Best Of
Re: Excursion recommendations
JanP - We did the Marine Life, Birding Expedition as opposed to the Lava and Viking Adventure.
We enjoyed the Marine Life … excursion. You rode a bus to where you got on a boat that took you around a small island seeing an assortment of wildlife - various birds (puffins of course), sheep, etc. Along the way the crew trawled along the sea bottom and dumped the catch onto tables on the ships deck. You see an abundance of different sea creatures. In addition, the crew shucks fresh scallops which were part of the catch and served them to anyone that wanted to try them. I did and enjoyed them. My wife and niece passed on this opportunity. I can post some pictures if you so desire.
Upon completion of the boat trip portion of the excursion you had a small amount of time to walk around the town where you caught the boat before getting on the bus to return to the ship. I believe we sampled some seafood treat at a food truck parked in the area before walking around a bit.
Re: Vaccinations
Most people will give thoughts including me here. But best to talk to a Dr, go with the map of where you are going and a full history of your health. I’ve given up now about vaccines because I just can’t believe how few people don’t always have the vaccines that are available even for just everyday life in the USA.
British
Re: Restaurant Recommendations
kfnknkzk - I just checked out their website. This looks awesome. Thank you so much!
CAC1
Scandinavia May 20 tour
We are going on the trip starting on May 20th. Anyone else checking in early or wanting to chat ahead of time? We’re from the Boston area. Can’t wait for this trip to start!
Family Fun Along the Seine: Paris to Normandy Forum
Re: Restaurant Recommendations
Perhaps not for dinner, but if you enjoy strolling through covered markets and picking up some items to either eat there or take back to your hotel, we enjoyed Mercato Sant'Ambrogio in Florence.
kfnknfzk
Re: Salzburg versus Cesky Krumlov
Have done this trip. Salzburg is more touristy.while CK is very quaint and lovely. If I could only do one I would choose CK.
Re: River levels on the Seine
travel maven
9:54AM
Alan: I agree. I love RDU but it is a 2 1/2 - 3 hr drive (depending on traffic) for us from Western NC. However, it is better than having to do a layover in another City. Works for me. As a side note I checked out the Tauck tour to Iceland. Holy cow, the prices sure have gone up. For 2025, it lists the price from 10K (rounded up), but when you open the individual cabin section, the prices start at $13K pp (rounded up). That is a lot of money for just 8 days plus the additional cost for airfare. I will have to look into alternatives.
When I first looked several months ago I thought the website prices were screwy, too. They still are. I just looked and the tour page banner for 2025 still says "From $9,990." "Pricing and Availability" shows $9,990 (and all dates "Available"). However, when you expand a date to see cabin categories the lowest price shown is $12,990! (all dates and cabins show "Limited Availability!"). Anyway, we paid our deposit on 30 Jan 2024 and our Financial Summary says we will be paying $9,990.00 each for a lower tier, Deluxe Stateroom on Deck 3. The Tauck website also says we are on Le Champlain but the Financial Summary says Le Bellot. It is one of the two newest of Ponant's six "Explorer" class vessels and was delivered in Mar 2020.
You really can't tell from the website, but you might give Tauck a call about availability the CORRECT pricing!
AlanS
Re: Our Review of the The Rhine, Swiss Alps & Amsterdam River Cruise.
We 'liked' Uniworld, but we LOVE Tauck. We will only do Uniworld again if they offer an itinerary that Tauck doesn't.
The breakfast buffet and dinners weren't as good. Plus, they do NOT have Tour Guides on board like Tauck does. They also have other excursions that you have to pay for -- Tauck would incl these, so Uniworld isn't as all-inclusive as Tauck is. There were also no surprises like Tauck throws in.
As far as Tauck's lunch - it changes daily and is very good - there is a HUGE buffet, plus a specialty cooking area, and a menu to order from. Plus, Arthurs is always another option. This is another reason we prefer Tauck over Uniworld.
Re: River levels on the Seine
We’re 90 minutes from RDU and use it more often than Wilmington. I like the direct flight to Heathrow as well, we’re American Airlines people. Quite often it’s significantly cheaper to overnight at LHR on the return and get that direct morning flight.
mfrancis