Travel Tours

Features

•  Seven Nights Cruise aboard the AmaStella in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
•  Visit the Countries of: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
•  Gourmet Dining onboard Ship (including Wine and Beer with Lunch and Dinner)
•  Daily Complimentary Cocktail Hour
•  Daily Entertainment
•  Immersive Tours in Every Port
•  Port Charges and Onboard Gratuities
•  Round Trip Europe Ship Transfers
•  Round Trip Airfare from Chicago

Per Person Pricing

Cat E $4,999 Double, $7,799 Single
Cat D $5,299 Double, $8,329 Single
Cat CB $5,599 Double, $8,829 Single
Cat CA $5,849 Double, $9,279 Single
Cat BB $6,249 Double, $10,029 Single
Cat BA $6,399 Double, $10,399 Single
Cat AB $6,579 Double, $10,709 Single
Cat AA $6,739 Double, $11,019 Single

Payment Schedule

$400 per person deposit due with reservation
Final Payment due April 19, 2019

Cancellation Policy

If cancelled April 19 – May 18, 2019 $400.00 per person
If cancelled May 19, 2019 or later no refunds

Trip Details

Day 1 – Travel Day

Today is a travel day. You will fly overnight to Europe.

Day 2 – Basel, Switzerland

After arriving on your flight from the US, meet your motorcoach and transfer to Basel where you will board the beautiful AmaStella for a seven night cruise. Inspired by luxury yachts and designed specifically to maximize the enjoyment of every guest, the AmaStella introduced in 2016, provides a distinctive river cruise experience. Relax in spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms. Most accommodations have twin balconies, both a French balcony and outside balcony, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish.

The stunning Main Lounge provides an exhilarating backdrop for enjoying nightly entertainment. You’ll be treated to exquisite, locally-inspired cuisine, along with unlimited wine and beer with lunch and dinner and relish a variety of dining venues, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant.

Day 3 – Breisach, Germany

Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.”

Day 4 – Strasbourg, France

One of the most enchanting cities in Europe and home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Grand Île, Strasbourg will captivate you. Discover its many treasures with a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. You’ll then walk through its iconic “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Prefer to enjoy the city more actively, then join a guided bike tour, which also takes you through the Parc de l’Orangerie.

Day 5 – Ludwigshafen, Germany

You’ll have a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.

Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Altpörtel, Old Gate. Later in the day, set sail to Rüdesheim, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or enjoy a tasting of Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy.

Day 6 – Rudesheim-Rhine Gorge-Koblenz

Spend the morning in Rüdesheim and enjoy a tasting of Riesling wines after a lovely gondola ride soaring high above the vineyards en route to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. Alternatively, opt for a hike that takes you through the vineyards to Ehrenfels Castle, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Rhine. A third choice is cycling along the Rhine and through this scenic town. Later in the day, the ship sails through the enchanting UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching Koblenz, where you will enjoy a guided walk through the lovely Old Town.

Day 7 – Cologne, Germany

Home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000 year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral, where the remains of the fabled Three Kings—the Magi— are believed to rest. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen—potato pancakes served with applesauce.

Day 8 – Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Eclectic Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have three choices as to how you wish to explore it. The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour beginning with a scenic canal cruise followed by a walk to Begijnhof, known for its Middle Age buildings. For a different view of the city, you can join the Jordaan District walking tour or the Jewish Heritage tour. The Jordaan District tour begins at the Westerchurch and takes you past the Noordermarkt, the Karthuizerhof and the “9 streets”; afterwards, you’ll stop in a local café for a hot beverage and Dutch apple pie. The Jewish Heritage tour begins with a visit to the 17th-century Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish Historical Museum chronicling the history of the Jews in Amsterdam.

Day 9 – Depart for home

After breakfast onboard the ship, disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight home to the US.

