Tauck Announces Full Restart of US Tours

New Orleans. Tauck Tours has announced it will fully restart its U.S. tours as of July 1. It has already begun operating departures of its “Southern Charms: Savannah, Hilton head and Charleston” and “New Orleans & Mississippi River Country” itineraries, with other popular tours across the country relaunching in the coming months © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

WILTON, CT – After a year of suspension of its tours and cruises, Tauck Tours plans to fully restart its U.S. tours by July 1.

In an email announcement to guests and travel advisors, Tauck CEO Dan Mahar noted that departures of Tauck’s “Southern Charms: Savannah, Hilton Head and Charleston” itinerary have already begun operating, to be followed this month by “New Orleans & Mississippi River Country,” with other popular tours across the country relaunching in the coming months.  Guests and travel advisors can access information on specific tour departures at a new Open for Travel page on Tauck’s website.

Tauck’s readiness to restart its U.S. operations was demonstrated in January and February when it ran several departures of its “Wonderland: Yellowstone in Winter” itinerary.  According to Mahar, the overwhelming success of those tours was a key factor in leading to today’s announcement.  “Guests told us they loved their tours, and their positive feedback proved conclusively that we can deliver a true Tauck-level experience while still following all of the appropriate health and safety protocols,” said Mahar.

Besides providing several operational advantages, restarting in the U.S. also seemed fitting from a historical perspective, Mahar noted.  Although Tauck offers tours and cruises in more than 70 countries and on all seven continents, the company’s roots are firmly in the U.S. where it first began hosting travelers in 1925.  Today, Tauck’s U.S. journeys offer unique access to exclusive experiences ranging from “inside the park” accommodations at America’s premier national parks to itineraries crafted in partnership with the award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns.

Operationally Tauck has been, working in close cooperation with its network of supplier-partners on plans to restart its tours.  The company’s Worldwide Operations team communicates continuously with more than 2,000 attractions, national parks, hotels, restaurants, guest lecturers and others involved in the delivery of its tour experiences, all while developing health and safety protocols and monitoring developments in 70+ countries around the world. 

Those health and safety protocols feature prominently on all of Tauck’s 2021 itineraries, and will include the mandatory use of masks, social distancing wherever possible, and enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures.  Tauck is also requiring guests to complete and sign a Travel Well Pledge which confirms that they have either been vaccinated against Covid-19 or passed a PCR Covid-19 test within five days of departure, that they are free of virus-related symptoms, and that they have not been in close contact with anyone diagnosed with Covid-19.  The latest updates on Tauck’s travel policies, and the status of destinations served by the company, are featured in a Travel and Health page on the Tauck website.

95% of Surveyed Guests Vaccinated

While today’s announcement from Tauck refers only to its domestic trips, the company hopes to provide an update on selected international itineraries in the coming weeks.  In the meantime, Tauck’s customers are ready and excited to travel, whether domestically or abroad.  A recent survey of more than 5,000 guests booked to travel with Tauck from now through September revealed that a full 95% of respondents have already been vaccinated, and another 2% have their vaccinations scheduled.  And while a small proportion of guests remain undecided, the overwhelming majority – a full 88% – are eagerly looking forward to taking their upcoming Tauck trip as planned.  

The ability and willingness to travel shown by Tauck’s guests are reflected in the strong bookings the company is seeing for its U.S. tours.  And although Mahar stated that a number of departures are sold out, he also noted that availability remains on several of the company’s popular domestic itineraries, including “America’s Canyonlands,” “The Best of Hawaii” and “Southern Charms: Savannah, Hilton Head and Charleston.”  (As noted above, and for the very latest availability on all Tauck itineraries, guests and travel advisors can go to the Open for Travel page on Tauck’s website.)

Founded in 1925, Tauck Tours is a world leader in upscale guided travel, with more than 150 river cruises, small ship ocean cruises, land tours and safaris to 70+ countries and all seven continents.  In each of the last 23 years, Tauck has been honored in Travel + Leisure magazine’s annual “World’s Best Awards” celebrating the very best in luxury cruises, tours, hotels and more.

For more information, contact your local travel professional, call Tauck at 800-468-2825, or visit www.tauck.com.

