Tagged With "Guided Tour"
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Re: Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Thanks. this article brings back memories of my visit in 2005. The tour led by the Park Ranger was fascinating and very even handed. I had a great time.
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Re: Tips to help with packing no matter where you are going
Adding to Mac's point. A big turning point for us was when we started packing for 7 days, no matter how much longer the trip. Usually we have a washer in the apartments we rent, but when not, there's always a laundromat nearby, and usually one that will wash and fold while we tour. We don't often enough change locations to want to keep everything packed (and anyway, I'm a compulsive unpacker) so some of the tools are less useful to us...but I do remind everyone that shoes are actually...
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Re: Boston in the fall - suggestions please!
Wow! HistoryDigger that is fantastic information, thank you, I will now 'dig' more (pardon the pun) on the web and put some plans into place around those excellent suggestions!! Please - a crucial question for us - would we be "safe" to just book hotels for the arrival and departure days of our tour and simply rely on finding local accommodation as we progress round - or is it really SO busy in this season that I must book every stop along the way? We prefer the 'flexible' approach as it can...
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Re: Experience Lalgarh Palace with Palace on Wheels Train
Without doubt this mode of travel appeals to some people. However, on our travels through Rajasthan we encountered tour groups from the Palace on Wheels on a couple of occasions and felt that going by road, with a car and driver, suited us much better. You simply saw a hell of a lot more, had much more contact with the local people, and were not tied to any schedule. We stayed at the Laxmi Niwas Palace, which is part of the Lalgarh site, and it was very pleasant indeed. (Whilst there are...
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo #14
PortMoresby, I always knew you were just a romantic at heart. But I thought you more of a moon-lite stroll along the Seine than a sewer tour, but life is full of surprises!
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Re: Where Gumbo Was #14: A Sewer Journey
And let's not forget the smell, Andredeya. That's what would keep me out of that tour!
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #11
Well, here it is Friday night, and I see everyone gathered around to see what's in the Gumbo (e)mailbag and here...because indeed, the mystery has again been solved. Gumbo was in the Roman Arena at Arles, deep in the heart of Roman France. First to point at the site (but not to actually claim it) was Port Moresby, who contributed a picture of it at 1 pm on Wednesday while others were pointing out other Roman arenas. PM was followed by TravelandNature at 11 pm that night—you'll have noted...
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Re: Portland, Maine: The World's Longest Lobster Roll...and so much more!
I can truly say that I will never think of lobster rolls in quite the same innocent way again. This was a fine tour of Portland, Maine. Thank you so much.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, April 5, 2014: Brocante
I, too, have a fondness for the 2CV, along with the MG T series. I used to hear the story that you could go into a hardware store in France, and come back with parts, a wrench to install them, and change from a 10-franc note... RBCiao, a Gumbo member, has even found a service in Paris that gives tours of the city in a Deux Cheveaux! He posted a picture of himself on the tour a few months ago.
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Re: Newgrange; Ireland’s ancient Passage Tomb
It's interesting how we perceive age. In the U.S., we have few buildings over 200 years old, while in other places buildings older than that are part of the housing stock. And here we have a building of intricate design and decoration old enough that we hardly know any of the history of its builders. A reminder to us how much there is to see and know that is beyond our daily lives. Thank you for the tour!
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Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
Starting to get things planned now Hank ! You have the choice of flying into Edinburgh in Scotland. Manchester in the North of England. Or Gatwick / Heathrow which both serve the London area in the South of England. You can get a Train to Paris to end your tour with a few days of Culture in a foreign language ! Fly back to the US from Paris will save you hundreds of Dollars because you wont pay the UK "Departure Tax" but not vital ! Liverpool is less than an hour on the Train from...
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Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
Hank, While you're in London you can get a Coach (Bus) Tour that will show you Stonehenge and Bath and The Cotswold Villages - very pretty and very old. Leeds Castle (not in Leeds, close to London). Stonehenge is not an overnight stop - remember what I said about distances in the UK being smaller? If you need to fill a gap take the Train (or Bus) to York. Very old - lots of History and a Museum that will take you back 150 years walking the streets of Victorian England. Go into Old Shops and...
