OK FODORITES---HERE IS A PROPOSED GROUP TOUR FOR US TO GET TOGETHER
Jan 3rd, 2000, 07:43 AM
#1
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OK FODORITES---HERE IS A PROPOSED GROUP TOUR FOR US TO GET TOGETHER
Someone has to put a stake in the ground, so here goes. Four couples of our friends will be doing a " Best of the Alps and Lakes" trip this Sep. for 2 weeks. The itinerary will include 4 destinations over 13 nites to begin in the Salzkammergut area of Austria[St. Gilgen] for 4 nites and end in the Bernese Oberland area of Switzerland, with stops in the Dolomites and Italian Lakes in transition. The hotels will all be charming family owned 3 star accommodations that are among my personal favorites. I am trying to keep the cost for lodging and half-board to about $150/day per couple. What a perfect <BR>opportunity for some of my Fodors friends to join our group. I hope to keep the total group to a a minimum of 12, a max of 20. <BR> <BR>Let me clarify that this will be a DIRECTED group experience, not a guided tour. Each <BR>couple will have their own transportation and will be free to explore at their own pace each day. We will all stay at the same hotels and enjoy dinner together each nite to share experiences and to brief for the next day. I will supply the reservations, <BR>the maps, and daily briefings. This is truly INDEPENDENT GROUP TRAVEL. <BR> <BR>Please contact me directly for more details. Our group is going anyway and my thought is that this is a perfect chance for some of the Fodorite regulars to finally meet each other and to share a common experience. <BR>BOB THE NAVIGATOR 904-277-4036
Jan 3rd, 2000, 11:51 AM
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BobTN: <BR>Great idea!! I plan to take my mother (and maybe her sister) to Switzerland in Sep/Oct to see the foliage, ending in Grindelwald or Wengen. While we won't be part of the "tour," I will happily arrange/rearrange our schedule to meet you and your group. I'll keep your e-mail and I'll continue to track your progress and dates as your tour materializes. I'll be in touch; you too? <BR> <BR>suzann
Jan 4th, 2000, 10:00 AM
#4
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Frank, <BR> <BR>How much earlier? Assuming Bob's proposal flies, there might be merit to do it as an "August campaign" and a September campaign as well. Heck I lead the first, and let bob show me how he would do it slightly different by going with him in September! <BR> <BR>Write me. <BR> <BR>Rex
Jan 4th, 2000, 10:36 AM
#5
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Love the concept! Talked to hubby and September would actually work out better for both. The route sounds very interesting, the concept is very appealing, and the cost range is not bad. Bob, please keep posting details as they develop. <BR> <BR>By the way, we considered it a very gracious invitation and a wonderful initiative.
Jan 4th, 2000, 12:33 PM
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Hello Gang, I am looking at either Sep <BR>21 or 22 as arrival in St Gilgen for the <BR>group. Some may choose to fly into Munich earlier if they want, but the party would start then. I am picking mid week dates for best airfares. <BR>The end would be open since some may prefer to go back to Munich for departure to avoid an "open jaw" and others will depart from Zurich. My wife and I plan to spend 2 nites in Luzern <BR>after the group breaks up since we have never been there. However, I am planning for the last day for the group to be in Grindelwald on Oct. 3. The trip <BR>timing is designed to enjoy the fall <BR>colors in the Alps and to take advantage of "end of season" rates. <BR>I have already contacted the hotels that <BR>I am hoping to reserve but cannot lock <BR>that in until we have a number. I will be asking for " commitments" and deposits by Feb 2[ Susans' Birthday]so <BR>we can book far enough in advance for the best group rates. I am sure you all <BR>understand that concept. Let me know your thoughts---I would love to get about 6 Fodorite couples to join us. <BR>
Jan 5th, 2000, 10:01 AM
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Bob, My friend and I hope to do a trip <BR>like this but are probably too young for <BR>your crowd and plan to get by on about <BR>half of your budget. Can you give us some advise on youth hostels in the Alps? We plan to include the Dolomites <BR>and parts of southern Switz. Help !
Jan 5th, 2000, 01:48 PM
#9
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Hi Bob, It's so nice to see other Fodorites interested in getting together. Unfortunately I won't be able to make it as my job won't let me take any time off in Sept. <BR> <BR>I just wanted to say that my Fodorite Get Togethers in the MD/VA/DC area (three luncheons so far which I will continue to have about every other month) have been very successful! The original Fodorite get together, as you may recall, was back in May in Paris at Cafe du Magot. It was great meeting others with the same travel interests! I will look forward to hearing about your trip with the rest when you return!
Jan 5th, 2000, 01:50 PM
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Hi Bob, It's so nice to see other Fodorites interested in getting together. Unfortunately I won't be able to make it as my job won't let me take any time off in Sept. <BR> <BR>I just wanted to say that my Fodorite Get Togethers in the MD/VA/DC area (three luncheons so far which I will continue to have about every other month) have been very successful! The original Fodorite get together, as you may recall, was back in May in Paris at Cafe du Magot. It was great meeting others with the same travel interests! I will look forward to hearing about your trip with the rest when you return!
Jan 6th, 2000, 07:11 AM
#13
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Wow, bo_jack, you've really blown the lid off Bob the Nav's scam--hang out on the forum providing valuable advice for years, then invite your fellow forumites along on a trip you're planning for yourself and your friends. Very crafty. <BR>(cue ominous music)
Jan 6th, 2000, 07:37 AM
#14
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Get serious Bo_ Jack, This is an idea <BR>that many of us have been contemplating <BR>for years and this seems to be a perfect <BR>opportunity. Also, look at the proposed <BR>pricing---this is not commercialism , this is closer to benevolence. Perhaps you have a better idea to add to your <BR>many valued contributions.
Jan 6th, 2000, 07:48 AM
#16
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But Bob, you're just the thin edge of the wedge. <BR>Fellow Fodorites, beware future scams: <BR>Elvira asks to borrow a pen and doesn't return it <BR>Dan sends copy of photography article to fellow afficiandos <BR>Ilisa gives the name of a good book on travelling with children <BR>And I shall post a recipe that mentions brand names. <BR>(demonic laughter goes here) <BR>
Jan 6th, 2000, 08:06 AM
#18
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I am not recommending Hotel Mora (Spain) or Muguet (Paris) anymore....somebody might think I'm on comission.... <BR> <BR>Amazing....Bob has been providing FREE invaluable advice for years on this forum, and all of the sudden, HE is soliciting? Come on people, all you have to do is read the message to realize what a gracious INVITATION this is. <BR> <BR>Bob, my travel wheels are already turning....will talk to you soon.