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USTOA Tour Operators Offer Potpourri of Last-Minute Trips for the 2019 Holiday Season

 

Christmas Markets in Austria by Insight Vacations

Whether travelers are looking to visit Christmas markets in Europe to celebrate the season or take a beach vacation to Costa Rica to escape the holidays, the tour operators of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) offer a wide variety of itineraries for end-of-the-year getaways, no matter the reason.

Trips for the 2019 holiday season still have availability, including a romantic New Year’s Eve spent under the Eiffel Tower, a cycling escape through Southeast Asia, and a Rhine River cruise through snow-capped mountains and castles.

Here are examples of just some of the holiday trips offered, more can be found at https://ustoa.tripwing.com

• Christmas Markets of Germany, Switzerland & Austria – EF Go Ahead Tours celebrates the holiday season in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria by visiting the swiss mountains and Bavarian forest, drinking German beer and Austrian wine, and visiting the Christmas markets of Munich over 12 days. Departures are available on select dates in November and December 2020 and 2021. 

• Holiday Markets Cruise: The Festive Rhine River – AHI International’s seven-day Rhine River cruise takes place on a first-class river ship surrounded by snow-dusted hills and clifftop castles, stopping at the Old World holiday markets in France, Germany, and Switzerland. Departures are available November 27 – December 5, 2019 starting at $2,295. 

• New Year’s in Paris – Go-Today takes travelers to Paris to celebrate New Year’s Eve with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop.  The six-day trip is filled with the city’s famed jazz clubs, champagne, and walks along the Seine. Departure is available December 25, 2019 starting at $949 per person.  

• Christmas on the Elbe – CroisiEurope Cruises leads travelers to the oldest Christmas markets in Germany for seven days to listen to the symphony, join Midnight Mass in Dresden, and have Christmas dinner. Departures is available December 20, 2019 starting at $2,360 per person. 

• Christmas Markets of Austria & Bavaria – Insight Vacations offers an eight-day journey through the Bavarian Alps to listen to music in Salzburg, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Innsbruck, and view local handicrafts and festive treats in the Christmas Markets. Departures are available November 24 – December 10, 2019 starting at $1,850 per person. 

To escape, here are a couple of outgoing adventures for families, friends, and solo travelers looking for a great getaway from the festivities:  

• Borneo: Hike, Bike, & Kayak – Intrepid Travel showcases rainforests, mountains, and beaches on a nine-day adventure through Borneo Island in Southeast Asia. Built for active travelers, the itinerary is filled with hiking, biking, and kayaking. Departures are available November 18 and December 30 starting at $1,798 per person.   

• Highlights of Botswana – Goway Travel offers an eight-day safari through Botswana for travelers looking to escape in the new year, with accommodations in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Chobe National Park The trip includes Daily departures are available beginning January 5, 2020 starting at $4,385 per person. 

• Costa Rica: Jungles & Rainforests – Tauck presents an eight-day journey for families looking to adventure together during the holidays, with zip lining, jungle river-rafting, wildlife walks, a pineapple farm tour, and a chocolate-making demonstration. Departures are available December 18 and 24, 2019 starting at $3,868 per person. 

• Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort – GoGo Vacations offers a golf adventure package at the Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort, located just north of Cancun and surrounded by sandy beaches, with 65,000 square feet of swimming pools for families and a world-famous golf course and spa. Departures available through December 31, 2019 starting at $849 per person.

 For more information on USTOA, visit www.ustoa.com, call 212-599-6599, or email information@ustoa.com.

Representing nearly $19 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow 9.8 million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe. Each member company has met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business.  As a voice for the tour operator industry for more than 40 years, USTOA also provides education and assistance for consumers and travel agents.

 

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Pacific Delight Launches First South America Tours Starting with Peru

Eric Oborski, president of Pacific Delight Tours, was first brought on as an executive consultant in 2013 to lead the luxury operator’s expansion efforts. He hinted that further expansion into South America is in the pipeline with more itineraries to appear throughout 2015.

NEW YORK, NY – Pacific Delight Tours is expanding into South America, beginning with the launch of a seven day itinerary to Peru where travelers will have the opportunity to view some of the most famed sights in the Western Hemisphere, including Machu Picchu.  Tours to Peru start at $2,559 per person, based on double occupancy.