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Re: The Tulou of Fujian Province
HistoryDigger, I'll explain. At the end of the first day of tulou visits, the large tour bus rendezvoused with a small van and it was indicated that I should bring my things and come with a young man. Since no one could explain, I had to simply trust and go along, an interesting sensation. I later realized that I was the only one who had opted for the second day. The young man drove me to a very basic village of mostly new buildings built, I suspect but of course don't know, for...
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Re: Doctor List for Traveling
SueZee, wherever you travel in the world your hotel will find you a suitable doctor who will speak enough English for your needs - just like Dr.F says - and Italy will have plenty. Don't bother with lists as they will always be out of date by the time you might want to use them, plus it will no doubt not list a great doc that the hotel knows is just around the corner! At the worst the hotel will have an English speaking staff member sit with you to help translate. Conversely, I do think that...
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Re: Family Friendly Attractions in Malta
On my first visit to Malta I was exploring the Megalithic Monuments when a group and their guide arrived. She was explaining to the folks the stones where blood sacrifices were made. So I stayed within earshot for a free tour - at a discreet distance. Then she turned and pointed at me ! " where that couple are standing is a Fertility Temple! " Whoooa !! We moved away quickly ! But too late - we had been chosen by the Goddess of Fertility ! That was on the 29 December - and on the 29...
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Re: Legendary tours—–The Land of Dracula
Oh i just saw i posted the pictures backwards D you can see them better here
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Re: Google Relaunches Zagat, minus content and search
I know what I think: I think that the ads should be so distinct (and funny, or pithy, or whatever tone) that no one could ever mistake them for user content. I'd hate to have to explain over and over that no, Gumbo is NOT recommending luggage sellers or tour companies, or--for that matter--kitchen remodeling in Britain. The creep over the line is so evident in the newspaper sales pitches for "rare" coins and various remedies dolled up to look like news articles.
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Re: London's Tower Bridge, inside and out
It's been nearly 20 years since I took the tour...you wrote an excellent article and your photos -- especially the one of the entire bridge -- are wonderful!!!
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Re: Walking through New Orleans...nibbling
Sorry...not on the tour (and frankly, not on my mind, either!)
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Re: Foodie Fun on Arthur Avenue
Now THIS is my idea of a great food tour! Wish I'd tagged along, and thanks for the advice on where to go for my favorite type of food.
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Re: Kyoto Tells Tourists What Not To Do
I'm really surprised at how condescending this list is to travelers. Really surprised Kyoto would put it out.
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Re: Kyoto Tells Tourists What Not To Do
This...I don't know what to call it. "List" is too small a word. Visual manifesto? Fascinating, the way a car wreck is fascinating. Japan was the first place I wanted to travel when I had a childhood friend from Japan. As an adult, I've had any number of opportunities to visit and haven't. I realized recently that what was stopping me was fear of giving offense. Kyoto has been the place that I thought I might brave my fears to see but this piece of municipal propaganda has wiped that thought...
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Re: Kyoto Tells Tourists What Not To Do
It is one of those real-life bad jokes. I find particularly humorous the rules about when and how to take photographs. Anyone who's stumbled upon a group of Japanese tourists know that they'll fight for the best shot if they have to! Guess the rules apply to foreign guests, not local residents.
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Re: Kyoto Tells Tourists What Not To Do
Wow. Most of the list IS common sense. But tourists don’t always practice common sense, maybe at times myself included. Thing is, I have observed several Japanese tourists doing exactly what they advise not to do on their list during my travels to Europe. :-/ Most recently, almost felt that the rules didn’t apply to them as I was scolded for taking a picture without flash at Sacre-Coeur (didn’t see the sign). That was my mistake. However, while I was getting scolded for my offense, several...
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Re: Scenes of Cesky Krumlov
Interesting tour and history lesson . Went down well with my first coffee of the day. Well presented Paul. Really enjoyed it !
