Is there anyone out there who went on this trip that would like to share some thoughts????

Hi: We are doing this trip around the same time you did. May 24 to June 2, 2007. Can you tell me how the weather was then and any tips would be greatly appreciated. Shopping tips, places you ate when dinner wasn't included. Thanks.

Irismike, you crack me up. You are everywhere on this board. :-) I wish I were going on this trip, but I took the tour when Gloria did last year. I thought the weather was cool, but I live in South Carolina (USA). It was cooler than here. I prefer hot weather. Also, it was freezing in Venice, but most bought sweatshirts there anyway. It was an unusually cold, rainy day there.

I did not do the optionals with food, and I ate just fine. There were lots of restaurants around the area in Innsbruck where the hotel is. You just walk around the corner (by the gold roof) and lots of places where you can sit outside and grab a bite.

In Lucerne, I ate by the water at a restaurant. Again there are lots of places, and I didn't write down any names. There are lots of stores and restaurants in the area.

In Verona, I was able to find a restaurant within walking distance of the hotel. I did not go clear into by the ampitheather for dinner. If you ask at the desk they will tell you which way to go out front to head towards town. I think when you walk out to the main street it is right. Anyway, you head that way, and just a little way up the road (past a little park) are lots of outdoor cafes. I ate at one on the corner. It was VERY reasonable. It was far from classy, but the food was great. In fact, three other couples saw me there and joined me for dinner, and they all liked it. Those that did the optional in Verona with dinner really raved about it. There was also a supermarket nearby if you want a snack.

I brought back a cuckoo clock from Lucerne, a bottle of wine from Italy, some tea from Oberamergau, earrings from Munich, and jewelry from Innsbruck. There are lots of neat shops around the hotel in Innsbruck.

If the hotels are the same as last year, they are all in a great location in my opinion. Probably the worst location was Verona because you couldn't walk outside and be near shopping or restaurants. I would do the afternoon optional for wine tasting there if it is available. One day I did walk all the way into town with another couple. However, there really isn't much relatively close to the hotel.

For me, the optionals I would do if I could take the trip again would be the wine one in Verona (although with the new limits on carrying liquids..maybe not ;0) and the trip to Burano in Venice. I would definitely do that. The trip had rave reviews like the one with dinner in Verona.

I heard mixed reviews about the yodeling shows. Some said the shows were fun, people drank a lot, and had a ball. The reports on those shows were less unanimous.

You will have nothing to worry about as far as food goes. :-) Enjoy your trip. I am doing the Highlights of Eastern Europe this May.

Thanks Coastal Jen: I know I keep asking questions on the board but that's how I learn more about the trip and the does and don'ts. THANKS for your response...it will help me too. Was the cuckoo clock very expensive. People say it is cheaper to purchase in the states. Thanks again. Iris

My cuckoo clock was about 200 euros I believe when I purchased it in Luzern in 2004. It's just a small one. Another couple on our my tour purchased a large one with all kinds of moving parts for about 600 euros. Whether or not you can get it cheaper at home is irrelevant to me. It's a keepsake and wonderful memory from my trip.

Jeannie my Cuckoo Clock cost approx. 330 euros, and we thought it to be an okay amount. Saw bigger ones but mine is a medium size. Sorry Steve still talking about it.

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