England, Scotland & Wales

We had the best guide--gave us the history of Great Britain in small enjoyable chunks. I never fully realized before that this history is also our history. The food was superb, especially the roast beef yorkshire pudding lunch with oven browned potatoes and wonderful fresh peas. The surprise bagpipe player was a real treat and all of the local guides were fabulous. Oh those handsome guys in kilts!

First trip with Tauck but certainly not our last. Only problem is which one to choose next! :)

Shakespeare Hotel, while quaint, was not up to Tauck standards. It's only advantage is its location in the center of town. A chnage here would be a good thing.

England, Scotland and Wales was our first Tauck Tour. We had been on another great tour (a different company) and when we returned I asked our travel agent can you travel to other countries that way and she said "Sure, if you want to pay for it". She recommended Tauck Tours. We found it to be a wonderful tour, and a value. We have been on 15 or 16 Tauck tours since then and have one planned for 2010. We hope to do many more in the future. Don't be turned off by "airfare additional". It is so much more a value than other tours.

In spite of the rain, the trip was wonderful. The hotels were excellent, the pace of the tour quite good, the tour director very knowledgable. If this is the first trip to London, I would suggest guests spend an extra few days on their own in London to explore this fascinating although expensive city. I especially enjoyed the performance of Tattoo in Edinburgh, the performance of "Wicked" in London and the tour of Westminster Abbey. There is a lot of walking involved and, especially in Scotland and Wales, the streets are of cobblestone, quite uneven and very slippery when wet. However, you always have the option not to participate in the walking tours but then you miss so much.

This was the first tour we had ever taken and it was more than we ever expected. Tauck is outstanding in every aspect of the tour. If we are ever able to take another tour it will be with Tauck.

Overall the trip was outstanding. We had a wonderful time. the tour director had a great sense of humor and was well versed and informative all the way. We did get quite a bit of rain in the beginning of the trip. It didn't bother me much until it continued for 5 or 6 days before letting up. I guess I'd tell people that it tends to be a bit wetter in the UK than in the USA. I have bad knees and found it an easy trip for me.

This was our 22nd Tauck Tour and a revisit to the same tour we enjoyed in 1994. Edinburgh is an easy city to explore and enjoy, despite some rain, Portmeirion, Wales always interesting. So many things have changed, especially the interactive tours of the Roman Baths in Bath and Stonehedge. History and archeology intersect with fascinating tales at these sites. The tour now includes Blenheim Palace and Oxford University; a scrumptious tea; Wedgwood where we made our very own oval medalions that were shipped home to us in time for the holidays. So many great places that were enjoyed by all. The food was usually very good and the theater in London was of course the apex of a nostalgic and great trip. We explored London's museums and used the underground to find them on a rainy wonderful day.

Having never been to the United Kingdom before, my husband and I chose this trip so we could get a good feel for the U.K. We were not disappointed. The only complaints we had was that it was very intense and did not leave too much time to shop or take in the ambiance of the countries. We are in our 50's and are used to being on the go all the time, however, we were pretty tired when we got home. On the good side, we enjoyed all of the hotels except for maybe the Shakespeare Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. We also understand that usually the group would attend a performance at the Shakespeare Theatre, which would have been most enjoyable. However, the theatre was closed. Really enjoyed all the little towns we visited, especially in the Lake District. My husband and I would have liked to stay a few extra days in London, however, time did not permit.

My husband and I have also taken the Canadian Rockies Tour in 2008, and the Classic Itay tour in 2006 which was our absolute favorite tour. I would do it again.

This year we are taking the Alpine Interlude tour which includes the Passion Play. the tour is scheduled for September 18. I have been reading alot of the comments from travelers who have taken this tour and they say how fabulous it is, especially the tour director, Heidi. We are hoping we will have her also.

One thing about tour directors, we have always had the best tour directors, especially Andrea in Italy.

We had Mike in the U.K. and I was a little disappointed that he was not from the U.K. He was good, but I would have preferred someone from those countries.

Overall, we have travelled on a number of different tour companies and once we started with Tauck in 2006 we were hooked. As long as your standards remain high, my husband and I will continue to choose Tauck for our trips.

Thank you so much for the wonderful memories we will have from these trips.

Our tour director was fantastic and the sites were great. Two problems:

1. Because of the Spanish tradition of eating after 8:30 p.m. and the requirement of starting early in the day to accomplish seeing the sites and also because of constant need to pack up and unpack, the tour was a bit more stressful than the unbelievalby wonderful Tauck tour on the Danube from Budapest to Prague in 2008.

2. Running into the difference for luggage weight restriction within Spain as oppossed to flying into Spain cost us an addition 100 Euros. We were particularly vulnerable since we had to pack for a two conference and a 3 day wine country tour prior to joining the Tauck tour.