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Re: Back to Oaxaca: Hoofing It, El Picacho & Teotitlan
Another interesting item from the OLL newsletter regarding the weaving village of Teotitlan: TOUR: ARCHEOLOGICAL RUINS in TEOTITLAN Presented by Dr. Robert Markens Instituto de Investigaciones Estéticas—sede Oaxaca Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 / 9 AM-4 PM MX$350 (M) MX$400 (NM) Local archeologist Dr. Robert Markens will lead a tour of the archeological ruins located in the ancient village of Teotitlan del Valle, world-famous for its woven textiles. This...
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Re: In Egypt: Up the Nile
Back in 1989, when TWA still existed, took their 14 day tour. I believe there were 35 of us. We started in Cairo - 4 days staying at Mena House opposite the pyramids A huge WOW! During our stay there we traveled to Sakkaha and Memphis. Boarded a bus that took us to Alexandria - 2 days staying at Montazah Sheraton. From there we took a train to Aswan (dirty dishes - everyone sick). In Aswan, we stayed on Elephantine Island's Loews Aswan Oberoi. Went to Temples of Philae and flew to Abu...
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Re: Gallery: Jewel Cave National Monument, South Dakota
Wow! Some amazing shapes and colors. How long was the tour? Was it cold down there?
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Re: Gallery: Jewel Cave National Monument, South Dakota
If memory serves me correctly, the tour was about 90 minutes. Yes, it was quite cool down there but since I had made the trip in late August, it was quite refreshing to be there. At one point, the guide turned out the lights so the guests could see what true darkness really looks like. I have been in the dark before but not like this, it even seemed to mess with your equilibrium and I felt like I wasn't going to stay upright. Yes DrF, that is a "bacon strip" formation. Water running down a...
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Re: Wat Pho, Bangkok Thailand. Where Gumbo Was #40
Lovely photos and blog Karl. Refreshed my delightful memories of our visit there. One other word of advice for the end of your tour is to visit the Massage School which is in the temple complex and have a relaxing and rejuvenating massage - feet or more depending on time available.
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Re: From Corfe Castle to Kingston Lacy - Part 2
Great home and great photo tour, Mac. thanks. And I'll keep the Mrs. away from that stable....
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Re: Memphis, Tennessee: 1) Graceland
Thanks for the grand tour, Dr F. One place I remember very well. Must return one day...Graceland, Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee, I'm going to Graceland,.....
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Re: Memphis, Tennessee: 1) Graceland
You've put together an interesting tour DrF. I never knew you got that up close and personal on a tour . You mentioned the 2nd floor. Do the family still live there ? I'm surprised to see there's no mention of his manager. 50% - wow - that's some fee. Heard stories but never knew that was the figure. There have been other cases of artists - of that time - being mis-used too.
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Re: Memphis, Tennessee: 1) Graceland
Originally Posted by DrFumblefinger: Hi Garry. Yes, the tour really gets you into the private corners of Elvis' life, with the exception of the second floor which has always been closed to the general public. In the early years that Graceland was open, Elvis' grandmother lived there but she's passed on some time ago. I believe that Priscilla (Elvis' ex) and Lisa Marie stay there from time to time - mostly because they have fond memories of life with Elvis here. The Colonel took 50% and Elvis...
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Re: Memphis, Tennessee 2) The King's chariots
Once again DrFumblefinger you have put together another amazing blog with wonderful pictures. Thank you for this. I hadn't heard anything about the family wanting to sell the two jets...that would be a pity, for their presence added a nice piece of history, demonstrating where and how Elvis spent much of his time traveling from city to city on his many tour dates throughout the seventies. The news of Elvis's planes being sold makes me even more grateful that I had the opportunity to visit...
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Re: Coastal California: The Pigeon Point Hostel
Any travel tale that starts with a road trip following giraffes (nice pic, BTW), includes a lighthouse, the surf, goat cheese and cute granddaughters, is top rate in my book! Can't wait for the lighthouse tour!
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Re: Catching the Tour de France 2014
What fun! Glad your iPhone was working (hanging on to you was the least your hubbie could do) and am actually surprised at how fast its shutter speed is. These guys are really moving and most cameras would have caught them with a blur except in the sports setting (very fast shutter speeds). I think all big events like this are best enjoyed with new friends over a glass of one's favorite beverage! Thanks for sharing this moment. Most of us will never see the tour first hand, but now we know...
