ams50
Odysseys Traveler
Posts: 8
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Post by ams50 on Jan 24, 2020 10:53:45 GMT -5
My husband and I are hoping to take a trip with OU for this summer/fall. It will be our 4th one with them (Machu Picchu to the Galapagos, Portrait of Italy, and Africa's Wildlife). With so many choices, we've narrowed it down to Alpine Splendor and Across Spain and Portugal. We can't decide between the two. So if there are travelers that have taken these 2 tours, which one would you suggest taking first (we'll take the other eventually)? My husband likes an active trip (loved Africa's Wildlife, Machu Picchu.....). If you have another tour that you feel he would like, we're open to suggestions. Thanks.
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Post by destinyrides on Jan 25, 2020 11:54:22 GMT -5
We have taken the Alpine Splendor tour and the southern route in Portugal/Spain (Paradores and Pousadas). These two were among 8 OU tours we have done.
Alpine Splendor, to me, is all about the beautiful scenery - the Alps and Matterhorn, and I would have added Mt. Pilatus if it hadn't been fogged in the day we were there. I wouldn't say this was a very active trip if that is what you are looking for. Also note that Switzerland is very expensive (e.g., $25 for a small pizza) as the minimum wage is about $25/hour which pushes all the prices up.Everything is very clean and the houses have beautiful window boxes full of flowers. The roads are very good and there are many tunnels cutting through the mountains. When I was in Switzerland in 1974, you had to drive OVER the Alps...now you go through it!
Paradores and Posadas had the most interesting historic sites of any trip we've taken. The Alcazar, Mezquita, Alhambra, and most of all the Royal Palace in Madrid were breathtaking. Both this trip and Across Spain and Portugal use paradores which are of mixed quality (one paradore on the trip we took is no longer used). This website has info on all the paradores in Spain (https://www.paradores-spain.com/). There are a few meals that are tapas, and there was some redundancy in the choice of entrees - hake is the fish offered the most. Wine was provided at all dinners which was a nice surprise.
I suggest you call one of the very helpful OU staff and ask them to send you user reviews of both trips. It is good to get as many perspectives as you can. If you have any other specific questions, I'd be glad to give you further info.
Whichever trip you take, I'm sure you will enjoy it as Odysseys Unlimited is the best! We have two tours planned for later this year. Don't wait too long to decide as the tours can get booked up.
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