Address: 801 W. DeYoung St., Suite A-Marion, Illinois 62959   Phone: (618) 997-1203
E-mail:  info@americanclassictours.com  


2009 Overnight Tours

26TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION TOUR FRENCH LICK/ WEST BADEN RESORTS
(all meals included - Anniversary Party - Giveaways)
April 18 - 19, $295 p.p.d.o.

WE WANT TO DO THIS TOUR VERY MUCH.  Last year it did not go.  We are reducing the cost by $100, increasing the giveaway certificates, and staying in the new Comfort Inn Hotel.  Our first tour that we ever did as American Classic Tours was April 9-10 in  1983 to French Lick Springs.  We want to return to our beginning.  Join us.

Day 1 - As we depart on this special anniversary tour excitement will build with the anticipation of what the next two days have to offer.  You will not be disappointed.  We plan to make this your best two days ever— awesome, exciting, and rewarding.  Lunch family style will be included enroute.  Upon checking into our hotel, Comfort Inn, at French Lick, we will spend some time relaxing and getting ready for our 26th Anniversary Party at the  French Lick Hotel.  Tonight, we will be featuring our fabulous and exciting 26th Anniversary Party with an elegant meal, sharing memories of our past tours, and giving $300 worth of travel gift certificates to each tour member and more.  All of this will be amid the opulent surroundings of the French Lick Resort hotel.  After our party, the rest of the evening will be yours to enjoy the French Lick Hotel and/or the West Baden Hotel.  The West Baden Hotel was once considered the 8th Wonder of the World.  As we walk through this grand hotel we will marvel at the great dome that is 200 ft. in diameter and a 100 ft. high.  Shuttle service will be provided to go to West Baden Hotel and then back to our hotel for the night.

Day 2 - Sleep-in.  Mid-morning we will once again have a fabulous meal, French Lick Hotel Breakfast Buffet.  As we leave this resort area behind, hopefully, we can say that we have been refreshed and have truly enjoyed our 26th Anniversary Celebration together.  Now we can look forward to using our gift certificates on future tours.  En-route home, we will have an early   evening meal included as a nice way to end our 26th Anniversary Celebration Tour.

Includes:  Deluxe motorcoach transportation, tour escort, insurance, 26th Anniversary Party and Gifts, $300 value Travel Gift Certificates, luncheon meal family style, 26th Anniversary Dinner Meal at French Lick, Sunday Breakfast at French Lick, evening meal enroute home, luggage handling, and accommodations at the new Comfort Inn Hotel.

$275 p.p.t.o.           $260 p.p.q.o.          $395 Single

Departures from:  Mt. Vernon, Benton, West Frankfort, Marion, Harrisburg, Eldorado, Carmi, Crossville, Grayville, & Evansville

WESTWARD HO!
(Badlands - Mt. Rushmore - Crazy Horse Monument - Yellowstone - Rocky Mountains - plus extra surprise attractions)
June 15 - 24, $1495 p.p.d.o.

Pack up your bags as we board our modern day stagecoach (deluxe motor coach) enroute to the “Old West”. American Classic Tours presents the charm of the “Old West”, the natural wonders of Yellowstone, the grandeur of majestic mountain scenery, the man-made monuments of Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monuments, the nostalgia of cow-towns, and the Wonder of the West.

Day 1 - Today, we head west through Illinois into Missouri.  We make a stop later this afternoon in Independence at the  Visitor’s Center to see the orientation film and later  tour the home of President Harry S. Truman.  Our first night will be in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Day 2 - We make a stop this morning at the Pony Express Museum. We continue north to Mitchell, South Dakota. A stop this evening at the Corn Palace is a truly remarkable experience. The Corn Palace dates back to 1892 and is decorated each year inside and out with native corn, grain, and grasses of natural color.

Day 3 -  As we continue west we will enter the Badlands. Our motor coach will travel along the thirty-eight mile loop of land containing sharp ridges, steep-walled canyons, gullies, and picturesque rock formations that have  been and are continually ravaged by wind and water. Mother nature changes this masterpiece daily. As we journey through the Badlands the scenery is so spectacular that the name Badlands given by explorers is now applied to eroded lands worldwide. Leaving the Badlands behind we will make a stop at the world’s most famous drug store, Wall Drug Store, made successful by giving free ice water. Put on your cowboy hat and boots. We dine this evening old western style with a chuckwagon cowboy supper served on a tinplate at the  Flying T. After our meal we are sure to enjoy great western entertainment with cowboy songs and comedy performed by the Flying T Wranglers.

Day 4 - A short drive today will take us to two manmade wonders: Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument.  Mt. Rushmore is a mountain carving by sculptor Gutzon Borlum over 50 years ago.  It took him fourteen years to complete at a cost of $989,999.32.   Mt. Rushmore  is  known  as  “The     Shrine of Democracy” with the faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln.  Just 30 minutes away is Crazy Horse Monument, sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski’s dream in the making.  Ziolkowski passed away in 1982.  His family has dedicated themselves to the Crazy Horse dream-see this dream in the making.  WOW!  Later today we make a stop in Deadwood (Gulch), a town made famous by Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok and other legends of the Old West.  Walking down Historic Main Street is like stepping back in time 100 years.  Several businesses have been in operation since the Gold Rush Days of 1876.  An inspiring evening awaits us in Spearfish, South Dakota, at one of America’s longest running stage productions, The Black Hills Passion Play.  In its 68th season, this play reconstructs biblically the dramatic events of the last seven days of the life of Christ.  This Passion Play has  been acclaimed as the most impressive production of its type.

