CPT Trips

@notamermaid I know that the live programs from that site are easily accessible in Hamburg so I assume they are accessible throughout Germany. Also, some of the programs are recorded and available through their YouTube channel.

Another possibility is to ride the bus into town with the group and then just spend time with your friend. Don’t participate with either tour, just have friend time and tour on your own. We frequently break away from the group and go off on our own. Just be certain the the tour director and/or guide on the scene know your plan and verify where and when to meet the bus back; then, be early for the return.

For those who appreciate art . . . And particularly Giverny. Heres a website that allowed me to travel virtually during COVID times. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/washington-dc-history-amp-culture-8043634040 To the best of my knowledge their programs ARE available for those across the sea from the USA. Washington D.C. History and Culture (a non profit) is offering a number of free, on-line programs that fellow river cruisers may find interesting. You will need to scroll through to find all the upcoming programs. I won’t pretend to have a clue what all y’all might find interesting.

We just used our regular T-Mobile service (unlimited text and data) paired with WhatsApp for voice during three weeks in France and Italy. Our tour manager recommended WhatsApp - “everybody in tourism in Italy has it.” I was unable to prove him wrong as I was able to connect with the folks I needed to without incurring any additional charges.

Or, just store both types of plugs in the pouch. That’s my approach so I don’t need to remember repacking.

We transited FRA last month on our way to MRS. We had to show our vax cards to check in for the flight in PHL. We were only required to present our passports entering the EU in FRA. No document checks to enter France, only the normal walk through customs.

As a pp mentioned, a USB adapter isn’t needed. But a plug adapter for your charger is needed. Don’t spend a lot, they are very basic

Although masking is not now required by the government rules, as of last Friday (May 6) a number of shops and restaurants in Rome were requiring masks for entry. We masked voluntarily just to decrease or odds of testing positive before our flight back home.

Not an oops from my side. Heck, I sometimes can’t determine from the screen names whether a poster is a man or a woman.😉

Seems like we have smart phones for photos, but “Invision Community” isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed.

Yes it is the Mrs., aka JerseyGem. And thanks for the flip @jpalbny!

We ported in, and toured, Bastia then took a public bus several miles to the small town of Elbalunga (sp?) just to roam around and enjoy a beer. (sorry to make you do a headstand) ETA: our T-Mobile plan doesn’t include free phone calls, but the data and messaging was very helpful.

We are back from our Marseille - Rome small ship cruise. We had a total of 41 pax on board with us. One group of 19, one group of 22 (comprised of those on the pre and/or post trip). It isn’t a review, but I’ll gladly respond to any questions. OAT required masking for all indoor group activities and aboard the ship. France required masking on public transport and a few establishments required masks. Italy required masking on both transport and when indoors. Lufthansa required masking on our flights to Marseille as did the airports. United only required masks while on the ground in Italy. Rome required masks in the airport, Newark did not. PCR tests were required to board the ship and, of course, to return to US. Full vaccination was was required by the airlines and the ship. No one was positive during the mass testing; only about two dozen were tested for return to US as others were staying longer. One passenger tested positive during the cruise and, as of our departure was in quarantine in Corsica. He was feeling sick, self tested positive and reported that to the ship staff. The staff administered two quick tests an hour apart, both negative and advised him that he was clear to travel on. However, he requested a PCR test which confirmed his positive status. Thanks to those that suggested T-Mobile, it worked well. We also used WhatsApp with great success to communicate with our Trip Leader, the ship hotel manager and back home.

You could leave your luggage at the ship while you picked up your rental car.

My niece, a Hamburg resident, suggested this tour to us. http://www.hempels-musictour.de/en/ We attended a live virtual tour with her during the lockdown.

To make amends for derailing @notamermaid good post on Belgium, it seemed appropriate to start a dedicated beer thread. Here is a site I always check out before leaving home. http://www.ottosrambles.co.uk . Just be aware that some of the entries are out of date and places may no longer be open. It’s wise to also do a web search on places verify they still are open.