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Alaska: Call of the Wild

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Uniquely Tauck

Flightsee over the soaring peaks of Denali National Park

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

Gratuities to Tauck Director, drivers, and local guides

Go on a geocaching treasure hunt

Kayaking, river rafting and hiking on the Kenai Peninsula, known as "Alaska's Playground"  

Meet sled dogs in training

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

World Travel. Family Discovery.

Alaskan family fun sunrise to sunset... meet champion Iditarod sled dogs… take a flightseeing tour over Denali National Park… go jet boating, wilderness hiking, kayaking... take a rail trip... spot Alaska's magnificent wildlife…. learn about native Alaskans and their rich cultural heritage…

Meet the iditarod sled dogs, flightseeing over denali national park, wilderness scavenger hunt in talkeetna, pan for gold at crow creek gold mine.

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Take The Details With You

Download day-by-day details.

All the information you need for this journey at your fingertips – day-by-day details, map, hotel descriptions, key highlights and more.

Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

Tour Planner

Download the details to make planning your trip easier - including an itinerary overview, pricing based on your selected departure date and accommodations, plus protection plan costs.

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Overnight Accommodations

Extend your stay

Arrive Early

The hotel captain cook.

Anchorage, Alaska

Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge

Talkeetna, Alaska

Seward Windsong Lodge

Seward, Alaska

The Hotel Alyeska

Girdwood, Alaska

Your Journey

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

Real ID Act - Effective May 7, 2025

Beginning in May 2025, some state IDs will no longer permit you to board a domestic flight. Currently, some states are compliant, some have received extensions, and some are not compliant.  Click here  to see the status of your state. If your state license is not compliant, you can use a passport in lieu of a valid state ID. 

Please Note:  The federal government has extended the deadline to May 7, 2025 for domestic airline passengers to secure a Real ID driver's license for use as identification at the airport. Travelers without a verified license or ID card will also have the option of showing other identity documents, such as a passport or military ID to board a plane.

If you are traveling by land or sea to join and depart from this tour within the U.S., you will need to consult with your Tauck Reservations Sales Consultant or your travel agent to determine what travel documentation, if any, is required.

If you are a frequent traveler to the U.S. from Canada, you may benefit from the NEXUS program, as mentioned above, which is a joint initiative between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency that allows pre-screened and approved travelers faster processing at designated highway lanes in high-volume border crossing locations, at a NEXUS kiosk at international airports, and at certain marine reporting locations in the Great Lakes and Seattle regions. For further information, you may log on to the Nexus Internet website by clicking here.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you should contact an embassy or consulate of the U.S. to determine what travel documentation is necessary. You may also log on to the U.S. State Department's Internet site by clicking  here.

We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. We also recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents or cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-by-day descriptions, participation is at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposit & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $350 per person

Final Payment:

Final Payment is due to Tauck 60 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Final Payment is due to Tauck 90 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement for up to $5,000 to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $329

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPDOM .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

90 days or more before departure = $350 per person

89-8 days before departure = $600 per person

7-1 days before departure = $900 per person

Time of cancellation  will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control,  Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Fee Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com. TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS  are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents. AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General 

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc. 

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

Please advise your Tauck Director on tour if you or the children traveling with you have any serious allergies. You may want to bring along children's aspirin or medicines as a precaution, as access to these may be limited.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour

If you are a resident of another country traveling to or within the U.S.,  no vaccinations are currently required for travel to the U.S. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking  here .

This is a very active journey. You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over uneven terrain, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. However, for the most part, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and towns is at your discretion.

Some of the excursions on this tour are:

• A two-hour jet boat ride on the Susitna River
• A flightseeing journey over the foothills of Denali
• A glacier adventure cruise on Prince William Sound
• A train ride on the Alaska Railroad to Whittier
• A float trip on a raft

The wilderness lodges are spread out and they require significant walking to maneuver around the various facilities.

We regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here .