Day 5 - We drive through the Big Horn Mountains as exhilarating mountain scenery abounds. We make a rest stop at the beautiful Shell Falls.  After checking into our motel or cabins in Cody, Wyoming, enjoy on your own historic downtown and possibly attend the world famous Cody Nite Rodeo.

Day 6 - We drive from Cody through the spectacular East Yellowstone Valley in the Shoshone National Forest. Teddy Roosevelt called this valley “the most scenic 52 miles in the Unites States.” A park guide will show us Old Faithful, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and other breathtaking sights of the Nation’s largest and oldest National Park - Yellowstone.

Day 7 - This morning, we tour the five museums of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center which are world renowned for their vivid documentation of the west. Author James Michener calls the Historical Center “one of the top three museums in America.” This complex consists of the Buffalo Bill Museum, Plains Indian Museum, Whitney Gallery of  Western Art, and the Cody Firearms Museum, etc. Beautiful scenery continues to abound as we journey south to Casper, Wyoming, for the night.

Day 8 - Today, we motorcoach through Cheyenne, Wyoming, on to Colorado and Estes Park. We drive through the Rocky Mountain National Park along Trail Ridge Road (weather permitting). This is definitely an awe-inspiring route with snow patches on the sides of the mountain. At the top the elevation is over 14,000 feet with temperatures 30º colder than at the base.

Day 9 - We leave Denver behind and cross the plains of Kansas enroute to Junction City.  As we pass through Abilene we will make a brief stop at the Eisenhower Complex, time permitting.

Day 10 - We head home with wonderful memories of the Wild West - of the beauty of the Badlands, Yellowstone, and the Rocky Mountains - of the creative wonders of man (Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse) - and of the wondrous historical museums.

Includes:     Deluxe motorcoach transportation, tour escort, insurance, Harry S. Truman Visitor Center and Home, Pony Express Museum, Corn Palace, Badlands, Wall Drug Store, Flying T Cowboy Supper and Western Show, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, Deadwood, Black Hills Passion Play, Buffalo Bill Historical Center (museums), Yellowstone, Old Faithful, Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Eisenhower Complex, extra attractions, 9 meals, luggage handling, and accommodations.

$1395 p.p.t.o.        $1325 p.p.q.o.       $1895 Single    *Note:  Deposit $100

Departures from:  Chester, Murphysboro, Carbondale, Marion, West Frankfort, Benton, Mt. Vernon, Nashville, & Fairview Heights

HANNIBAL, MO MARK TWAIN COUNTRY
(Riverboat Cruise - Mark Twain’s Home and Museum -  Mark Twain Himself Encounter -  Mark Twain Cave - Rockcliffe Mansion)
June 27 - 28, $289 p.p.d.o.

Day 1 - This great weekend tour to Hannibal, Missouri will capture the essence of the 1800’s and create vivid memories of the writings of Mark Twain.  Step back in time and experience the excitement, magic, and spirit of adventure with Tom and Huck After lunch we board the Mark Twain Riverboat for a relaxing cruise down the Mississippi. Upon returning to Hannibal we will visit Mark Twain’s Home and Museum.  The rest of the afternoon will be free for you to stroll the streets of Hannibal’s Historic District.  Later this afternoon we       will check into our hotel, relax, and freshen up.  Evening meal on your own near the hotel.  To- night will be a real treat as we experience a live stage encounter with Mark Twain portrayed by veteran stage actor, Richard Garey.  Laugh along with Tom Sawyer and catch a glimpse of American through the eyes of Huckleberry Finn.  Combining hilarious comedy and heartwarming drama, this show has earned rave reviews in over forty states-a must see!

Day 2 - First stop this morning will be at Mark Twain Cave that was written about in many of Mark Twain’s books. This was Missouri’s first show cave that opened to the public in 1886. The tour paths are wide and dry with no steps or ramps. We will relive the days of Tom and Becky as we tour the extensive maze of passages. Mid-morning we arrive at Rockcliffe Mansion, a grand, elegant home that sits on a bluff overlooking the mighty Mississippi. Souvenirs, gift items, and childhood memories will be taken home with us as remembrances of this historic tour to Mark Twain’s hometown.

Includes: Deluxe motorcoach transportation, tour escort, insurance, admissions to Mark Twain Riverboat Cruise - Mark Twain Home and Museum - Mark Twain Himself - Mark Twain Cave - Rockcliffe Mansion, luggage handling, and accommodations.

$269 p.p.t.o. $259 p.p.q.o.           $349 Single

Departures from: Chester, Murphysboro, Carbondale, Marion, West Frankfort, Benton, Mt. Vernon, Nashville, & Fairview Heights

GRAND TOUR OF MICHIGAN
(Holland - Mackinac Island - Grand Hotel - Frankenmuth - Bavarian  Inn Lodge - Ford Factory Tour - Detroit City Tour)
August 17 - 22, $895 p.p.d.o.

