shoveled in Salzburg and I found out the hard way my boots were not waterproof. But the markets and town were great to wander in and Tauck had lunch arranged at the Fortress Hohensalzburg where you ride a short funicular up to the castle. If they offer that its worth doing.
Re: is there a benefit to booking EASTbound VS WESTbound
In a separate message, I was asked whether Madrid or Lisbon was more "hectic." I offer my thoughts here since others might be interested in providing their perspectives.
Lisbon and Madrid are large cities and with very different cultures and cuisine. They are two of my most favorite cities. Night life in both can certainly be chaotic, primarily because the locals eat supper quite late. The tapas bars in Madrid can be loud but so much fun, especially if you make the effort to be cordial and ask for help. Seeing a Flamenco performance might be of interest, although the best ones (according to some Spaniards) are found in Seville. Conversely, the bars in Lisbon offering fado music (very soulful) are more refined in my opinion.
As far as touring both cities on your own, I prefer the area around Plaza Mayor in Madrid and the Alfama district in Lisbon. Museums are plentiful in both cities, the food is divine—the best octopus being in Portugal, the Moorish architecture is dramatic, the history powerful, excursions outside the cities are easy to do and the people are welcoming, especially if one makes the effort to learn a few words in their language.
There aren't enough superlatives to express my fondness of the magnificent Iberian Peninsula.
kfnknfzk
Re: Yet another Tauck Freebie
I disagree with the poster who thought all Tauck guests should be treated equally. I have completed over 45 tours with Tauck and have two more scheduled this year. I think those of us who have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars with Tauck should receive an occasional recognition. In fact, I recommended this to Tauck on my review cards for the past few years. I travel frequently with an upscale cruise line and they have had a recognition program for years - the more cruises you buy the more "goodies" you receive. As it should be, in my opinion - we deserve to be rewarded for our loyalty. In fact, I think Tauck should take this a step further and reward guests for every 25 trips, or something similar.
smarks50
Re: Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence - Excursion Choice Guidance Requested!
I went to that same farm. That tour was one that I remembered - very interesting. I found that I didn't care for truffles, either, but seeing the dogs find them was interesting. Someone asked why they use the yellow labs instead of the black or chocolate. They said that the yellow labs are easier to see when it's getting dark.
Re: Suggestions for Barcelona/Madrid
I have been on several of Tauck's other Spain and Portugal tours, but not this one.
Barcelona - My least favorite city due to the influx of cruise ship passengers (my comment is not disparaging, simply truthful.) Las Ramblas has a circus-like atmosphere but is beloved by many. The market is a highlight in my opinion. There are many wonderful nearby neighborhoods to explore.
Madrid - Known for its museums--all within walking distance of the Westin Palace (I don't know if your tour stays there.) We always return to the Plaza Mayor area for the tapas bars and the wonderful market. It is a great area to just explore.
Seville - My favorite Spanish city for its beauty. It is immaculate! I hope Tauck does the horse-drawn carriage ride for your group. It takes you all around the city--stunning architecture everywhere. The Hotel Alfonso is equally gorgeous and has a lovely and very generous breakfast offering.
I have no experience with cooking classes in that region.
Have a good trip!
kfnknfzk
Re: Packing tips.
I brought an airplane "underseater" carry on on this and many other Tauck trips, as well as a medium sized checked bag. There was never an issue with my taking the underseater to and from my room but stowing it in the undercarriage of the bus when we traveled between hotels. Many people do that. Except for actually transferring it into and out of the bus at curbside, Tauck isn't handling the bag, I am.
MCD