Baltimore isn’t typically on the top of most people’s list of dream vacations, but it’s a wonderful place to take a trip. There are so many things to see and do and such a diverse variety of highlights that the memories you make will rank up there with those you make on the most exotic destination.

One great way to experience a city like Baltimore is by taking a number of group tours. These tours are led by tour guides who are well versed in the city and its history and the specific highlights of the tour you’re on. But the guides can also give you insightful tips on other local hotspots. And a group tour gives you the opportunity to meet others who have similar interests, you may find yourself making friendships that last a lifetime.

Baltimore Ghost Tours

Select from three different haunted tours at Baltimore Ghost Tours. This fantastic tour group offers an experience like no other. The Original Fells Point Ghostwalk takes visitors through the many haunted locations in the maritime village of Fells Point. The new Mount Vernon Ghostwalk explores Mount Vernon, Balitmore’s cultural center, it’s a great way to learn more about the city’s hub, both present and past. And for those looking for more spirits on their tour, the Fells Point Haunted Pubwalk takes you through the many haunted pubs in the region, and guests are invited to sit back, enjoy a brew and listen to the tales of ghosts who used to haunt the very spot where you’re seated.

Segway Safari

The latest trend in group tours is the segway tour. Hop aboard one of these novelty cruisers and head out for a Mini Safari or a City Safari. The Mini Safari gives you a glimpse of Maryland’s first National Historic District, Fells Point and the Little Italy section of town. You’ll hit many stops along the way and learn the inside scoop on other points of interest. The City Safari is a more in depth tour that covers the Inner Harbor area in addition to the Fells Point district. Take the in depth City Safari tour and you’ll learn more about the history of the city including experiencing a brush with local pirates.

Spirit Cruises

Spirit Cruises of Baltimore gives you a variety of options if you’d like to tour this harbor city from the water. There are brief 75 minute narrated sightseeing tours which provide interesting facts and details about the harbor as well as giving you a chance to view the USS Constellation, Fells Point, the National Aquarium, John W. Brown Liberty Ship and more from the ship. Or you can sign up for one of the entertainment cruises and combine your tour of the harbor with a wonderful dinner.

Mount Vernon Place Guided Walking Tour

Mount Vernon Place is known as the best preserved 19^th century urban square in the United States. By taking the Mount Vernon Place Guided Walking Tour you’ll learn the history of the affluent citizens who created this district and some of the magnificent monuments and buildings that still exist today. The tours are inexpensive and rather short, only 90 minutes, so it’s a wonderful introduction to the area and gives you a chance to get an overview before you decide which areas to explore in depth.

Ghosts of Gettysburg Candlelight Walking Tour

Baltimore must be chock full of ghosts because there are more than enough haunted tours to go around. The Ghosts of Gettysburg Candlelight Walking Tour has been featured on cable television more than a couple times so the stops may seem vaguely familiar to you. There are three options for the walking tours. You can tour the streets of Baltimore with a guide for a brief and fairly short tour. Visitors can take the Seminary Ridge Tour along the Confederate battleline which is another rather brief and short walking tour. And the slightly larger and longer tour follows along Carlisle Street to the Gettysburg College Campus. Remember these are nighttime candlelight tours so dress appropriately.

The Baltimore Basilica Tour

The Baltimore Basilica Tour gives you a guided tour of the United State’s first cathedral, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Basilica was built from 1806 until 1821 and was designed by America’s first bishop, John Carroll and architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe. Educational tours happen daily at the Basilica and tickets are not required but checking the website is recommended. The tour includes a visit to all areas of the church including, the upper church, undercroft, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel, the crypt, Basilica Museum, Pope John Paul II Prayer Garden upon request.

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum is open to the public regularly but if you’ve got a group headed to the region they will be happy to arrange a group tour for you. For those people interested in the railroad this museum is a must see destination as it contains some of the oldest and most comprehensive railroad collections in the world. Those familiar with the game Monopoly will recall the line by its less formal name, the B&O Railroad.

National Aquarium Baltimore Immersion Tour

If you’re bringing a group to Baltimore or you have a special occasion and want to do a special group outing then the Immersion Tour at the National Aquarium Baltimore is a great place to go. The Immersion Tour features expert guides who will take your group through the aquatic world and give you the insiders perspective. You’ll learn that what goes on behind the scenes at the National Aquarium Baltimore is just as exciting if not more exciting than anything you get to see from the other side.

