Tauck...why is there no

[Benita]

Our last Oceania cruise was to the Black Sea - interesting ports, one being in Sochi in Russia - a little too close to Georgia right now. We don't have anything planned with them now as their European itineraries are really redundant with the places we've been. I prefer land trips for many places, so you get to spend more time in the more interesting places.

Lindblad is a great company. We have been to the Galapagos, Antarctica, and the Columbia River area (Lewis and Clark beicentennial) with them.

We are going to Egypt with a company called Museum-tours. It is owned by a retired engineer in Colorado - all he does is plan trips to Egypt. It is a two week trip with 3 nights on the Nile cruise - the rest of the time is land. They take small groups and will go with just the two of us. I considered Tauck's trip, which is about the same price, but opted for the private tour, instead of having to cope with the 40 or so people that Tauck will take at a time. I love Tauck, but hate the large groups.

We have not been on Azamara, but love Celebrity. I've heard such good reports about Azamara and am looking forward to sailing with them. We ususally take the balcony cabins all the way aft, between the owners suites. On Oceania, these are catagory B1, but on Azamara, they are more expensive than their A1 cabins. I guess they caught on how popular these are.

[shoshona2]

Hi Benita,

 

When did you take Oceania's Black Sea cruise -- we did it in August 2005. That was the only Oceania cruise that we didn't get our favorite cabins -- either 7116 or 7121. We also love the aft cabins between the O.S. We have 7121 for our Azamara cruise. I know Azamara gets more money for the aft cabins, but my husband really wanted to see the wake and the view is so wonderful from there. We don't mind the rolling and shaking back there.

 

Were you happy with Lindblad's Antartica tour?

 

Sheila

[Benita]

We went on the Black Sea cruise in July, 2007 - loved it. We had been referred to Ekol travel and booked private tours in Istanbul and the Ephesus area, and had tours in the Ukraine as well.

Lindblad's Antarctica trip was great. The ship was dated, but the cabins pretty big and the food good. No entertainment, but lots of lectures in the evening. The sail down was horrible - the waves were swirling so badly around the window in our cabin, that I felt like I was in a washing machine (I do get seasick fairly easily). The ride back was not too bad. The 10 days we had down there were magical - pristine scenery, no waves, great photo ops with the penguins.

It is a bit grueling - lots of climbing around on uneven terrain and some slippery areas, but well worth it. We went in 2005, and posted pictures on my husband's web site if you are interested - http://www.pbase.com/michaelblum/galleries

If you haven't been to the Galapagos islands, Lindblad's trip there is even better - easy to get to, with loads of birds and fish. We went in 2002, before our photography became digital, so no posted pictures.

I see we like the same cabins - we took aft ones on deck 6 both times because we liked the slightly bigger balconies. I didn't think they offered enough with the concierge services to make the price differential worth it.

[shoshona2]

Hi Benita,

 

Loved the photos -- I will show them to my husband over the weekend. We took Tauck's Peru and the Galapagos tour several years ago. I loved Machu Picchu (love ruins) and my husband loved the Galapagos part of the tour. That's why I'm not going to Antartica with him. I saw all the penguins I wanted to see in S.A. on our Santiago to Buenos Aires cruise in 2004.

 

Sheila

[Benita]

While I loved Antarctica, I think it was the sense of satisfaction of hitting all the continents, that was the most appealing. Once was enough, however. I would go back to the Galapagos and Peru (we did the Macchu Picchu extension, too) in a heartbeat.

As far as land trips, it is a close call between India and China as our all time favorites, although India is not for the faint of heart (or stomach). We leave for Croatia and Slovenia in a couple of weeks.

[shoshona2]

Hi again Benita,

 

My husband only needs to go to Antartica to fullfill his dream of traveling to all the Continents and only needs the Taj and Petra to see all the Wonders of the World. He was scheduled for India in March with his brother, but their upgrades to B.C. didn't come through. We are going to Egypt and Jordan next year, so we will have to go to India by cruise in 2010 because I'm not able to do India in depth.

 

What tour group are you going to Croatia with? We took Tauck's small ship the LeLevant last year -- ten days Venice to Venice via Croatia. We loved it!

