Day 1 – Friday, June 9, 2006
Calgary – Branson
Today we will depart from our home cities and arrive in Springfield, Missouri to begin an amazing adventure. We will be met by our air conditioned – washroom equipped motor coach and travel to Branson, Missouri. An incredible first evening is planned, as we attend the famous Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre, Harold Bell Wright’s epic story of love, loss, power, hardship. The true meaning of life is immortalized every night on a star-lit stage. It takes over 80 actors and actresses, 40 horses, a flock of sheep, several guns and rifles, an actual burning log cabin, and a vintage 1908 DeWitt automobile to make the live action performance what it is – a legend.
Hotel: Clarion Hotel and Conference Center – 3 nights
Day 2 – Saturday, June 10, 2006
Branson
A great way to start the day! We will spend time at the Silver Dollar City – an 1880’s theme park that takes visitors on a remarkable journey back in time to experience true, old-fashioned Americana and Ozark splendor. We will enjoy the music, comedy and dance at 50 sensational stage shows throughout the morning. This afternoon we will enjoy our first musical concert – Legends in Concert. This evening, will be another special thrill, as we attend the Moon River theatre and enjoy the fabulous Andy Williams.
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Day 3 – Sunday, June 11, 2006
Branson
This morning is free – perhaps you would like to attend a concert of your choice, or shop the outlet stores. A leisurely cruise is planned aboard the Showboat Branson Belle. A great lunch will be served at your table, as we enjoy the “Showboat Follies”. The Follies features the ventriloquism of Todd Oliver & Friends and harmony of the Brett Family Singers performing everything from Broadway to gospel songs. Tonight another fabulous fun-filled evening is planned, as we are entertained by Yakov Smirnoff, the famous Russian comedian who delivers explosive laughter in a show filled with brilliant special effects, dazzling dancing, amazing juggling, heartfelt moments, and just plain fun.
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Day 4 – Monday, June 12, 2006
Branson – Memphis
Today we will travel to the exciting city of Memphis, on our way we will visit the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. In addition to the archival collection and research facilities, the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum features exhibits, special events, and educational programs. The museum includes replicas of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room. Permanent exhibits utilize documents, photographs, videos and interactive stations. Tonight we will spend time on Beale Street known all over the world as “the Home of the Blues,” the addition of new restaurants & nightclubs along this three-block long historic street continues the living legacy. Tonight we may feast on everything from Memphis-style Bar-B-Q to Southern-style Catfish & other specialties.
Hotel: Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel – 3 nights
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Day 5 – Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Memphis
A city tour is planned this morning – we will learn about the past, present & future of the “Home of the Blues, Birthplace of Rock’n'Roll” as we explore Memphis’ diverse ethnic heritage, from Native Americans to European immigrants, African-Americans & more. This afternoon another delight! Graceland. We will take a peek into the private life of the “King of Rock’n'Roll,” Elvis Presley. We will spend time at the mansion, Hall of Gold, Automobile Museum, private airplanes, “Sincerely Elvis” museum, “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” film & the Meditation Garden where Elvis & his family are buried. The evening is free to enjoy our unique surroundings.
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Day 6 – Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Memphis
A busy day is planned. This morning we will spend time at the American Civil Rights Museum – located at the original Lorraine Motel, site of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1968 assassination, this award-winning museum traces the history of the American Civil Rights Movement. This afternoon we will visit the Sun Studios, original recording studio where musicians like Howlin’ Wolf, B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins & many others first created the hot, new sounds that became known as “Rock’n'Roll” & changed the world forever! Also, we will witness the step-by-step process of handcrafting Gibson Guitars from start to finish at the Gibson Guitar Factory Museum. Later we will enjoy a Memphis tradition for over 65 years, the world-famous Peabody Ducks march through the lobby of The Peabody Hotel. The evening will be spent at the Peabody Entertainment Center located between the historic Peabody Hotel & Beale Street, this 300,000 square-foot retail & entertainment center combines upscale shopping with a 21-screen movie auditorium & 3-D IMAX theatre complex, unique restaurants & interactive entertainment venues, One-stop shopping & entertainment for everyone!
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Day 7 – Thursday, June 15, 2006
Memphis – Nashville
Today we continue on to another exciting destination Nashville. As we journey we will take time to explore the Loretta Lynn Home, Ranch and Western Town. Nestled amidst the rolling hills in beautiful Middle Tennessee, we will tour through Loretta’s Plantation Home, Simulated Coal Mine and the Butcher Holler Home. The evening is free to relax and enjoy our surroundings.