Explore the city of Baltimore with an experienced tour guide that will show your group the insider’s perspective that you’d never get by touring the city yourself. And who knows, you may discover that the group experience is so full of unique perspectives that it’s something you want to continue trying every time you travel.
photo credit: sneakerdog

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This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Group Tours in Baltimore

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Hong Kong has become a haven for tourists, especially those visiting from China, and the city has learned to take advantage of their status as a tourism destination. One of the best ways to visit Hong Kong, especially if it’s your first trip to the city, is by joining a group tour. This way you’ll get to see the highlights of the city and learn the little background tidbits that only locals and professionals can share and you’ll also get to meet other likeminded people who are looking to explore the city as well.

There are a number of different group tours you can take to explore the city of Hong Kong, the best thing to do is to review several of them and try to find one that best suits your interests.

Hong Kong Disneyland Tour

The Hong Kong Disneyland theme park has a huge draw for tourists, especially those coming from China. This iconic destination features four themed lands, Hong Kong Disneyland, Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland. Each region has a number of stops for adventure, amusement, souvenirs, food and other excitement. Disneyland Hong Kong has two themed hotels for guests and tours include transportation in addition to hotel and attractions.

Hong Kong Island Tour

The sits you’ll see on the Hong Kong Island Tour are some of the most popular for tourists. One of the best known attractions on this tour is The Peak, where you’ll see one of the most unforgettable views ever which includes Victoria Harbour, the bustling city of Kowloon and peaceful rolling green hills. Then a sampan ride takes you to the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter and gives you a look at the local fisherman and boat community. The tour includes Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay and winds up at Stanley Market for souvenirs and mementos.

Hong Kong’s Famed and Famous Tour

The Hong Kong Famed and Famous Tour gives you a chance to check out some of the most noteworthy sites in the region. This particular tour is a must for first timers who want to be able to say they’ve seen the noted sites of the city. A Peak Tram funicular takes you to Victoria Peak or The Peak where you can get some of the most beautiful views of the city and countryside below. Then you’ll move on to Repulse Bay; don’t let the name fool you, this resort destination is home to one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in all of Hong Kong. Then you’ll travel to the Aberdeen Fishing Village to see the local industry. For a different look at the work environment you’ll then travel to a jewelry factory. Lunch is scheduled with the fishing village as the backdrop in one of the famous floating restaurants. The Wong Tai Sin Temple is a cultural center that is still a place of worship and a community center. After this you’ll take a helicopter tour and see the city from a whole different perspective, one you’ll never forget. It’s an amazing tour that really gives you a thorough look at the tourism hot spots of Hong Kong.

Kowloon and New Territories Tour

This is the more rural tour of the city and gives visitors a deeper understanding of the underlying culture that is the foundation of this great city. The ancient villages that lie tucked behind the city and in the hills is a tour for guests who want to learn about the lives of the inhabitants rather than see the noted highlights. This tour includes a visit to the Chuk Lam Monastery at the base of the Tai Mo Shan, the tallest mountain in the region. Then you’ll visit Kam Tin, a walled historic village. The tour continues to the border of Hong Kong and Mainland China with the New Territories farmlands and the Shenzhen River with an obligatory stop at the Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree to see if your wish will come true.

Ocean Park Tour

Ocean Park is one of those places that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits. The outdoor escalator system is the second largest in the world and features some of the best views of the city and the outlying islands of Hong Kong. In the park you’ll encounter four giant pandas, Pacific Pier, Amazing Amazon, the world’s largest reef aquarium, more than 1000 sea jellies and dolphins and sea lions performing. In addition to all of the aquatic and animal fun there are a number of amusement type rides. For those who love rides the Whiskers’ Wild Ride is a must as it’s a simulated tour of the entire park by land, sea and air.

Touring Victoria Harbour

There are a number of different ways to tour Victoria Harbour, one of the biggest natural harbors in the world. You’ve probably seen scores of images of this harbor and didn’t realize you were looking at Victoria Harbour but once you see it in person you’ll never forget. Select the tour that best fits your interests and needs as there are a number of tours focused on the Victoria Harbour region. Use the following list to help you select a tour:

A Symphony of Lights Harbour Cruise – Discover the dancing lights set to music with this dazzling multimedia presentation.

Afternoon Harbour Cruise – Take a relaxing tour of the harbor by day on a Chinese style tour boat.

