Best Of
Re: Travel from Kyoto Station on 25 March 2025 to Narita Airport
We returned from Kitsani in Osaka.There are 2 airports in Osaka. It was a 90 min drive to there from Four Seasons in an immaculate, AC, minivan. When we got to the airport a women in uniform holding a Tauck sign was waiting for us. She escorted us to our baggage checkin lines and waited until we were done. After that she escorted us to security and waited until we entered the secure area. No stress wondering where to go in the airport terminal. On another note do use the visit Japan web site and print, or save that QR code to enter the country. Tauck sent us exactly what to put on the form beforehand via my email request. While you do NOT HAVE to have the code, if you don’t you need to step out of line to fill out the paper form. Unfortunately we landed at the same time as several other flights and it was a gigantic long line that moved but would not want any more delay that we could avoid. Also some of our tour companions arrived earlier than just one day and the concierge, hotel staff at the Shangra-La helped them secure a private guide, or tickets to an attraction that was not on our tour.You will be well guided by Tauck or the hotel staff if you let them know what it is you require. Enjoy your trip!
Re: Briggs and Riley Duffle Luggage Question
On tour Tauck will handle them for you. But if you plan any independent travel that involves trains you’ll need to lift it on board, store it in transit (the storage areas are not large) where you can see it then unload it. I looked at those duffels on line. They are huge! I know you say you can’t pack light but watch this: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDn9l20NlWw
Re: Morocco during Ramadan
We were in Morocco in March 2024 and enjoyed the trip enormously during Ramadan in part thanks to Chris Morrison who could make an adventure out of a trip to the principal’s office. People were gracious everywhere despite their fatigue and fasting. It is uncomfortable to eat and drink in front of people who are unable to do so.
The Casablanca hotel allowed no alcohol in public and had no bar; the one in Fes had a beautiful bar with a wonderful view but it wasn’t open. Of course one can have alcohol in one’s room but if wine with dinner is part of your enjoyment that isn’t always possible. It wasn’t onerous, though. The private Tauck dinners had wine available.
Possibly the souks were less crowded than would have been otherwise, not a bad thing. Some shops were closed outside the old markets as were some coffee shops and some restaurants. On the whole it wasn’t an issue for us. We had a wonderful small group of travelers. It was special to be in Morocco during such an important observance and to appreciate the commitment to their religious practice. The people, the culture, the architecture and history are great. Given the option, however, we would choose to go outside Ramadan to have the full Moroccan experience. But given no option we would not hesitate to travel there again during that time.
Augrl
Re: Switzerland May 30-June 9, 2024
When I took this tour in May last year, we were not able to use a couple of the primary hotels because they had not yet opened for the summer season, but the change of hotel was printed in the brochure and on line, so I knew of the changes before booking the tour. We did take the Glacier Express, but in my opinion, it wasn't anything special.
MCD
Re: Pre trip tour Cape Town
We are going on 8/2 tour heading to winery for 2 days first. Want to do Robbens Island but won’t arrive in CT until 10am 8/1 not sure we have enough time for our free day
GaryS1
Switzerland May 30-June 9, 2024
Hi everyone! I am a solo traveler who will be on the Switzerland tour May 30-Jun 9,2024. Is anyone else going on this tour? This is my first time with Tauck and I just received the last minute news that we will not be traveling on the Glacier Express. This was going to be the highlight of my trip, and I am disappointed that last minute they cancelled it. Instead we will be taking a local train. Is anyone else disappointed? Has anyone else taken this tour without the Glacier Express? Tauck says that the local train travels the same route, and the difference is that there is no domed window above. The local train, however, has windows that open instead. Some of the advertised hotels were changed as well. Is this common? Any information you have about this tour and your experience would be greatly appreciated!
Re: Dinners seating?
Just returned, ditto all Sue M said.. Small details to add, Best Buy for me a pair of comfy, cushioned slip on sneakers.You do a lot of shoes on, shoes off. Usually there are many people around you as you try to remove your shoes in the outer area and step into the “clean “ area in your socks. Small overnight bag that you can whip on and off the bullet trains. They stop for only a very few minutes and you will be in the aisle waiting for the train to stop. Once that door opens you need to move out smartly. The rest of your tour group as well as other passengers are also trying to get off and other passengers board. You do lots of temples, shrines, gardens and historical sites, uneven ground and steps. Bring a walking pole or buy a collapsible cane, pole there if needed at a Japanese pharmacy. They were very helpful for some. The hotels particularly the Shangra-La and the Four Seasons were outstanding. If you can find space bring a swim suit to use the pool facilities at the Four Seasons..wonderful.The others had pools but I was too busy to use.Dress is quite casual.Many wore nice activewear during the day and maybe elevated their clothing for the 3 group dinners. Note every hotel had nice pajamas or a cotton Yakata ( Cotton Kimona robe) waiting in your room. A bucket list trip for us. Pleasant , easy going travel companions and excellent guides made it so memorable. You might be out of your comfort zone but you will be very well cared for. Enjoy this special tour!
Re: On the road again. Final Update 8/25/2024
AlanS - Next time in Tucson you need to get to the other side of the Catalinas - the part facing Tucson. Noreen and I just live a few miles apart from each other. We could have a Tauck Forum participants dinner. 
Re: Travel from Kyoto Station on 25 March 2025 to Narita Airport
Debi, I absolutely do not want to take any trains on my return trip to the US. So will Tauck transfer me directly, by car, from the hotel in Kyoto to an airport? Which one?
GM
Re: Dinners seating?
Ellen, your comments were so appreciated. Glad to hear you had a wonderful trip. I better start learning how to use chopsticks!
GM