Our travelers to the Netherlands, Belgium and France just returned. It looks like it  turned out terrific. See a few comments below:

“We had a wonderful time in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, individually and as a group. Hope we will have another tour with you soon!”

“The trip was great, our tour manager Masa handled everything. We loved Masa, she had a great air about her. She was in command and had a sense of humor.  I would take another tour with her!”

I have had many suggestions for this "bucket list" trip, so here it is. I studied Egyptology in college, so I can hardly wait!  

Treasures of Egypt   January 12-23, 2023 • 12 Days https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1107489

Cairo, Grand Egyptian Museum, Luxor, Temple of Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Deluxe 4-Night Nile River Cruise, Queen Hatshepsut Temple, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Philae Temple Sound & Light Show, Historic Cairo, Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, Giza, Pyramids, Sphinx, Choice on Tour

[Yes, the dates have changed! We decided the weather would be too hot for an April 20 - May 1 trip. Instead, January!)

Day 1  January 12, 2023: Overnight Flight

Step back in time and explore thousands of years of history, legend, and lore as you walk amongst Egypt’s timeless wonders.

Day 2 January 13, 2023: Cairo, Egypt - Tour Begins

Begin your journey in Cairo, an ancient city with an intriguing past.

Day 3 January 14, 2023: Cairo - Grand Egyptian Museum - Cairo Get an intriguing glimpse into ancient Egypt’s Pharaohs, power struggles, and dynasties before exploring the remarkable collections of the Grand Egyptian Museum.* See the statues, reliefs, sarcophagi, and treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner overlooking the banks of the Nile.

Day 4. January 15, 2023: Cairo - Optional Excursion  The day is yours to experience the energy of Cairo’s buzzing streets. Wander a maze of stalls at the market, relax at a local café, or maybe even spend time in one of the city’s many museums. Perhaps you will join a full-day exploration of Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city; you’ll discover the city’s Hellenic roots and Greco-Roman architecture, set in unique harmony with ultramodern facades like the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Or you may choose to join a local guide for a tour of Sakkara and Djoser’s Step Pyramid.

Day 5 January 16, 2023: Cairo - Luxor - Karnak Temple - Board Cruise Ship

Early this morning, fly to Luxor, site of Ancient Thebes (UNESCO) and home to the expansive Karnak Temple. Wander through this 4,000-year-old complex of pylons and obelisks, often of near-mythic proportions. This afternoon, board your cruise ship for a leisurely voyage on the Nile River. Relax aboard, taking in the views from the sundeck or perhaps joining an informative talk covering Egypt from past to present. Tonight you might opt to join an evening visit to Luxor temple, all lit up and boasting fascinating plays of light and shadow, ending your evening at a local café for a taste of mint tea.

Day 6 January 17, 2023: Luxor - Valley of the Kings - Luxor - Esna - Edfu

Start the morning by venturing thousands of years into the past. Cross over to the West Bank of the Nile for a day in ancient Thebes. Explore the Valley of the Kings, including the world-renowned tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI. Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut as well as the Colossi of Memnon before returning to the ship for lunch. Relax as you continue down the Nile towards Esna on your way to Edfu. Join a culinary demonstration and learn about the staples of Egyptian cuisine from your chef. This evening, dress up and join the fun during a traditional galabeya party.

Day 7 January 18, 2023: Edfu - Kom Ombo - Aswan

Step into another world at the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu. Peruse the endless carvings of scenes depicting the power and grandeur of the pharaohs. After lunch, set sail for Kom Ombo and continue to Aswan, the Nubian City. Following dinner, enjoy a folklore show featuring a belly dancing performance.

Day 8 January 19, 2023: Aswan  Learn about Aswan’s ancient trade of granite extraction and carving techniques during a visit to an unfinished obelisk. Board a felucca (wooden sailboat) and sail to the lush oasis of Kitchener Island where you embark on a short stroll through the botanical gardens. The afternoon is yours.

Day 9 January 20, 2023: Aswan - Disembark Cruise Ship - Philae Temple

Disembark the ship this morning in Aswan. Consider an optional tour to Abu Simbel** and see the extraordinary temples of Ramses II relocated here during the construction of the High Dam. At dusk, board a motorboat to discover the Philae Temple (UNESCO), an architectural wonder. As the stars dance in the sky, gaze in awe at the temple during a Sound and Light Show.

Day 10 January 21, 2023: Aswan - Cairo - Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

Early this morning, return to Cairo. Walk along el-Moez Street, admiring the elegant Islamic architecture of Historic Cairo (UNESCO). Enjoy some free time to shop in the world-famous souk of Khan el Khalili. Peruse colorful trinkets, hand-painted crafts, polished pendants, and more.

Day 11 January 22, 2023: Cairo - Giza - Cairo

Fulfill a lifelong dream and head to nearby Giza (UNESCO). Embark on an in-depth visit to the Pyramids of Giza, one of the 7 ancient wonders of the world. Marvel at the iconic Great Sphinx, one of the world’s oldest and largest monuments. Then, it’s your choice! Meet with a local archeologist to learn about the most recent findings in Egyptology and how they influence the active digs on the Giza plateau -OR- channel your inner explorer and venture inside the largest Pyramid of Giza via the Robber’s Tunnel, winding through the inner chamber***. Join your fellow travelers this evening for a farewell dinner.

