(22 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Daniel Oppliger

Davis, CA

Adventure, Tour and Cruise Travel Agent Expert

We have taken groups all over the world. I am been in 65 countries. China and Turkey top our list with 5 groups each. Chile and Argentina are not far behind. We love the River Cruises, especially with Avalon and the roomy cabin with the bed facing the water. We can help you plan group tours. We know the pitfalls of putting too much on the agenda, avoiding tourist traps, adding fun activities such as evening shows, Chinese foot massage, bicycle rental, yachting tours. With private groups we suggest including free time or half a day off here and there. You are on vacation, not a forced march. We have contacts all over the world to make your tour great. We know the suppliers who will cater to your needs whether it be solo or a group tour.

My Travel Specialties

River Cruise Travel Specialist

Rather than rehash many blogs on river cruising we are going to concentrate on the things that made our Avalon Waterways river cruise so special.

We arrive in Budapest two days early. We stayed off the water about a mile for about a quarter of the price of river front luxury hotels.

The...
Read more from my River Cruise Travel Specialist bio.

Daniel & Shirley on a River Cruise

Solar Eclipse Travel Specialist

Beginning in 1991, I have been taking clients all over the world with one-of-a-kind total solar eclipse experiences including Africa, Argentina, Australia, Baja California, Chile, China, Tahiti, Turkey, Java Sea of Indonesia and the USA.

Up next is Antarctica Dec. 4, 2021 followed by Australia...
Read more from my Solar Eclipse Travel Specialist bio.

Solar Eclipse Cruise Australia 2011

China, Taiwan and SE Asia Travel Agent Expert

As a travel agent who has been to China 5 times now, I often get asked why I like China so much? It is not that I am in love with China, per se, it is that China is a completely different experience.  From the foods, to managing people, wonderful hotels and different experiences, China makes for unique...
Read more from my China, Taiwan and SE Asia Travel Agent Expert bio.

Daniel and Shirley Oppliger at the Great Wall

Turkey Travel Specialist & Yacht Charter

My first visit to Turkey was in 1998. I met with local agents to set up a tour for a group of 33 clients.  It was a wonderful experience.  We stayed in the Swiss Hotel overlooking the Bosphorus while in Istanbul. In Bodrum, the yachting capitol of Turkey, we stayed at the Mavi Kumsal Hotel in Bodrum. The...
Read more from my Turkey Travel Specialist & Yacht Charter bio.

Hagia Sofia in Istanbul

Grenada Travel Expert

Grenada is a beautiful island.

Grenada is a beautiful island.  We have been there four times. 

The Spice of the Caribbean, a hidden gem with unspoiled beauty offering a lifestyle so pure and authentic that you will feel instantly renewed. Famed for its aromatic spices...
Read more from my Grenada Travel Expert bio.

Sandals Grenada

Antigua Travel Specialist

Antigua & Barbuda are located in the beautiful Caribbean Sea. The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua is a 108-square-mile limestone, clay and volcanic rock island recognized for its numerous coves, bays, and 366 white sand beaches. The sister Island of Barbuda lies 27 miles northeast...
Read more from my Antigua Travel Specialist bio.

Harbor on Antigua

Group Travel Expert

Travel Specialist in River Cruises in Turkey and China.  Dan Oppliger knows all about group travel, as he has hosted group tours the world over. He has visited 60 countries, and has guided tours extensively throughout Chile, China, Costa Rica and Turkey.

As a travel agent and adviser, he has...
Read more from my Group Travel Expert bio.

One of Our Groups to China

MSC Cruises Specialist

We have sailed with MSC Cruises six times now. We have nothing but good things to says about MSC. There is great value sailing with MSC whether you on a budget or a luxury client. We have sailed in MSC's yacht club, Fantastica and Bella classes all in balcony cabins. MSC has really upped its' cruise...
Read more from my MSC Cruises Specialist bio.

MSC Meraviglia in Port at Ocean Cay

Tall Ship Adventure Sailing Cruise Expert

Imaging being at sea with over an acre of white billowing sails pulling you along. This is the experience with Star Clippers.  Star Clippers has a fleet of three luxury tall ships.  The Star Clipper and Star Flyer are twins measuring 360 feet long with 85 well appointed cabins.  The Royal Clipper...
Read more from my Tall Ship Adventure Sailing Cruise Expert bio.

Star Clipper Under Full Sails

St Lucia Travel Specialist

There are many great reasons to visit St. Lucia.

