Posted some updated on the first page, check them out.

Listed the people who have sent their deposits in, and added a list
of the hotels we will be staying in.

Still like to add some more participants if you're interested.

We only need one more, and the price will drop over $1000.00 per couple!

In case it helps for time in Vienna, you can find public transport information in english at this link:
Wienerlinien

You can find a map of the subway (U-bahn) under the 'downloads' link at the top of the page.

I see you are staying at Westbahnhof which is on the U3 subway line. It's convenient since it takes you directly to Stephansplatz (Stephans cathedral) which is at the heart of the town center in the 1st district. Everything in the first district is within walking distance then. More museums than anyone will probably have time to visit.

It is also possible to walk from the hotel to Mariahilferstrasse which is a popular shopping street. It is quite a walk from one end (westbahnhof) to the other (ringstrasse) but still doable. Lots and lots of shops along that stretch.

Well, obviously if we don't get another person, we should all chip in to buy another one (about $200 per person) and save $300 per person. That's always the weird thing about setting thresholds for price drops.

So here's the math, using the rates quoted on page 1 -

19 persons at $4,391 = $83,429

20 persons at $3,860 = $77,200

There's just no way it can cost more IN ABSOLUTE dollars for 19 than for 20. It should be somewhat less because of a smaller bus (again based on page 1) and fewer meals.

A reasonable rate would be to divide the $77,200 by 19 resulting in $4,063. I know this may have to be adjusted for currency fluctuations, but that's another matter.

Would that it were that simple Bart.

Tours are like cruises, they count on more actual people, not just hard dollar amounts.
Why? Because people tend to spend additional money over and above the package, on souvenirs, drinks, tips, etc. Same reason cruise ships will sometimes discount cabins, because they want to get the bodies on board.

We still have a few people who claim to be interested in the tour, and I'm still doing more promoting. I wouldn't be surprised if we picked up more participants.

The following story, circa 1955, made the features page of the Chicago Tribune. My grandmother (born ca. 1875) arranged a dinner at a hotel for a charitable group she was involved in, at a price of about $4.00 per person. Her niece held an event at the same hotel, same menu, for only $2.50. My grandmother called the hotel manager to complain. He responded, "These young people order drinks, and I make money on that. All you oldsters ever do is ask for more rolls and butter."

Good example Palindrome :-)

Come on folks, there is still a little time left to jump on board.

I have a bag question !! I've noted that we're allowed only one bag? (I'm assuming that an additional carry-on that we handle ourselves is going to be OK.) I'm going to be gone a little over two weeks and a friend who travels to Germany every other year advised me that it may still be a little cool there in June and to plan layers to wear. I'm trying to figure out what and how to pack. And, I'm sure that I'll buy a few items along the way and need a little extra space to accomodate shopping.

What size suitcase are you planning to bring? And, maybe the question should be asked-is there a size restriction? Or, just airline size and weight restrictions?

I just drove past your Vienna hotel yesterday. They are renovating the Westbahnhof across the street so the view won't be very pretty outside the street front windows But the courtyard rooms should be nice.

It can range from hot to cold in June, and all between. I suggest equal number of short sleeves and long sleeves, a couple pullovers plus a wind breaker or not too thick raincoat with a hood (no fun being soaked if it rains). Also hat and sunglasses for the sunny days. Oh, and good walking shoes.

I'm not so strong so I like to take as small a bag as possible in case there are any stairs. But most airlines allow one or two bags up to 23kg (total) + plus a carry-on. I personally like small carry-ons because they fit better into overhead bins on the plane. Probably not good to get too large a bag because if it comes overweight, the fees can be enormous now days. And unfortunately the rules are not always applied consistently from airport to airport (even on the same airline). If you find out at check-in that you are over the limit, you typically have to leave the que, move to another one at the ticketing counter to pay and get a receipt, and return back to the check-in line again with proof of payment. It can be tedious. Probably better to get to the airport early if you plan on having excess luggage.

Sorry for jumping in, but I am really excited for all of you. It's going to be a great trip!

While some airlines may allow 2 bags, I understood that the tour would only transport one piece?

But, you bring up another concern-that of weight. Thanks for the clothing recommendations.

What about laundry service? Will there be an opportunity during the tour for those that want to send out their clothes to get cleaned? Or is it use the sink in the hotel room?