Features

•  Ray Steven CabaRay Dinner & Show
•  Music City Wine Train with Tasting onboard
•  DelMonaco Winery with Tasting and Lunch
•  Reserved Seats for the Grand Ole Opry
•  Two Nights First Class Lodging
•  Two Hotel Breakfasts
•  One Dinner & One Lunch
•  All Taxes, Tips & Luggage Handling
•  Motorcoach Transportation

Pricing

$1,236 per person Single
$987 per person Double
$901 per person Triple
$858 per person Quad

Payment Schedule

1st Deposit: $150 per person at time of booking
Final payment due September 18, 2019

Cancellation Policy

If cancelled before September 18, 2019 no penalty
If cancelled September 18 – October 4, 2019 50% per person
If cancelled October 15, 2019 or later no refunds

Trip Details

Day 1 October 18, 2019 – Nashville, TN & Ray Stevens

Today, you travel to Nashville, TN and check into the Drury Inn for a two night stay. This evening you enjoy excellent food and drink service prior to a fantastic show in the Vegas-style, CabaRay showroom by Ray Stevens. A multiple Grammy Award winning songwriter, singer, comedian, musician, this brand new 700+ seat venue is his theater. It is decorated as homage to his colleagues and mentors, the giants of the Nashville recording industry. (D)

Day 2 October 19, 2019 – Music City Wine Train

After breakfast at the hotel, the Music City Wine Train pulls away from Nashville at 8:30 am and will roll down the rails in historic cars from the 1950’s. Once underway the train’s Porters become your Sommeliers describing DelMonaco wines and pouring tastes. Thus begins the first leg of your lighthearted luxurious journey across Tennessee.

Three hours out of Music City, your 70 mile rail excursion rolls up to a crossing on the front lawn of the magnificent DelMonaco Vineyard. The next three hours here include a chance to tour the Vineyard there are 18 acres of vines growing, visit the cellar for another taste, participate in a few lighthearted games such as scavenger hunts and ring tosses; it’s a festival-like atmosphere with a live band and food booths scattered across the lawn.

You also have access to a private buffet on the second floor that includes fresh fruits, a variety of cheeses, finger sandwiches, nuts and other delicacies. The rooms here are filled with tables and chairs, it’s a lounge where you can sit and enjoy a meal, rest after dancing or touring the Vineyards, come and go as you wish over the next three hours and avoid the weather if necessary.

At mid-afternoon, you board your bus for the one hour ride back to Nashville. You will have time to rest at the hotel before this evening’s show. Dinner is on your own this evening.

Tonight, you have reserved seats for the Grand Ole Opry. For over 90 years, country’s best have mesmerized audiences at the Grand Ole Opry Live Radio Show, the show that made country music famous. Each Opry show features an array of performances by new stars, superstars and legends of country music as well as great bluegrass, comedy and more. Opry shows are never rehearsed and never the same show twice. (B,L)

Day 3 October 20, 2019– Depart for Home

Enjoy a hotel breakfast this morning and board your motorcoach and depart for home. (B)

Features

•  Two Signature Elvis Events:
  •  The Elvis Blue Christmas Dinner Show
  •  Graceland at Christmas including a Private Evening Tour
•  Merry Merry Mojo Tour including
  •  Visit to Sun Studios
  •  Visit to the Memphis Rock n’ Soul Museum
•  Two Nights Lodging
•  Two Hotel Breakfasts
•  Two Dinners
•  Luggage Handling
•  All Taxes & Gratuities
•  Motorcoach Transportation

Pricing

$906 per person Single
$776 per person Double
$755 per person Triple
$733 per person Quad

Payment Schedule

1st Deposit: $100 per person at time of booking
Final payment due November 4, 2019

Cancellation Policy

If cancelled before October 3, 2019 no penalty
If cancelled November 18, 2019 or later no refunds

Trip Details

Day 1 December 3, 2019 – Memphis, TN

Your trip begins early this morning when the motorcoach arrives and you depart for Memphis, TN. After arrival on this Tuesday evening, you will check in your local hotel for a two night stay.

This evening is a special dinner as you join a dozen other tour groups for a plated Southern Meal, typical of Memphis & The Mississippi Delta, with a dessert and beverage included. There will also be a Cash Bar.

Following dinner is our feature event, the Elvis Blue Christmas Holiday Show with a live band, back-up singers, full stage lighting and sound, as well as one of America’s best known tribute artists. You’ll hear such great songs as “Merry Christmas Baby,” “White Christmas,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” and many other traditional Holiday Songs all performed in the classic Elvis-style including our title song “Blue Christmas.” Plus you can be sure a few of his greatest hits will be featured too. (D)

Day 2 December 4, 2019 – Private Evening Tour of Graceland

Today’s sightseeing is a full day Merry, Merry Mojo tour that features the Memphis MoJo Tour with a musician tour guide showing you the sights of the city while history sings. As you rock on down the road you will also visit Sun Studios, the Birthplace of Rock n’ Roll and walk the halls where Elvis, Jerry Lee, Johnny, Carl Perkins and a hundred others made music.