Day 1 - We motor coach north to cooler temperatures for our first overnight in Holland, Michigan.

Day 2 - Today, we visit the tulip center of America, Holland.   Here we  will  see  the  Dutch  Village which is a re-created 150-year-old Dutch town with authentic architecture, windmills, canals, Amsterdam street organ, and gardens with lunch included; Windmill Island has a 240-year-old operating Dutch windmill “De Zwaan”; DeKlomp Wooden Shoe and Delft Factory; and time for shopping in the many shops. Later this evening we will arrive in Mackinaw City.

Day 3 - Mackinaw City is located in the upper tip of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Depart Mackinaw City early morning for a ferry ride across Lake Huron to Mackinac Island. As soon as we arrive on the island, we will take a tour by horse drawn carriage through the past. No automobiles are allowed on the island. We will see Arch Rock, Scull Cave, Fort Mackinac, and Surry Hill. Our lunch will be the world famous buffet at the 1887, gleaming white, Grand Hotel, with its 800 foot long porch. After our fabulous luncheon buffet we will have time for shopping and browsing in the many quaint shops. Later this afternoon, after a full day on Mackinac Island, we return to Mackinaw City.  Tonight, those that choose may take in the shops, restaurants, and attractions  at Mackinaw Crossings.

Day 4 - For a special delight, we head south to Frankenmuth, “Little Bavaria of North America”. Browse the unique shops and boutiques along with a special stop at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland - the largest year-round Christmas store in the world. Also, enjoy the new Frankenmuth River Place that features 30 unique shops.  Enjoy and evening meal at the famous Bavarian Inn.  Tonight we stay in Frankenmuth in the European style Bavarian Inn Lodge.

Day 5 - This  morning, we motor to Dearborn, Michigan  to  go on a unique tour of the Ford’s Rouge Factory.  Our  behind  the  scenes  tour will be of one of the world’s largest automotive complexes.  A virtual reality theatre shows the production process.  Then  we  view  the  world’s  largest “living roof”  from  the  observation  area   before  entering this state-of-the-art flexible manufacturing facility from an elevated walkway to see the final assembly of the F-150 pickup truck. This afternoon we will enjoy a locally guided, city tour of Detroit.  Our overnight accommodations will be in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Day 6 - Leaving Fort Wayne, we head home today from a refreshing visit with our neighbors to the North on our grandest Michigan tour ever.

Includes:  Deluxe motorcoach transportation, tour escort, insurance, admissions to the Dutch Village -  Windmill Island - DeKlomp Wooden Shoe & Delft Factory, ferry ride across Lake Huron, tour of Mackinac Island by horse drawn carriage, luncheon buffet at the Grand Hotel, Mackinaw Crossings Complex, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, Bavarian Inn Lodge, Ford’s Rouge Factory Tour - City Tour of Detroit - 6 meals, luggage handling, and accommodations.

$865 p.p.t.o.        $845 p.p.q.o       $1195 Single

Departures from:  Chester, Murphysboro, Carbondale, Marion, West Frankfort, Benton, Mt. Vernon, Salem, & Effingham  

ALASKA DISCOVERY  LAND & CRUISE
(Fairbanks - Stern Wheeler Discovery Cruise - Denali National Park - Denali Dinner Theater - Denali Express Rail Car - Balcony Cabin aboard Princess Cruise Ship - College Fjord - Glacier Bay - Skagway - Juneau - Ketchikan - Inside Passage)
(This tour being conducted with Collette Vacations)
August 27-September 8, $4,795 p.p.d.o.

Includes:  Round trip motorcoach transportation to Lambert St. Louis International Airport with 10 or more bookings - if we do not get 10 bookings you will receive a reduction in the cost of the tour accordingly - Air taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $180 (subject to increase until paid in full) - Port Charges of $335 per person - Collette Vacations Tour Escort - with 10 or more tour members an American Classic Tour Escort will accompany the tour group - Fuel Supplement Charge - 21 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 8 dinners - limited emergency medical and accidental insurance.

Enjoy the best of both land and sea - 7-night Princess Cruise - College Fjord (home to several glaciers) -Inside Passage Cruise - gorgeous mountain scenery - a trip of a lifetime

$4745 p.p.t.o.                                            $7525 Single

PASSPORTS REQUIRED CALL FOR A MORE DETAILED ITINERARY  IF BOOKED BY MARCH 15 SAVE $500 p.p. DEPOSIT:  $250 per person   Trip cancellation insurance recommended - call for more information

Departures from:  Chester, Murphysboro, Carbondale, Marion, West Frankfort, Benton, Mt. Vernon, Nashville, & Fairview Heights

CHICAGO TRIPLE PLAY
(Arizona Diamondbacks  vs. Cubs - Navy Pier - Shedd Aquarium)
October 2-3, $215 p.p.d.o.

Day 1 - Welcome aboard our tour of “The Windy City”. This afternoon we are sure to enjoy our time at Wrigley Field where the Arizona Diamondbacks will be playing the Cubs. After the game enjoy a stop at Navy Pier which offers a unique mix of family-oriented attractions (150 foot high Ferris wheel - Musical Carousel - The Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows - Crystal Gardens - IMAX Theater - Children’s Museum, numerous restaurants, and more). After our stop at the Navy Pier we will check in to our motel.

