This summer, two of Covington’s well-traveled clients, Tom and Ann Marie Hancock enjoyed a Tauck tour of Scandinavia arranged by vacation advisor, Jean Riekers. Tom is a retired attorney and businessman and Ann Marie is an author and former television personality. In a new Travelers Tale, the Hancocks tell us about their trip and why they keep returning to Tauck.

Why We Keep Returning to Tauck

“Our response is ‘Exceptionalism.’ Every Tauck journey has been detail-oriented and filled with unusual opportunities. From wine with the Ferragamos to a private “candle-light” tour of the Sistine Chapel, to a guide-arranged private off-tour side trip, we have enjoyed the very best with Tauck whether in the USA, the Orient or Europe.” However, the Hancocks have consistently been drawn to Europe.

The first Tauck trip for Tom and Ann Marie was the New England Fall Foliage Tour. “The colors, expansive pumpkin fields, lighthouses, quaint hotels with New England’s signature chowders and lobster rolls, trips to the Maple Forests and so much more… we were sold! There was so much attention to detail and the guides were knowledgeable, articulate and warm.”

The Hancocks subsequently booked seven more adventures, but their favorite to date was a summer trip to Scandinavia.

“The small group of twenty-four was treated like valued family by the multi-lingual and cheery tour guide Anna. Tauck chauffeurs were exceptional – always kind, attentive, timely, and accommodating. Tauck always goes the extra mile!”

“Morning departure times were sometimes negotiated – an advantage of small group travel. As customary with Tauck, we frequently stayed in the same hotel for two or three days which minimized the packing and unpacking experience… a definite plus to any vacation.”

Copenhagen, Demark

Tom and Ann Marie prefer to arrive a day or two prior to a tour in order to acclimate to the locale and the climate. The Scandinavia tour began in Copenhagen and included stops at the iconic Little Mermaid; Amalienborg, the winter palace of Denmark’s Royal Family; and Rosenborg Palace, which houses Denmark’s Crown jewels.

Tauck generally leaves afternoons and evenings to your discretion. The Hancocks chose to walk to the nearby famous Tivoli Gardens and the dreamy whirl of twinkling lights, retro rides, decorated pavilions, lush gardens, pantomime performances, concerts, and dining.

“Tivoli is a unique Danish experience not to be missed when visiting Copenhagen.”

Swedish Countryside and Stockholm

“Our journey through southern Sweden was highlighted by an overnight stay at Toftaholm Manor, an historic and charming lakeside inn featuring local folkloric musicians and fine dining.”

“In Stockholm, the Venice of the North, we were immersed in aesthetics… cinnamon colored buildings and scenic drives, the Vasa Museum featuring the once ornate royal warship VASA which sank upon launching in 1628 and was raised from the harbor in 1961, medieval Gamla Stan (Old Town), City Hall where the Nobel Prizes are awarded, and dining at the Royal Opera House.”

Norway and Fjordlands

“This is the must-see – a once in a lifetime destination! The beauty of the postcard-worthy eleventh-century Bergen Wharf district and the sheer drama of the cliffed fjords and emerald water in the land of glaciers cannot be overemphasized.”

“Our stay at the Hotel Alexandria was magical. Sitting on a spacious balcony that looked to the misty mountains, the peace was indescribable.”

“Norway was like a musical composition building to a crescendo, each day more exciting! We took a ‘Troll Car’ to Briksdal Glacier and cruised perhaps the most beautiful fjord in the world – Geirander Fjord. The memory is still etched in our minds. We took the ferry along the Naeroy Fjord to Flam, where the steepest railway in Europe has operated since 1900.”

“Yet to mention, but not forgotten are Troldhaugen, the home of Norway’s most beloved composer, Edvard Grieg, the Borgund Stave Church (c 1180), the Vigeland Sculptures Park, and the Viking Ship Museum.”

“Scandinavia will remain in our hearts, but Norway already calls us back.”

Hat Tip to our Vacation Planner

“Humble gratitude goes to our travel agent, Jean Riekers, whose care, dedication, and attention to detail make each journey a flawless fairytale. She is ‘Planner Extraordinaire.’ We have recommended her to many friends. They all love her and have established special bonds that continue to this day. Thanks, Jean. Thanks, Tauck.”

To learn more about Tauck or for help planning your own Scandinavia vacation, contact Jean or any of the vacation experts at Covington.