1. This was the most disorganized tour that I have ever taken. When the tour manager was contacted on the 1st day in Zurich, she replied that the VBR group were on their own until Stansstad. The hotel had no knowledge of an included dinner. The hotel had no knowledge about baggage pickup the next morning. We all took our bags to the train and the hotel in Stansstad. When we called the VBR 24/7 on-tour hotline, we got an answering machine that said the office was closed until Monday morning. 2. Why is this called "First Class"? Very little was first class. No provided wine at dinners. Poor quality dinners. No first class rail or boat seats. No local guides except on the last day in Milan. 3. Since GRJ/VBR select hotels that are away from the attractions of major cities, free time should be provided to explore and enjoy them. Instead, we were marooned for hours of free time in remote locations with nothing to do except seek shade and sit. Free time in Isola Bella should have been replaced by free time in Lugano. Free time on the Borromean Islands and in Stresa should have been replaced by free time in Verbania. Free time at the Estate on Lake Como should have been replaced by free time in Como. 4. The tour manager was a disappointment. Not helpful. Little commentary about the sights that passed by our windows, no help regarding local transportation to/from train stations, no handy list of what could be seen during half days or full days off.