Also included is a visit to the Memphis Rock n’ Soul Museum, a Smithsonian Institution, it features the complete history Memphis Music. It tells of the musical pioneers and legends of all racial and socio-economic backgrounds who, for the love of music, overcame obstacles to create the sounds that changed the world.

Tonight is the highlight of your tour. Typically Graceland Mansion closes at 4:00pm, but by special arrangement, is available exclusively this evening. The entire complex has been rented as you enjoy an experience not available to the General Public.

The highlight of this evening is, of course, your visit to the Mansion. Holiday decorations just aren’t the same in daylight as they are at night. You will see traditional lights and decorations including hundreds of blue lights along the driveway, a life-size Nativity scene and Santa on his sleigh. The interior is decked out in Christmas décor and includes his traditional red velvet drapes and the Presley family Christmas artifacts – just as they were displayed by Elvis.

Your evening includes a buffet dinner in the new Elvis Presley Memphis Complex.  It’s a Memphis Barbecue with buffets and tables in unique locations. While here you can tour the Presley Motors where you are surrounded by an awesome collection of hot cars, motorcycles and toys. The Elvis the Entertainer Museum with artifacts:  photos, gold records, costumes.  You also have time at the Elvis Discovery Zones showcasing the influences, and important things in his life. (B, D)

Day 3 December 5, 2019

Well, it’s One for the money, Two for the show, Three to get ready, Now go, Cat, go. This tour’s over now get on down that road. Thank you, Thank you all very much. (B)

Features

• The Kentucky Derby – Reserved Seats
•  Thursday Arrival Dinner & Casino Gaming
•  Friday Night Derby Dinner Party
•  Featuring Hot Browns & Derby Pie and Live Musical Entertainment
•  Free Day on Friday for Resort Activities
•  $100 Resort Gift Card good toward: Spa Treatments or a Round of Golf; also Good in most Resort Shops
•  Three Nights Luxury Lodging
•  At French Lick Springs Resort
•  Three Hotel Breakfasts
•  Two Dinners
•  All Taxes & Tips on these Services
•  Churchill Downs VIP Fast Access Pass
•  Derby Motorcoach Parking
•  Motorcoach Transportation

Pricing

$2,455 per person Single
$1,915 per person Double
$1,807 per person Triple
$1,699 per person Quad

Payment Schedule

1st Deposit: $100 per person at time of booking
$350 per person due January 6, 2020
Final payment due February 28, 2020

All Deposits and Payments are NON-REFUNDABLE

Trip Details

Day 1 – April 30, 2020 – French Lick, IN

At the end of today’s travel you are amongst the hills of Indiana’s Hoosier National Forest, less than 70 miles from Louisville. Your accommodations for the next two nights are at the Four-Star award-winning French Lick Resort. Following check-in you enjoy a buffet dinner in the Casino.

The balance of the evening is free time to get your game on at the French Lick Casino, a 51,000-square-foot gaming facility all on one floor with soaring 27-foot ceilings. On the gaming floor, you can play to win big jackpots on slot machines or a progressive jackpot at our table games. You’ll find live-action blackjack, roulette and craps and other table games, a luxurious high-limit room and Indiana’s largest nonsmoking room.

During your stay you will have a $100 Resort Gift Card for use on the course, in the spa, or in resort gift shops. (D)

Day 2 – May 1, 2020 – Free Day at French Lick Resort – Derby Dinner

This a completely free day in which to enjoy the many amenities here at the French Lick Resort. There are three challenging golf courses. The Pete Dye Course was voted No. 1 Course in Indiana by GolfWeek’s Best You Can Play for the sixth year in a row. Likewise, The Donald Ross Course has received No. 2 Course in Indiana, GolfWeek’s Best You Can Play annually since 2011. The French Lick Resort has been voted Best Hotel in Indiana by Travel & Leisure Magazine.

Enjoy a full day to experience Old World opulence amid modern comforts served with Midwestern charm. The Spa at French Lick offers the best in classic American sophistication and leisure, tranquility is redefined in this 27,000 sq. ft. Spa Enjoy décor and treatments that are inspired by the great spas throughout the United States.