Evening Harbour Cruise – This dusk-time cruise is a romantic way to check out the change from bustling daytime city to serene beachside community.

Morning Harbour Cruise – Start the day off right by visiting some of the most famous landmarks in Hong Kong aboard a Chinese style boat.

Sunset Cruise - This predinner cocktail cruise sets the mood for a romantic evening with a loved one.

Dolphin-Watching – Glimpse Hong Kong’s endangered pink dolphins in their natural habitat.
photo credit: das farbamt

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Remember the Alamo was a battle cry in the past but now it that has expanded and the entire city of San Antonio is worthy of more than just a passing glance. San Antonio is the second largest city in Texas and the most visited in the state. Each year it is estimated that 20 million tourists visit the city, bringing approximately $8.7 billion to the local economy. And it’s no wonder why the city is such a draw with its storied history, beautiful landscape, and exciting attractions.

If you’re a traveler who enjoys having an experience with others, then the large variety of group tours in San Antonio may be just the ticket to your perfect vacation.

The Ghosts and Legends of San Antonio

The Ghosts and Legends of San Antonio is a great walking tour that lets you see the spookiest parts of the great city in the relative safety of a group with a knowledgeable tour guide. Get a behind the grave look at San Antonio and learn about the wailing La Llorona, the myth of the rattlesnake, legends of the famed pirate, Jean Lafitte, and discovery some interesting tidbits about the Alamo.

Hill Country Tour

The Hill Country Tour starts in San Antonio but takes you outside of the city to the historic downtown Fredericksburg and the Lyndon Baines Johnson Ranch. Located on the beautiful Pedernales River, the Ranch is where the “Texas White House” is located and you can learn more about the 36^th President of the United States and his famous wife, Lady Bird Johnson. The ranch was established in the 1860’s as a cattle ranch and today it is still run the same way so you can see how ranchers lived more than 150 years ago. Additionally there is a reconstruction of LBJ’s birthplace that was designed according to LBJ’s personal specifications. Upon leaving the Ranch you’ll head to Fredericksburg, a city that once served as home for many German pioneers. The streets are littered with remnants of German past and culture and the antique and gift stores give you a chance to collect a souvenir or two.

San Antonio Grand Tour

The San Antonio Grand Tour is the mac daddy of all tours, covering just about everything you would ever want to see in the San Antonio area. The Grand Tour goes to the Alamo, IMAX Theatre, Riverboat Ride, Mission San Jose, Mission Concepcion, Japanese Sunken Gardens, Market Square and a handful of lesser known tourist locations. On the Grand Tour you  will not only get to tour the Alamo and learn about the brave men who fought to protect their land, but you’ll also get to view the IMAX version of the 1836 battle and relive 13 days of history. After that excitement, a relaxing three hour riverboat ride down the Paseo Del Rio with its canopy of foliage is just what you need. Historic Market Square picks up the excitement again with 32 shops at the El Mercado and 80 specialty shops in the Farmers’ Market plaza. Both missions offer a glimpse into the past and the devotion of the people to their faith and humanity. Finally, the Japanese sunken gardens lead you through an oasis of serenity in what once was a stone quarry.

San Antonio Walks

If you love the exercise then San Antonio Walks is a great way to see the city and learn the history of the region. The guides are well versed in the city of San Antonio and can not only weave a good yarn or two, but they’re available to answer any questions you have about the city. San Antonio Walks covers The Alamo, San Fernando, Main Plaza, Presidio, La Villita, San Antonio River, the Missions, European & Indian influences in the area, the Texas & Mexican Revolution, Cowtown, Saloon Days and many other local hotspots. There are public tours and VIP tours and you can even arrange for your own tour at a time which is most convenient for your schedule. The walks aren’t long and they’re not strenuous at all. Because of the knowledgeable staff, I’d recommend scheduling a walk midway through your trip so you can ask questions that have come up with other tours and so you can explore some sites you otherwise may have skipped.
San Antonio Highlights Tour

If you’d like to see what San Antonio has to offer but aren’t really sure that the Grand Tour is what you’re looking for then the San Antonio Highlights Tour might be more your speed. This tour is a pared down version of the Grand Tour, taking you to some of the most popular destinations but leaving you more free time to then explore the city on your own. The Highlights Tour makes stops at The Alamo, Market Square, Mission Concepcion and Mission San Jose.