Weather will be varied and unpredictable in Alaska. Average high temperatures range from 60 to 70°F (16 to 21°C) during the summer months; average low temperatures range from 40 to 50°F (4 to 10°C). An extremely warm day can reach 90°F (32°C). Rainfall is moderate in Anchorage where the rainiest months are August through September. The rainy months in Denali NP are June through August. Southeastern Alaska has the most rainfall, although it occurs mostly during the fall and winter months.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip.  Click here to visit their site .

Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is recommended. A sweatshirt and rain-resistant jacket should be enough protection against the morning and evening chill. Although the weather is mild in the summer months, be prepared for a wide range of temperatures. The maritime weather of the Kenai Peninsula is often overcast and damp. Most importantly, bring comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in. 

The Hotel Alyeska and Hotel Captain Cook provide valet laundry services. The Talkeetna Alaska Lodge and Kenai Princess have coin-operated laundry facilities. 

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription (or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you), a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed. 

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your journey in Alaska: 

• Comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in (very important!)

• Rain gear - Raincoat, rain hat and umbrella

• Shorts and long pants or jeans

• Short and long-sleeved cotton shirts

• Tee shirts

• Light sweater

• Light-weight jacket

• Fleece jacket or warm sweatshirt

• Warm hat, gloves and socks

• Windbreaker for the raft trip

• Swimwear

• Sunglasses, sunscreen and sun hat

• Insect repellent

• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers

• Telephoto lens

• Binoculars

• Bridges Backpack and/or fanny-pack

• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your room while traveling 

Each child 17 and under will be sent a complimentary backpack from Tauck Bridges! If the child resides in the continental United States, the backpack will be sent to his or her home approximately two weeks prior to the tour departure date (please note backpacks cannot be sent to P.O. boxes). If the child resides outside of the continental U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, the backpack will be waiting on arrival at the first hotel on your itinerary.

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The Scoop: What to Know About Tauck Tours

Here's how to decide if tauck is the right fit for you..

The Scoop: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours

For almost 100 years,  Tauck  has been helping travelers see the world. The family-owned and -operated luxury tour company has enjoyed plenty of word-of-mouth recommendations from past guests (and needed to do minimal advertising as a result), and many tour participants become repeat clients who often self-identify as “Tauckies”.

TOP TOURS: 14 Best Companies for Guided Tours

A frequent travel industry  award winner , Tauck offers travelers exclusive and behind-the-scenes, authentic experiences in the places it visits.

TourScoop Takeaways: Tauck

• Continents covered: 7
• Tour size range: Typical land tours have about 40 guests. River cruises range from 84 to 130 passengers. The company is working to increase its small-group offerings and will offer about 75 small-group land journeys around the world in the coming years, with most of those departures averaging 24 travelers, and many of Tauck’s African safaris featuring as few as 18 guests.
• Tour types: Land tours, safaris, small-group tours, European river cruises, small-ship cruises, and family travel tours

Credibility Check

Tauck is a member of the  United States Tour Operators Association  and the  European Tourism Association . The company has racked up numerous awards and accolades over the years, including appearances on  Travel + Leisure ’s World’s Best Awards in each of the last 26 years and recognition as “Best Tour Operator” in  Travel Weekly ’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards 25 times (in multiple categories) since 2003. More than half of its clients are returning Tauck travelers each year.

Tour Destinations 

Tauck tours travel to more than 100 destinations in more than 70 countries on all seven continents. New tours include  six new river cruises  in Europe,  a safari in Namibia , an exploration of  Tuscany, Cinque Terre and the Portofino Coast , and two journeys in North America—one in the  American West  and one in  the Canadian Rockies —that each include a two-day rail journey.

Tauck offers  land tours ,  safaris ,  small-group tours ,  European river cruises , and  small ship cruises . Its  Tauck Bridges  collection of family travel tours and cruises has been around for 25 years.