“Peru is a fabulous landscape where exotic culture and ancient ruins combine with well-preserved colonial architecture to create a multi-faceted window into the past, present and future with ultra-modern cities like Lima, ancient Incan cities like Cusco and the incredibly mysterious Machu Picchu, all within one vast landscape,” said Eric Oborski, president of Pacific Delight Tours, who was first brought on as an executive consultant in 2013 to lead the luxury operator’s expansion efforts.

“We are very excited to have Peru as our first South America destination, as I’ve been involved in promoting tourism to and from South America since 1972 and am extremely familiar with Peru, having lived there,” noted Oborski, hinting that further expansion into South America is in the pipeline with more itineraries to appear throughout 2015.

Pacific Delight’s 7-Day Peru Program takes travelers to Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco along with a full-day tour of different Incan communities and antique salt mines.

Machu Picchu, known as the “Lost City of the Incas” is not only one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, but also the biggest cultural treasure of Peru’s past and the empire of the Incas.  Undiscovered by Spaniards and forgotten for centuries, it was not until 1911 that the American scientist Hiram Bingham came upon this phenomenon accidentally.  The ruins still leave scientists with numerous questions and riddles as to how it was built and for what purpose.  Travelers will reach Machu Picchu by shuttle bus and enjoy lunch at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.

Travelers will get to visit Cusco, home to many important Inca sites, where explorers will not only find Incan walls and temples, but also colonial mansions and Catholic churches.  In addition to Cusco, other stops include the Salt Mines of Mara, an excursion to the small Andean community Moray, known for its embedded amphitheater, and a trip to Chinchero where travelers will explore the town’s Sunday market, originally dedicated to the people of the valley to barter their products with a variety of handicrafts and textiles made in true pre-Columbian style.  Explorers will also get to visit Awankancha where they will learn about the traditional weaving techniques typical for the area.

Peru also offers travelers the unique opportunity to experience nearly 98% of the world’s climates, from Rainforests in the North, to coastal cities like Lima in the West and sprawling mountain ranges in the East.  This varied climate, along with a merging of cultures, has given Peruvians the ability to create some of the most unique culinary experiences including Chifa, a fusion of Peruvian and Chinese food, and Ceviche, Peru’s take on sushi.

Pacific Delight Tours is offering the 7-Day Peru Program in Silver and Gold packages.  The Silver package starts at $2,559 with a $600 single supplement and provides travelers with first-class accommodations.  The Gold program starts at $2,999 with a $926 single supplement and features Pacific Delight’s signature FiveStarPlus® luxury accommodations.  All rates quoted are per person, based on double occupancy and do not include international airfare or initial arrival and departure transfers, which are only included when airfare is purchased from Pacific Delight Tours.

Meals are included as per the itineraries along with English-speaking guides and the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program. International airfare is not included, but can be purchased from Pacific Delight Tours at competitive rates from all major U.S. gateways.

Pacific Delight Tours’ expansion into South America will include itineraries in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru in 2015, with more destinations to be announced.

For more information or to book, consult your local travel agent or contact Pacific Delight Tours at 800-221-7179.  Browse Pacific Delight’s China and Asia offerings at www.PacificDelightTours.com.

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Pacific Delight Tours Introduces Air-Inclusive Japan & China Program; 10-Day ‘Highlights’ from $3599

Meiji Shrine, a Shinto monument to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, in Tokyo, one of the highlights on the 10-day air-inclusive Pacific Delight Tours © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Pacific Delight Tours (www.PacificDelightTours.com), is launching new air-inclusive itineraries, such as the 10–day Highlights of Japan & China program, starting at $3,599 per person, based on double occupancy, which features some of the most recognizable and iconic sights in Asia.

The tour begins at Tokyo Tower, where guests will enjoy a stunning panoramic vista of the city, followed by a visit to Meiji Shrine, a Shinto monument to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.  Next, the program moves to Tokyo’s Imperial Palace located at the former site of Edo Castle, which was demolished after the Tokugawa shogun was overthrown in 1867.  The Imperial Palace now serves as the royal residence of Japanese Emperor.  Guests will pass the Akasaka Guest House as well as the meeting place of the Japanese House of Representatives and the House of Councilors on their way to the Ginza, Tokyo’s upscale shopping district.

