AARP Services Introduces its New Escorted Tours CollectionÑAn Exclusive Selection of Escorted Tours

Featured Destinations Include: Alaska, Antarctica, Australia, Canada, Central America, China, Europe, Hawaii, South America, United States

Source: AARP Press Center | March 7, 2006

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 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 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 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 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, www.aarp.org.