Connections

Welcome on a journey of discovery as we take you inside some of our favorite destinations, places and unique experiences around the world.

“Spirits of the Past”

Did you know? M. Night Shyamalan’s 1999 psychological thriller “The Sixth Sense” is turning 25 this year? Considered one of the best movies of all time by IMDb, “The Sixth Sense” stunned audiences upon release with its chilling atmosphere and stellar plot, ultimately culminating with one of the greatest twists in film history.

In the spirit of Halloween, let’s embrace that famous line, “I see dead people,” as we explore places where the past is truly palpable. With Tauck, you can visit historic sites, monuments, and memorials where the stories of those who came before still echo—reminding us that history is always just beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered.

Built in the 16th century BC, the Valley of the Kings was primarily used between 1550 – 1070 BC as the final resting place for pharaohs and the powerful nobles of ancient Egypt and is one of the most famous archeological sites in the world.

Due to incredibly difficult, time-consuming and expensive conditions, traveling to Egypt prior to the 18th century was almost unheard of. It wouldn’t be until the mid-18th century that a Danish explorer by the name of Frederic Louis Norden would provide the first record of Thebes and consequently – The Valley of the Kings.

Starting in the 19th century, the Valley would be explored on a more consistent basis, with expeditions occurring semi-frequently. At the turn of the 20th century, numerous excavations took place including one in November 1922 that discovered the unopened tomb of King Tutankhamun, renowned for the wealth of valuable antiquities it contained.

Today, the Valley of the Kings is one of the country’s top attractions averaging 4,000 – 5,000 guests daily. On visits with Tauck, you’ll have the opportunity to visit these tombs on a private, after hours visit.

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy in a day that will forever be known as “D-Day.” In the largest seaborne invasion in history, over 10,000 allied causalities occurred, including 2,501 American troops, in what is recognized as the beginning of the liberation of France and ultimately laid the foundations of the Allied powers’ victory on the Western Front.

Following the end of the war, the American Military Cemetery in Normandy was established, becoming the final resting place of thousands of U.S. troops. The most visited cemetery of those maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), the American Military Cemetery attracts over one million visitors a year.

Today, the cemetery continues to be a poignant reminder of the atrocities of World War II and the sacrifices thousands made in the pursuit of a better future.

The battle of Gettysburg was a three-day battle that took place from July 1 to July 3, 1863. During this short period, there were over 50,000 American casualties from both sides. Considered the bloodiest battle ever fought on American soil, the Battle of Gettysburg is also widely recognized as one of the major turning points of the American Civil War leading up to the Confederacy’s eventual surrender.

At Gettysburg National Cemetery, over 6,000 service members are memorialized, many of which are unnamed. Originally called the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, history remembers it as the place where President Lincoln delivered his famous address in 1863.

Finished in 1511, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of Vienna’s most popular attractions and one of Austria’s largest and most significant religious buildings.

The origins of the crypt date back to 1735, when Vienna experienced an outbreak of the bubonic plague. In an effort to keep the Black Death at bay, the numerous cemeteries surrounding St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the charnel house (a building for storing stacked bones) were emptied, and thousands of bones and rotting corpses were thrown down into the pits dug in the floor of the crypt. The downside? The smell from the decaying bodies would occasionally make its way up to the main floor, making religious services impossible.

Stories from the road

These boots are made for walkin’

Exploring isn’t always easy and sometimes finding the right footwear for each destination can be tricky. Thankfully, a group of the world’s best travel companions – our expert Tauck Directors – are happy to provide some suggestions when searching for the perfect travelling shoe.

In the news

Learn more about some current events happening around the world this month.

In case you missed it

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