Ping: History Buffs, free WW2 tour

Sgran · 10-14-2008, 04:02 AM

I realize this thread borders on sales promotion, but this really is a special opportunity, and it's a completely free deal. My new company is launching a historical tour next spring, but we need to have a test run in November (as in next month). We're therefore offering the tour for free in exchange for feedback on the tour.

If this isn't kosher I'll delete the thread. Otherwise, if you're interested, send me a PM and I'll give you all the details. If the mods allow, I'll post more info publicly.

steve

DaddyTorgo · 10-14-2008, 08:13 AM

PM sent

Sgran · 10-15-2008, 04:18 AM

Thanks to everyone who has PMed me so far. It seems like it could turn into a small FOFC event. Here is the general info about the tour:

It's a WW2 themed tour based on the Normandy landings and the allied advance on Germany. More specifically, it follows the exploits of the 101st Airborne Easy Company as seen in Band of Brothers.
The wrinkle of our tour is that you actually get to meet local people who witnessed these events. The tour goes from England (you need to fly to London) to France (normandy, of course) to Belgium, Holland and Germany, ending at the Eagle's Nest near Munich, where you fly out from (or from Salzburg, from where you can get to Frankfurt).

Check out the website: www.beyondbandofbrothers.com

my e-mail: [email protected]

This tour will sell for EUR 3,700 when we launch next year. You (and spouse, friends, etc.) can go for free, but it's November 6-16.

Thanks, steve

SirFozzie · 10-15-2008, 04:38 AM

Damn! I really REALLY want to go, I wish I could take the time.. Wonder if I could get the time off

Apathetic Lurker · 10-15-2008, 06:07 AM

I HATE YOU!!!!!!!! No, not really. But after a quad bypass I cannot fly until January... And to think I was going to be in Poland(pre-surgery) from Oct 16-Nov 4th. It would have been so easy to just make a teeny tiny detour to London for this cool tour....You aren't planning on having another "beta" tour next year, are you ?

Sgran · 10-15-2008, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apathetic Lurker

I HATE YOU!!!!!!!! No, not really. But after a quad bypass I cannot fly until January... And to think I was going to be in Poland(pre-surgery) from Oct 16-Nov 4th. It would have been so easy to just make a teeny tiny detour to London for this cool tour....You aren't planning on having another "beta" tour next year, are you ?

Actually, there will be another dry run in March, but it will be only for members of the National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents.

Otherwise you'll need to pay full fare and join the real tour from April to October next year.

JetsIn06 · 10-15-2008, 07:44 AM

Checking to see if my name turns blue....

JetsIn06 · 10-15-2008, 07:44 AM

It does...

JetsIn06 · 10-15-2008, 07:46 AM

Man I really want go to this by the way, but I can't take off that much time

Peregrine · 10-15-2008, 08:01 AM

Wow sounds like a great opportunity, I wish I could do it but that's too short notice for me to get away from work.

DaddyTorgo · 10-15-2008, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

Damn! I really REALLY want to go, I wish I could take the time.. Wonder if I could get the time off

You should try to. I'm quite close to commiting myself.

EagleFan · 10-15-2008, 08:21 AM

I REALLY am interested now that I see the web site. I just don't know if I can swing the time frame for work (which sucks).

JPhillips · 10-15-2008, 09:32 AM

I don't think I can swing the time away, but it sounds great. If it was a week later and I could use my Thanksgiving break time I'd jump on it.

Dr. Sak · 10-15-2008, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EagleFan

I REALLY am interested now that I see the web site. I just don't know if I can swing the time frame for work (which sucks).

+1...plus I don't have a passport.

JetsIn06 · 10-15-2008, 10:25 AM

So does anyone else see their names in blue? What's up with that?

Lathum · 10-15-2008, 10:42 AM

my name is not in blue and this sounds awesome but I cant get the time off

sachmo71 · 10-15-2008, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lathum

my name is not in blue and this sounds awesome but I cant get the time off

yes it is

EagleFan · 10-15-2008, 10:47 AM

I am seeing all names in blue in this thread.

