Art wants to do the larger group. I'm leaning towards the smaller (Natl Geographic) tour because I think it'll be more intimate - how can it not be??? Art thinks they'll be more diversity in a larger group, and a better chance we'll have compatible travel companions. Age really isn't that much of a factor for me, and since neither tour is what I would call cheap, I can't imagine that one would attract a young, ready-to-party crowd. Or am I out-of-touch?
The Natl Geo tour rings in at about $8700 for both of us, beginning/ending with airfare between JFK and Casablanca, the tour itself, plus one extra night at the beginning. Not included are the flights to/from Tampa to JFK, or the JFK hotel for one night, possible two. Oh, and I also have to add in the cost of travel insurance. Allianz quoted me $450 pp for an annual policy - because I was thinking we could start it now and it would cover us when we go to Italy this fall, but then I read that the annual policy doesn't cover trips over 45 days.
The GateOne trou comes in at $6700, and they offer travel insurance through John Hancock for $259 per person.
As tempted as I am to save money, I don't want to be penny wise and pound foolish. OTOH, $2000 is a significant amount of money. I've talked myself into a corner and I'm stuck!