Best Of
Just returned from April 25 tour—highly recommend!
We got home last night at 11:30 from the best trip ever. Every aspect of the trip—from Versailles to Paris—is amazing. The scenery, the hotels, the food, and most of all, the French people, were delightful. Our tour leader, Jacqueline, was sweet, knowledgeable, kind, and unfailingly positive. There is little wonder that this tour is one of Tauck’s best sellers.
Having said all that, here are some take aways that might help someone. Please feel free to ask any questions you have about specific details about our tour.
1) This trip is expensive. I know that someone may look down their nose and reply that if we can’t afford it, we shouldn’t go, but we spent a lot on the non-included meals. A sandwich and a soda at a take-away cost between 20 and 30 Euros. At the Versailles hotel, we had two coffees in the bar and it cost 20 Euros. Even bottled water could be 5 Euros or even 10. Just be prepared. Also, ordering “une carafe d’eau” saved us a lot—they brought us tap water instead of Perrier or Evian.
2) Bring an inflatable neck pillow for the bus. I wish I had.
3) My husband and I both use canes for support with balance. We got used to being the last off the bus and the last at any sightseeing tour. I realize that the Tauck info is very clear that they cannot make allowance for those with disabilities, but I am just leaving this out for you as our experience. The local guides all moved very quickly—except that Ed, the wonderful Irish guide at the D-Day Academy, noticed that we were being left behind and ran interference. I get it: everyone wants to see everything. I wish I had spoken up, but I didn’t. If this is you (needing a bit of extra time), let your guide know. Jacqueline was wonderful and was the last woman in the bathroom and the last back on the bus. It’s really just the local tours that were challenging for us.
4) France is clean and beautiful, mostly. No roadside litter, little trash. They are huge on recycling. As in every other big European city, graffiti is ubiquitous in Paris. Lots of smokers in the outside sidewalk cafes; we just ate inside. The people were wonderful. We didn’t even see much dog poop on the sidewalks.
5) We were with a truly wonderful group of travelers, and the best tour leader EVER. Many of those on our tour had been on many Tauck tours, and we all agree that Jacqueline is outstanding. My husband says that Tauck should make her a partner.
Anyway, this is our subjective experience. We gave it an A+ in every category. If you are on the fence, GO.
Re: Electric Plug and Adapter for Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna & Prague
British
8:14AM
It just looks like a wire stripper to me.
Why yes, it does. 
Could it possibly be used so you can insert bare wires directly into any type of outlet? Why yes, that is a possibility!
AlanS
Trip Cancellation on Crystal
I received an email from Crystal today announcing "Peace of Mind Promise". Reading the blurb, it says that you can cancel up to the last day before your cruise and you'll receive a cruise credit in the full amount you paid for the cancelled cruise.
I thought, "Wow, they're really making an effort to get customers."
Then, at the very bottom of the text it said, "Just pay a fee equivalent to 10% of your cruise fare to benefit from this extra protection." That's travel insurance and not very good travel insurance. Instead of getting your money back, you get a future cruise credit.
Re: Best clothing for K & T safari October 2025
One other must have, a neck gaiter, scarf or face mask when it gets dusty.
Re: Tipping on a land/river cruise combo tour
British is correct that this tour is considered a river cruise in its entirety. As such, all gratuities are covered.
Regarding land tours, there has been much discussion about whether or not housekeeping gratuities are covered by Tauck. I can only report my experience. Quite some time ago, I was advised that Tauck no longer included housekeeping gratuities. This was per the tour director at that time. It’s a moot point for me since I typically extend ‘thank you’ gratuities for exceptional service at my discretion.
kfnknfzk
Re: Tipping on a land/river cruise combo tour
You final travel documents - provided via a link in an email from Tauck - lists the tipping information for your tour.
On land tours (not part of a river or small ship cruise) the only suggested tips are for the one TD you'd have and the one coach driver you'd have. On cruises there are multiple TDs and coaches so that's why tips are included in your tour price. You'll have those personnel throughout your tour both in the land and cruise portions.
Re: Just returned from April 25 tour—highly recommend!
Thanks for your report. This trip is on my radar as a possibility for next year
BKMD
Re: Trip cancellation advice
We had to cancel years ago for a family emergency- we had the insurance but I booked our own flights- all worked out great, didn't lose a cent. Just last fall we had to cancel for an medical issue, but re-booked for a few weeks later. I booked the air on my own. My condition and the new date didn't work out so we had to cancel again, so don't rush it. We are giving it a third try this fall.
So far, except for cheap, short flights from Maui to Honolulu (I booked with Hawaiian Air) we haven't lost a cent. I probably could have claimed the Hawaiian air flights with Tauck, but it wasn't worth my time. We usually re-book the tour right away. Delta will usually just issue new tickets but since I book as early as possible the tickets can sometimes expire. In that case I use the Tauck insurance to get a refund.
AlanS
Re: Flight from Itami to Tokyo before flight back to Dulles question
Also, you can check the routing label they put on your suitcase before it disappears.
British
Re: Flight from Itami to Tokyo before flight back to Dulles question
It has been my experience that the agent at the ticket counter has always advised whether or not my luggage is checked through to my final destination.
kfnknfzk