Lathum · 10-15-2008, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sachmo71

yes it is

i swear it isnt. Everyone elses is but mine...

Tasan · 10-15-2008, 11:37 AM

Sigh. I don't have a passport, and probably don't have the $650 available this close to Christmas to pay for the flight. I'd really love to go on this.

EagleFan · 10-15-2008, 11:42 AM

Strange, now when I click on this thread I get a message that this site wants to install an add-on which is currently blocked.

EagleFan · 10-15-2008, 11:43 AM

dola: Not getting that message in any other thread.

DaddyTorgo · 10-15-2008, 12:07 PM

names are in super-blue!!!

MacroGuru · 10-15-2008, 12:32 PM

PM sent...I am very interested.

bob · 10-15-2008, 12:38 PM

I sent a PM as well.

EagleFan · 10-15-2008, 04:27 PM

Hmm, my work laptop doesn't get the install pop up blocked message but still gets the blue names.

I probably can't get this to happen.

MikeVic · 10-15-2008, 04:39 PM

When I go in this thread, the names and some links are blue. wtf.

Sgran · 10-16-2008, 02:13 AM

Hi guys,

There are some questions about what "free" means. I'm sorry that I didn't clarify this before. "Free" means that the tour itself if paid for. This refers to travel by bus to all the locations, the hotels, and meals. When we go live, this tour will cost more than 5 grand (EUR 3,700).

Airfare is not included in this deal. You need to make your own way to London and fly home from either Salzburg (usually to connect to Frankfurt) or Munich.

EDIT: All meals will be covered by us.

Sgran · 10-21-2008, 02:37 AM

This is a final call for the tour. If you would like to come on the tour, please commit by the end of the day today so that I know on Wednesday for sure who's coming. Thursday and Friday are holidays in Hungary, so we need to make final arrangements on Wednesday. We have only a few spots left.

EagleFan · 10-21-2008, 03:03 AM

Really wishing I could have done this. Watching the series now as I work (working from home tonight in conjunction with our India office and out client in China).

Those who make it from here get plenty of pictures and give us a good write up about your trip when you return.

Sgran · 10-21-2008, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EagleFan

Really wishing I could have done this. Watching the series now as I work (working from home tonight in conjunction with our India office and out client in China).

Those who make it from here get plenty of pictures and give us a good write up about your trip when you return.

We're planning on catching a lot of the tour on video for promotional purposes.

JPhillips · 10-21-2008, 06:44 AM

Wish I could, but no way I can get off from teaching. Sounds great.

MacroGuru · 10-21-2008, 08:21 AM

I am working on my schedule right now to see if I can make it fit....if I can, you will hear from me today.

DaddyTorgo · 10-21-2008, 12:45 PM

Wishing I could go - I really thought I would (was like 85% sure), but given the situation here with my boss turning into a mega-ass and the fact that I'm looking for a new job quite actively it really doesn't seem like a good time for me to be dropping even $700 on airfare. And I need to keep my remaining vacation days so that I can go on interviews and all.

I'm sure it's going to be awesome - get plenty of pics FOFC-contingent!

cubboyroy1826 · 10-21-2008, 01:57 PM

Wow what an awesome tour. When i was stationed in Germany i went to a 3 day tour of the Battle of the Bulge and had a blast. Has anyone else looked up the airfare. The best i could find from Chicago was about $625 to London but the trip back from Salzburg is about $1200, kinda nasty.

cubboyroy1826 · 10-21-2008, 02:01 PM

I checked the cost of joining the travel agents group and it is only $145 now if i can only find a travel agent to hire me or my wife on prior to the March trip.

MacroGuru · 10-21-2008, 02:37 PM

Well, I have the miles to make it free for me, and potentially someone else but some personal stuff just rocked at work today and I have to hold off on this, who knows what will happen in the next 2 or 3 weeks.