Hotel: Comfort Inn Music Row
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Day 8 – Friday, June 16, 2006
Nashville
Our final day of touring and what a fabulous day awaits us! This morning we will enjoy a city tour of Nashville or “Nashvull” if you’re a native. This afternoon a visit to The Country Music Hall of Fame and tonight we are guests at the Grand Ole Opry – the longest running radio show in America.
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Day 9 – Saturday, June 17, 2006
Today our land tour comes to an end. We can fly home or choose to continue on another exciting adventure – an optional cruise aboard the Mississippi Queen on the Mississippi River from Memphis to New Orleans.
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FEATURES OF THIS PACKAGE:
• Air fare: Calgary – Kansas / Nashvillel / New Orleans – Calgary
• First class transportation on an air conditioned, washroom equipped motor coach
• All accommodations
• All taxes
• Services of experienced tour director and driver
• 8 breakfasts – 1 luncheon – 1 dinner
• Memphis City Tour
• Nashville City Tours
• Precious Moments Park
• Branson Shows – Mickey Gillie, Andy Williams, Yakoff Smirnoff
• Shepherd of The Hills/Silver City Music Theme Park/Showboat Branson Belle
• Graceland
• President Clinton Library
• Loretta Lynn’s Ranch
• Martin Luther Civil Rights Museum/Gibson Guitar Factory/Sun Studios
• Grand Ole Opry
RATES PER PERSON:
(CANADIAN DOLLAR)
Double occupancy
$2,395.00 per person
Single occupancy
$2845 per person
The rates quoted are in Canadian currency and are those in effect at the time of printing – should the tariff or exchange rates vary at any time prior to date of your deposit we reserve the right to change the stated rates without notice
RESERVATIONS:
• a deposit of $800.00 per person is due within 48 hours of booking
• final payment is due March 27, 2006
INFORMATION:
• package travel insurance must be purchased at the time of booking
CANCELLATION CHARGES:
• 91 days from departure full refund
• 90 – 61 days from departure deposit amount
• 60 – 31 days from departure 50% refund
• 30 days – day of departure no refund
FOR INFORMATION CALL:
403-734-3998
1-888-Y-CRUISE (927-8473)
Anita Dyck
Val Umscheid
anita@kaleidoscopetravel.ca
www.kaleidoscopetravel.ca
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Kalidoscope Travel & Cruise in making reservations with contractors providing means of transportation, accommodations and other related services in connection with this tour of North America, does so as your agent and shall in no way be held responsible or become liable for any claims of whatsoever nature that may arise in respect of said services uncluding without restricting the generality thereof, loss that may result from acts of GOD, strikes, weather, quarentines, accidents, sickness, government regulations, insuficient documentation. Payment by you, for a reservation on this tour to North America, shall constitute complete acceptance of this statement of responsibility and other general conditions herein published. Each traveller is required to have valid identification demonstrating a permanent residence, birthplace and citizenship.
Optional – Mississippi Cruise and New Orleans Tour
June 17 – 25, 2006
Launched for America’s bicentennial in 1976, the Mississippi Queen® was the grandest, largest paddle wheeler the river had ever seen. Stroll her richly appointed rooms, become bedazzled by her tiffany studios stained glass and succumb to the call of the world’s largest calliope. This lovely river lady offers the most elegant of river accommodations with the modern amenities expected by today’s sophisticated traveler. Every stateroom is individually climate-controlled and elevators connect her six luxurious decks. Night or day, there’s always something going on in the grand saloon. Celebrate late into the night in the fun-filled paddlewheel lounge, dip your toes in the bathing pool, and work off those great steamboatin’ meals in her fitness room. Or just settle into a rocker on deck and plunge into that great book you’ve always meant to read. Aboard the Mississippi Queen, life can be as vivacious or as relaxed as you want to make it.
Ports of call:
Vicksburg – Natchez– St. Francisville – Baton Rouge – Oak Alley
Optional shore tours:
Battlefield and Siege Tour
Vicksburg: Visit Vicksburg National Military Park with its battlefields and monuments that commemorate this critical phase of the war between the states. Then explore the gunboat U.S.S. Cairo, which was salvaged and reconstructed after 75 years on the bottom of the muddy river.
The Past Comes Alive
Vicksburg: A leisurely guided walk, while enjoying the sights and stories of the siege, the old court house museum, antebellum homes, Christ Episcopal Church, famous people, presidents, ghosts and much more.