Good questions folks, I'm going to ask Elle to help with the answers.
I'm on the road right now, but back in my office tomorrow.

I'd like to pull together a master list that answers as many questions as possible, about such things as:

Baggage Limits

Laundry Facilities

Cell Phone Usage (roaming, international, etc.)

Hi Speed Internet Connections

Airport Fees (I heard that in London they require cash for a "departure" fee?).

Visa - Do U.S. Citizens need one anywhere?

How about our friends coming in from Canada, Australia, U.K., etc.

Euros - Should we convert some cash to Euros?

Kathy and I haven't booked our flights yet. Better to wait a while, or do it now?

And I'm still hoping we may pick up some more tour participants. One more would put us in the bracket to save over $500.00 each. If you know anybody who you think would enjoy this unique tour, please tell them to join us now!

Anyway, back to the thoughts at hand.
I will email Elle when I get back in the office, but don't forget you are all welcome to contact her anytime you have questions about our tour (and of course you're welcome to contact me).

Getting more excited every day.

And as some of you know, I'm combining the tour with getting my new piano (we are going to build the travel into our tour trip).

I plan on using a small bag and after rolling up clothes, using some of those 'squeeze out the air' plastic bags to help condense the volume. Also layering what I am wearing on the plane!

Another soft light tote to carry my purse, laptop (if I bring it - I would rather not), cameras, small umbrella, book, magazines etc.

I don't want to check luggage.

And you?

I'm not on the trip but just a quick "heads-up" regarding international air travel & carry-on luggage. Please check with your airline regarding carry-on size. Some carriers are more strict than others. Another factor is if you're traveling coach, business, first-class. We've had the same carry-on be accepted by British Air but rejected by Air France. Air France was extremely strict, it had to fit completely within their "box", the wheels stuck out & they rejected it. Have fun!!!!

I have never encountered airport fees of any sort in London, other than what was already charged in the ticket price. Maybe there are certain circumstances where it isn't included and has to be paid separately?

Just as a side topic, London Heathrow is one of the least favored airports amongst frequent travelers, along with Charles Du Gaul in Paris.

And from Elle, our travel agent in Germany...

To the questions on the forum: I took a look and this is what I'd suggest-

Please post there that there will be a detailed final letter covering all questions.
Based on my experience with groups (and I book quite few in the past) this is the best way to cover everything.
I usually collect all the questions and approx. 5-4
weeks before departure send out a loooooong letter with all instructions.

Otherwise I will answer the same questions several times and some of them
still won't be covered and some people will not get the answers.

This is because not everybody is checking the forum on a regular basis and will miss the answers. It was great of you to summarize what people are asking. I have
copied the questions into the sheet where I've been already collecting them.

Please let them know that all of them will be covered in the final letter.

Thank you for your help Frank!

Best,


Elle

For those not on Facebook, Robin Meloy Goldsby announced the German edition of her new book which is not available in English until May. The title translated is something like "Waltz of the Asparagus Humans". I asked if I could get it signed if I managed to get one before we leave for Germany. She replied not to schlepp one over that she would have some available for the Pianoworld Tour!

Good point Agilita, thanks for the post.

And yes, it is Waltz of the Asparagus People.

I was lucky enough to get an advance copy (manuscript, not finished book).

Robin has done it again.

The book is a hilarious, one of those rare books that makes you
laugh out loud, a lot.

By all means buy one while we are in Germany and get it signed by the author.
Then save it for the plane ride home :-)

I found out we have someone else seriously interested in joining us for the tour. I thought I'd share with you the note I sent her, in case you were thinking of jumping on board....


Elle shared with me the exciting news that you are interested in joining us on the European Piano Tour!

The tour is going to be so much fun!

We are going to travel through some of the most beautiful and historic places Germany and Austria have to offer.

The piano factory tours are going to be a wonderful experience, learning firsthand how some of Europe's finest pianos
are crafted, right from the people who build them. At Blüthner Herr Christian Blüthner himself will be conducting the tour,
and at Steingraeber Herr Udo Steingraeber will show us their shop. We are starting the tour off with a visit to the Steinway Piano Factory in Hamburg, and will wind up on the other end with a tour of the Bosendorfer Piano Factory in Vienna.

Then there are the music museums, hand picked because they contain amazing pianos, some over 200 years old (along with other incredible historical instruments).