DaddyTorgo · 10-21-2008, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cubboyroy1826

Wow what an awesome tour. When i was stationed in Germany i went to a 3 day tour of the Battle of the Bulge and had a blast. Has anyone else looked up the airfare. The best i could find from Chicago was about $625 to London but the trip back from Salzburg is about $1200, kinda nasty.

really? I had airfare (round-trip) at like $670. and that was including a sweetheart of a redeye on the way over so one could get into london bright and early on the 6th and spend the day there (because I do love london)

DaddyTorgo · 10-21-2008, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacroGuru

Well, I have the miles to make it free for me, and potentially someone else but some personal stuff just rocked at work today and I have to hold off on this, who knows what will happen in the next 2 or 3 weeks.

Yep...I hear ya on this. Best of luck with whatever it is!

cubboyroy1826 · 10-21-2008, 04:58 PM

According to the itinerary you would fly into London and fly back out of Salzburg or Munich. Where was the round trip for?

DaddyTorgo · 10-21-2008, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cubboyroy1826

According to the itinerary you would fly into London and fly back out of Salzburg or Munich. Where was the round trip for?

sorry - i misspoke - by roundtrip i just meant the complete multi-city itinerary.

and the return flight was out of munich

cubboyroy1826 · 10-21-2008, 10:02 PM

What site did you get that thru and what airline was it?

DaddyTorgo · 10-21-2008, 10:23 PM

kayak.com

it was flying out on the afternoon of the 5th (arriving early morning on the 6th in london) and then flying back from munich mid-morning on the 16th (10am or so).

I should still have the searches saved - if you shoot me an email i'll forward them on to you

JetsIn06 · 10-21-2008, 10:56 PM

It's sickening how much I want to do this I just can't miss that many classes.

EagleFan · 11-21-2008, 04:49 AM

Any word on this? Did anyone from here do it and if so how was it?

Sgran · 11-21-2008, 04:49 PM

In the end, no one from FOFC took up my offer. We finished the tour last week, but then I was off to Miami to promote it at a conference, which is why I haven't posted until now. The tour went well and we got quite a bit of enthusiasm at the conference from travel agents who think they can sell it. We're full steam ahead for next season.

Chief Rum · 11-21-2008, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sgran

In the end, no one from FOFC took up my offer. We finished the tour last week, but then I was off to Miami to promote it at a conference, which is why I haven't posted until now. The tour went well and we got quite a bit of enthusiasm at the conference from travel agents who think they can sell it. We're full steam ahead for next season.

Congrats on the successful tour, Sgran. I really wish I could have done this. But I just couldn't get that much time off from work in a row in that short a time. I would have needed to know about the possibility probably months in advance (by July at the latest). Nothing you can do about that, of course.

Oh well, like I said, glad to hear it went well.

JPhillips · 11-21-2008, 09:50 PM

Same here. I'm waiting on the possibility of a tenure track position, so now wasn't the time to make a pitch for this. I really wish it had happened at a time I could have gone, though. This kind of trip is high up on my to do list.

10-15-2008, 04:18 AM	#3
Sgran High School Varsity Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Budapest	Thanks to everyone who has PMed me so far. It seems like it could turn into a small FOFC event. Here is the general info about the tour: It's a WW2 themed tour based on the Normandy landings and the allied advance on Germany. More specifically, it follows the exploits of the 101st Airborne Easy Company as seen in Band of Brothers. The wrinkle of our tour is that you actually get to meet local people who witnessed these events. The tour goes from England (you need to fly to London) to France (normandy, of course) to Belgium, Holland and Germany, ending at the Eagle's Nest near Munich, where you fly out from (or from Salzburg, from where you can get to Frankfurt). Check out the website: www.beyondbandofbrothers.com my e-mail: [email protected] This tour will sell for EUR 3,700 when we launch next year. You (and spouse, friends, etc.) can go for free, but it's November 6-16. Thanks, steve __________________ What the hell is Mike Brown diagramming for them during timeouts? Is he like the guy from "Memento" or something? Guys, I just thought of something … what if we ran a high screen for LeBron? Last edited by Sgran : 10-15-2008 at 04:20 AM.

