Latest Travel Blog Entries

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Back by popular demand, Tauck’s is back in Antarctica.  A journey of discovery like no other, Tauck will be hosting an exciting cruise adventure aboard the luxurious Le Boreal, and new for 2011, her sister ship, L’Austral.  For many travelers the most compelling reason to visit the Antarctic is to collect the 7^th continent. For others is breathtaking castles of ice, marine life and seabirds hold a special allure. 

Once part of a large Equatorial land mass that broke off on its own about 180 million years ago – and today the most peaceful place on Earth, the magnificent great white continent of Antarctica astounds with glacial landscapes and Arctic wildlife that defy decryption.  Tauck’s cruise provides the rare opportunity to view them up close with onboard experts who have spent a lifetime studying these natural wonders in extraordinary detail.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ail.  Due to changing weather and shifting glacial patterns of this remote region, your day-by-day itinerary will vary and may include Zodiac excursions to Antarctic Peninsula islands  During the summer months of January and February you can experience abundant wildlife on the beaches and cliffs of these islands.  Penguins abound…young or old, they have little or no fear of humans and will often spend as much time observing you as you will them.  Seals, whales and myriad species of seabirds are often seen on land and at sea.  On-board naturalists can help you identify them during your cruise.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

NEW FOR 2010! Israel and Jordan

Tauck’s comprehensive 14-day journey explores both the ancient world and contemporary lifestyles in this culturally diverse part of the world. From thoroughly modern Tel Aviv to ancient Jerusalem’s Western Wall, Dome of the Rock and Garden of Gethsemane to Bethlehem’s Manger Square to mountaintop Masada to Mount Nebo to amazing Petra and more, there is so much to discover. Explore it all in-depth with knowledgeable Tauck Directors, experienced local guides, and insightful experts in their fields. Special experiences provide cultural connections, glimpses of daily life and true tastes of the region, such as a unique “Prophet Sharing” panel discussion.

Cultural Exploration with Tauck's Small Ship Cruising

Constanta… Sevastopol… Tunis… Cadaqués… Palamós… Palermo… and more…

Visiting such off-the-beaten-path ports as these on a Tauck cruise vacation is transformational. Istanbul & the Black Sea and Cruising Mediterranean Shores aboard the yacht Le Levant and Mediterranean Discovery aboard Le Ponant transform dreams into reality. And remember – on many other cruises, the price you pay for the cruise itself is just the beginning of what you’ll spend. But when you cruise with Tauck, just about everything – even port taxes, airport transfers, a daily cocktail hour, soft drinks and snacks all day, award-winning included shore excursions for Tauck guests only in European ports where the big ships can’t go, wine with dinner aboard ship and more – is included in our upfront price, offering you tremendous value as well as an enriching cruising experience!

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Guests on over a dozen departures of Tauck’s popular "Classic Italy" tour this year will be treated to an exclusive "insider" experience with one of the world’s leading names in fashion.  While in Florence, they’ll enjoy a private guided tour of the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum and a wine tasting hosted by Salvatore Ferragamo, the grandson and namesake of the renowned Italian fashion icon.

Housing the designer’s sketches, photographs, patents, lasts of celebrity feet, and some 10,000 shoes designed and created by Ferragamo, the museum is a testament to his amazing impact on the worlds of fashion and design.  Ferragamo’s legacy has been carried forward and expanded by his children and grandchildren, and today the Ferragamo name adorns shoes, leather goods, fragrances, eyewear, watches and more.

Tauck guests will be hosted at the museum by Salvatore Ferragamo, grandson of the designer.  The 37-year-old Ferragamo manages the family’s 1,730 acre Il Borro estate in Tuscany and the production of its acclaimed Il Borro wines, which will be showcased in the wine tasting following the museum tour.  Dating back to 1760, the Il Borro estate was completely restored by the Ferragamo family after their purchase of it in 1993.  The Il Borro winery opened in 2007 and today produces a number of top quality wines featuring cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, sangiovese and petit verdot grapes.

The museum tour and wine tasting are featured on selected departures of Tauck’s "Classic Italy" tour through an exclusive partnership between Tauck and AuthentEscapes, which specializes in providing insider access to iconic figures in food, wine, sports, entertainment and global culture.  Besides Florence, Tauck’s 14-day "Classic Italy" itinerary (from $5,990 pp, double, plus air) also visits Venice, Cinque Terre, Assisi, Orvieto, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast and Rome, where guests enjoy an exclusive, after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. 

The private Ferragamo experience is included at no extra charge on 13 departures of "Classic Italy;" June 30, July 14, August 4, September 6, 11, 20, 25 and 29, and October 4, 9, 13, 18 and 27

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Virgin America announces bag fee change – the airline has changed its baggage fee to a flat $25 rate (up from $20,) for all checked items (excluding the first and second bag for First Class travelers; and the first bag for Main Cabin Select and Main Cabin Refundable Fare travelers).

Sunday, January 31, 2010

As you get ready to travel?

Here are some tips to give you peace of mind while you are away and make sure you do not make your house as a target of opportunity. These are some simple precautions from the experts.

• Be mindful of who is around when you are discussing your trip - there is no need to let too many people know or draw attention to the fact your house might be empty for a period.
• The best deterrent is to have someone housesit. If that is not possible, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take in the newspaper, mail, and any other deliveries and keep an eye on the house. Give them your trip plans and an emergency phone number so they can reach you in case of an emergency. You can also arrange with the post office and newspaper to suspend delivery for the time you are away.
• Lock doors, windows and secure sliding doors (a metal rod or a broomstick in the sliding door track is an inexpensive lock), as well as the garage, the basement, and the attic. Some people even disconnect the power to motorized garage door openers.
• Move any valuables from plain sight.
• Check on your appliances, unplug anything that doesn't need to be on while you're away. Lower air conditioning/heating units to energy-saving levels.
• Set timers to turn on lights if you do not have someone staying at the house.