Day 12 January 23, 2023: Cairo - Tour Ends Your epic adventure comes to a close today. Return home with a new understanding of this mystical land.

4 Day 3-Night Jordan: Petra & the Dead Sea Post Tour Extension  Day 13 Fly to Amman,* the capital of Jordan. Travel to Madaba, the “City of Mosaics.” Visit the church of St. George to see the famous 6th-century Byzantine mosaic map of the region, one of the oldest in existence, and the museum where many other spectacular mosaic examples are on display. You will also visit Mt. Nebo, where Moses saw the Promised Land – present day Israel – and is believed to be laid to rest. Continue to the ancient city of Petra for a 2-night stay. This evening, experience the flavors of the region during dinner at a local restaurant. Day 14 Petra Enjoy a full day tour of the remarkable stone-carved city of Petra (UNESCO), one of the new Wonders of the World. A treasure of the ancient world, Petra was “hidden” behind rugged mountains prior to its discovery in 1812 after being lost for over 500 years. Explore this breathtaking city, carved from sandstone by the Nabataeans, with an expert guide and learn about the importance of Petra to the ancient trade routes, the history of its prominence and decline, its rediscovery, and efforts at preservation.

How about a West Coast cruise in 2023? In past years we've flown to San Francisco for a Pacific Northwest cruise, or left directly from San Pedro for a Cabo cruise. I'm looking at a 7-day cruise from March 25, 2023 through April 1, 2023. We'd circle from Los Angeles to San Diego to Ensenada to Monterey to San Francisco and back to Los Angeles. What do you think? It's a year away but never too early to plan. Let me know your thoughts!

Collette has partnered with CIBT to create a self-service online resource for every destination that we travel to. This site will advise about compliance with entry requirements (vaccination documentation, testing, exemptions, arrival forms, etc.) for your specific destination. You'll know what COVID-related documentation is required by the countries you will visit.

Collette is now able to organize return U.S. testing for guests. Return testing will be at the expense of the individual guest, payable to the testing provider by credit card at time of service. Transportation (where necessary) will be provided by Collette. In case you have purchased a self-test kit, there is no need for you to bring your kits with you on tour. 

Per Collette Travel: When you have travel insurance through Collette, if you test positive for Covid while on a trip, they will assist you in getting quarantined at a hotel. They will call you daily, assist with meals and have you tested multiple times until you test negative. Then they'll assist you in flying back home.

We want to travel and feel safe, and Collette will help us have a safe and wonderful time.

Jay from Collette will talk all about 2022 and 2023 trips. The meeting's on Zoom at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 24. Register at retirees.ucla.edu/event-4658430 so we'll know you're coming. Friends and family are welcome!

Our first trip of the year will be coming up soon, and there is still space: Netherlands, Belgium & France featuring the Keukenhof Tulip Festival and Floriade Expo 2022. Departs April 20. Please visit: https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1052319

Flower Classics is the theme of Keukenhof 2022, with the wonderful tulip as the radiant centerpiece. The flower fields are the highlight of spring in Holland. Seeing the millions of blooming flowers that create the colorful lines is just amazing. The tulip fields are very popular but the crocus, daffodils and hyacinth fields are also a must-see (and smell).

The Floriade Expo happens only once a decade. This seventh edition of the Floriade is located in Almere, at the very center of the country on land reclaimed from the sea. This year over 400 participants from around the world will show off their latest green innovations, solutions and applications. There is no question that after your visit you’ll be inspired to enrich your own garden, balcony or living room.

Aside from all the amazing innovations in the  show, Floriade Expo 2022 will also showcase art and culture, with exhibitions, live music, entertainment and orchestras performing in the park. And you won’t go hungry either, as there will be a range of restaurants, food trucks and tastings on offer with local products, healthy snack and full meals.

Last Minute Availability! So looking forward to our first trip of 2022: Netherlands, Belgium & France, featuring the Keukenhof Tulip Festival and Floriade Expo, April 20-May 1, 2022 though Collette Travel.

Collette has given us a whole bus for UC travelers, and I will be the UC escort. As of January 19 we have a few last-minute openings. The booking site is closed, so please contact me, Dolores, if you are interested! My email is ddyer44@verizon.net

Happy New Year! I am so looking forward to our 2022 trips.

I belong to a lot of travel groups so I can find the best ideas to make our trips safe and fabulous. I do find that a lot of travelers don't plan ahead for this COVID world we live in. I recently returned from two cruises with friends and family. We planned pre-trip COVID tests, had our COVID vaccination cards with us, got the right masks and even carried mini-bottles of sanitizer. We kept the rules and wiped and cleaned. We had a great time and even left the ship for a tour. Best part, no one got sick.

Let's plan ahead and do what we need to do prior to our trips. 

Thanks, Dolores

A big giant terrific Thank You to all those retirees, friends and family who sold out our Netherlands, Brussels and France adventure in April 2022  We will have a terrific time and I will go along with you as your UC tour guide. 

2023 is sooner than you think!!  Time to plan that trip of a lifetime.  These are two I am working on: Finland and American Music City.  Let me know your thoughts.