MULTI-GEN ADVENTURES: 10 Best Travel Companies for Family Tours

When browsing tours on Tauck’s website, travelers can filter options by departure date, tour type, and destination. Tour descriptions include detailed itineraries, information about accommodations, reviews from past travelers, and information on what to pack and mobility requirements for the tour.

Tour Guides

Tour guides—referred to as Tauck Directors by the company—average 10 years of service. The company offers a generous compensation package that helps it attract top-tier candidates who remain loyal to the company and develop a high level of destination expertise over their tenures. Guides come from 41 countries, collectively speak a total of 52 languages, and have diverse backgrounds and past work experience (including a former priest, former college professors, and classical musicians).

Inclusions/Extras

Tauck tours include almost everything but airfare. Tauck land journeys include all gratuities (except Tauck Director gratuities), all taxes and fees, all sightseeing and entertainment, most meals, and airport transfers. In some stops, a lunch or dinner may not be included to allow guests to explore the destination at their own pace.

Tauck European river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises include all shore excursions, all gratuities, all taxes and fees, all onboard beverages (adult and otherwise, in most cases), most meals, all sightseeing and entertainment, and airport transfers. Many cruises also include either a pre-cruise or post-cruise hotel stay (or both) accompanied by Tauck-guided sightseeing guides.

CIAO ITALIA: 10 Exceptional Italy Tours

Typical Travelers

Many of the company’s travelers tend to be in their 50s and older. Family groups on Tauck Bridges trips tend to fall into one of three categories: conventional family groups (parents traveling with young children), grandparents traveling with grandchildren, or multigenerational groups including grandparents, their adult children, and their grandchildren.

Communication 

Tauck communicates with guests throughout the entire process, from booking to pre- and post-departure. Guests receive their personal travel documents via email 60 days prior to departure for cruises and 30 days prior to departure for land journeys.

COMFORT ALL DAY: How to Choose the Best Shoes for Travel

Documents include information such as necessary pre-trip requirements, packing suggestions, information on local currency and weather, emergency contact information, and a day-by-day itinerary. The company also offers  travel protection plans  for extra peace of mind.

Private Options

Tauck offers  private group departures  with a minimum of 10 guests that work well for family reunions or milestone celebrations.

Sustainability Efforts

Tauck has focused on the cultural preservation side of sustainable travel through efforts like a guest-volunteer program in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, and support of nonprofit  Tourism Cares .

As European river cruising has become a larger part of the company’s business, Tauck has worked in partnership with Scylla (which owns and operates Tauck’s fleet of European riverboats) on a number of initiatives, including using cleaner-burning GTL fuel on riverboats when available, and limiting single-use plastics.

Health and Safety Practices

The company’s small-ship ocean cruises have a physician aboard each departure. European river cruises do not, but the boats are never far from shore and local medical facilities.

Tauck stays in constant communication with its on-the-ground partners in the regions where it travels and  monitors  all U.S. government-issued travel advisories and media reports. Its cross-departmental Global Response Team can quickly respond to any situation 24 hours a day.

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The Roaming Boomers

• Luxury Small Group Travel with Tauck Tours

Posted by David Porter on Thursday, June 6, 2024 · Leave a Comment  

Experience renowned luxury small group travel with Tauck Tours.

When it comes to luxury travel experiences, Tauck Tours stands out as a premier choice for discerning travelers.

Founded in 1925, Tauck has nearly a century of experience in crafting unforgettable journeys across the globe. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for travel, Tauck offers a wide array of guided tours, small-ship ocean cruises, European river cruises, safaris, and family travel experiences that span all seven continents and over 70 countries.

One of the key benefits of choosing Tauck is their exclusive access to destinations and experiences that are often unavailable to the general public. Tauck’s tours are designed to provide authentic and enriching experiences, allowing travelers to see the world in a way that is both unique and memorable. Whether it’s visiting hidden gems at times when the crowds have dispersed or going behind the scenes to explore places not accessible to the public, Tauck ensures that each journey is special.