Day 2 - Today, we experience a very popular attraction in downtown Chicago, Shedd Aquarium.   See the sea life exhibits, the porpoise show, the whales, and more.  This afternoon we head home from Chicago and our Triple Play - Diamondbacks  vs. Cubs baseball - Navy Pier - Shedd Aquarium.

Includes: Deluxe motorcoach transportation, tour escort, insurance, reserved seat for a Diamondbacks  - Cubs baseball game, Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, luggage handling, and  accommodations.

$199 p.p.t.o. $189 p.p.q.o.           $285 Single

Departures from:  Chester, Murphysboro, Carbondale, Marion, West Frankfort, Benton, Mt. Vernon, Salem,  & Effingham

AMERICAN HERITAGE TOUR
(New York City - Philadelphia - Washington, D.C. George Washington’s Mt. Vernon Estate)
September 10 - 19, $1395 p.p.d.o.

Day 1 - Making new friends is in store as we travel through Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

Day 2 - Excitement begins to mount as we arrive in the New York City area later today.  Tonight rest and relax at our motel and get to bed early.  Tomorrow we have a full day.

Day 3 - This morning and afternoon we will see the newly restored Ellis Island and our Lady of Freedom, The Statue of Liberty.  See her glisten as she stands proudly in her second century of service and honor representing the hope of freedom for us all.  This evening is free to relax at the motel, take in a Broadway play, or visit a nearby mall.

Day 4 - Another great day awaits us as we get a “taste of the Big Apple,” New York City.  This morning a local guide will conduct our tour to see Times Square, Chinatown, Central Park, Wall Street, Lincoln Center, United Nations Building, homes of celebrities, and so much more.  Mid-day we arrive at the Empire State Building.  You will be on your own to shop at Macy’s or other nearby stores, go to the top of the Empire State Building to get a breath-taking view of New York City from the enclosed observation deck, see an exciting matinee play on Broadway, or just browse the downtown area.  Later we will stop at South Street Seaport for shopping, browsing, and our evening meal.

Day 5 - We head south today enroute to Washington, D.C. making a very historic stop in “The City of Brotherly Love,” Philadelphia.  A local guide will takes us on a city tour to see many historic sites including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Christ Church, and much more.

Day 6 -  Excitement continues as we visit the home of our national government, Washington, D.C.  As you first see the Capitol, the White House, the Washington Monument, etc., you feel a tingle down your back.  Your spirit is lifted as pride builds from within as you think about all the great  things  that  have  transpired  for  so  many from this special place.  We will visit the Smithsonian (Air and Space Museum-Museum of Natural History-Museum of American History-the new  Museum  of  the  American  Indian).  Our meal stop will be at the historic Union Station. Tonight, we will see the national monuments (Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington) lit up on our night-time illumination tour.  We will also make a stop at the Lincoln Memorial to get some good pictures overlooking the reflecting pool.  

Day 7 - A  full day of touring our nation’s capital will be on our agenda today.  Our local guide will take us through the New Capitol Visitor’s Center, the Capitol (if permissible), Ford’s Theater, Kennedy Center, and Vietnam-WWII-Iwo Jima Memorial.  At Arlington National Cemetery we will witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and see the gravesites of famous people to include Robert Kennedy and President Kennedy.  Next, we make a picture stop at the White House before returning to our motel for our evening meal nearby.

Day 8 - This morning we head south to visit the home of our first president, George Washington.  We will tour his Mt. Vernon Estate including his home, gardens, estate grounds, gravesite, and much more; plus we will enjoy a delicious luncheon meal presented to us by servers in period dress.  On our way back to our motel we will make a special stop in Old Town Alexandria.  We will spend time browsing, shopping, and eating in the little quaint stores and restaurants along historic main street-a great way to end another historic day.

Day 9 - A scenic drive awaits us as we motorcoach to West Virginia for our last overnight stay.  Too bad this exciting and historic American Heritage Tour is drawing to a close.

Day 10 - On this great ten day tour we can better understand American Classic Tours motto: Presenting Our Country With Pride. Fond memories and new friendships have been acquired as we return home today.

Includes: Deluxe motorcoach transportation, tour escort, insurance, Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty, city tour of New York City, city tour of Philadelphia, city tour of Washington, D.C., admission to George Washington’s Mt. Vernon Estate, Old Town Alexandria, 10 meals, luggage handling, and accommodations.  NOTE: If you plan to see a play on Broadway contact our office and we will give you information to help you make the arrangements.

$1295 p.p.t.o. $1245 p.p.q.o.       $1895 Single *Note:  Deposit $100

Departures from: Mt. Vernon, Benton, West Frankfort, Marion, Harrisburg, Eldorado, Carmi, Crossville, Grayville, & Evansville

THE NATIONAL QUARTET CONVENTION
September 19 - 20, $200 p.p.d.o.

Day 1 - We depart this morning en-route to Louisville.  This evening we will truly be blessed from 6:30 - 12:00 enjoying America’s greatest gospel singing groups at the Annual National Quartet Convention.  Scheduled to sing this year are Brian Free and Assurance, Collingsworth Family, Dixie Melody Boys, Hunters, Janet Paschal, Kingdom Heirs, Perrys, Primitives, Reggie Saddler Family, Talley Trio, Triumphant Quartet, and the 2009 Singing News Fan Awards.  (schedule subject to change).

