We have had many wonderful adventures with Tauck. Our first and one of our favorites was to South Africa and Zimbabwe. The highlights were the safaris (we were very fortunate to see the Big 5 in Kruger National Park.) We had a wonderful stay at the Cape Grace Hotel and dinner at a Winery outside of Cape Town. We visited Robbins Island Prison and the cell where Nelson Mandela was confined for so many years. It was very moving as was visiting with the sister whose brother, as a young teenage, had been killed by the police and started the downfall of apartheid. And, of course, the beauty and power of and Victoria Falls. An option trip of walking with the Lions was truly an adventure of a lifetime. Another memorable trip started in Istanbul, Turkey, during a high holiday week, a tour of the spice and gold markets, oriental rug factory , and interactive entertainment with belly dancers and whirling dervishes. We then board the Windstar to sail to Rhodes, Mikados, Santorini, and Athens. A great trip “back in time” especially for Lynn who taught subjects about Roman and Greek times. Some of our other favorite trips were Bridges adventures with our daughter, her husband and our identical twin grandsons. The First was the Canadian Rockies which included white water rafting, horse back riding and golfing with Elk and Bears, We also visited the Columbia Ice Fields and were told stories and heard songs about the “sheep and goats” of the Canadian Rockies. A Great family trip! Our second Bridges vacation with the family started with rafting in the Grand Tetons, and then geothermal adventures in Yellowstone National Park and watching Old Faithful put on wonderful display of nature’s power, horse back riding in Wyoming Territory and The U Cross Ranch, visiting the Cody Rodeo and Crazy Horse’s Memorial and, last but not least, Mount Rushmore. Another great family adventure. Another great trip was with long time friends to Australia and New Zealand. Long trip at our age but worth it. We enjoyed an early morning hot air balloon ride, snorkeling out on the Barrier Reef, a tour of the Sydney Opera House, a visit to Uluru (Ayer’s Rock) at dusk as it changed colors, a high speed boat ride followed by a helicopter ride to our hotel. A cruise on Milford Sound to and visit an extensive sheep ranch was very educational. Being greeted by the alpha sheep dog as our boat arrived was amazing. She then “herded” us to lunch at the ranch dining room. And last but not least, learning of the Aboriginal and Maori life and traditions. Another great trip. We also have enjoyed traveling to Malta, the Amalfi Coast, Monaco, Barcelona and Gaudi’s magnificent Sagrata Familia Cathedral. Costa Rica and zip lining was a bit scary for me but worth it. Our encounter with the local llamas or alpacas in the morning must on Machu Pichu was unexpected. Smirking with playful sea lions and not so playful giant rays was exhilarating. Ha. We hope to be able to share in more fun and educational adventures in the future. Lynn & Ray