JAPAN IS A VERY POPULAR DESTINATION

Tauck’s dedication to providing exceptional service is evident in their team of Tauck Directors and local guides. These professionals are not only experts in their fields but also passionate about sharing their knowledge and insights with guests. With an average of 10 years of service, Tauck Directors come from 41 countries and collectively speak 52 languages, ensuring that travelers receive a truly immersive and culturally rich experience.

Traveling with Tauck means enjoying a seamless and worry-free vacation. From the moment you book your trip to the time you return home, Tauck takes care of all the details. This includes arranging accommodations, transportation, and even handling unexpected situations through their experienced Global Response Team. This level of support allows travelers to relax and fully immerse themselves in the experience without the stress of planning and logistics.

Another significant advantage of Tauck Tours is their comprehensive travel styles to suit different preferences and interests. From leisurely-paced land journeys to active adventures that include hiking, bicycling, and sea kayaking, there is something for everyone. Additionally, Tauck’s partnerships with renowned figures like documentary filmmaker Ken Burns add an extra layer of depth to their themed tours, making them even more engaging and informative.

In summary, Tauck Tours provides an unparalleled travel experience that combines exclusive access, exceptional service, and a variety of travel styles. For those seeking a truly memorable and enriching journey, Tauck is the ideal choice.

WE HAVE THE PERKS!

HOW TO BOOK A TAUCK JOURNEY

As our clients have learned over the years, there is no financial advantage to booking directly with any travel brand.  The price will be the same if you book with us or book with Tauck directly.

However,  we have complimentary perks  if you book with us and you are a first-time traveler with Tauck. That’s right.  Book your Tauck journeys with Roaming Boomers Travel, and we will add a complimentary one-night pre or post-journey hotel stay to your booking.

And if you have already traveled with Tauck before, and you make a new booking with us prior to July 31st, then we’ll be sure to get you the same complimentary one-night pre or post-journey hotel stay.

As I’m sure you are aware, the travel industry is very busy. Therefore, call us today to get the best available options. And, of course, if you have more questions, please feel free to call.

For more information or to book a fun Tauck journey, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request ( click here ), and we’ll reach out to you.

Recommended Tauck Journeys:

• European Tours
• Africa Tours

Category: Featured · Tags: Luxury Small Group Tours , Tauck

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11 Guided Tour Companies That Offer Trips around the World

L ike cruising and theme park vacations , guided tours aren’t for everyone. But for people who especially enjoy meeting (and traveling with) like-minded people on vacation, guided group tours can be the perfect way to see a new destination—and make some new friends along the way. 

Some guided tours are geared toward groups of a dozen or fewer, while others can accommodate 50 or more travelers. Most guided tours include accommodations and some meals. In all cases, the tour companies who operate group tours take most of the complicated planning out of the equation , leaving you to focus on simply enjoying your vacation. 

The Best Guided Tour Operators

If you’re ready to give tour groups a try, consider one of these guided tour operators that rank among the very best in the world. 

MAKE MEMORIES: Tours for Everyone: 11 Best Companies for Family Vacations

Guided tour operator Tauck has been a leader in high-end group tours since its founding in 1925. Operating land-based group tours on all seven continents (as well as river tours in Europe and small-ship tours around the world), Tauck caters to families, couples, and solo travelers.

ACTIVE TRAVEL:   5 Best Senior Adventures for Travelers Age 50+

The average size of a guided tour group with Tauck is 35 to 44 guests, though the group size may vary depending on the season and the nature of the tour. Travelers enjoy Tauck for its attention to detail and ease of planning. Prices for tours vary by location, type of tour, and season, but the average Tauck tour starts at around $4,000 and goes up from there for one room with two guests. 

2. Trafalgar

Taking groups on guided tours to destinations around the world since 1947, Trafalgar runs trips to nearly every corner of the planet except Antarctica. The mostly land-based guided tours are offered year-round, including to popular destinations like New Zealand and Africa. The number of guests on tours vary based on the destination. Africa tours are the smallest with a maximum of 20 guests, while the United States and Canada tours are the biggest with up to 52 guests. 

