It would have been nice but maybe we can do an late spring pre-cruise trip to RSM's resort in Vermont to get us in a "Sound of Music" frame of mind.
I decided to go ahead and book the trip this morning so I could take advantage of the "Gift of Time" offer that expires on 9/30. We'll receive a free pre-night at the Budapest Marriott and a free post-night at Bayerischer Hof in Munich. The Tauck agent told me that their negotiated rate at the Marriott is $205 and for the Bayerischer Hof it's $660 per night, so that's a nice little perk. DisFan10, any information or suggestions about the cruise or excursions that you would care to share is most welcome. And anyone else who is familiar with the area, hotels, activities, or restaurants please chime in too. All on ship and on shore meals are included in the trip, I believe, but we'll have the pre and post days on our own to fill.
Hi Bobo912,
I'm sure you'll enjoy the riverboat cruise, even without Elisabeth. The ship is beautiful and there are all sorts of distractions for the kids. There is also a computer available for guests to check email, but there are connectivity issues depending on the location of the ship. They also have laptops you can check out, but again, connections are spotty.
For your pre-tour stay in Budapest, you can spend some time visiting Buda castle and the surrounding area. It's just a short walk across the Chain Bridge and up on the funicular. (You can walk up for free, but it's challenging).
There is also a Segway tour that you can take. Their office is located on the same street as a McDonald's, which is just a short walk from the hotel. There is also a pedestrian-only shopping district near the hotel which is full of shopping and dining options.
During the cruise, there is only one long motorcoach ride from the port of Linz to Salzburg (and return). It was about 2.5 hours, but we made a pit stop about midway at a coffee shop/convenience store along the autobahn.
I think your DS will enjoy the whitewater rafting experience. It's not TOO difficult, but none of the instructors spoke much English. Therefore, it's important to pay attention during the safety session before you get in the rafts.
For our post-stay in Munich, we took a Gray Line Hop On/Hop Off tour that covered all of the highlights. We ate lunch at an authentic and historical German restaurant called Haxnbauer. We also enjoyed dinner at Trader Vic's inside the Bayerischer Hof.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
As for Tauck's 2 free hotel nights, it is quite a bargain and incentive. I wish
AbD would show the same appreciation to its past guests!