Day 2 - Sleep in. We are sure to enjoy a delicious luncheon meal on our way home from a great Quartet Convention Weekend in Louisville.

Includes: Deluxe motorcoach transportation, tour escort, insurance, reserved seats at the National Quartet Convention, includes luncheon meal, luggage handling, and accommodations.

$190 p.p.t.o.   $180 p.p.q.o.   $269 Single

Departures from: Mt. Vernon, Benton, West Frankfort, Marion, Harrisburg, Eldorado, Carmi, Crossville, Grayville, & Evansville

LITTLE NASHVILLE  BROWN COUNTY COVERED BRIDGES TOUR
September 26-27, $289 p.p.d.o.

Day 1 - Today we head north to Little Nashville - Brown County, Indiana.  This afternoon enjoy shopping and exploring on your own the many enchanting arts and crafts shops.  Tonight we will sit back and enjoy the Little Nashville Opry Country Music Show starring a nationally known country music star.

Day 2 - We will depart this morning for a very memorable tour of Rockville and the famous Covered Bridges Tour.  Get your cameras ready for this historic, photogenic tour.  This afternoon relax and visit with your new friends as we head home after a very enjoyable Great Little Two Day Getaway Weekend Tour.

Includes: Deluxe motorcoach transportation, tour escort, insurance, admissions to the Little Opry Country Music Show starring a nationally known artist and Rockeville Covered Bridges Tour, luggage handling, and accommodations.

$275 p.p.t.o.           $260 p.p.q.o.          $329 Single

Departures from:  Mt. Vernon, Benton, West Frankfort, Marion, Harrisburg, Eldorado, Carmi, Crossville, Grayville, & Evansville

LORETTA LYNN’S RANCH “Living Legend” Tour
(Loretta’s Home - Museum - Coal Mine - Butcher Holler Home - Loretta Lynn in Concert)
September 26-27, $279 p.p.d.o.

Day 1 - Lunch enroute. This afternoon we will take a tour of the Loretta Lynn Complex. This will include a tour of Loretta Lynn’s antebellum, 14 room, pre-civil war, plantation mansion to include Loretta’s Doll Collection and Mooney’s Private Office; visit the new 18,000 square foot, The Coal Miner’s Daughter Museum; see a replica of Loretta’s Butcher Holler Home; tour Loretta’s simulated “Coal Mine #5”; and feast on a home cooked ranch meal. Tonight we will enjoy hearing and seeing Loretta Lynn in concert at the ranch.

Day 2 - Mid-morning we depart for home. Luncheon buffet enroute home. We have just completed another great weekend at Tennessee’s 7th largest attraction.

Includes: Deluxe motorcoach transportation, tour escort, insurance, tour of the Loretta Lynn complex, Loretta Lynn Concert, 3 meals, luggage handling, and hotel accommodations.

$265 p.p.t.o.   $255 p.p.q.o.   $339 Single

Departures from: Mt. Vernon, Benton, West Frankfort, Marion, Vienna, Metropolis,  Paducah, & Eddyville

NEW ENGLAND AUTUMN CLASSIC
(Niagara Falls - Lake Placid - Lake Champlain Dinner Cruise- Ben and Jerry’s - Green Mountains - White Mountains - Kennebunkport - Boston - Plymouth Rock - Martha’s Vineyard - Cape Cod - Mystic Village-Hershey’s Chocolate World)
October 5-15, $1495 p.p.d.o.

Day 1 - We leave home today on the tour many of you consider to be one of our best - a New England Fall Foliage Tour. Our first overnight will be in Columbus, Ohio.

Day 2 - Today we  see one of America’s most spectacular natural wonders, Niagara Falls. If you choose, ride the Maid of the Mist boat right up to the base of the falls. This will be an unforgettable experience.

Day 3 - After breakfast we go on a  city tour of Niagara Falls with a local guide.  This makes for a very nice visit with our neighbors to the North.

Day 4 - This morning, we drive through the spectacular Adirondacks enroute to a luncheon stop in Lake Placid, the site of the 1980 Winter Olympics. This afternoon we cross Lake Champlain by  ferry for an overnight in Burlington, Vermont.  After checking into our hotel, we will go on an elegant dinner cruise on the Spirit of Ethan Allen on Lake Champlain.  This will be a very enjoyable and relaxing way to end another great day.

Day 5 - Picturesque New England comes alive as our road winds its way through the Green Mountains.  We make a delicious stop at Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory.  Our next stop is at the Maple Sugar Factory and Gift Shop in St. Johnsbury. Travel continues through the White Mountains to Franconia Notch, the most celebrated mountain gap in the East. For those who choose ride the aerial tramway to the top of Cannon Mountain for a breathtaking view.

Day 6 - Heading north we arrive in Kennebunkport, Maine.  A scenic, harbor, lobster cruise awaits us.  We will see the Presidential Estate of George Bush, Goat Island, working lobstermen, sea birds, and other interesting sites.   We will also see an ornately decorated 1825 house, called the Wedding Cake House.  Hear a very interesting story about the designing of this home.  Shopping/browsing time will be given in downtown Kennebunk.  Autumn colors abound.