SENIOR TRAVELERS: 9 Tour Companies That Cater to Travelers Over 50

In addition to its standard tours, Trafalgar also offers women-only tours . Other travelers who may enjoy Trafalgar are adventure travelers and foodies. Trafalgar tours start at just under $2,000 for one guest.

3. Collette

No travel company brand has been doing group trips longer than Collette , which has been in business since 1918. The group touring agency goes to all seven continents and has 179 different tour options. Its top tour destinations are Ireland, Italy, and Iceland. 

TRIPS OF A LIFETIME:   12 Best Amtrak Vacations and Scenic Train Rides in North America

Collette’s small group exploration tours allow for 14 to 24 people per tour, while its classic group tours can be up to 44 people. Collette primarily serves an older audience of travelers over 55. Tours with Collette start at just under $1,500 per person. 

4. Grand Circle Travel

Another popular group tour option for travelers over 50 is Grand Circle Travel , which has been in operation since 1958. Grand Circle’s variety of land-based tours and river cruises range in size from 24 to 47. Trips with Grand Circle start around $2,400 but vary based on the destination and season. 

5. Adventures by Disney

The luxury travel arm of Disney, Adventures by Disney is known for its focus on guided family tours . Since its founding in 2005, the company has continued to add new touring options with land- and river cruise-based adventures to destinations worldwide. Tours with Adventures by Disney can have upwards of 40 people, including kids under 10 years old. The tour company does offer some adult-only adventures as well. 

LEAVE THE PARENTS AT HOME:   9 Skip-Gen Vacations Grandparents and Grandkids Will Love

One reason why travelers choose Adventures by Disney for family vacations is that they likely already partake in other Disney vacations and know the level of service Disney can provide. Adventures start at just under $2,100 for one person for a short two-night escape. 

6. G Adventures

Best known for its cheaper group tours that span the globe from Croatia to Tanzania, G Adventures was founded in 1990 as a way to bridge the divide between solo adventure travel and more mainstream travel. G Adventures focuses on small group trips; the number of travelers per group is typically between 10 to 15 participants. 

7. Intrepid Travel

Eco-conscious travelers will want to consider a group travel vacation with Intrepid Travel , which is known for its active stance on climate action and sustainable travel. Intrepid offers tours for families as well as more strenuous walking tours and cycling tours. Since 1989, Intrepid has been taking small group tours of about 10 people around the world from Bali to Antarctica. 

8. Backroads

Travelers with a more active lifestyle who want to take a group tour will want to look into Backroads , where hiking and biking tours are the main attraction. Backroads has been traveling around the world from famous U.S. national parks to the glaciers of Antarctica since 1979. Backroads offers more than 200 different tours, most of which have an average of 16 participants. Prices start around $2,500 per person. 

9. Classic Journeys

Luxury group tour operator Classic Journeys (founded in 1995) offers tours to destinations around the world, and are especially well tailored to travelers interested in wildlife or local food and drink. These small group tours are typically no larger than 12 guests. Land-based trips start around $3,300. 

10. Thomson Family Adventures

With a focus on family travel, Thomson Family Adventures has been operating group tours to more than a dozen destinations since 1998. These bucket-list-worthy trips are limited to no more than 25 people. Tours start at $3,190 per adult and teen and $2,990 per child. 

11. Road Scholar

Since 1975, Road Scholar has provided educational tours around the world for small groups of 12 participants or less. The trips are ideal for those who want to do a deep dive into a destination’s culture or be immersed in nature. These budget-friendly trips start around $750 per person. 

More from FamilyVacationist:

• 12 Best Hotel Booking Sites for Cheap Prices
• 17 Best Flight Booking Sites for Cheap Airfare
• 10 Best Car Rental Booking Sites for Cheap Prices

The post 11 Guided Tour Companies That Offer Trips around the World appeared first on FamilyVacationist .