Visitors will drive through Japan’s picturesque Kanagawa Prefecture to Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest, stopping halfway up the mountain for remarkable views.  They’ll view the volcanic terrain of Hakone from the vantage point of a double-wired gondola lift on their way to Owakudani Boiling Valley, referred to locally as the “Valley of Hell” due to the steam escaping from its rugged mountains.  Their experience of Tokyo’s countryside culminates with a tranquil cruise along Lake Ashi revered for its views of Mt. Fuji.

In Kyoto, guests will see Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the Tokugawa Shogunate era in the 17th century, before continuing to Kinkakuji Temple, a Zen temple and garden complex dating back to the late 14th century.  They will also visit Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of Japan’s emperors until 1869.

The program concludes in Beijing, where travelers will observe Tiananmen Square and the extravagant Ming-era Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City.  They’ll also visit the renowned Great Wall as well as the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the last night of the tour, visitors will have the chance to attend an optional Legend of Kung Fu performance.

This World of Difference® Escapade experience provides travelers with three nights in Tokyo’s New Otani Garden Tower hotel, two nights at the New Miyako hotel in Kyoto and three nights at the Marriott City Wall in Beijing.  The tour also includes transpacific air (LAX/SFO, add $200 for JFK), intra-Japan transportation, an intra-Asia flight, guaranteed land transportation with two passengers, initial arrival and departure transfers, English-speaking guides, eight breakfasts, three lunches and the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.  The program starts at $3,599 per person, based on double occupancy.  Transpacific airfares include all government taxes, fees and airline surcharges.  There is a single supplement available starting at $899.

Travelers seeking a longer tour may opt for Pacific Delight’s air-inclusive 15-Day In-Depth Japan & China program, extending the highlights experience to Xi’an, Shanghai and Wuzhen from $4,199 per person, based on double occupancy.

For more information or to book, consult your local travel agent, contact Pacific Delight Tours at 800-221-7179, 212-818-1781, or visit www.PacificDelightTours.com.

See also:

TOKYO: TURNING A STOPOVER INTO A SOJOURN-Part 2

TOKYO: TURNING A STOPOVER INTO A SOJOURN

HANGZHOU: CHINA’S CITY OF ROMANCE

HANGZHOU: ANCIENT & MODERN COME TOGETHER IN CHINA’S RESORT CITY

ZHEJIANG PROVINCE PRESENTS MICROCOSM OF CHINA, OLD & NEW

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Insight Vacations Launches New Exotics Collection

Insight Vacations has just released its new Exotics Collection, featuring a range of premium escorted journeys, a majestic new destination, and a variety of authentic Signature Hotels, Dining and Experiences. For the first time, the brochure includes an augmented feature that enables you to enjoy India’s flavor using your smartphone to get a preliminary taste of what this incredible region has to offer.

The Exotics Collection offers luxury tours to India, Bhutan, Nepal, Greece, Jordan, Israel, Turkey, Egypt and Morocco.

“We are thrilled with the success of our India program since launching in 2012, and we are delighted we can continue to introduce new product to this extraordinary region,” says Marc Kazlauskas, President of Insight Vacations. “Each itinerary featured in the Exotics Collection has been chosen to showcase these culturally and historically rich destinations, and when combined with Insight’s Signature inclusions, we guarantee our guests a truly unforgettable experience.”

The Exotic Collection’s Signature Experiences include game safaris in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger, Bhutanese cooking classes, and a guided tour of Bhutan’s only commercial cheese factory. Guests stay at hand-selected Signature Hotels with highlights such as the Taj Lake Palace Hotel, Bangalore’s opulent Leela Palace, and the Divani Caravel hotel in Athens. Guests enjoy delectable Signature Dining experiences at every magnificent turn, including a cooking demonstration with a renowned chef in Olympia and a highlight luncheon at India’s Laxmi Vilas Palace.

“When traveling to these wonderful countries with Insight, you can be assured that your safety, comfort and security are our absolute priority – our ground teams are the very best in the business,” says John Boulding, President and CEO of Insight Vacations. “They will take care of you every step of the way.”

Two new itineraries have been added in India, including a sojourn from Delhi to Udaipur on the Colors of Rajasthan and a venture through Mystical South India where guests visit some of India’s oldest temples from Kochi to Chennai. Bhutan – Dragon Kingdom highlights the newest destination to feature its own itinerary, due to the rising increase in Bhutan’s popularity. Additional new 2014 features include four-day stopovers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, extensive hotel upgrades, additional transfers and flight inclusions on some itineraries and extensive Wi-Fi availability on coaches and in hotels.