10-15-2008, 04:38 AM	#4
SirFozzie Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: The State of Insanity	Damn! I really REALLY want to go, I wish I could take the time.. Wonder if I could get the time off __________________ Check out Foz's New Video Game Site, An 8-bit Mind in an 8GB world! http://an8bitmind.com

10-15-2008, 07:46 AM	#9
JetsIn06 Pro Rookie Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Rahway, NJ	Man I really want go to this by the way, but I can't take off that much time Last edited by JetsIn06 : 10-15-2008 at 07:46 AM.

10-15-2008, 09:32 AM	#13
JPhillips Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Newburgh, NY	I don't think I can swing the time away, but it sounds great. If it was a week later and I could use my Thanksgiving break time I'd jump on it. __________________ To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.. - Mr. Rogers

10-15-2008, 10:25 AM	#15
JetsIn06 Pro Rookie Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Rahway, NJ	So does anyone else see their names in blue? What's up with that? Last edited by JetsIn06 : 10-15-2008 at 10:26 AM.

10-14-2008, 08:13 AM	#2
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	PM sent

10-15-2008, 06:07 AM	#5
Apathetic Lurker College Prospect Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Buffalo,NY	I HATE YOU!!!!!!!! No, not really. But after a quad bypass I cannot fly until January... And to think I was going to be in Poland(pre-surgery) from Oct 16-Nov 4th. It would have been so easy to just make a teeny tiny detour to London for this cool tour....You aren't planning on having another "beta" tour next year, are you ?

10-15-2008, 07:44 AM	#7
JetsIn06 Pro Rookie Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Rahway, NJ	Checking to see if my name turns blue....

10-15-2008, 08:01 AM	#10
Peregrine Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Cary, NC	Wow sounds like a great opportunity, I wish I could do it but that's too short notice for me to get away from work.

10-15-2008, 08:21 AM	#12
EagleFan Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Mays Landing, NJ USA	I REALLY am interested now that I see the web site. I just don't know if I can swing the time frame for work (which sucks).

10-15-2008, 10:42 AM	#16
Lathum Favored Bitch #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: homeless in NJ	my name is not in blue and this sounds awesome but I cant get the time off Last edited by Lathum : 10-15-2008 at 10:42 AM.

10-15-2008, 10:47 AM	#18
EagleFan Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Mays Landing, NJ USA	I am seeing all names in blue in this thread.

10-15-2008, 11:37 AM	#20
Tasan College Starter Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Houston, or there about	Sigh. I don't have a passport, and probably don't have the $650 available this close to Christmas to pay for the flight. I'd really love to go on this. __________________ 2011 Golden Scribes winner for best Interactive Dynasty

10-15-2008, 11:42 AM	#21
EagleFan Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Mays Landing, NJ USA	Strange, now when I click on this thread I get a message that this site wants to install an add-on which is currently blocked.

10-15-2008, 11:43 AM	#22
EagleFan Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Mays Landing, NJ USA	dola: Not getting that message in any other thread.

10-15-2008, 12:07 PM	#23
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	names are in super-blue!!!

10-15-2008, 12:32 PM	#24
MacroGuru Coordinator Join Date: May 2003 Location: Utah	PM sent...I am very interested. __________________ "forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future"

10-15-2008, 12:38 PM	#25
bob College Starter Join Date: Oct 2004	I sent a PM as well.

10-15-2008, 04:27 PM	#26
EagleFan Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Mays Landing, NJ USA	Hmm, my work laptop doesn't get the install pop up blocked message but still gets the blue names. I probably can't get this to happen.

10-15-2008, 04:39 PM	#27
MikeVic Head Coach Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hometown of Canada	When I go in this thread, the names and some links are blue. wtf.

10-16-2008, 02:13 AM	#28
Sgran High School Varsity Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Budapest	Hi guys, There are some questions about what "free" means. I'm sorry that I didn't clarify this before. "Free" means that the tour itself if paid for. This refers to travel by bus to all the locations, the hotels, and meals. When we go live, this tour will cost more than 5 grand (EUR 3,700). Airfare is not included in this deal. You need to make your own way to London and fly home from either Salzburg (usually to connect to Frankfurt) or Munich. EDIT: All meals will be covered by us. __________________ What the hell is Mike Brown diagramming for them during timeouts? Is he like the guy from "Memento" or something? Guys, I just thought of something … what if we ran a high screen for LeBron? Last edited by Sgran : 10-16-2008 at 02:31 AM.