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Journey Through Japan... A Family Adventure

• 2025 Classic

Accommodations

• Pricing & Availability
• Important Info

Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

Ride aboard a rickshaw and discover the world of the ninja during a three-night stay in Tokyo, one of the world's most exciting cities

Speed out into the countryside aboard a bullet train, then slow down and soak in the sights of Lake Ashi on a pirate cruise with view of Mt. Fuji.   

Experience a taste of daily life in Kyoto, enchanting with a tea ceremony, calligraphy lesson, Taiko drumming, a nightingale castle and geishas

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

Rides aboard bullet trains, a pirate boat, a rickshaw, a tram, a gondola, and a ferry

Lessons in calligraphy, taiko drumming, sushi making, and a hands-on okonomiyaki dinner

Three nights in Kyoto at a hotel recognized as one of "The Best Hotels and Resorts in the World: The Gold List 2024" by Condé Nast Traveler .

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

World Travel. Family Discovery.

From bullet trains to rickshaws, ninja arts to sushi making, age-old temples to modern-day marvels, Japan welcomes with traditions and technologies fun for families to experience together.

Dine like the locals do, japanese cuisine and traditions.

Trade your forks and spoons for chopsticks when you sit down at a low table for a meal in Japan, where locally sourced fresh ingredients are prepared with special cooking techniques and utensils to bring out the natural flavors. Learn how to make sushi, pairing it with seasoned rice a traditional Japanese staple. And prepare your own Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake made with a variety of ingredients and prepared differently depending on the destination.

Imagine what it's like to be a flower

Explore the world of nature – with a twist.

Take your shoes off for an immersive visit to teamLab Planets TOKYO, an award-winning innovative museum that combines digital art and the beauty of nature. Walk through water with koi fish, become one of the flowers in a colorful garden, dive into art work that's ever-changing, view light spheres and stars constantly on the move and enjoy incredible hands-on experiences that are fun for everyone to enjoy together.

A cruise aboard a pirate boat on Lake Ashi

Amazing sights – and mount fuji.

Weather permitting, you'll have views of towering Mount Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan and often snow-capped, as you board a pirate boat for a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi. Inspired by the historic sailing war vessels of the 18th century, the boat ride showcases scenic delights of the Japanese countryside by water, adding more family fun to your overnight stay in the hot springs town of Hakone.

3-night stay at an award-winning Kyoto hotel

Stay in a serene architectural gem in historic kyoto.

Spend three nights in Kyoto next to historic Nijo Castle at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, A Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa recognized as one of "The Best Hotels and Resorts in the World: The Gold List 2024" by Condé Nast Traveler. Relics from the property's history and 250-year connection to the Mitsue family are found throughout the property and include stone lamps, and the elaborate front gate from the original Mitsui family residence that was located here. Fully restored and updated in exacting detail, the hotel resembles a traditional Japanese tea house and features a central courtyard with a weeping-cherry-tree-focused garden and serene pond. Its 161 rooms and suites, three restaurants, spa and onsen (hot springs) are thoughtfully looked after by a kimono-clad staff always on hand with any needed top-tier amenities.

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All the information you need for this journey at your fingertips – day-by-day details, map, hotel descriptions, key highlights and more.

Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Japan; however, you do not need a visa for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact a consulate or embassy of Japan to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

Deposits and fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $600 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  90  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.
• Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $759  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person 

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

90 days or more before departure = $600 per person

89-8 days before departure = $1250 per person

7-1 days before departure = $2000 per person

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

To help in your packing, we are pleased to provide you with a special Tauck duffel bag (24 x 12 ½ x 13 in). This bag will be required on days 4, 5 & 6 of your journey and has been specially designed to provide more than adequate space for essential items needed while on tour during these days. Upon arrival to your hotel in Kyoto on day 7, you will be reunited with your luggage. If you are a resident of the U.S., your bag will be sent to you two weeks prior to your departure date. If you reside outside of the U.S., you will receive your bag upon arrival in India because customs regulations prohibit the easy delivery of the duffel bags in advance. Packing an overnight bag on these occasions will ensure the safe and timely arrival of your luggage at your next destination, and we appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

IMPORTANT: An overnight bag for your stay at the Tobira Onsen on Day 5 should be packed including all essential clothing and personal care items as the balance of the luggage will be transported by luggage truck and there will be no access to the remainder of your luggage. A small bag with wheels that you can comfortably manage on your own without assistance is strongly suggested.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATIONS  

If you are a resident of the U.S. traveling internationally,   no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Japan. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking  here .

