AARP Member Discounts Are as High as $300 Per Person Featured Destinations Include: Alaska, Antarctica, Australia, Canada, Central
America, China, Europe, Hawaii, South America, United States
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 -AARP Services, Inc. announced today its first Escorted Tours Collection Catalogue which provides an exclusive selection of special escorted tours to AARP's 35 million members. There are 20 tours featured in the 2006 collection. AARP Services research and member feedback shows that when it comes to planning a trip to the world's more exotic and faraway destinations, many 50+ aged travelers prefer to travel via escorted tour. This announcement comes after the successful launch of the AARP Cruise Collection Catalogue which the Escorted Tour program is modeled after.
Each of the tours featured are offered through some of the travel industry's leading tour operators including Collette Vacations, General Tours, Globus, Norwegian Coastal Voyages and American Orient Express. These tour operators bring AARP members not only discounted rates but also first hand knowledge of a destination, what makes it special and must see sights.
Each escorted tour featured in the collection is specially discounted for AARP members. Discounts range from $50 to as high as $300 per person. These discounts are available exclusively for AARP members. The tours also include unique features that allow AARP members to truly experience a destination. From a home cooked meal with a New Zealand family to evening lectures with naturalists in the Galapagos Islands, the tours featured will ensure an experience of a lifetime.
Sample Tours from AARP's Escorted Tour Collection:
-- Holland in Bloom! -- Holland is the world's center of blooming beauty
every Spring. Millions of daffodils, hyacinths and especially tulips
grace the lovely countryside. National garden writer and author Allan
Swenson, a long-time AARP member, will host a special Holland in Bloom
small ship cruise and tour from Amsterdam April 28 to May 6, 2006.
This experience was developed exclusively for AARP and is being
offered through General Tours' Exclusive Journeys. The trip is
limited to 44 AARP members and their guests. The cost is $2,999 per
person if booked and paid by February 28, 2006. The cost includes
roundtrip international airfare from New York on Lufthansa, all
transfers and luggage handling, all meals, 7 nights aboard the
luxurious Peter Deilmann river ship and MV Casanova. For reservations
visit http://www.aarp.org/tours or call General Tours at 800-858-0908.
-- Alaska Discovery -- AARP members say that Alaska is one of the top
destinations they would like to visit. This fully escorted 12-day land
and sea vacation delivers the ultimate Alaska experience. Enjoy an
amazing cruise aboard the popular Stern Wheeler Discovery and witness
Alaska's diverse culture and rich history. The first stop is in
Fairbanks, where you will enjoy a home hosted dinner, where you can
expect warm hospitality, local food and plenty of interesting
conversation. At Denali national park, enjoy an overnight stay, and
tread the permafrost with a local naturalist as you watch for
grizzlies, moose and caribou. Relax on a seven-night glacier cruise
aboard Holland America's grandly proportioned Veendam and Ryndam
through College Fjord and beautiful Glacier Bay. Alaska's lively
history comes alive on totem poles carved with Native history in the
port of Ketchikan. Explore Alaska's capital city of Juneau and sail
the lush Inside Passage known for its natural beauty and abundant
wildlife. Your cruise ends in the vibrant city of Vancouver. The
price is $2,563 per person and includes the AARP member discount. The
rate is based on double occupancy. For reservations visit
http://www.aarp.org/tours or call Collette Vacations at
1-800-437-0241.
-- Wonders of Iceland -- Discover the natural wonders and geologic
significance of Iceland's glaciers, hot springs, geysers and
waterfalls. Special presentations will add to your understanding of
Iceland's incredible landscape, which boasts many contrasts of nature.
Your Icelandic adventure is complemented throughout your trip by
intriguing lectures that explore the natural history of this
geologically "young" nation. A tour of the capital city of Reykjavik
highlights the 19th century Parliament House and beautiful Tjornin
Lake. In the seaside village of Vik, a special excursion contrasts
lush green pastures, vast black volcanic sand beaches, and spectacular
rock columns that rise majestically from the sea. Visit a traditional
horse farm, look for Iceland's well-known puffins and arctic terns,
and swim in the mineral-rich water of a natural geothermal pool.
Prices for this fully escorted tour are $1,349 and also include
6 nights of hotel accommodations, 6 breakfasts and 4 dinners. For
reservations visit http://www.aarp.org/tours or call Collette
Vacations at 1-800-437-0241.
While features and itineraries vary, the tours featured in the AARP collection have several aspects in common:
-- Transportation, accommodations, sightseeing and dining included in
these tours have been carefully selected by experts who really know
the destination.
-- The tour managers, drivers, hosts and local guides are experienced
professionals who ensure your trip is a safe, educational and
enjoyable journey.
-- Friendly, enthusiastic and travel-savvy reservation agents are
available to help plan your trip and customize pre or post travel
options.
-- Volume purchasing power that ensures the most competitive prices. When
compared to planning similar trips on your own, these tours are
usually the most affordable way to experience a destination.
To reserve an escorted tour collection vacation or to view descriptions about the Escorted Tour Collection offerings, visit http://www.aarp.org/tours or for additional information call the tour operators directly and ask for the AARP member special offers.
AARP Services, Inc., founded in 1999, is a wholly owned subsidiary of AARP. AARP Services manages the wide range of products and services that are offered as benefits to AARP's 35+ million members. The offers span health products, travel and leisure products, and life event services. Specific products include Medicare supplemental insurance; member discounts on rental cars, cruises, vacation packages and lodging; special offers on technology and gifts; pharmacy services; legal services; and long-term care insurance. AARP Services founded AARP Financial Incorporated, a subsidiary that manages AARP- endorsed financial products including AARP Funds; AARP Services develops new products, manages and markets products and services, creates and maintains partnership and sponsorship relationships, and develops and manages AARP's award-winning Web site, AARP.org.