Insight Vacations is a part of a joint initiative with The TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation established by The Travel Corporation to encourage sustainable tourism within our own family of brands and in the places we visit. To date, TreadRight has donated more than US $2 million to sustainable tourism projects around the world. To find out more about our work with TreadRight visit: www.TreadRight.org.

For more information, visit www.insightvacations.com. For reservations, contact your travel agent or call Insight Vacations at 888-680-1241.

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Adventure travel leader Gap Adventures offers discounts on tours exploring SE Asia, West Africa, Ecuador, Morocco & Costa Rica

Adventure travel leader Gap Adventures is offering discounts on tours exploring South East Asia, West Africa, Ecuador, Morocco & Costa Rica, but you need to book soon:

South East Asia (ATBH, AVRL, ATCM, ATPC): Book by July 12 and receive 15% off a variety of South East Asia 12 to 15-day excursions, exploring Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Experience contrasting landscapes and cultures, visiting temples, caves, waterfalls, markets, and more, with opportunities to enjoy homestays in Mekong or Don Khong. (Promo Code: SEASIA15A, Travel by December 31, 2011)

West Africa (DGGU, DGWA, DVVT): Book by July 12 and receive 15% off a selection of 13 to 29-day tours exploring the captivating region of West Africa. Get really off the beaten track as you witness authentic voodoo ceremonies, come face-to-face with witches, and experience the Tonga Oracle. The Ghana Untouched tour was recently selected as one of National Geographic Traveler’s Top Tours of a Lifetime (Promo Code: WESTAFRICA15A, Travel by December 31, 2011).

Costa Rica Quest (CRQ): Book by July 12 and receive 10% off this best-selling Gap Adventures trip. Soak in the warm waters of local hot springs surrounded by a tropical canopy, search for the elusive quetzal bird in the cloud forest, and watch the sun set over the Pacific during this action-packed, nine-day tour of Costa Rica’s highlights. This 9-day trip is perfect for adventurers with limited time who want to explore active volcanoes, follow a trail to the base of a waterfall, melt away in thermal springs or bliss out on a beach (Promo code: CRQ10A, Travel by December 31, 2011).

Highlights of Morocco (DCHM): Book by July 12 and receive 20% off this amazing 14-day journey from Casablanca to Marrakech. Hit Morocco’s highlights even if time’s a little tight. Wander through kasbahs, ancient medinas, spice markets, and cities pulsing with energy on this comprehensive trip. Climb onto a camel and explore the edge of the Sahara before admiring the views from the heights of the Atlas Mountains. Experience the energy of Imperial cities as you explore souks stuffed with exotic wares. Then take a moment to appreciate this amazing adventure as you camp under the stars among some of the world’s biggest sand dunes (Promo code: DCHM20A, Travel by December 31, 2011)

The Ecuador Experience (REE): Book by July 12 and receive 15% off Gap Adventures’ Ecuador Experience. For travelers who want to sample the region’s highlights without sacrificing some of its lesser-known gems, this adventure offers a great combination of must-see highlights and free time to explore. Travel from the Avenue of the Volcanoes to relaxing Pacific beaches and mountain hot springs in Ecuador. Visit the Amazon and a shaman for an incredible introduction to indigenous culture and witness lush jungles and exotic wildlife on this 18-day adventure in nature. Feel like a local during an Amazon homestay, and relax on Ecuador’s sun-kissed beaches (Promo code: REE15A, Travel by December 31, 2011).

About Gap Adventures

Gap Adventures is a world leader in the adventure travel industry offering small group adventures on all seven continents and beyond to more than 100,000 global travelers annually. The award-winning trips, which focus on culture, nature and active travel, are ideal for those with a sense of adventure – people who want to leave the beaten path and authentically immerse themselves in a local culture or environment to experience the real world in a sustainable manner. Demonstrating its ongoing cultural, social and economic commitment to responsible tourism, Gap Adventures established the Planeterra Foundation, as a way the company and its travelers can give back to the communities visited. For more information, visit www.gapadventures.com and www.planeterra.org.

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