Monte Carlo, I think it was an included drive out to Monte Carlo. I believe that was the first night in Nice after the included dinner.

As far as the Schnaps museum... nope didn't go there. Our TD warned our group against Schnaps saying that it's much stronger and not as sweet as we're used to in the US and Australia.

As far as breakfasts... a few places had toast, not sure if any in Italy had it. our TD also said that taking food from breakfast is considered stealing by the hotels, and said that he strongly suggested that we do not do it. besides, most people were sooooo sick of cressants and ham... most of the breakfasts aren't that great anyways...

quote:

Originally posted by cisobe:
Switzerland
Folklore Evening Dinner
Food was decent, cheese fondue... 2 beers only... but they're 1 litre each! after the two beers, the entertainment is pretty hilarious! pretty fun outing if you're into drinking.

cisobe ~ this was a fun evening for us too and the beer was excellent! Did you guys yodel? My husband won the yodel-competition!

haha, no yodeling for me... i'm the type of person who likes to drink, and sit back and laugh at others :P

quote:

Originally posted by cisobe:
haha, no yodeling for me... i'm the type of person who likes to drink, and sit back and laugh at others :P

cisobe ~ the people on our tour did not use alcohol so the waiter told my husband he could have as many beers as he want!! And South Africans LOVE their beer ... that is why I think he had won that competition!

Wow. Seems like this trip is going to be pretty full! Looking forward to it.

heh, you're gonna need a vacation from your vacation at the end of the tour. but it was great.

I kinda know how you feel, I was looking high and low for information on this tour before I left... didn't find anything... actually didn't even find anyone going on the same tour departure...

happy this helps, let me know if you have any more questions.. probably won't be able to get back to you as i will be away from my computer till tomorrow night. but ask away.

Hi, I'm also booked on this tour. I had started to think that I was the only one going, so it's good to know that there are at least a few of us.
Cisobe: Thank you very much for the great posts, your tips are a great help. Just a quick question, what was the dress code like for the dinners? Did everybody get dressed up, or was it more casual (ie jeans and dress shirt)?

Dress code varied a bit. It really depends on your style, and how much you care about what you look like.

For the girls, some girls got by with jeans and a semi dressy top, or dress shirt, some wore a dresses. The best advice I've heard is to take clothes that you can easily combine to create varying looks...

Nights you might want to dress up a bit for are Monaco/Monte Carlo, Dinner Shows (Moulin Rouge, Medici Nigt, Rome Music and Dinner), but like I said, you don't have to go over board for the dinners as you will be going to "tourist" venues and they don't expect you to be wearing evening gowns and suits.

Guys can get buy with a nice pair of jeans or khakis and a button down shirt or polo shirt and shoes of course.

Oh, and if you're going clubbing, just take something you'd wear going clubbing in your respective country, and you should be fine for the dressy dinners (heh, as long as it's not too revealing :P).

Spot on Cicobe ~ that is how we packed and dressed. Countrygal ~ follow these guidelines!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: dalene,

Cisobe & Dalene, Thank you very much. These tips are invaluable.
I don't mean to be a pain, but just another quick question if I may. Do you pay the gratuties to the driver and TD at the end of the trip or as you go?

quote:

Originally posted by Countrygal:
Cisobe & Dalene, Thank you very much. These tips are invaluable.
I don't mean to be a pain, but just another quick question if I may. Do you pay the gratuties to the driver and TD at the end of the trip or as you go?

Your TD will tell you when and where - (I packed 2 cards and envelopes for this purpose) usually at the last highlight dinner. Enjoy your trip - I envy you!

We tipped our driver and TD on the last day, when they dropped us off at the Ibis Earls Court (others that left us in Amsterdam tipped them there). Be sure to grab money during your free time in Amsterdam, as you will likely not have a chance to stop during your drive from Amsterdam to London.

No problem... like i said, I was like you before our tour... I was searching for information on this tour, but it seemed like no one went on it, or was willing to talk about it...

oh, one more thing... that weight restriction that TT lists seems to be the starting weight... My wife and I had pretty heavy bags very close to the airline weight limits going to London... our TT and Driver didn't complain about the bags, nor the fact that they got heavier as the trip went on...

Also, if you stay at the same hotels, you have 2 - 3 chances to do laundry. if not, you can wash socks and underwear in the sink during your two night stays. I was able to wash a few polo shirts and t-shirts too, and they dried pretty quickly, however i did use the provided hair dryer to finish off one of my shirts. just be sure to pack some clothes pins.

This question may seem trivial, but is there a toilet on the coach???

quote:

Originally posted by Kiwiboy:
This question may seem trivial, but is there a toilet on the coach???

Yes, there is usually a toilet on the coach, but it is for "emergencies" only.

Cisobe- Just on the topic of Laundry. Did the hotels you stay at (the one with two stays) did they have laundry services, as in washing machines in common area or in the room that you put money in and do it all yourself or how did it all work?

And did you end up having the DottoDot transfer service from the airport to your hotel in the beginning? and did you catch the Heathrow express to go home?