If you are a resident of another country traveling internationally , please contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries on the itinerary to determine what vaccinations may be required for you to visit.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

To enjoy this active tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion.  We recommend that you pack sturdy, comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in to appreciate fully what Japan has to offer.

Some sites have limited motor coach access and often involve walking some distance from the motor coach parking to the site itself. Due to the ancient nature of several of the sites you will visit, stairs, walkways and garden paths are sometimes uneven, irregular, steep and/or slippery. If you join us for the visit to the fish market, you should be aware that there are crowds of people and fast-moving carts and forklifts. Quite often, you will be asked to remove your shoes to gain entry into the temples, shrines and historical residences along your journey.

PLEASE NOTE:  We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

The weather throughout the Japan's four main islands is generally temperate, with four distinct seasons. The weather can get very hot during the summer months, particularly in the South. May, June and July are the wettest months, and June, July and August are hotter and more humid.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website,  noaa.gov , by clicking  here .

What To Pack

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing. 

We recommend that you dress smartly. Jeans and capri pants are suitable for casual dining and sightseeing. However, shorts are rarely seen outside of hiking or sport venues, unless they are longer-length Bermuda shorts. Most women wear cropped length pants and they do not, as a rule, wear t-shirts.

Most wear a conservative top that may be sleeveless but is not low-cut, and many Japanese women wear heels even with casual clothes.

Shoes that are easily removed are essential, as it is customary to remove shoes when entering temples, shrines, private homes and certain restaurants. Clean socks and hosiery are also required to avoid unnecessary embarrassment.

Japan's top French restaurants usually require jackets and ties. The older generation considers it inappropriate for women to wear dresses without hose or tops without sleeves.

Bring packets of pocket-sized tissue and handkerchiefs, as tissue and paper towels are often not found in lavatories.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your journey to Japan:

• Cotton, cotton/synthetic and linen clothing
• Light weight shirts, pants, capri pants and dresses
• Light jacket or sweater
• Jacket and tie and casually-elegant attire for fine dining
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Shoes that are easy to slip on and off when visiting places of worship
• Clean socks (for temple visits where you need to remove your shoes)
• Hat (a wide brimmed hat is recommended)
• Collapsible umbrella
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Soap leaves, travel packets of tissues, handkerchiefs and hand sanitizer (toilet tissue and paper towels are not available in many lavatories)
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm functions (many hotel rooms do not have clocks)
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

Please refer to the Necessary Gear website at  www.necessarygear.com  as one option available to you for renting and purchasing apparel, PPEs, and other items appropriate for your journey.

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Southern United States

Our Southern USA tours offer charm and choices that include gracious architecture, formal gardens, warm beaches, vestiges of bygone eras, and the cultural influences from many destinations.

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Welcome to the South

Warm and gracious, Southern hospitality transcends time. You'll experience it at a traditional Madeira tasting in Savannah... in the sharing of folktales, Gullah-style... in Mississippi River country... and in the jazz music and flavors of étouffée that emanate from the French Quarter of New Orleans.

New orleans, louisiana, the birthplace of jazz and so much more....