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Re: Catching the Tour de France 2014
I've missed it by days a few years ,but it sure looks like fun! Hopefully one day I'll catch it. Thanks for letting us enjoy the Tour from a distance!
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Re: RCA Studio B, Nashville, Tennessee
Thanks for the tour of this music Mecca, Ottoman. I'm a big music fan and always enjoy these sort of articles. It's interesting to know the history behind where the artists recorded their music and this looks like a must to visit.
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Re: Iquitos Jungle Tour
Thanks, what an incredible tour. Even has a Gumbo favorite,a Gustave Eiffel building! https://www.travelgumbo.com/blo...with-the-tour-eiffel
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Re: Government St., Mobile: A Great Historic Street (Pt. 1)
Thanks for the nice comments. Wait until you see the public buildings on Government St in Part 2 ,equally as impressive! The houses above are mainly private homes. A few homes on the street have offices in them. Some of the homes might make it on the historical homes tour once a year, but you'd have to check in advance . http://www.historicmobiletour.com/#!homes/c1hpk The Mobile area does have open to the public the Bellingraph Gardens and Home which is highly regarded and another place on...
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Re: Charleston's Grand Mansions: Aiken-Rhett House
I've enjoyed your guided tour through Charleston's elegant historic homes. This piece is an excellent way to end the year with a bit of style and class! Happy 2015, PM!
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Re: Tupelo, Mississippi. Birthplace of the King of Rock 'n Roll
Thanks for extensive and excellent tour of Tupelo, Dr F. I'm a big fan too and this is still on my wish list
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Re: Cruising down the Nile (part 2)
Hi Karl - sorry for a delayed reply. We booked onto a Thompson Holidays trip out of London and were very satisfied with the whole experience, including value for money. We chose the "all inclusive" option and were very pleased with the quality of their wines etc. The boat was very clean and well maintained, all the crew cheery and pleasant, the food good and plentiful (buffets). There were a good number of "included" trips to temples whilst other trips were extras (Abu Simbel and Cairo for...
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Re: Gallery: A visit to Cuba
Thanks IslandMan, There are many resorts in the Varadero peninsular. The Christmas/New Year season is kind of full. But other than that, still unspoiled to me. The tour guy told us that currently 80% tourists are Canadians. I can imagine if sanctions are lifted, there will be lots of tourists from USA, they are much closer in terms of distance.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, March 27, 2014: Bacardi Distillery, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Another walk down memory lane! I lived in Puerto Rico for 5 years and remember it fondly. Occasionally I'd drive past Ron Bacardi but I regret I never stopped to take the tour. Not unusual, I'm sure, when we have the feeling there's always time later. An interesting name out that direction which will likely ring bells for New Yorkers, not far beyond the Bacardi Distillery, if driving from San Juan, is Levittown, a place name I always found incongruous there. Part of the post-WWII affordable...
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Re: World's 10 Best Airports? Maybe...
I think the comments, and mine are all hitting on the same point: better airport is not more amenities for while you're trapped there...better airport is not trapping you there. I get disbelieving stares when I tell people that Laguardia is my favorite. But, while it looks a bit dated, its size means you don't have ridiculous hikes, and it's easy to get in and get out. Heathrow T5, on the other hand...especially if you are transferring from T3...is an experience that makes you feel like...
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Re: Photography at the Edges, New York & San Francisco
Maybe "monochrome" is a better word for what we think of as black & white photography. An extreme example would be cyanotypes, in shades of blue. Many thanks, PHeymont, for your descriptions of the Met shows, and for reminding me that everything old is new again. The addition of Man Ray's fantastic picture above is perfect. Joyeux Anniversaire, Tour Eiffel.
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Re: London- multiple questions
I can only help with one of the questions...but GarryRF, one of the TG Gurus, lives in Liverpool and can certainly help with that part. For Stonehenge without a car, there are really two main options. There are a number of tour operators who run coach tours from London to the site; or you can take a train from London to Salisbury and take a bus from the station to the Stonehenge visitor center. The visitor center is new since I was there; it's about 10 minutes by shuttle from the stones...