Music, Mistress and Marriage
Natchez: Visit Frogmore Plantation where African Americans sang folksongs commonly referred to as spirituals. Early in the 1800’s slaves blended their own cultural songs with Christian hymns and biblical characters taught to them by mistresses of the plantations. Meet the mistress of both the 19th century plantation and a stately Natchez town home to hear about the way of life from births to weddings. Join in the festivities and participate in a slave wedding.
Mounds, Masks and Mansions
Natchez: Pay homage to the Natchez Indians who inhabited this area from c.700 – 1730 ad. Visit the grand village of the Natchez, a family-friendly 128 acre site featuring a reconstructed Natchez Indian house, three ceremonial mounds, and a museum dedicated to the fascinating culture of this lost tribe. Come make a mask and experiment with red-clay face (don’t worry, it washes off with water.) Afterwards you’ll call on historic Rosalie Mansion, built by the owner of a lumber mill, stroll through the breathtaking gardens, and plan games that amused the children here 150 years ago.
The Big House: Angola Penitentiary and Greenwood Plantation
St. Francisville: You will visit two locations that are both aptly describe by this American idiom. Your tour begins at the Louisiana state penitentiary at Angola, where you will tour the extensive grounds while hearing tales of the notorious criminals who resided there. Then move to the Greenwood plantation with its 28 Doric columns, original detached kitchen, folks in period costumes and stately grounds that will transport you back in history.
Rosedown and The Myrtles
St. Francisville: Visit Rosedown, a luxurious plantation built in 1835 and home to both wild and formal gardens inspired by those if 18th –century France; and The Myrtles, one of Americas most haunted houses, where you’ll hear the tale of the murderous servant Chloe.
Siege and Serenity
St. Francisville: The 48-day siege of Port Hudson the longest in American military history, began in May 1863, and pitted an estimated 30,000 union troops against 6,800 confederate defenders. In civil war history, its significance lies in the fact that this was last confederate stronghold on the Mississippi, falling a week after Vicksburg.
Magnolia Mound and Nottaway Plantation
Baton Rouge: Step back in time and catch a glimpse of plantation life in the early 19th century at beautiful Magnolia Mound. Experience the ultimate in southern grandeur and hospitality at Nottaway Plantation, listed on the national register of historic places.
Cajun Heritage Tour
Baton Rouge: Learn the history if the Acadians and about the hardworking, fun-loving Cajun people. Enjoy the festivities and experience the magnificent gardens and exhibits of 19th century life at the rural life museum
Cajun Fiddler Walking Tour
Baton Rouge: Your guide will take you on a tour of the most interesting locations in Baton Rouge and along the way entertain you with her fiddle.
U.S.S. Kidd
Baton Rouge: Climb up the ladders and through the hatchways of this restored WW11 Fletcher class destroyer. Visit the adjacent nautical center and the special exhibit on Claire Chennault and WW 11 flying tigers.
Oak Alley Plantation
Oak alley was named for a remarkable quarter-mile double row of 28 live oaks, planted in the early 1700’s by a French settler. The trees extended from the main house down to the shore of the Mississippi River… The most stunning feature of this antebellum house is the colonnade of 28 Doric columns – one for each oak tree – that support the hip roof. The two-story house itself is set back from the columns, and both house and columns are made of pink-painted brick.
June 24, 2006 – Today we disembark the Mississippi Queen at Baton Rouge where we will be met by a motor coach and transported to our hotel in the French Quarter in New Orleans. En route to the hotel we will be taken on a city tour, which will include many famous sites of the area. Jackson Square, Garden District, St. Louis’ Cemetery, Superdome, St. Charles Avenue – to mention a few. Our historic hotel – Chateau Le Moyne – is situated only one block from the excitement of Bourbon Street and we can spend the evening experiencing the wonderful sights and sounds of this legendary area. After breakfast on Sunday, we will enjoy a leisurely walk of the French Quarter, ending at the Café Du Monde for Café au Lait and Beignets. And now it will be time to check out of our hotel and be transported back to the airport for our flight home, having shared wonderful memories of the new places with our new friends.
Rates Per Person:
(CAD)
Double occupancy (inside upper/lower)
$1,545.00 per person
Double occupancy (inside)
$1,945.00
Double occupancy (outside)
$2,235.00 per person
Double occupancy (balcony)
$2,945.00
The rates quoted are those in effect at the time of printing – should the tariff vary at any time prior to the date of your deposit we reserve the right to change the stated rates without notice.