"Every time I close my eyes blowing that trumpet of mine – I look right in the heart of good old New Orleans... It has given me something to live for." These are the words of New Orleans native and jazz giant Louis Armstrong. "Satchmo" cut his teeth in his home town's celebrated French Quarter – an iconic place that will be forever identified as the capital of jazz, and just one of the fabled sections of this truly unique Louisiana city at the mouth of the mighty Mississippi River. To us, New Orleans is a very special place… and our travels here offer a host of Tauck Exclusives including a private culinary demonstration & lunch at the New Orleans School of Cooking; a private streetcar tour along Canal Street and St. Charles Avenue, joined by a New Orleans resident; a private presentation on the unique environment of the New Orleans' basin; and a private jazz experience for Tauck guests only at Preservation Hall.

Charleston and Savannah

Explore two of the south's most elegant and intriguing cities – charleston, south caroline and savannah, georgia.

As one of America's oldest towns, Charleston, South Carolina is a history lover's delight, chock full of stories, secrets and mysteries. Search for them along her cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old homes that lead to the harbor, past walled gardens that whisper tales of pirates, soldiers and statesmen. Charleston's also a culinary hotspot, where you can dig into Low Country cooking in historic settings. A bit further south, Savannah – Georgia's "First City" – holds forth with a mix of warm Southern charm, elegant architecture, and a geometric city design featuring 24 park squares graced by live oaks draped with Spanish moss. One of the first planned cities in America, Savannah preserves more than a thousand significant buildings in its National Historic Landmark District, the country's largest… with Tauck, you'll visit it with an expert.

Blue Ridge Mountains

"almost heaven, west virginia... blue ridge mountains, shenandoah river...".

Part of the larger Appalachian Mountains range on the eastern seaboard of the United States, the Blue Ridge Mountains extend between Pennsylvania and Georgia, and encompass two major national parks – Shenandoah in the north, and Great Smoky Mountains in the south. The most visited national park in the US, Great Smoky Mountains comprises one of the most beautiful and oldest places on Earth – one of the world's best examples of a deciduous hardwood forest. In fact, the park is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an international biosphere reserve. Scenically, from its mist-shrouded "smoky" mountains to its fresh streams and miles of forests, it's not only gorgeous, but the very definition of the word "vista." Learn more about these mountains and 19th-century wilderness life with period interpreters at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitors' center.

Washington, DC

Join us where the heart of american democracy beats....

More than a capital city, Washington, DC is where the ideas that founded our government and bind us together as a nation are forever expanded, redefined and debated… where America's key institutions, landmarks and monuments reflect the motto "E Pluribus Unum" – "out of many, one." Tauck's travels in the nation's capital offer perspectives on American democracy with views of such iconic Washington sights as the White House, Capitol Hill, the National Mall, the Washington Monument, and the Jefferson Memorial; a visit to the Lincoln Memorial and the poignant memorials to those who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War; a tour of the fascinating Newseum, exploring the role of a free press in a free society; and a Tauck Exclusive, early admission, behind-the-scenes experience at the National Archives, including a private viewing of America's founding documents… where the cornerstone of American democracy lies...

Preservation Hall, New Orleans

A tauck exclusive, private performance at new orleans' legendary preservation hall.

Situated in the heart of the French Quarter on St. Peter Street in New Orleans, Preservation Hall was established in 1961 to honor one of America's truest art forms – Traditional New Orleans Jazz. Operating as a music venue, a touring band, and a non-profit organization, Preservation Hall continues its mission today as a cornerstone of New Orleans music and culture – presenting intimate, acoustic traditional jazz concerts over 350 nights a year, featuring ensembles of local master musicians. And during the Tauck Jazz Event, you'll enjoy the rare privilege of a private performance for our guests only at legendary Preservation Hall!

Journey Collection

Experience the American South

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Timeless Charms of the American South

The history of the South, old and new, comes alive in its architecture, restored and preserved… in the historic districts of Savannah and Beaufort… on a private Charleston Harbor cruise… from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Grand Ole Opry… in "Cajun Country" and the French Quarter's continual party… from old colonial capitals to the heart of American democracy...

Southern charms: savannah, hilton head & charleston, new orleans & mississippi river country, bluegrass and blue ridges: louisville to nashville, one nation: the tauck washington, dc event, traveling with tauck, never settle for ordinary.

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