Best Of

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.