Tauck Holds Line On Tour Prices For 2009

Tauck World Discovery is holding its 2008 double-occupancy prices on each of its popular “Yellow Roads” land tours in Europe. Named for the scenic byways marked in yellow on Michelin’s European maps, Tauck’s Yellow Roads itineraries go off-the-beaten path to reveal the authentic local charms of each destination.

“We worked very closely with our suppliers to hold our 2008 prices,” said Tauck CEO Dan Mahar, who added that a number of other tour operators are raising their European prices by 15 to 20 percent for the coming year. “With prices to Europe on the increase, we’re very excited to be providing our guests with unprecedented value there for 2009.”

Tauck has also enhanced many of its itineraries in Europe, which has overtaken North America in recent years as the company’s most popular destination. Tauck groups visiting the Vatican in 2009, for example, will have exclusive “after-hours” access to the Vatican. Included is an expanded, two-hour private tour of the museums and Sistine Chapel without the crush of thousands of other visitors, and without first waiting in long entrance lines.

For 2009, Tauck will include arrival and departure airport transfers on all European itineraries, and the company is also introducing four all-new “City Extensions.” These non-escorted, five-day stays in some of Europe’s top cities include accommodations, daily breakfasts, guided introductory sightseeing, and the concierge services of a local host.  The City Extensions range from $1,490 to $2,590 (pp, double), they are limited to 15 guests, and they are offered in Sicily, Paris, Berlin/Dresden, and Warsaw/Krakow.

In all Tauck offers 48 escorted itineraries in Europe, including several Tauck Bridges family travel adventures, a portfolio of small-ship ocean cruises, and a collection of luxury river cruises.  Tauck’s European river cruises have been especially popular, and the company will once again expand its fleet of Tauck-branded riverboats next April when it launches its new MS Swiss Jewel.

Visit www.tauck.com.