Which of these trips to take for our 50th Wedding Anniversary?
Feb 3rd, 2010, 06:22 AM
#1
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Which of these trips to take for our 50th Wedding Anniversary?
Please give your opinion and any/all information on these trips:
#1 Berlin/Prague/Budapest
#2 Spain/Portugal/Morroco
#3 Scandanavian Capitals/St Petersburg
#4 Israel/Egypt
The State Dept has a warning out for Israel so this gives me concern but these are lands that we have not been to and would like to visit. I have poured over information the past two days and am no closer to chosing one of these trips then I was when I started. I would like your opinions. Thank you.
#1 Berlin/Prague/Budapest
#2 Spain/Portugal/Morroco
#3 Scandanavian Capitals/St Petersburg
#4 Israel/Egypt
The State Dept has a warning out for Israel so this gives me concern but these are lands that we have not been to and would like to visit. I have poured over information the past two days and am no closer to chosing one of these trips then I was when I started. I would like your opinions. Thank you.
Feb 3rd, 2010, 07:15 AM
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We've never been to Berlin but loved our trip from Prague to Vienna to Budapest. Prague is a wonderful city, we hated to leave. Vienna was our least favorite, but much loved by many people. And last but not least, Budapest was also a joy to visit.
Spain is a wonderful country, we particularly liked Seville. You might want to consider just Spain, so much to see and do.
We did a river boat cruise a couple of years ago from Moscow to St. Petersburg. I think this would be an excellent way to celebrate a Golden Anniversary. We've never visited Scandanavia.
Egypt is on our list of places we want to visit. My husband wants to combine with Israel; I want to combine with Jordan to see Petra.
Not much help, but maybe these few thoughts will be of assistance. I have files on Prague and Budapest that I put together when planning our trip. It's been about six years I think since we did this trip, but some of the info might be helpful. E-mail me if you'd like me to send them: [email protected]
Spain is a wonderful country, we particularly liked Seville. You might want to consider just Spain, so much to see and do.
We did a river boat cruise a couple of years ago from Moscow to St. Petersburg. I think this would be an excellent way to celebrate a Golden Anniversary. We've never visited Scandanavia.
Egypt is on our list of places we want to visit. My husband wants to combine with Israel; I want to combine with Jordan to see Petra.
Not much help, but maybe these few thoughts will be of assistance. I have files on Prague and Budapest that I put together when planning our trip. It's been about six years I think since we did this trip, but some of the info might be helpful. E-mail me if you'd like me to send them: [email protected]
Feb 3rd, 2010, 08:14 AM
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Are these organized trips? For how long? When? What are your interests? Russia (your tag)? Budgets? Accomodations?
These are rather diverse trips, so it would go good to know how you narrowed it down, to make them your options.
These are rather diverse trips, so it would go good to know how you narrowed it down, to make them your options.
Feb 3rd, 2010, 10:47 AM
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Our anniversary is Nov 22 and would like to be where we are going on that day but it is not necessary. We can go in the Summer.
These are oranized trips. They are with Gate1 (who we have taken before to Greece and Turkey and were very satisfied) and Grand Circle.
We have found that these two tour companies are more econonmial because they include airfare from New York and deal in first class accomodations.
These are diverse trips but are just places we have not visited and are on our bucket list.
These are oranized trips. They are with Gate1 (who we have taken before to Greece and Turkey and were very satisfied) and Grand Circle.
We have found that these two tour companies are more econonmial because they include airfare from New York and deal in first class accomodations.
These are diverse trips but are just places we have not visited and are on our bucket list.
Feb 5th, 2010, 06:52 AM
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I would vote for #2 or 4. The best time to go to Israel or Spain is late September or October. Spain is one of my favorite counties and I hope to go back soon. Portugal has unique architectural style that you probably can’t see anywhere else and great pastries.
If you go to Israel try to visit Caesarea if it’s not included on the main itinerary and only at the nice weather - it’s ruins of a small ancient port in a stunning location.
To visit St Petersburg you will need russian visa ($130+pp + paperwork changes your travel company will charge you). The best time to take #3 will be June (white nights – absolutely incredible experience if the weather is nice) and July. It’s one of the most beautiful cities that offers great architecture, museums, palaces and theaters.
Your first tour could be done without a group. You don’t need a car and can move by train from city to city; easy to plan and most speak English at main tourist areas. Budapest is interesting and I will go back some day. There are lots of constructions and renovations all around the city; best food; great sights to visit. Prague was high on my list for many years, but when we finally visited, I was slightly disappointed. There are wonderful picture perfect attractions but Prague is overrun by tourist and those who try to make some profits of tourism. It’s too crowded. I can’t imagine visiting it with a group. I am happy I traveled to Prague and visited it’s beautiful sights but feeling at the end was‘been there done that’. If you choose to go I highly recommend to visit the center at 6 or 7 am -before the crowds and also visit Opera House.
Best of luck!
If you go to Israel try to visit Caesarea if it’s not included on the main itinerary and only at the nice weather - it’s ruins of a small ancient port in a stunning location.
To visit St Petersburg you will need russian visa ($130+pp + paperwork changes your travel company will charge you). The best time to take #3 will be June (white nights – absolutely incredible experience if the weather is nice) and July. It’s one of the most beautiful cities that offers great architecture, museums, palaces and theaters.
Your first tour could be done without a group. You don’t need a car and can move by train from city to city; easy to plan and most speak English at main tourist areas. Budapest is interesting and I will go back some day. There are lots of constructions and renovations all around the city; best food; great sights to visit. Prague was high on my list for many years, but when we finally visited, I was slightly disappointed. There are wonderful picture perfect attractions but Prague is overrun by tourist and those who try to make some profits of tourism. It’s too crowded. I can’t imagine visiting it with a group. I am happy I traveled to Prague and visited it’s beautiful sights but feeling at the end was‘been there done that’. If you choose to go I highly recommend to visit the center at 6 or 7 am -before the crowds and also visit Opera House.
Best of luck!
Feb 5th, 2010, 07:14 AM
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<<These are oranized trips. They are with Gate1 (who we have taken before to Greece and Turkey and were very satisfied) and Grand Circle.>>
I've traveled with OAT and Grand Circle and have been very happy with the trips.
I don't think GC has a trip to Morocco but I took the OAT tour and loved it, it was a wonderful experience in a beautiful country.
I also took the OAT tour of Egypt and enjoyed it. GC does have an Egypt tour, which would cost a bit less and have a larger group, but I think it would be just as good as the OAT.
I've considered the GC Portugal/Spain trip but it looks like you'd be on the move a lot. I prefer two or three nights in one place. If that is the one you're considering that includes Morocco, I think the trip to M. is just one day in Tangiers, not a good representation of the country.
I've traveled with OAT and Grand Circle and have been very happy with the trips.
I don't think GC has a trip to Morocco but I took the OAT tour and loved it, it was a wonderful experience in a beautiful country.
I also took the OAT tour of Egypt and enjoyed it. GC does have an Egypt tour, which would cost a bit less and have a larger group, but I think it would be just as good as the OAT.
I've considered the GC Portugal/Spain trip but it looks like you'd be on the move a lot. I prefer two or three nights in one place. If that is the one you're considering that includes Morocco, I think the trip to M. is just one day in Tangiers, not a good representation of the country.