Day 7 - We continue south today enroute to historic Boston. A local guide will step on board to show us The Boston Common, the Old North Church from which Paul Revere’s lantern burned, the Constitution (Old Ironsides of the War of 1812), and other historic sites.  Leaving Boston we follow the Atlantic Coast to Plymouth Rock.  We will board Mayflower II, a replica of the Mayflower that brought the Pilgrims to America.  A nice finishing touch to a very historic day.

Day 8 - After breakfast we board a ferry enroute to Martha’s Vineyard.  A  local guide will take us by bus on a 3 1/2 hour guided tour to include free time for lunch on our own at Edgartown, free time for shopping, and an enchanting stroll through Oak Bluffs to see the “Fairy Tale” cottages.  Later this afternoon we return by ferry back to the Cape Cod area.  What a great day!

Day 9 - Mid-morning, we arrive at Mystic Village for a rest stop, lunch, strolling, and shopping.  We continue west to our overnight stay in Pennsylvania.

Day 10 – Today we will make a delicious stop at Hershey’s Chocolate World for you to take the tour, enjoy a 3-D Show (admission not included),  and have lunch on your own.  A special surprise gift will be given to each tour member.

Day 11 - As we arrive home later today, you will understand why we have given this tour the name, New England Autumn Classic.  

Includes:  Deluxe  motorcoach  transportation, tour escort, insurance, Niagara Falls, City Tour of Niagara Falls, Lake Placid, ferry across Lake Champlain and Dinner Cruise, Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, Green Mountains, Maple Sugar Grove Factory and Gift Shop, White Mountains, Franconia Notch, Kennebunkport Harbor Cruise, Wedding Cake House,  City Tour of Boston,  Plymouth Rock, Mayflower II, ferry ride, Martha’s Vineyard Tour, Cape Cod, Mystic Village, Hershey’s Chocolate World, 10 meals, luggage handling, and accommodations.

$1395 p.p.t.o. $1325 p.p.q.o.      $2095 Single   * Note: Deposit $100  Call about passport

Departures from: Mt. Vernon, Benton, West Frankfort, Marion, Harrisburg, Eldorado, Carmi, Crossville, Grayville, & Evansville

GRAND OLE SOUTH AUTUMN
(Charleston - Savannah -  Hilton Head Island -  Beaufort - St. Simons Island - Jekyll Island)
October 23 - 30, $1069 p.p.d.o.

See the Grand Ole South in all of its historic splendor, moss draped trees, and southern charm.   Day 1 - We board our motorcoach enroute south to our first overnight stay in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Day 2 - Later this evening we arrive in Charleston, South Carolina, highly renowned as one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the United States.

Day 3 - We begin our exciting and historic day with a locally guided city tour of Charleston.  As we walk along cobblestone streets among the grand southern antebellum homes, we relive history and become a part of this grand ole South.  We will see the Historic District, Fort Sumter where the Civil War began, USS Yorktown, Patriots Point, Charleston City Market, and more.

Day 4 - Leaving Charleston behind we continue our journey through the Grand Ole South making a stop this morning in Beaufort, a charming southern town proud of its historic antebellum homes.   We will relax and enjoy our locally guided carriage tour of this area.  This afternoon we arrive in Savannah, Georgia’s First City.  We will experience the natural beauty, rich history, and old-fashioned southern hospitality from River Street to the intriguing Historic District to the Splendid Marshlands and to the Atlantic Ocean.  This afternoon we will explore on our own Savannah’s River Street, a restored eight-block commercial district along the Savannah River with all kinds of eateries and shops.  This evening will be very memorable as we dine at renowned Paula Deen’s Lady and Sons Restaurant, old and rustic but yet charming.

Day 5 - After breakfast we begin our day with a locally guided city tour of Savannah to include the Historic District, see the square where scenes from Forest Gump  were filmed and places seen in Midnight in the Garden    of Good and Evil, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and many other interesting and historic sites. This afternoon we are sure to enjoy our 90-minute Low Country River Excursion.  We will see friendly bottlenose dolphins on this narrated nature  cruise. We return to our motel after another historic day.

Day 6 - Another grand southern day awaits us.  We will make a stop at Jekyll Island.  A local trolley   tour or step-on guide will show us around Jekyll Island to include the Historic District and the famous Jekyll Island Hotel, where the Rockefellers and Vanderbilt's once stayed.  Also we will tour St. Simons Island to see the Lighthouse, Christ Church and other sites.  This evening relax and enjoy Savannah.  Possibly take in a nightly Ghost Tour of the City on your own.

Day 7 - Today, we will make our last historic stop in this area at one of the premier resort communities in the world, Hilton Head Island.  Our guide will show us the famous Sea Pines Plantation, Harbour Town, and other interesting places.   As we leave the Grand Ole South, we motorcoach north with our overnight stay near Chattanooga.

Day 8 - We will relive the sites, sounds, tastes, and times of the Grand Ole South, many times over, on the way home and in the years to come.