 

Sheila

[Benita]

Hi again, For the Croatia trip, we chose Vantage. They have a great itinerary and we added an extension to Slovenia - Lake Bled, which I heard is gorgeous. It is 3 days in Slovenia and 3 in Montenegro and 12 in Croatia. We fly into Slovenia and go by bus to Zagreb which is where the tour actually starts. Then, we fly to Dubrovnic and go to Montenegro. Then back to Dubrovnik for 3 days and then work our way up the coast for the next 8 days. We had gone to India with Vantage and loved it, so figured we would try them again. Tauck has a similar trip, but it is a week shorter.

We were in Petra several years ago, as an excursion from Eilat in Israel. What a fabulous place. About the only other places that put me in total awe was the Taj Mahal, Macchu Picchu, and Cappadocia in Turkey.

Who are you using for Egypt and when are you going? If you want to see our itinerary, the web site is http://www.museum-tours.com and we will be on the Egyptian Odyssey itinerary. I figured if the American Archeological Association takes their members on tours from this company, it probably is a good one.

[shoshona2]

Hi Benita,

 

Sounds like a wonderful tour. You will love the color of the water -- good thing you are going to Croatia before all the BIG ships go and ruin Dubrovnik and Montenegro.

 

We are going with two other couples on Tauck's Egypt/Jordan tour October 28, 2009. We have traveled with our friends before and have a wonderful time with them. We all met in Vietnam on another tour several years ago and have remained friends even though we live in different parts of the US.

 

My husband and I are in our 70's now and time is of the essence. We both work so we can do as much traveling as we can now. We started traveling when we were in our 40's and don't want to stop until we are forced to do so by illness, etc. Sounds like you and your husband will be doing the same as us. We have had so many wonderful memories of our travels.

 

Enjoy.

 

Sheila

[Benita]

Sheila - It sounds like you and your husband have the same philosophy as Michael and I. When you are young, you do not have the money to travel, when you are a little older, your children and time constraints limit travel, when you are older yet, there are too many colleges to pay for, so money again becomes the issue, and when you are older and the responsibilities are done, you may not have your health.

Michael's mother died at 62, so she really did not get to travel, and my father lived til 85, but his travelling was extremely limited due to Parkinsons Disease.

We decided we would stop and smell the roses and from the time of our honeymoon, 17 years ago have gone on at last two big trips a year. We both have younger parners who can run our businesses in our absence. As a matter of fact, our first Tauck tour was on our honeymoon to the Canadian Rockies - if I think the Tauck travellers are old today, imagine how I felt at 32.

Which company did you use for Vietnam? We are looking to go there in October, 2009. We like the itinerary for Tauck, Vantage, and Pacific Delight and are looking into some privately guided tours as well. I would like Tauck for this one, but they spend a lot of time in Thailand and too little in Vietnam - I think we will save Thailand for a separate trip sometime. We are running out of new places to go to and will have to start repeating.

The river cruises in Europe look nice and we have taken river boat trips with Amadeus through Russia and Amsterdam for Tulip time, but I think we will save those for days when travelling by buses becomes too difficult.

Japan looks good for a future trip and more extensive ones in the US. Any suggestions for places that you enjoyed?

[shoshona2]

Hi again Benita,

 

We went with Tauck for Vietnam and Cambodia. It was wonderful. We had been in Vietnam 20 years ago and saw all the changes when we went again in 2004. We really like Tauck because it covers EVERYTHING -- no extra tours to pay for and no decisions to make. We have been on over 12 tours with them and also started with the Canada Rockies when our children were young and left with Grandma and Grandpa. Several friends have used OAT and loved that only about 16 people were on each tour.

 

My in-laws took our children separately on cruises and to Hawaii, so we have continued this tradition and take each grandchild separately on trips. That's when we did Tauck's Nice to Paris last year as a high school graduation present with number one grandchild. It was a wonderful experience with her and I didn't have to plan a thing. Number two grandchild wants to go there with us when she graduates. We will try to convince her to go to another country. We have two very young grandchildren in the Ft. Lauderdale area and see them about four times a year. We're planning on taking a cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale or Miami with them.