San Antonio Trolley Tour

For a brief overview of the city of San Antonio and comfort to boot, the San Antonio Trolley Tour is a great option. This 60 minute air conditioned tour takes  you on an insightful drive by of The Alamo, The IMAX Theater, Rivercenter Mall, Riverboat Rides, Institute of Texan Cultures, Mission San Jose, Mission Concepcion, Market Square, San Fernando Cathedral and La Villita. This tour is the perfect way to get the lay of the land and some inside information so you can then decide which landmarks you want to visit and see up close and personal.

Sea World San Antonio

San Antonio’s Sea World offers several great tours that let you learn more about your favorite animal in a really intimate way. Their selection of tours include a Saving a Species Tour, Penguins Up-Close Tour, Viva Up-Close tour, Seafari Tour, and the Ultimate Seafari Tour. In addition to these great tours, Sea World also offers additional experiences for adventure or scouting groups, school groups, and educational groups. If you’re planning on doing a day at Sea World the special tours make it all that much more memorable and exciting. For many it’s the experience of a lifetime.

Rio San Antonio Cruises

San Antonio is known for its beautiful River Walk and what better way to experience it than from the river itself. The Rio San Antonio Cruises boat tour takes you through the most interesting two and a half miles of the San Antonio River and loads you up with information about the history and cultural tidbits from the area. This is another tour that is a great primer to a day of exploration. Learn everything you can about the River Walk and then take the time to explore by yourself and visit what most interested you.

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This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Group Tours in San Antonio

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Between the demands of work, children and significant others it can be tough to even agree on a date for a girls’ night out, so if you’re planning to get away with the girls for any length of time, settle on a date first and stick to it. Make it far enough in advance to allow everyone to clear their calendars.

Then the real fun begins. It’s a good idea to sign up at a web site like Triporama.com or Groople so you and the girls can collaborate without having to arrange to meet physically. These services give you access to group rates and also help ensure that all the decisions–and work–isn’t confined to just one person. After you’ve settled on the major details, each member can take charge of a day, an excursion, or a meal, so that there’s something for everyone and that no one person ends up shouldering too much of the burden.

Another item to settle early on is your travel budget. Get together, online or in person, to talk about what everyone can comfortably afford to spend. Don’t feel pressured to spend more than you can afford, and don’t pressure anyone else to commit to more than they’re comfortable spending. You’re going on this vacation to spend time with your friends, not to spend money.

Once a budget has been set, you might want to open a vacation fund to which each member of the group can contribute on a regular basis. The amount of the contributions should be agreed upon by everyone, although one person should probably act as banker. Have the banker open up an account at a bank. The fund can take care of hotel reservations so nobody has to go chasing after anyone when it’s time to put your deposit down. You can also set aside money for taxis, afternoon coffee or other incidentals.

The group may already have agreed to a week in the tropics, or a Las Vegas spree. If not, you can get the ball rolling by suggesting a location, or a couple of locations, and asking for volunteers to research those locations. Venues to consider are a cruise, a tropical resort, a national park or a theater and shopping spree at a big city. Spa getaways are also a great option for girlfriends. and if you’re looking for something completely different, consider one of the following:

• A cattle drive, or something less strenuous at the original Hole in the Wall at Willow Creek Ranch.
• Rock ‘n Roll Fantasy Camp.
• Mountain biking in Maine.
• A surf safari especially for women.

Once you’ve picked a spot, it’s time to research accommodations. Much like you did with the destination itself, split up the research. Give everyone a week to report back and then another week to settle on a hotel. Then reserve your rooms, using the fund money as a deposit. Decide whether you’ll rent a car or take taxis or public transportation and nail down those options at the same time.

Is everyone departing from the same airport? If yes, then get someone to monitor sites like Airfarewatchdog/ to find the best deals. Designate a spot for everyone to meet once they arrive whether you’re traveling alone or together.

Before you take off, though, here are some other tips to make your stay more pleasant.

• Pick a meeting spot before you leave the hotel in case you become separated from your group.
• Bring your own booze. If you’ll be spending a lot of time hanging out at the hotel pool, bring snacks and liquor so you don’t have to resort to the hotel minibar.
• Compromise. No one wants to do exactly the same thing at the same time, make allowances for individual preferences.
• Coordinate your packing. Designate each person to bring one toiletry item to share with the group.
• Take lots of photos and share them with the group.

Photo credit: Mr Andrew Murray

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This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Tips for planning a girlfriend getaway

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