Excellant

This tour was packed...44 people. Do not ever want to do that again. Before I take another Tauck tour, I would want to know how many are going to be on it. This was our third Tauck tour. We had fun because we traveled with another couple on this tour but for an upscale(?) tour, it wasn't with that many people on it. We had fun with Debbie Holmer in Italy and Michael Furillo in Australia but this trip to Ireland not so much.

It was wonderful. I understand you are no longer offering this trip. Unfortunate - it was wonderful.

Every day was different and exiciting. Didn't expect to have as much fund and to learn and experiene so much in the process.

Wonderful trip but should be marketed toward healthy, fit, middle aged or below. Our tour guide, Birgit, was the best! Us old folks struggled to keep up and she had the compassion and patience to keep our spirits high! The itinerary was superb and we especially loved Carrara! That was awesome! Our tour guide, Umberto, told us "we were going to meet the Angels" and he was right! After bicycling in Lucca, we came home and bought ourselves bikes! Now everyday we cruise the neigborhood. Another great Tauck tour...we are never disappointed.

This is a physically demanding tour. Having said that, there were people along that could not take part in all of the physical activity (hiking and biking), but, I think that they were taken care of very well and did not miss out on any of the really important aspects of the tour.

This is a physically demanding tour. Having said that, there were some on the tour that were unable to take part in all of the physical activities, but, they did not miss out on the overall theme which was to get deeper into the life style of the area we visited.

It was a wonderful experience, and, I highly recommend it. I just might do it again.b (how's that for a recomendation?)

The itinerary was great but there was rarely enough time to do more tnan the tour and eat lunch. The rooms were exceptionally small, and being at the back of the boat very noisy. The food was OK- nothing more. The tour director, Stephen, was a miserable man whom most all the passengers disliked. He was haughty, not accomodating, and rarely could be found. He certainly did nothing to make the trip enjoyable!!! I would never take another riverboat trip.

This was a fantastic cruise. The most fabulous place on the trip is very har to choose as each one was so unique. This was my sixth trip with Tauck and as usual the care and experience Tauck gives to their travelers is outstanding. The tour directors on the ship as well as the land tours were very knowledge-able.Entertainment aboard the ship was varied and so enjoyable.The staff coouldn't have been more accomodating.

Wonderful..It was my second expereience on the LeLevant, and I plan to take the Meditterranean cruise in 2011

Tauck excels in all of their arrangements. Nothing but the best...nothing is omitted.

The Normandy coast was exceptional.If you are interested in the "D"day landings this area will remain in your memory for a long time. Brittany was a delight, as well a Loire Valley, and the food delicious. Our tour director, Richard,was so well informed and personable. This is a trip not to miss.Booked already for the North. of Spain & Portgual for 2010.

Fabulous tour! Every aspect of this tour was fantastic. The scenery was unforgettable and well arranged for viewing! Every meal was a wonderful surprise, prepared and presented perfectly! Our tour director was great, very informative and helpful in every way. I truly loved Capri, the hotel was lovely and the food was spectacular. I truly enjoyed Rome and our private tour to St. Peter's and the Sistine Chapel. I was able to absorb so many details that I never would have seen in a crowd. It was quite an humbling experience. For other guest that choose the Amalfi coast, please expect scenery that will take your breath away. You must see it in person for the awesome beauty of the Amalfi Coast. I found the people of southern Italy to be very friendly and they take much pride in making you feel welcome. It is truly an unforgettable place to travel!!!! I fell blessed to have made this journey.

It was an excellent trip. The excursions,the food and the ship.It was nice to have all expenses,including tips included in the tour costs.Expect to be treated like royalty.

Wonderful trip. Everything was well done. Just go and enjoy the beautiful cruise with a great group and enjoy the many things to see and do.

Warsaw-Krakow was a pre-tour for a Central Europe cruise. We had local guides arranged by Tauck, and that worked out fine. Only one other couple was on the trip with us (they had already done the cruise), so we almost had a custom tour. Food is on your own. Local guides were very proud of their cities. Warsaw is a testament to the resiliency of the Polish people. Krakow is a beautiful city with a wonderful central square with great day and night life. We visited Copernicus' university! Auschwitz is the skeleton of a human-created Hell in the midst of a Garden of Eden. Warsaw-Cracow is a great addition to a cruise, but do it first so you are more energetic about touring. It is worth it.

We had a wonderful tour director. Loved the location of our hotel in Venice; right on the canal and so convenient to St. Marks. We were able to walk all over Venice. Loved Verona and Bologna as well as the Lake District.

Itinerary was very good. Accomdations excellent and dining options great. As with most Tauck tours, the director makes the difference.

Tour guides were great. The ship we were on was very nice, the staff was friendly and helpful. The pace of the tour was very relaxing and the tours on land were very enjoyable.

it was adelightful experience. Ship was excellent as was the food. Did not spend enough time in Vienna but whta we spent was great.