 

So happy to hear that you are able to take time to smell the roses at your age. We have met so many nice people and some have become good friends. I met a lot of people on this wonderful board and it sure makes traveling more enjoyable.

 

Glad to hear that South Florida got through Tropical Storm Fay without too much flooding. I have to call my cousins in Port Saint Lucie and see how they did. We were in Ft. Lauderdale when Katrina hit and there again after Wilma.

 

Sheila

[micked10@earthlink.net]

Hi Benita,

I think that we have corresponded before when we were both going on the Windmills and tulips trip.

Just wanted to tell you that you will love Croatia and Slovenia. We went with Vantage about 3 years ago and it was one of our best trips. Vantage does an excellent job on this trip. When we did the trip Lake Bled was included and Montenegro was the add on. We began in Dubrovnik so my husband and I flew in 4 days early and had some time on our own, which was great. We then picked up the tour at the hotel and went for the add on in Montenegro and then ended at Lake Bled. a beautiful place and the hotel is overlooking the lake--enchanting.

We are also planning a trip to Egypt but not until 2009. I think I am leaning toward Maupintours but sitll investigating others. We also love Tauck and have taken 10 trips with them. Their Egypt trip however is not as all-inclusive as Maupins for some reason.

Enjoy Croatia!! I know you will

micked10

[Louise22]

Hello, micked10 - I think maybe we have "talked" before also. I have been on the longer Maupintour Egypt trip and it was wonderful. I recommended it to two different parties and they loved the trip. Shortly, I will be going with Tauck on the Rhine and Mosel river cruise. Next spring I will be doing Croatia with Elegant Cruises on their 60 passenger ship "Monet". It is a 16 day trip starting and ending in Venice. It includes Slovenia and Montenegro. Being based on a ship really appeals to me.

[micked10@earthlink.net]

Hi Louise22,

Yes, I think that we have "talked" also. Did you do the Independent Maupintour or the Escorted one??? I am leaning toward the escorted one since they only take 20 people and I like being part of a "small" group.

Was your Nile cruise on the Oberoi Philae? That looks like a great ship and they have been very prompt in responding when I asked for a deck lay-out. I also like that their evening meal is not a buffet. So many of the ships had all 3 meals as buffets.

Do you have any suggestions or ideas that would help in our planning? So far the 2009 brochures are not out. I called Maupin yesterday and the agent said they should be out in a month. i want the exact dates for 2009 and I am sure the prices while have increased over 2008 prices! She did say the itinerary will be the same, which I was glad to hear. They do include many things that are optional on other tours and I like the 16 day ittinerary. Did you do the 10 or 16 day one?

I would love to hear what you liked or disliked about it. How were the hotels??

Thanks for any ideas,

micked10

[Louise22]

I did the 16 day escorted trip in April of 2004 and there were only 7 of us which was almost like a private trip.

 

Yes, we were on the Oberoi Philae. Most of the ships when they dock are moored side by side so you have to walk through other ships to get to the shore and back aboard. The Oberoi Philae has its' own private dock which is a real plus. The day we were to visit the Valley of the Kings and Queens I got a bad case of the "runs" but the ships' captain had just the medication I needed. I was afraid I would miss the day but didn't have any problems with his help. They know exactly what you need for problems and wouldn't bother taking anything with you for that kind of situation. Just depend on their experience. I was very careful about eating and drinking but it still hit me.

 

I really can't say there was anything I disliked about the tour. Well maybe the fact that everyone wanted money or to sell you something but that happens in a lot of countries and wasn't the fault of the tour company. I see that the last two hotels have changed but with Maupintour I am sure they are the best.

 

What was particularly nice is that our guide always went to the front of the line to get us tickets to get into the attractions so we never had to stand around waiting. I kept every entrance ticket from the attractions and it filled up more than two pages in my photo album. Very attractive and interesting to look back at them.

 

I am sure it will be one of your favorite trips. Pretty amazing experience.

