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Daniel Oppliger

Daniel Oppliger

Davis, CA Travel Agent
Super Agent

Daniel Oppliger

Davis, CA Travel Agent
An independent agent with Travel Leaders Davis, CA
26 reviews
100% Recommended
25+ Years of Experience

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

Certificates & Awards

Travel Stories & Media

Itineraries

Client Reviews

My Places

Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations
Antigua & Barbuda
Grenada
St. Lucia
China
Austria
Turkey
See All Destinations >
Interests
Adventure
All Inclusive
Beach Vacations
Cruises
Escorted Tours
Sailing & Boating
See All Interests >
Supplier Partners
Globus
MSC Cruises
Star Clippers
Cosmos
Pleasant Holidays
Windstar Cruises
See All Supplier Partners >

My Travel Specialties

 River Cruise Travel Specialist
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. ...
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Solar Eclipse Travel Specialist
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 Austr...
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China, Taiwan and SE Asia Travel Agent Expert
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 ...
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Turkey Travel Specialist & Yacht Charter
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 Bod...
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Grenada Travel Expert
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 spic...
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Antigua Travel Specialist
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 ...
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Group Travel Expert
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 h...
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MSC Cruises Specialist
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' cru...
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Tall Ship Adventure Sailing Cruise Expert
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...
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St Lucia Travel Specialist
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 isl...
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Certificates & Awards

ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.It is the world's largest association of travel professionals.Our members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc.Expand your world.Go with the pros.
The Book with Confidence logo tells you that this Travel Advisor has direct access to comprehensive resources for safe and healthy travel, available at their discretion for sharing with clients.  This includes vetting the details on the health and safety protocols implemented by each travel provider in order to recommend the ideal itinerary for each client’s unique needs.
Avalon River Cruise Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Certified Sandals Specialist
Suzhou Specialist
AMA Waterways Specialist
Antigua and Barbuda Travel Agent Specialist
Star Clippers Specialist
Pure Grenada Travel Agent Specialist
Riu Resorts Specialist
Silk Road Specialist
Marriott Hotels Specialist
Yunnan Specialist
Taiwan Specialist
Solar Eclipse Travel Specialist
MSC Cruises Specialist
Thailand Specialist

My Travel Stories

MSC Divina at Anchor
MSC Yacht Club Aficionado
Tropical Sails Corp has had the pleasure of sailing with MSC in the Yacht Club twice now, along with four other cruises in a balcony cabin. (Check the photo album on this site.) The MSC Yacht club offers exceptional value for a luxury experience. We were greeted in a special Yacht Club area outside the cruise terminal. We checked in our l...
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Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel
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 seats.  A glass of champagne was waiting for...
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Vira Vira Lodge and Dining Room
Luxury Vacation Pucon Chile
I had the pleasure of escorting a group to the And Beyond Vira Vira Hacienda & Relais in Pucon, Chile.  Located in the lakes region this luxury resort has 12 Villas and 6 Hotel rooms. The 12 villas are over the top with luxury king bedding, a sofa, sitting area, fireplace all with a view of the  Liucura River. The bathrooms has a rain sho...
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Pizza and Salad in Venice. Yes we are lost.
Rome Florence Venice
We have personally travelled this route and have booked clients on it, so I want to say a few words and drop some hints.  This can be done as a couple or as a group tour with one of Travel Leaders suppliers. To Rome.  Spend the money and take a transfer from the airport to your hotel in the city center. Most locations are good as you will...
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Shirley and Daniel in Cappadocia
Turkey is My Favorite Country
What is your favorite county?  I am always asked this question.  Without hesitation, I say, "Turkey."  Do I get the looks.  They people say, "I've been to Ephesus." Yeah, on a shore trip.  You did not experience the food, culture, Turkish bath, shopping, dining, the people.  The Five Best Things about Turkey. 1)  Is the food.  I wa...
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My Photo Albums and Videos
Antigua Specialist
VIEW ALBUM
Ama Magna Luxury River Cruise

CLIENT REVIEWS

Rating: 4.9
26 reviews
100.00% Recommended
An Amazing Eclipse Experience
Reviewed By 'Astro-Dave' Reneke - Sydney, Australia | Traveled to USA
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
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
50 of 86 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
A country wide tour to remember.
Reviewed By D.G. - Summerland, British Columbia | Traveled to Chile ~ South America
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.
Daniel Oppliger responded
"Thank you for you kind words."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
29 of 49 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
The best trip of my life
Reviewed By Alex - Farmers Branch, TX ( Dallas area) | Traveled to Chile ~ South America
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
Daniel Oppliger responded
"Thank you for your kind wordsl"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
27 of 47 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Special trip with special care
Reviewed By Plany - Vienna, Austria | Traveled to Argentina ~ South America
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.
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. "
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
26 of 50 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Total Eclipse Cruis: Turkey
Reviewed By GlenL - Ft. Collins, CO | Traveled to
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!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
46 of 90 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

Client 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
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