GCT

Drake crossing was mild going south and a little rocky coming back north but not not bad. Once down to the Antarctica islands we had great weather with lots of sunshine. Watching the penguins was so much fun and interesting to observe their characteristics. Also saw lot of birds and seals. The glacier and mountain scenes were beautiful with interesting aspects. Unique and awesome trip.

I liked everything about the trip. Weather was perfect so that we could go out twice a day in the zodiac's. Our group leader was always available and 'on top of things'. The crew was exceptional also. Will highly recommend!

Liked: This trip was very broad in its scope and made it incredibly easy to visit countries that have an amazing history to share that not enough citizens of the USA know or understand. The behind the scenes coordination was phenomenal given the state of affairs with the countries visited. Our trip leaders were excellent, knowledgable and patient. They discussed current issues with openness. Accommodations were first rate and in Egypt historically famous: high tea on the Nile at the Winter Palace and lunch in the Mena House in Cairo. Disliked: In our group of 21 were seven women who have traveled together on other Grand Circle/OAT trips. They ate every breakfast, lunch and dinner together. On bus trips they sat together. This wouldn’t have been so off-putting if they had been more outgoing and willing to mingle with other travelers, but they didn’t. Also, it was disappointing that some travelers were so uninformed about the history and current events of this part of the world. Recommendation: Spend less time in Tel Aviv and more in Jerusalem. Groups of the size discussed above need to take their own separate tour.

Liked the places we visited . Liked the flexibility that occurred due to the fact we did not visit Slovenia Did NOT like to fly 9 hours to Detroit, then have to back track to get to Philadelphia airport to get home

Likes: Alessandro, our trip leader. The visit to the bee farm and the olive processing plant. The upbeat attitiude of the ship's crew, considering that they do this day in day out. The food on the ship. Recommendations: Some of the church excursions were too long, 3 hours. At this time of the year it's cold. Two hours is enough and then let's get into a coffee house for warm-up and coffee and pastries.