[micked10@earthlink.net]

Thanks Louise for the info. Yes, I am sure Maupin will do it up right. We took their tour to Italy in 2004 and it was wonderful. We had the best guide. We have also taken about 6 Tauck tours and they also to it up right. I love that the tour guide goes ahead and gets the tickets and you just walk in. I remember in Italy we were going to see the painting of the Last Supper and our tour guide walked ahead of about a 2 block line, got our tickets, and in we went. The same experience at the Vatican Musuem. I just wish we were able to go sooner. We have several other trips planned so can't go until Oct. or Nov. of 2009. You took the tour we are planning to take so I am glad it was great. Thanks for you info.

micked10

[Ste. Michelle]

Hi ddschur and Benita,

 

We are now booked for October 2009 to take their cruise down the Nile on their Eygpt/Jordan Tour. Tauck is a wonderful operation and we have had people in their 40s aboard our cruises.

 

Sheila

 

 

I am considering the Egypt/Jordan tour for Oct. 2010. Would love to hear about your experience when you return.

[Benita]

Hi micked10- How did you like the Tulips cruise? We loved the gardens - only wish the season to go was a little later, so the weather on the rest of the cruise could have been warmer and drier.

Thanks for the positive feedback on Croatia. We are doing the Lake Bled add on first, so I guess we go in the opposite direction from your trip. The Vantage rep said they may be going back to including Slovenia and making Montenegro optional in the future as everybody seems to like the Lake Bled area better.

Vantage has a great itinerary for Vietnam and Cambodia. We went to India with them last year, so will consider the SE Asia trip, if the Croatia trip lives up to expectations.

I'll let everybody know how the Egypt trip goes. I only wish I knew of more people who have travelled with Museum tours.

[micked10@earthlink.net]

Hi Benita,

I do not know of anyone who has travelled with Museum tours either. I will be anxious to read your trip report. When are you going??

Yes, you are doing the trip in reverse from us. We did like Lake Beld better than Montenegro too. I recommended the trip to my sister last year and they loved it, so I know you will too.

We loved Dubrovnik and were glad we had extra days there on our own. The walled part of old town is very interesting with lots of nice outdoor cafes. Please let me know how you like your trip when you return.

micked10

[Benita]

We are going to Egypt at the beginning of May. It will be hot, but we've gotten used to it down here. The ideal time would be around February, but we can't take off from work in season.

[micked10@earthlink.net]

Hi Benita,

We are retired so can go just about anytime in 2009. We do have Feb. and March committed to a home in florida. My sister lives in Venice, Fl. so we go there for 2 months to get away from our Missouri winters. We are thinking of Egypt in late Oct. or early Nov. of 2009.

I forgot to answer your question about the tulips. We loved that trip, but do agree the weather at the beginning was chilly and sometimes down right cold. We went to Amsterdam 3 day early and went to the Gardens on our own since I knew the tour from the ship would not be that long. I am very glad we did that since we had a nice leisurely day in the Gardens. Also, spent a week in Brussels at the end and that was great. I loved Brussels and Brugge.

We thought Uniworld did an excellent job on that tour. Our cruise manager was fantastic. The only other River Cruise we have been on though was Viking for the Rhine, Danube and Main cruise. We also liked it but thought Uniworld was just a little better.

We have taken 26 Ocean cruises and lots and lots of land tours. My goal when I retired was to travel, travel, travel. We have been very fortunate to be able to do just that. I taught school, raised a family, sent kids to college, so now it is OUR TIME. I love the planning almost as much as I love the trip so always have a couple of trips in the works.

I will be looking forward to hearing about your Coratia trip and then egypt.

micked10

[shoshona2]

To Ste. Michelle,

 

Since I am not going on the Egypt/Jordan Tauck tour until October 2009, you might like to visit Tauck's Ask and Share Board to read all the comments posted there.

 

Sheila

[DaytonGirl]

I am considering the Egypt/Jordan tour for Oct. 2010. Would love to hear about your experience when you return.

 

We are going on this tour in two weeks. I'll have to make a point of writing a review when I get back since information on this trip has been hard to come by.

 

BTW - I am 46. Hardly extremely geriatric. :D

[micked10@earthlink.net]

Hi Dayton girl,

Would love to see a post from you on your trip to Egypt when you return. We are still in the planning stages and I keep going back and forth between Maupintour and Tauck.

Hope you have a wonderful time.

Looking forward to hearing from you after your trip.

micked10

[Ste. Michelle]

Looking forward to your review!