And of course we will be visiting composer's homes, cathedrals, and castles.
Even the hotels we will be staying at are classic, as are a number of the restaurants we will be dining at.

A special treat will be meeting and hearing Robin Meloy Goldsby (author of The Piano Girl) play. She has promised to have copies of her
new book Waltz of the Asparagus People available when we visit, and will be happy to sign copies for us.

Then there is the sheer beauty of the towns and cities, and the people in them. I've a feeling a lot of pictures will be taken on this trip :-)

Once you arrive in Hamburg, the rest of the tour is taken care of. We will be traveling in a modern tour bus with rest room and fridge (and a/c).
Guided by our on board English speaking tour guide as we are all whisked from one enchanted town to another.

Breakfast and dinner are included each day so you won't have to wonder where to eat (although you of course don't have to eat with us if you choose).

This will be a magical trip, one that will give you a lifetime of memories.

I hope you decide to be part of the Piano World Piano & Music Lovers European Tour!

For personal happiness, most seasoned travelers recommend traveling light.
"Take half the clothes and twice the money" is the way some have put it.

A year ago January, my wife & I were on a 2.5 week trip to Thailand with stopovers both ways in Korea. (And it was cold in Korea!) One wheeled carry-on and one small daypack were sufficient for us.

There are traveler sites on the internet that provide suggestions on how to do this.

My sister and her husband travel like that.

I on the other hand tend to reverse the adage.

A while back the Times had an article on how to pack like a pro. The main advice was to adopt the "roll your clothes up rather than fold and stack them" technique. I was initially skeptical that (a) it would save much space and (b) keep your clothes less wrinkled, but after using that method for all my trips since then, I'm a convert.

Here's a photo slide show from the article showing how a flight attendant gets 10 days' worth of clothes in a carry-on.

I'm really good at packing and I tend to travel light - I read up on the roll rather than fold technique but it didn't work well for me. the technique I saw though was to roll your clothes together - which was a pain when you wanted to get a specific item out of the rolled bundle. This woman's idea looks like it could work quite well.

I have been following the COUNT DOWN at the top of the forums - you guys must be getting really excited about your big trip!
Heck, I'M excited.

My friend who travels to Germany frequently tells me that she always brings back bottles of wine in her suitcase. She said that she just packs her clothes around them and they're always fine. Thought I'd pass that along although I'm a little leary of trying it. I have visions of going to the baggage pick-up and having a dripping suitcase.

Thanks to all for the packing suggestions. (Monica, thanks for posting-I haven't had time to watch the video but will.)

Bottles of wine in the suitcase? I wouldn't try it. I have had four suitcases destroyed by airport handlers. Too much risk of breaking. There is also a limit on how much alcohol one can import from one country to the next.

I believe most german wines don't travel or age well and are usually enjoyed rather new. California wines are so much nicer.

Austria is famous for schnaps, particularly Marillenschnaps/apricot schnaps but can be a whole variety of fruits and even almonds. They tend to be pretty strong though.

One thing we've discovered while pricing flights, if you haven't already tried this...

It's cheaper to set up with round trip and a one way versus a three point trip.
In other words, it's cheaper to set up round trip to/from Hamburg and a one way from Vienna back to Hamburg than it is to set up all three points as one trip.

We have a 20th person seriously interested in the tour, but there is a slight catch.
I've sent an email to everyone who has signed up, please read it and get back to me as soon as possible.

The countdown clock shows only 68 days left!

Yikes!

Did anyone else read "Twist and Stout" about Hamburg in last weekend's NYT travel mag:

http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/25/twist-and-stout/

Evidently our hotel will be near the area where the Beatles hung out in the 60s. And there's a music store there (the article has a picture of a T-shirt in a music store). The article also mentions that Hamburg was Brahms birthplace. His birthplace was evidently destroyed in WW II but I checked online and there's a Brahms museum in Hamburg. Now to figure out if it's anywhere near the hotel.

Edit, correcting typo.

Interesting.

Just don't forget we are already visiting a number of museums and composer's homes :-)
A partial list from our itinerary...

Morning visit to Beethoven museum

Mendelsohn Museum, Music Instruments Museum

Germanisches National Museum

Morning visit to Wagner and Liszt Museum

Morning visit to the Deutsches Museum

visit the Mozart Haus, the birthplace of Mozart

I would love to go see the Brahms museum!!! Also Beethoven's funeral markers- and the statues of Beethoven!!!!