Daniel Oppliger

El Paso, TX

Group Travel Expert

I have been immersed in the travel industry since relocating to El Paso in 1986. Initially, I worked with a local tour operator before venturing out on my own.Over the years, I've developed specialties in Destination Resorts and River Cruises, specifically traveling to Turkey and China. I have organized group trips across the globe and visited 65 countries, leading tours extensively in Australia, Chile, China, Costa Rica, and Turkey.

In my capacity as a travel agent and advisor, I have also coordinated group travel to Argentina and Chile. As both a travel agent and tour guide, I focus on river cruises with premier vendors like Avalon. I appreciate Avalon for its spacious cabins and beds that offer stunning water views.

For group bookings, Ama Waterways simplifies the reservation process, allowing you to hold your space while you finalize your plans.I am dedicated to meeting all your group travel requirements and excel at creating balanced itineraries. I help your group steer clear of tourist traps while incorporating enjoyable activities into your travel schedule, like evening performances.

Feel free to inquire about experiences such as yachting adventures, bicycle rentals, or specialized programs.I cater to both large and small groups, whether private or organizational. As a travel agent specialist, I can transform any tour into a more relaxed and thrilling journey. I can identify the ideal suppliers to meet your travel needs, whether traveling as a group or solo.

Interested in visiting the floating markets of Asia? Or perhaps you wish to taste authentic Turkish cuisine? Whatever your preference, I can help you book a vacation that brings your travel dreams to life.I possess strong negotiation skills with vendors, ensuring you can secure a river cabin or hotel upgrade without additional costs. Reach out for my expertise in booking a unique river cruise or crafting an extraordinary travel experience.

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A River Cruise is Like None Other

Relaxing in the Lounge

We have sailed the rivers of Europe with three of the top river cruise lines. There are differences which will note in another post. A river cruise gives you a unique view of Europe and well as China, SE Asia, Columbia, Egypt and even India now.

The ship travel though the heart of cities along various rivers. Most of the time you are right there and you can stroll the adjacent area. River cruise lines offer walking tours, coach tours, bicycle tours and sometimes canoes or kayaks on the route. I depends where the main attractions lie. Some are right in the city. While others are way up top on a hill, and no one wants a three hour hike, so they use coaches.

Most lines have a basic tour for each stop. Often they give you a choice of which tour you want to take. Some lines offer additional tours included or at an additional fee. You have liberty to do you own touring or using a bicycle from the ship or a rental near by the ship. So if history, museums, art, or music are you thing, there will be something to make you happy.

Sailing during the day gives you great views as th world passed by your windows, or the windows in the lounge. Sometimes you can go to the top deck if the weather is pleasing. These lines run cruises from the spring through Christmas and New Year's, so the weather varies accordingly.

The food is fantastic on all the lines. The chef incorporates local favorites based on where the ship is at any given moment. Likewise with wines- some have the local wines all along the route. On line just has two-buck-chuck wines free and up-charge for local wines.

We did a two week voyage from Budapest to Amsterdam once. We did not want to get off after two weeks. From wait-staff, bartenders, cabin steward- it was wonderful. We would come back to our cabin at night- the curtains were drawn, the bed turned down and the fireplace lit. (Not real, the fire place channel on TV.)

We generally have brochures in stock. You may inquire for one or if you live in El Paso you may visit our El Paso Travel Agency.

Most lines have specials depending on ship load. For a consultation, please contact us.

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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