Thanks - I'll look forward to seeing what you think. We took a quick look at Tauck but based on this year's trips, we do prefer the ABD itinerary. We'll be on the August 25th - Adults Only trip.
I've signed up for the same one! I look forward to meeting you if I keep the reservation!
So far, there is a Classic Journeys trip, but it's way too similar to the Backroads trip that I did years ago, and only covers Nova Scotia. Plus it's only 6 days.
There's an 8 day Tauck trip that's very similar to the Classic Journeys trip, but adds in PEI, which I do want to see. But it doesn't go to New Brunswick, which I'd also like to see.
There's also a longer Tauck trip (11 days) that looks interesting. It includes both New Brunswick and PEI like the ABD trip does, and also spends some time in the Highlands of Nova Scotia. But the hotel in the Highlands (it's a pretty remote area) does not sound pleasant, and gets poor ratings both on Trip Advisor and in reviews of the Tauck trip itself. So I'm pretty sure that hotel may be a non-starter. I plan to call Tauck and talk to them about that, but there's rustic and then there's neglected...
So it *is* starting to look like I may stick with ABD, it seems the best blend of all of them. But it's by far the most expensive of them all.
And I haven't gotten good explanations yet from ABD of the 3 options available for the afternoon at Broadleaf Ranch in New Brunswick. I haven't been able to ascertain if I'm physically up for any of the 3 options a) the "active and brisk guided kayaking adventure" b) horseback riding and canoeing or c) bike riding and canoeing. I was really looking forward to the kayaking in Bar Harbor on my New England ABD, but that ended up being 2 1/2 hours of *serious* kayaking that was more than my poor shoulders could handle. And I definitely can't go horseback riding. And I've learned that bike riding can be a big variable depending on the terrain (I bowed out of the bike ride in New Zealand). There's no easy-going option. ABD always used to offer an easy-going option, but they don't seem to do that as much anymore. Instead of kayaking, I had more shopping time in Bar Harbor. Instead of the bike ride, I had more shopping time in Arrowtown in New Zealand. I like shopping just fine, but I hate having to skip activities I've paid for, and my only option is shopping. Still looking at all of this.
But I'll keep you informed!
Sayhello