Also included today is a Derby Dinner Party, feel free to preview your hats, and outfits for tomorrow’s big race at Churchill Downs. The dinner is a plated meal with a Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole, Makers Mark Marinated Pork Tenderloin, Southern Shrimp & Grits, a variety of Salads, Desserts and Accompaniments. This is followed by an evening of live entertainment (tba). (B,D)

Day 3 – May 2, 2020 – Derby Day

This morning you board your bus for the 70 mile drive to Churchill Downs. This is the highlight of your trip. You have a VIP Fast Access Pass to Churchill Downs and 1st floor Grandstand Seats near the Starting Line. You will be at The Derby all day, enjoy crowd watching, sample a mint julep and place a few bets.

This is one of the world’s greatest and most celebrated sporting events, “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” and you are on hand to experience it all. The Kentucky Derby is America’s most extravagant springtime party, and one of our most celebrated events. While there is a horse race at the heart of this spectacle, there are many other intriguing aspects within this Louisville tradition. It is a festival and fashion show, it’s a Race and Mint Juleps; and it’s about horses and it’s about time you see it.

Also included is premium motorcoach parking, but it is still a long walk. Depending on where your seats are inside Churchill Downs you may walk close to a mile. (B) Note: You must be capable of walking in order to enjoy this tour.

Day 4 – May 3, 2020 – Depart for Home

This morning, with hat boxes and suitcases loaded, your group departs for home with another event checked off the Bucket List. (B)

Features

•  Admission to Creation Museum
•  Admission at The Ark Encounter
•  Two Night Lodging
•  Holiday Inn Riverfront, Covington, KY
•  Two Hotel Breakfasts
•  Two Dinners:
•  Hofbrauhaus Restaurant
•  Meal Voucher – Ark’s Emzara’s Restaurant
•  All Taxes & Tips on these services
•  Luggage Handling
•  Motorcoach Transportation

Pricing

$535 per person Single
$481 per person Double
$449 per person Triple
$708 per person Quad

Payment Schedule

1st Deposit: $150 per person at time of booking
Final payment due May 7, 2020

Cancellation Policy

If cancelled before May 7, 2019 no penalty
50% per person penalty if cancelled May 25 to June 3, 2020
If cancelled June 4, 2020 or later no refunds

Trip Details

Day 1 – Covington, KY – Hofbrauhaus Dinner

Today, you travel to Covington, KY. On arrival you check into the Holiday Inn Riverfront for a two night stay. Enjoy a Welcome Reception with lemonade, punch and freshly baked cookies, while your luggage is being taken to your room.

Dinner this evening is included at Hofbrauhaus. It is the first authentic Hofbräuhaus in America, modeled after the legendary 400+ year old Hofbräuhaus in Munich, Germany! Enjoy many of the traditions from Germany that have made Hofbräuhaus famous. From the traditionally decorated rooms in the building to the beer that is brewed on-site, and of course the excellent German fare. There will also be live music to enjoy.

Day 2 – Creation Museum – The Ark Encounter

Enjoy the hotel’s hot breakfast before starting your day at the Creation Museum. With its state-of-the-art exhibits, the Creation Museum allows you to seemingly walk into biblical history. Learn how the Bible, the history book of the universe, provides the starting point for science. Explore their stunning interpretation of the Adam and Eve’s Garden of Eden. Then visit the Tower of Babel and finish your tour by watching the theater production, The Last Adam.

Your afternoon is spent at The Ark Encounter, an experience like no other.  Here a full-size replica of Noah’s Ark has been built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. Spanning 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high, this ancient engineering marvel will amaze you. This marvel of engineering is seven stories tall and is a football field and a half long. It is the largest timber frame structure in the world. Get ready to experience close-up encounters with stunning animals; some life-like recreations from Noah’s day and many living-and-breathing animals from today.

You will be transported back in time to meet Noah and his seven other family members, who lived aboard the Ark and cared for all the animals during the Flood. Find out how Noah and his family might have lived on the Ark, from cooking food to sleeping, recreation, and even gardening!  And, don’t miss the Rainbow Covenant exhibit featuring an artistic depiction of the covenant God made to never again flood the whole earth again.

Included with your visit to the Ark Encounter is a meal voucher for Emzara’s Kitchen. Enjoy a variety of options from the buffet, including some specialty foods and a variety of choices. The restaurant is located outside the Ark. Return to your Covington hotel for the evening.

Day 3 – Depart for Home

Enjoy the hotel breakfast before checking out and departing for home.