Includes:  Deluxe motorcoach transportation, tour escort, insurance, Beaufort Carriage Tour, Low Country River Excursion,  dinner meal at Paula Deen’s Restaurant, City Tours of Charleston and Savannah - Tours of Jekyll Island - St. Simons Island - Hilton Head Island, 7 meals, luggage handling, and accommodations.

$995 p.p.t.o.          $955 p.p.q.o.      $1395 Single   *Note:  Deposit $100

Departures from: Mt. Vernon, Benton, West Frankfort, Marion, Vienna, Metropolis,  Paducah, & Eddyville

ISRAEL A JOURNEY TO THE HOLY LAND
(Tel Aviv - Jaffa - Caesarea - Tiberias - Sea of Galilee - Nazareth - Jericho - Dead Sea - Masada - Qumran - Jerusalem - Wailing Wall - Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity - Mount of Olives - Mt. Zion) (This tour being conducted with Collette Vacations)
November 4 - 13, $3799 p.p.d.o.

Includes:  Round trip motorcoach transportation to Lambert St. Louis International Airport with 10 or more bookings - if we do not get 10 bookings you will receive a reduction in the cost of the tour accordingly - Air taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $470  (subject to increase until paid in full) - Collette Vacations Tour Escort - with 10 or more an American Classic Tour Escort will accompany the tour group - 14 meals:  8 breakfasts, 6 dinners - limited emergency medical and accidental insurance

$3769  p.p.t.o.        $4599 Single   PASSPORTS REQUIRED CALL FOR A MORE DETAIILED ITINERARY   DEPOSIT:  $250 per person   Trip cancellation insurance recommended  - call for more information

Departures from:  Chester, Murphysboro, Carbondale, Marion, West Frankfort, Benton, Mt. Vernon, Nashville, & Fairview Heights

GRAND BRANSON CHRISTMAS
(Presley’s Jubilee Christmas Show - Christmas Shopping - Shoji Tabuchi Christmas Show  - The Miracle of Christmas Show)
December 3 - 5, $419 p.p.d.o.

Day 1 - A tradition continues as we head to the Ozarks for a “Grand Branson Christmas.”  Later this evening we will enjoy Branson’s Original Show on the Strip, Presley’s Country Jubilee.  Here we will enjoy the original Presley’s Show, Country Jubilee, and then the second half will be a delightful Christmas show.  An amazing four generations of entertainers will perform for us  including great comedy by Herkimer and Cecil.

Day 2 - We start our day with grand shopping.  This afternoon we will be treated to one of the grandest holiday shows we  will ever see, the fabulous Shoji Tabuchi Family Christmas Show.  This is a colossal show in palatial settings with world class dazzle and polish.  The “Grand Finale” of spectacular shows this evening will be “The Miracle of Christmas”,  at the Sight & Sound Theater.  This show is produced by the same ones that do “Noah The Musical”.  This new show includes 45 actors, majestic flying angels, live and animatronic animals, spectacular sets, stunning special effects, and a soaring musical score as we enjoy the extraordinary journey of Mary and Joseph as they travel to Bethlehem to experience the miraculous birth of the Savior of the world.  This show will rekindle the true spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas and will begin a new holiday tradition as one of the most memorable holiday shows ever.

Day 3 -  As we head home from a Grand Branson Christmas, we will have seen and enjoyed three grand shows:  Presley’s Jubilee Christmas, The Shoji Tabuchi Christmas Show, and The Miracle of Christmas. All that is left is to wish each one the “grandest” of holidays.

Includes: Deluxe motorcoach transportation, tour escort, insurance, admissions to Presley’s Jubilee - Shoji Tabuchi Christmas Show - The Miracle of Christmas, shopping, 2 meals, luggage handling, and accommodations.

$399 p.p.t.o.         $385 p.p.q.o.   $509 Single

Departures from:  Mt. Vernon, Benton, West Frankfort, Marion, Anna, & Charleston

GRAND GALT HOUSE CHRISTMAS
(Derby Dinner Playhouse A Wonderful Life Show and Meal - City Tour of Louisville - Belle of Louisville Luncheon Cruise - Kentucky Derby Museum - Carl Hurley/Jeanne Robertson Comedy Show)
December 7 - 9, $379 p.p.d.o.

Day 1 - This will be a great, three day, getaway. holiday tour to Louisville, Kentucky.  Our accommodations for the next two nights will be at the historic, elegant, and recently renovated, Galt House, in downtown Louisville.  After checking in, relaxing, and getting refreshed, we will be treated to a fabulous and very popular holiday dinner and show, “A Wonderful Life” at Derby Dinner Playhouse.

Day 2 - This morning we will enjoy our breakfast buffet before boarding our motorcoach for a locally guided, city tour of Louisville, featuring historic sites and one of the nations largest, vintage, Victorian neighborhoods.  For lunch we are sure to enjoy a luncheon cruise aboard the Belle of Louisville,  a National Historic Landmark.  This afternoon another historic landmark is on our agenda, the Kentucky Derby Museum, located at Churchill Downs, the home of the world famous, Kentucky Derby.  Tonight, another great evening awaits us as we enjoy a Comedy Show and Dinner with Carl Hurley, America’s Funniest Professor, and  Jeanne Robertson, a former Miss North Carolina.  Good clean comedy, home-spun stories, mountain lore, uplifting- everyday humor, and just a whole lot of laughter-perfect medicine for the soul and to increase our holiday spirit.