The sites we visited in each town or city seemed to be those not visited by the average tourist. The pace was relaxed and informative. There is a good balance between the planned aspects of our tour and free time. There is always plenty of time in each location to explore on our own. The hotels were beyond Tauck's usual high standards. I particularly enjoyed the cooking demonstartion in Bologna.

Fantastic!! EVERYTHING was done to perfection- and even the weather!! Would prefer to go from Rome to Malta as we did

I had never before been to any of the countries on this tour and found it to be a very special experience. The history, culture, art and political situations in each place were most interesting and educational. The places we visited were beautiful and many were unusual for their historical significance. It was like taking a living seminar in history. I loved it.

Overall experience was good.Everything was well done. I travel by myself and I do have to put myself out to meet and enjoy other people.

Are first tour with Tauck was beyond are wildest dreams. We simply cannot say anything but good things about this tour. An example is arriving in Paris, we immediatly went for a magnificent lunch at the Tower Montparnasse restaurant called Le Ciel De Paris, with its wonderful spectalular view of Paris and the Effiel Tower. Nothing was missing from this tour.

So we took a riverboat cruise the next year (Amsterdam to Budapest on the Swiss Sapphire in 2008). We simply had another fantastic trip and cannot find the right words to describe the company and its staff. We are now booked for are 3rd tour with Tauck in 2010 to Japan and we are sure that it will be another class act by Tauck. Thank you Tauck and staff.

First Class all the way. Tauck thought of all the details. The Swiss Jewel was beautiful and the envy of passangers on other riverboats. Chef Thomas was fantastic. The local cultural entertainment was very enjoyable. The ship crew were very attentive.

What wasn't well done would be easier to answer. Nothing wasn't well done! Everything was perfect, except an occasional rain cloud. But the crew event took care of that. We have recommend this trip to others.

Marvelous! 1st Tauck Tour. LOVED having everything handled! No nickel & diming. Amazing scenery!!!

The Swiss Emerald is a wonderful boat. The crew was great (especially Tanja and Marina) and the food outstanding. You can't beat Tauck riverboat cruising! It is a five-star adventure!

All in...not left on the dock at ports of call.

Greater daily itinerary detail required.

We had problems because of low river levels and missed many important stops. It was not handled very well by the Tour Director. She seemed frazzled and frustrated. She was snappy at times.

We missed several important stops and it was very disapointing. At one point we were told by the Director that we would be going to Salzburg Austria to make up for our missed stops, but we didn't, and it was never mentioned again.

We had to pack our bags and change ships in the middle of the trip. We were glad to change, but it was a huge inconvenience.

The Tour Directors that spent the days with us were excellent. They made up for many problems. They were informative and made the trip fun.

The food was satisfactory at best. The ship and our accommodations were excellent.

When we returned home we fully expected to recieve some sort of acknowledgment of our dsapointing trip in the form of a future discount or some sort of credit. We recieved nothing. Frankly we are shocked at this. Our travel agent has contacted Tauck to let them know what we had expected still nothing.

We had planned to book a future trip with Tauck to either Autralia or Asia. We have recently decided to book our trip with another company.

I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of this trip but would like to see the time frame expanded to 16 or 18 days to spend a more time in Austria and the Czeck Republic. Then I would have characterized the trip as superb! I would like to see some of the other tours be longer as well in order to comprehensively experience a country.

the most wonderful journey on the rivers very very special!!! this was our fourth trip with tauck and we will never use another company when we travel again!!! Food and entertainment fantastic with every little need met. some special surprises along the way. Top shelf tour.

This trip was wonderful. The highlight was the dinner in Vienna in the palace. We had plenty of time on our own but still the information about each country and city/town was well presented.

This was an exceptional exposure to Jewish History that I had not much previous knowledge of. Nineteen of the Twenty Four in the group were of Jewish origin; although not orthodox or serious practitioners of that religion, they were well versed in their history. As a result, the meal times were filled with lively and educational discussions.

We had a fantastic time. Loved every place, everything and made wonderful memories, not to mention photos. Our tour guide, Steven, was great!

We had a fantastic time. Loved every place, everything and made wonderful memories, not to mention photos. Our tour guide, Steven, was great!

This was a fabulous trip. The intinerary was fantastic and I didn't feel rushed in any city or at any time on the tour. I particularly liked that during this tour each hotel stay was at least two nights. I enjoyed all of the Tauck extras - piano recital, etc. Anne Marie was a great tour director - very helpful, good sense of humor, informed and wonderful with making everyone feel at ease. I love taking Tauck tours, because I know that everything will be taken care of for me and I can relax and enjoy. I was a single traveler on this trip and I made wonderful new friends and never felt as though I was on my own at all. The one thing that future guests should know is that at certain times of the year the weather can be unpredictable and if they are going in the fall they should make sure to bring at least some very warm clothes.

Tour director was excellent. Choice of hotels were good the trip from start to finish was excellent, my only complaint it was too short.