Best Of
Re: Douro River Cruse comments please
This was one of our favorite river cruises with Tauck. The scenery along the river was stunning, especially because it was fall (Nov 2021) and the vineyards were ablaze in fall colors. The bus rides for the river excursions were not long at all in my opinion.
The strikingly beautiful m.s. Andorhina only sails during the day, so while on excursion the boat continues along the river to meet you. It is not a hectic cruise but, rather, a very relaxing one.
We took the westbound tour and the longest bus ride was from Porto to Lisbon, but it was broken up by stopping in Coimbra. The bus ride from Madrid to embarkation was also broken up by a stop in Salamanca. We have never been bothered by bus rides and enjoy having the opportunity to see the countryside.
I hope this was helpful. I would be happy to attempt to answer more questions should you have some.
kfnknfzk
Re: Any place for exercise walking on Douro River Boat (the Andhorina)?
There is room to walk.
Sealord
Re: Any place for exercise walking on Douro River Boat (the Andhorina)?
As Sealord said, there is room for walking on the top deck. Be mindful of the time restrictions, however, so as not to disturb those in the cabins below.
The ship sails during the day while you are on excursions.
kfnknfzk
Re: March Trips: Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence OR Exploring the Douro, plus Madrid & Lisbon
Terrilynn, we did the Douro in late Oct/early Nov. We did avoid heat in places like Lisbon and Spain and the colors were lovely. But we had rainy days on the river, very little chance to enjoy the newly designed sun deck and our welcome dinner at the Queluz Palace started after dark so we didn't see the garden. If I was planning it again I'd opt for a week or 2 earlier in Oct.
Re: March Trips: Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence OR Exploring the Douro, plus Madrid & Lisbon
I have taken both the Savoring France and the Douro tours; the former in Apr/May and latter in Nov. Weather was perfect both times.
kfnknfzk
Re: Lausanne OLYMPIC museum
I’ll purchase when we get there just in case plans change👍As always appreciate all tips.
Re: March Trips: Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence OR Exploring the Douro, plus Madrid & Lisbon
We have done both of these tours. The Douro in May and Savoring France in late September. I’m afraid I can’t say anything about March. These are both ‘wine’ tours. On the Douro trip you will taste a lot of Port. On the Savoring France you will taste a variety of French red wines. We enjoyed both tours a lot, but if we had to pick a winner it was probably Savoring France. We had good weather on both tours … not too hot. I can appreciate the ‘availability’ issue. When you try to do a riverboat or even a small ship cruise less than a year in advance the pickings get slim. We normally get on the ‘wait list’ before the trip is even offered for sale. I was a bit late on our 2026 choices and the room choices were ‘limited’.
Sealord
Re: March Trips: Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence OR Exploring the Douro, plus Madrid & Lisbon
Kathy0529 ~
Both of these are on our list - hopefully for 2027 & 2028 (as we are booked with trips till then).
We are looking at April/May for France and October for Douro (or maybe switched, but I hear Oct/Nov is great on the Douro as the colors are pretty). I'll be curious as to what you decide. Both tours look magnificent.
Re: Looking for lunch/dinner recommendations for June 2023
Hands down - Taverna del Lupo in Gubbio. Also - the Park hotel ai Cappucini has a wonderful restaurant in Gubbio.
Re: March Trips: Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence OR Exploring the Douro, plus Madrid & Lisbon
While I have not been on the tours, I know you will better going n the Douro, Madrid and Lisbon tour as it’s too hot for much of the year in those areas. France can be quite chilly at that time of year, although Paris will be a little less crowded. If Versailles is part of the tour you will miss the garden at it’s best.
British