 1) For The Most Stunning  Scenery   St Lucia is one of the windward islands. The twin peaks of the Pitons are on the south is the island’s most stunning landmark.. The highest peak is Mt Gimie in the central part of the island. Much...
Read more from my St Lucia Travel Specialist bio.

The Royal Clipper Sailing in St. Lucian Waters

My Travel Albums

Antigua Specialist
Over the Water Bungalow
MSC Cruises Specialist
MSC Divina from Overlook in Jamaica
Grand Canyon by Train
Grand Canyon Railway
Star Clippers Tall Ship Authentic Sailing
Star Clipper's
Pure Grenada
Sandals Grenada
Solar Eclipse Travel
Solar Eclipse 2017 Hatchet Resort Wyoming
andBeyond Vira Vira Hacinda and Relais Chlle
Vira Vira Lodge
Turkey Land of Enchantment
2021 Turkey Road Trip
Israel Luxury Tour
Church of the Beatitudes
Chile Solar Eclipse Tour 2019
Pisco Cocktail
Chile Atacama Desert & Pucon Luxury Expediton
Vira Vira Hacienda
Italy Rome Florence Venice
Pizza
China is to Be Experienced
Walk of the Sacred Way
25 Plus Years of Travel Experiences
Turkey Yacht Charter
Avalon River Cruise Waterways
Dinner aboard Avalon Expression

My Travel Stories

Grand Canyon by Rail

Traveling back in time on the train reminded me of my GG Grandfather who “travelled out west by train and took in some of the “National Parks.”  That was in 1888.  The Grand Canyon railway began operations in 1901, so he did not make it here.We boarded the Luxury Parlor car and quickly found our plush...Read more.

Customer Testimonials

2017 Solar Eclipse Trip

Overall, the trip was great. The guide, driver, and the viewing location were excellent. The biggest improvement would have been not trying to drive back to SLC right after the eclipse in the predictably horrendous traffic jam. It would have been better to stay one extra night in IF and add some local sightseeing. We prefer small groups with more active, and more independent, activities but that is personal preference. Our main goal with this trip was a hassle-free way to see the eclipse and you did a great job providing that. Thanks, Alexis Dave
Alexis A & Dave B

Exmouth Australia Solar Eclipse Cruise

Dan, Thank you for the very successful 2023 eclipse cruise. Our eclipse travels with you have been 100 percent successful, whereas those with another supplier have been cloudy 50 percent of the time, so we look forward to you being able to offer trips in 2027 and 2028. Mavis managed several pictures including the diamond ring below.
Peter F, Houston, TX

Turkey Yacht Charter Sailing Cruise Special

Dear Dan, We're finally home and finished traveling for the moment, so I wanted to give you a little report on the trip to Turkey. In a word, it was great. There were a few surprises, but it all worked out very well. The Tussock yacht was beautiful and the crew couldn't have been better. There was a traditional Turkish dish served at each meal, all very well prepared and delicious, and the wine and drinks were abundant. (Well, a few of the passengers griped when they ran out of gin, but vodka and tonic seemed an acceptable substitute to me.) It was booked as a astronomy, nature and archeology cruise. One of the best things about the trip was the good people we met. You know Alan and Gail, and we couldn't have asked for nicer travel companions. You seem to have a feel for the kind of travel we like best. Whatever you do, I wish you great success. And we thank you for launching us on another fine holiday.
Janet D, Playa del Rey, CA

Holland American -Singapore Solar Eclipse Cruise

I'm sorry that I did not get a chance to write sooner. Still trying to catch up from the trip. All went well. The group was an interesting bunch and a good time was had by all. Singapore is an exciting place, but way too hot and muggy to properly enjoy. We took advantage of several excursions and they all paid off well. The eclipse was perfect. Sailed to a clear spot and got a nice place on deck to watch the whole thing. Accommodations pretty good, but not as nice as the Dawn Princess. Food on ship good. Food on land a bit spotty but recognizable. I want to thank you for arranging the drink packages for me and Cathy. They worked out well for both of us. With the high temperatures, we drank a lot of water. Those flights are so long and the planes more uncomfortable than ever. Once again, thanks for everything. Another successful trip! Bob
Bob W Somers Point, NJ

My Reviews

50 of 86 people found this review helpful
An Amazing Eclipse Experience
I’m proud to be associated with Daniel Oppliger and his world renowned travel company Tropical Sails Corp. Dan recently invited me and fellow astronomer Cliff Watson to host one of his sold out tours in August this year as astronomy guide for the much heralded ‘Great American Eclipse!

All places stated were visited, nothing was any trouble for the organisers and we enjoyed a fabulous coach drive throughout the tour with detailed and friendly commentary highlighting landmarks and other important points of scenic interest.