10-21-2008, 02:37 AM	#29
Sgran High School Varsity Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Budapest	This is a final call for the tour. If you would like to come on the tour, please commit by the end of the day today so that I know on Wednesday for sure who's coming. Thursday and Friday are holidays in Hungary, so we need to make final arrangements on Wednesday. We have only a few spots left. __________________ What the hell is Mike Brown diagramming for them during timeouts? Is he like the guy from "Memento" or something? Guys, I just thought of something … what if we ran a high screen for LeBron?

10-21-2008, 03:03 AM	#30
EagleFan Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Mays Landing, NJ USA	Really wishing I could have done this. Watching the series now as I work (working from home tonight in conjunction with our India office and out client in China). Those who make it from here get plenty of pictures and give us a good write up about your trip when you return.

10-21-2008, 06:44 AM	#32
JPhillips Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Newburgh, NY	Wish I could, but no way I can get off from teaching. Sounds great. __________________ To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.. - Mr. Rogers

10-21-2008, 08:21 AM	#33
MacroGuru Coordinator Join Date: May 2003 Location: Utah	I am working on my schedule right now to see if I can make it fit....if I can, you will hear from me today. __________________ "forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future"

10-21-2008, 12:45 PM	#34
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	Wishing I could go - I really thought I would (was like 85% sure), but given the situation here with my boss turning into a mega-ass and the fact that I'm looking for a new job quite actively it really doesn't seem like a good time for me to be dropping even $700 on airfare. And I need to keep my remaining vacation days so that I can go on interviews and all. I'm sure it's going to be awesome - get plenty of pics FOFC-contingent!

10-21-2008, 01:57 PM	#35
cubboyroy1826 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Jun 2002	Wow what an awesome tour. When i was stationed in Germany i went to a 3 day tour of the Battle of the Bulge and had a blast. Has anyone else looked up the airfare. The best i could find from Chicago was about $625 to London but the trip back from Salzburg is about $1200, kinda nasty.

10-21-2008, 02:01 PM	#36
cubboyroy1826 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Jun 2002	I checked the cost of joining the travel agents group and it is only $145 now if i can only find a travel agent to hire me or my wife on prior to the March trip.

10-21-2008, 02:37 PM	#37
MacroGuru Coordinator Join Date: May 2003 Location: Utah	Well, I have the miles to make it free for me, and potentially someone else but some personal stuff just rocked at work today and I have to hold off on this, who knows what will happen in the next 2 or 3 weeks. __________________ "forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future"

10-21-2008, 04:58 PM	#40
cubboyroy1826 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Jun 2002	According to the itinerary you would fly into London and fly back out of Salzburg or Munich. Where was the round trip for?

10-21-2008, 10:02 PM	#42
cubboyroy1826 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Jun 2002	What site did you get that thru and what airline was it?

10-21-2008, 10:23 PM	#43
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	kayak.com it was flying out on the afternoon of the 5th (arriving early morning on the 6th in london) and then flying back from munich mid-morning on the 16th (10am or so). I should still have the searches saved - if you shoot me an email i'll forward them on to you Last edited by DaddyTorgo : 10-21-2008 at 11:24 PM.

10-21-2008, 10:56 PM	#44
JetsIn06 Pro Rookie Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Rahway, NJ	It's sickening how much I want to do this I just can't miss that many classes.

11-21-2008, 04:49 AM	#45
EagleFan Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Mays Landing, NJ USA	Any word on this? Did anyone from here do it and if so how was it?

11-21-2008, 04:49 PM	#46
Sgran High School Varsity Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Budapest	In the end, no one from FOFC took up my offer. We finished the tour last week, but then I was off to Miami to promote it at a conference, which is why I haven't posted until now. The tour went well and we got quite a bit of enthusiasm at the conference from travel agents who think they can sell it. We're full steam ahead for next season. __________________ What the hell is Mike Brown diagramming for them during timeouts? Is he like the guy from "Memento" or something? Guys, I just thought of something … what if we ran a high screen for LeBron?