Tauck World Discovery, a family owned tour company out of Westport, Connecticut, has established itself as one of the most respected in the travel industry. Tauck has come a long way since its inception in 1925 and, today, offers fascinating and unique itineraries to over sixty countries on seven continents.

Whether it's small ship cruising in the Greek Isles, heli-hiking in the Canadian Rockies, discovering the secrets of the ancient Inca civilizations in Peru, or exploring the African wilderness on Safari, Tauck will take you to every corner of the world. But not all are enticed by exotic destinations. Perhaps you would prefer a fall foliage trip to New England, or go on a journey to the canyonlands out West. One thing is sure, Tauck will provide a first class experience, no matter what the destination.

We have taken three trips with Tauck and loved them all. Very different in nature, each provided diverse itineraries, superb accommodations of the 5 star variety, fine dining and extremely knowledgeable guides. This company delivers what it promises. No wonder they have won numerous awards in the travel industry, including AAA's prestigious "Best Customer Satisfaction" award for three consecutive years, just recently.

Tauck's prices are all-inclusive, and it means just that. Virtually very expense imaginable is included in the tour price, from entertainment and gourmet meals to excursions, baggage handling, even tips. And you guessed it, Tauck's prices are not cheap, but then there is nothing cheap about Tauck! Air fare to your departure city is not included in the tour price. Tauck offers it, but we have always found more reasonable fares on our own. There might be some savings in business class, but since we can usually be found in the cattle section of the plane, I am not quite sure about that.

Our first trip with Tauck was to Switzerland, still one of our favorites, with a hard to match itinerary covering virtually every corner of this magnificent country. Not something we could have managed on our own, at least not without considerable effort and planning.

Hawaii was our next destination with Tauck, exploring the Big Island, Maui and Lanai, a comprehensive tour of these exotic and beautiful islands which made us go back, again and again, on our own.

Last but not least, our trip to Australia earlier this year, jam packed with adventure from riding camels in the Outback to cruising on the Great Barrier Reef! Again, a fabulous trip, covering much of this very large country and not anything we would have attempted on our own.

It's true that in the past, Tauck has catered to the over 50 crowd. But with the addition of new, adventure packed itineraries and the recent name change from 'Tauck Tours' to 'Tauck World Discovery', this company is broadening its appeal. Case in point is that our small group of 20 on our Australia trip represented ages from the early 20s to the 70s.

Tauck's Tour Directors are some of the best trained in the business and certainly a notch or two above the norm. Their extensive knowledge of the history of the area you are visiting, their insight into local customs and the ability to find those off the beaten path attractions, is invaluable and informative. The amount of the gratuity for your Tour Director at the end of the trip is left up to your discretion. Although 'voluntary', it's expected and, we felt, always well deserved!

Tours can be booked directly through Tauck or through your travel agent. You can find a wealth of information on Tauck's website www.tauck.com, giving you insight into the various destinations, specialty journeys, the companies history, even tips for recommended reading prior to your departure. Get on the mailing list for their fabulous, high quality catalogues, each and every one a feast for the eyes, with beautiful photographs of your 'dream' destinations!

Tauck thrives on repeat customers which tells much about the company. We, of course, are among those who keep coming back, even if not as frequently as some. We like to do a good bit of traveling on our own but enjoy the occasional Tauck Tour as a change of pace. It's effortless, hassle free and lets you bathe in the lap of luxury!

If we have any gripe at all, it's a personal one. We find that there is a bit too much emphasis on food! Three big meals a day is more than what we are used to but seems to earn high accolades from long time Tauck supporters who are into the 'fine dining' experience. Not that we don't enjoy it, but it is time consuming, not to mention the horrible effects on your waist line.

Be prepared to rise early on a Tauck trip, your day is carefully planned and packed with sight seeing and other activities. There is always some 'free' time scheduled, a good time to separate from the group and do your own thing. We have made some wonderful friends on these trips, most of whom have traveled extensively throughout their lives and can give you a wealth of information.

Tauck has yet to disappoint us and we doubt that they will. As they add new fascinating places to visit, we're sure to be back. After all, we can only resist temptation for so long!

UPDATE!

Since writing this review, we have traveled with Tauck three more times! A most memorable Windstar cruise from Istanbul to Athens (offered to previous Tauck guests at an irresistible price) and, in the summer of 2003, one of the best adventures ever, heli-hiking in the Columbia Mountains of British Columbia, which we will hopefully repeat sometime soon. Then, early this year (Feb. 2004), we enjoyed an absolutely incredible trip to the 'Frozen Continent' - ANTARCTICA. Surely, it can't get much better than that!
















Recommended: Yes

Best Suited For: Couples
Tour format: Various
Tour length: Over a Week
Tour type: Group