Here is my dream trip!

[CTyankee]

"Discover the essence of France—its rich history, culture, and scenic beauty—on this popular tour featuring many World Heritage sites. Explore the fortified medieval town of Carcassonne and the market town of Albi, including the museum showcasing works of Toulouse-Lautrec. In the breathtaking Dordogne, known for its rugged countryside and lovely villages, enter the famous caves at Lascaux II and visit the pilgrimage site of Rocamadour.

Travel to the fabled Loire River Valley, a World Heritage site, where you’ll tour Fontevraud Abbey, the original resting place of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II, and Richard the Lion Heart. You’ll also visit the romantic Château de Chenonceau and the Château Clos Luce, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years. Farther north, highlights include the dramatic Gothic abbey of Mont St. Michel and the town of Bayeux with its famous medieval tapestry, as well as Normandy’s D-Day landing beaches and the Memorial Museum at Caen. In Giverny, stroll through the gardens that inspired Monet’s impressionist masterpieces, then conclude in Paris with a city highlights tour."

http://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/france/

I went on one Smithsonian Journey a few years back, I believe to Spain. I was impressed with the quality of the guides and lecturers.

Always wanted to travel to see the old French castles (and also the cathedrals, but that's another trip). I love taking "a step back in time" as I did in Tuscany last March...history and culture are very important in my travels.

This is pricey but it is pretty long -- 15 days -- and would have to find a travel buddy. But at my age, who knows what will be your last shot at travel abroad?

[elleng]

1. Lovely dream, yank!

Been to Carcassonne (and maybe Albi.) Will look for pics, and try to post them, in a few days.

[CTyankee]

2. Great...my friend Barbara has also been to Carcassonne...I guess it's more popular than

I thought...

[elleng]

3. Its one of those places I learned about in school(s,)

the wall and all, and when we, the family, 2 'little' kids + me and spouse, were driving around most of France, we stopped there. I recall, among other things, eating in a place where a big dog walked around, and that surprised us. Was maybe 20 years ago, Julie was probably 3, and her 26th birthday is tomorrow!

Thanks for the chance to recall! Sorry that album is at the cottage now and I'm in DC suburb for a few days. Will have to take pisc of photos with my good camera, and post them (maybe.)

[CTyankee]

4. the castle at carcassonne is where the saying "Kill them all and let the Lord sort them out"

originated...the church effectively wiped out all those Cathars in the castle...along with some who were not...hence the statement...

[northoftheborder]

5. The Loire Valley is divine! I've been on an Elderhostel trip to that area, highly recommended.

We spent about a week in that area. (Elderhostel is now Road Scholars I think.) You can travel as a single with that group, although have to pay an extra fee for single hotel room. I've always enjoyed their tours, mostly educated people interested in history and culture, and a double treat: they've been outspoken Democrats!!! I don't know how they compare in cost to the Smithsonian, but are less than some tours. They stay in good quality hotels, but not 5 star level, which is fine with me. The restaurants are adequate, usually good, with a couple of special dinners planned. The emphasis is on the learning, with good lectures and guides. Those who just want to shop have to plan their own itinerary!!!

[CTyankee]

7. I have taken 5 trips with Road Scholar! I love their programs!

And I got paired with another single traveler if I couldn't find a travel buddy. Mostly, it worked out OK. I could not find any other travel company that did the Piero della Francesca Trail for artists and art lovers...

On my last RS trip there was a delightful couple who were both PolySci profs at Brown University. The husband happened to mention in passing that his wife was a MacArthur Fellow and I did a double take! I said to her OMG you won a MacArthur? I was impressed. She was a bit shy about it...turns out she written this great book on women in the US labor movement in the '30s. They gave her $500,000 and she could do whatever she wanted with it. She said she continued with her scholarly research into the issue. I asked her how her fellow faculty members felt about it...she said they were nice but she could tell they were a little pissed...I loved it!

This program is similar to the RS one, but this one is longer...I traveled once before with Smithsonian's "bargain" program but it has since become pricier. I would imagine they have a very well educated folks interested in culture and history, and those people usually turn out to be Dems!

[cbayer]

6. Nice!

It is pretty pricey but it includes a lot. Airfare alone can be close to $2000.

Sometimes they will set you up with another single traveler.

I hope you are able to do this, CTYankee. You can't take it with you!

[CTyankee]

8. I called and asked. They do pair you up with another single who wants to share a room but if

you sign up and they don't have another single you have to pay a hefty single supplement. However, since some travelers do sign up pretty far in advance I could always call and check to see if there was someone inquiring about room sharing. I would then see if it was at a convenient date for me and make my decision accordingly.

[cbayer]

9. I really hope you go for it.

I wonder if there are any internet services for pairing up single travelers. I know the supplement can be pretty hefty.

I'm leaving for Italy in 3 days and will be there for 3 months. If you happen to overlap with my schedule, let me know. I will be traveling from my base and could potentially meet you somewhere.

[CTyankee]

10. thanks, I'm actually not going to Europe this fall...

another domestic trip is scheduled for mid august...that and the financial assistance I have given to my daughter has depleted my reserves for this year.

I wish I could hop over to Italy and meet up with you! What a blast that would be...you sound like my kind of traveler...and wow, 3 months...that's terrific...do you often take lengthy trips or is this a one time phenomenon?

[cbayer]

11. As I get older, I am really loving the immersion experience.

And I have found that what a trip for 2 weeks costs can often be the same price for a much longer stay, if you have the time.

We have been in Mexico the past 6 months and will return there in October for another stint.

As long as there is internet, DH can work and that gives us lots and lots of flexibility.

[CTyankee]

13. wow, terrific! I agree that the investment in airfare is a big number...

I can get away for limited amounts of time so that is the reason I don't take long trips...I am retired and I have some money for travel but there are other constraints on my time and travel budgets...sadly...otherwise I would be tempted to try to join you on your wonderful ride in Europe!

Take care...

[uppityperson]

12. having it cover airfare helps a lot. It looks like a really fun trip