Day 3 - Another breakfast buffet awaits us, before we depart Louisville and travel west.  We will sing Christmas carols and wish each one a Merry Christmas as we head home from a Grand Galt House Christmas.

Includes:  Deluxe motorcoach transportation, tour escort, insurance, Derby Dinner  Playhouse Meal and Show, City Tour of Louisville, Belle of Louisville Luncheon Cruise, Kentucky Derby Museum, Carl Hurley and Jeanne Robertson Comedy Show and Dinner Meal,    5 meals, luggage handling, and accommodations.

$359 p.p.t.o.           $335 p.p.q.o.          $469 Single

Departures from: Mt. Vernon, Benton, West Frankfort, Marion, Harrisburg, Carmi, Crossville, Grayville, & Evansville

“TUNE” OF THE SEA CRUISE
(Cozumel, Mexico & Isle of Calica)
January 10 - 17, 2010, $950 p.p.d.o. (Book early - this will sell out)

Join us as we depart the Gulf aboard the Carnival Cruise Ship, Fantasy (Panama registry), as  we head to Cozumel and the Isle of Calica.  Southern Gospel groups who will be singing are The Nelons, The Bowlings, Young Harmony, Crossway, One Voice, Tim & Libby Thomas, 2nd Generation, The Nehrkorns, Fresh Annointing, Freemans, Atoned, and Valor III.  The cruise ship will also have day and nighttime entertainment.  In 2008 we did this cruise to the Bahamas.  It was great!  If you book your cruise with someone else, we can provide round trip transportation and accommodations.

Day 1 - Today we depart en-route to our overnight stay with excitement and anticipation of boarding our ship tomorrow.

Day 2 - We travel to Mobile, AL, our port of departure. This afternoon we board the Fantasy Cruise ship as we set sail to Cozumel and the Isle of Calica.

Day 3 - 7  We will be at sea, at Cozumel, and at Isle of Calica.  While at sea we may enjoy numerous activities on board ship and great food.  Enjoy sunning on the deck, swimming in one of the pools, relaxing in a lounge chair, nightly live entertainment-gospel concerts-first class shows, the fabulous Captain’s Dinner, deck games, talent shows, and so much more food, food, and more food.  At Cozumel take in optional shore excursions, local island tours, snorkeling, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, sunning on the fabulous beaches, swimming in crystal clear blue waters, sting ray encounter, glass bottom boat to see the magnificent coral reefs, jeep jungle tours, dolphin swim, 48 passenger Atlantis submarine excursion, and so much more.  On the Isle of Calica, the newest gateway to the Yucatan Peninsula and only three miles south of Playa del Carmen, enjoy the Xcaret nature park- one of the most popular attractions on the peninsula, many attractions similar to Cozumel, and again so much more.

Day 7 - We return to our port of departure on the Gulf.  Later this morning we board our motor coach to head back north towards home.  Our hotel for the night will be en-route home.

Day 8 - Returning home today from a great winter cruise to paradise and warmer temperatures (70’s - 80’s year around) in the Caribbean, our thoughts will now be of an early spring after this grand and glorious cruise.

Includes:  Deluxe motorcoach transportation, tour escort, insurance, cruise fare interior cabin, 24 hour gourmet dinning, port fees, taxes, gratuities, fuel surcharges, admissions to all gospel concerts, luggage handling, and hotel accommodations.

$795 p.p.t.o.           $775 p.p.q.o.            Single NA   OCEAN VIEW CABINS $100 MORE PER PERSON   Note:  Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended.  Call us for more details.  Deposit of $100 required at time of booking.  PASSPORT REQUIRED  

Departures from:  Mt. Vernon, Benton, West Frankfort, Marion, Vienna, Charleston, & Sikeston

EXPLORING THE ALPINE COUNTRIES & OBERAMMERGAU’S PASSION PLAY
Austria-Germany-Switzerland (Vienna - Danube Cruise - Salzburg - Mozart Dinner Concert - Munich - Oberammergau Passion Play - Neuschwanstein Castle - Black Forest - Zermatt - Lucerne - Bern) (This tour being conducted with Collette Vacations)
September 11 - 23, 2010, $5,999 p.p.d.o.

Includes:  Round trip motorcoach transportation to Lambert St. Louis International Airport with 10 or more bookings - if we do not get 10 bookings you will receive a reduction in the cost of the tour accordingly - Air taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $430 (subject to increase until paid in full) - Collette Vacations Tour Escort - with 10 or more tour members an American Classic Tour Escort will accompany the tour group - 19 meals:  11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 7 dinners - limited emergency medical and accidental insurance.

Not available  p.p.t.o.      $6599 Single   PASSPORTS REQUIRED CALL FOR A MORE DETAILED ITINERARY   DEPOSIT:  $500 per person 2ND DEPOSIT:  $1000 per person Sept. 9, 2009 FINAL PAYMENT:  due 120 days prior to departure   Trip cancellation insurance recommended - call for more  information

Departures from:  Chester, Murphysboro, Carbondale, Marion, West Frankfort, Benton, Mt. Vernon, Nashville, and Fairview Heights       

 

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