For those out to experience a more personalized
cruising, US-based Tauck Cruise Tours offers a wide
range of all-inclusive ''land and sea treasures'' travel
packages that can be dubbed real ''voyages of
discovery.''
The 70-year-old Tauck Tours, a
third generation family-owned
company, bids quality holidays
featuring small and large cruise
ship voyages, helicopter and
small airplane “flight-seeing”
excursions, private railway
journeys, steamboating, and fine
motorcoach tours.
“The allure of meaningful travel is the discovery of
fascinating cultures and pristine scenery that often lies in
faraway lands. To find such places takes initiative,
passion and creativity, which we have,” said Robin
Taucks, one of the owners.
Tauck Tours, she said, offers an innovative new concept
in travel, that is, small ship cruising combined with award
winning land exploration.
“Our private yachts cruise in remote destinations the
larger ships can’t reach. This provides our guests a more
intimate, personal experience – far from the crowds,” she
added.
Tauck Tours takes pride in its small ships Treasures
Series featuring five sleek yachts – Le Ponant, Halcyon,
Isabela II, Wind Spirit and Wind Song. The vessels are
spacious, tastefully appointed and well-equipped for
journeys even to more remote regions.
All ships feature outside staterooms that command
panoramic views. Since there are fewer passengers,
guests can expect personal attention from the captain
and the crew. There is also the exclusive, private
club-like milieu on board that will surely make guests
more relaxed to travel because they don’t have to
contend with long queues and crowds.
Small ships like Tauck’s don’t have the pompous Las
Vegas-type of entertainment as guests are taken to
where the real action is. On board, cruise experts and
local guides are always on hand to assist guests on the
day’s events as well as the tour’s itinerary.
Tauck Tour’s all-inclusive package covers most meals,
hotel accommodations, shore excursions, local
sightseeing, all taxes and most gratuities.
Guests will surely enjoy small ship cruises as they give a
more “close-up” look at hidden harbors, secluded islands,
and exclusive ports of call where big ships or vessels
can’t venture.
Tauck Tours have specially designed itineraries that will
make their cruising guests enjoy days of exploration to
remote places where palaces and castles are tucked
away, and sprawling nature reserves to enjoy exotic
plants and rare birds that can only be seen in
documentary films.
There are also visits to historical, art and natural, and
even open-air museums. Off-the-beaten tracks like
rainforest, desert, seashore, among others, are also part
of the package.
What’s more, each tour focuses on cultural discovery
where guests will experience the rich heritage and
traditions unique to a destination. A plethora of myths
and legends, art, music, drama and dance that started
centuries ago will surely be most awesome and appealing
to every guest.
Take for instance the four-deck Le Ponant’s Treasures of
Costa Rica and Panama Canal cruise. The all-inclusive
US$3,990-plus covers 10 days and nine nights adventure
to secluded beaches, national parks, exotic rainforest
and a ten-hour journey from Pacific Ocean to the
Caribbean for the magnificent crossing of the canal.
There are also the Treasures of Ecuador and the
Galapagos Islands on board the three-deck Isabela II. For
the all-inclusive US$3,625-plus, all of 11 days and 10
nights, the cruise will take guests to breathtaking Quito,
Andean highlands, Cuenca, plus a four-night cruise.
Treasures of the Mediterranean on board Le Ponant
covers an exciting journey to Monte Carlo, Provence,
French Riviera, Malta and a seven-night cruise. From
US$4,975, the 13 days and 12 nights cruise features the
picturesque Taormina’s Greek Theater with Mt. Etna and
the Mediterranean as magnificent backdrop.
On board the four-deck Halcyon, guests will be thrilled to
experience the Treasures of Turkey and the Turquoise
Coast from US$4,190. The 14 days and 13 nights
package covers Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Ephesus,
plus a five-night cruise. Aside from fascinating ports of
call, guests will be taken to the Corinthian Columns
Celsus Library in Ephesus as well as other remote
destinations.
Tauck Tours have consistently tucked in the number
one-tour company in North America award by the
American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). Aside from
many plums and the World Travel Award, Tauck Tours
also bagged the “Best Customer Satisfaction Award”
given by the Automobile Association of America (AAA).
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