We Started from Salt lake City, traveled into Utah, and Wyoming against the backdrop of the Grand Tetons, onward into Yellowstone National Park. I had the pleasure of lecturing to and guiding a fantastic group of passengers throughout the eclipse experience. I'll always remember the camaraderie we shared.

I’ve traveled extensively with many tour companies but never felt more comfortable or confident as I have with Dan and Shirley’s company, Tropical Sails. R
By  'Astro-Dave' Reneke  from  Sydney, Australia
Traveled to  USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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29 of 49 people found this review helpful
A country wide tour to remember.
The Kimal group tour of Chile was just outstanding, jam packed with a wide variety of experiences that covered an impressive range of the multi-faceted nature of the country. Very well conceived and organized.
By  D.G.  from  Summerland, British Columbia
Traveled to  Chile ~ South America
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Daniel Oppliger responded:
Thank you for you kind words.

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27 of 47 people found this review helpful
The best trip of my life
It was great to be able to speak with Daniel personally via telephone before the trip. He was informative, responsive, interested and courteous and followed up appropriately with emails and correspondence
By  Alex  from  Farmers Branch, TX ( Dallas area)
Traveled to  Chile ~ South America
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Daniel Oppliger responded:
Thank you for your kind wordsl

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26 of 50 people found this review helpful
Special trip with special care
Excellent service. Especially the site for watching the solar eclipse was an optimum location. As we were the onl Europeans in the group, we had several special problems (payment etc.) but all this was handled efficiently and friendly.
By  Plany  from  Vienna, Austria
Traveled to  Argentina ~ South America
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Daniel Oppliger responded:
Thank you for your kind words. We found a faster way to take oversears payments by using VEEM. It is faster than banks and much less expensive than credit cards or Pay Pay. An Irish client used NicePay and that was fast and efficient.

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46 of 90 people found this review helpful
Total Eclipse Cruis: Turkey
My wife and I toured Turkey in 1999 on Tropical Sails’ Eclipse Cruise. It was our best vacation ever! We got to explore Greek ruins, enjoy local food and culture, and see a total solar eclipse all while living on one of two 80 foot “gulets” (sailboats.) Our twenty or so fellow travelers made a good-sized group, and our ship’s crew was professional, friendly and the crewmen were also good cooks! All of Dan's arrangements for the ships, our knowledgeable tour guides, shore transportation along to historic sites on the Aegean coast, in Istanbul, Gallipoli, and on the Black Sea were smooth and problem free. Experiencing the total solar eclipse from our gullet (boat) while on the Black Sea was simply awesome! We look forward to traveling with Tropical Sails again!
By  GlenL  from  Ft. Collins, CO
Traveled to  
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Destination Expert:

  • Antigua & Barbuda
  • Grenada
  • St. Lucia
  • China
  • Austria
  • Turkey
  • Turkey
  • Rome
  • Mazatlan
  • Caribbean
  • Costa Rica
  • Hong Kong
  • Italy
  • St. George's
  • St. Lucia Island
  • Bavaria
  • Bodrum
  • English Harbour
  • Mexico
  • Falmouth, Antigua and Barbuda
  • Westerhall
  • Rodney Bay
  • St. Maarten
  • Beijing
  • Salzburg
  • Antarctica
  • Chile
  • Dickenson Bay
  • Fort Jeudy
  • Marigot Bay
  • Shanghai
  • Venice
  • Bratislava
  • Black Sea
  • Barbados
  • Long Bay Beach
  • St. John's
  • Lanse aux Epines
  • Suzhou
  • Vienna
  • Ephesus

Travel Specialist:

  • Adventure
  • All Inclusive
  • Beach Vacations
  • Cruises
  • Escorted Tours
  • Sailing & Boating
  • Couples & Romance
  • Global Travel
  • Holiday Travel
  • Luxury
  • Yacht Charter
  • Groups
  • Luxury Hotels
  • Singles
  • World Cruises
  • Adult Only
  • Honeymoons
  • Luxury Cruises
  • River Cruises
  • Nature
  • Nightlife
  • Religious

Top Travel Partners:

  • Globus
  • MSC Cruises
  • Star Clippers
  • Cosmos
  • Pleasant Holidays
  • Windstar Cruises
  • Europe Express
  • Avalon Waterways
  • AmaWaterways

Certifications/Awards:

  • Avalon River Cruise Specialist
  • Riu Resorts Specialist
  • Marriott Hotels Specialist
  • Solar Eclipse Travel Specialist
  • MSC Cruises Specialist

Industry Affiliations:

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