MARY POPPINS - CHICAGO
Cadillac Palace Theatre
Wednesday Matinee, April 15, 2009

Combining the best of the original stories by P. L. Travers and the beloved Walt Disney film. The Tony Award-winning Mary Poppins is everything you’d hope for in a Broadway musical and more. The show includes such wonderful songs as Chim Chim Cher-ee, A Spoonful of Sugar, Let’s Go Fly a Kite, and, of course, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Don’t miss all the magic of Broadway’s super hit musical, and let your imagination take flight. Excellent Orchestra seating. Lunch included prior to the matinee.

Includes: Show ticket, Lunch, Deluxe Motor Coach Transportation and Driver Tip.

My husband and I had the ultimate pleasure of going on this tour in May 2008. My goodness....what an experience! As a result, we feel the third week in May can be one of the best weeks to visit Alaska. Winter is over, the wildlife is very active after a long winter and the "Moms" are bringing out "the kids" to introduce them to the open environment. The wildlife viewing was far beyond our expectations. Each day, with one exception, we were in short sleeves, but certainly can’t guarantee that.

Day 1 - Friday, May 22: Fly into Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. A Premier Alaska representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for overnight in downtown Anchorage.

Day 2 - Saturday, May 23: This morning, board a deluxe motorcoach for today’s grand adventure to Valdez. Drive through the Matanuska Susitna Valley, where world record monster size vegetables grow in the 24-hour daylight. Stop by Worthington Glacier for a look at this gigantic piece of ice. Early evening arrival into Valdez, nestled between the waterfront and mountains, giving it the nickname Alaska’s Little Switzerland. Included entrance to the Valdez Museum. Overnight Valdez. Breakfast and dinner included.


Day 3 - Sunday, May 24: Late this morning, board a glacier and wildlife cruise and travel through the majestic Prince William Sound. Explore the three-mile face of the mighty Columbia Glacier and hear tales of the region as told by the Alaskan crew. Keep your eyes open for seals, sea lions, otters, whales and puffins throughout this half-day exploration cruise. Overnight Valdez. Continental breakfast and lunch included.

Day 4 - Monday, May 25: Board the motorcoach for a journey north to the largest city in the interior, Fairbanks, better known to Alaskans as the Golden Heart City. The route takes you along the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest park in the U.S. and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Overnight Fairbanks. Continental breakfast included.

Day 5 - Tuesday, May 26: Today learn how the gold rush affected Alaska’s interior on a sightseeing tour with an included visit to the University of Alaska, Fairbanks Museum. Cruise the Chena River aboard a sternwheeler and experience the thrill of river travel. Travel back to the time when traditional riverboats plied the waterways of Alaska’s interior during the late 1800's. Tonight, partake in an optional authentic salmon bake. Overnight Fairbanks. Breakfast included.

Day 6 - Wednesday, May 27: Ride the motorcoach south to Denali National Park. Enjoy an afternoon of exploring this pristine area at your leisure by either participating in a complimentary park service activity or optional tour. There are many to choose from, including mild or wild river rafting, flight seeing to Mt. McKinley, a jet boat safari on the Nenana River, or a visit to an award winning dog kennel. Overnight Denali. Breakfast included.
Day 7 - Thursday, May 28: Today travel deep into Denali National Park on the Tundra Wilderness Tour and search the pristine wilderness for bear, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. This six to eight hour journey is narrated allowing for insight into the animals, flora and fauna of this spectacular region. Overnight Denali. Breakfast and snack box meal included.

Day 8 - Friday, May 29: Enjoy a morning of leisure for on own exploration. This afternoon board the world famous Alaska Railroad for the day trip to Anchorage. As you travel along the Susitna River, you may catch a glimpse of the majestic Mt. McKinley or black bear along the banks of the Susitna River. Overnight Anchorage. Breakfast included.

Day 9 - Saturday, May 30: Enjoy a brief city tour of Anchorage, which includes the historic downtown district. Included visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, a gathering place that celebrates, perpetuates and shares Alaska Native cultures. Tonight, feast on an Alaskan style meal and share tales from the road with your traveling companions. Overnight Anchorage. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 10 - Sunday, May 31: Your Grand Alaska Tour comes to an end with a Premier Alaska representative transfer to the airport. Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel before departure. Breakfast included.

Please call for deposit and final payment schedule.

The below per person rates do not include air fare:
$1,935.00 per person/double occupancy
$1,760.00 per person/triple occupancy
$1,680.00 per person/quad occupancy
$2,800.00 single occupancy

 

NEW YORK CITY
June 3 - 8, 2009

Visit New York City as it should be visited - staying in the heart of the theatre district in Manhattan!

Day 1-Wednesday: We load our motorcoach and overnight in Clarion, PA. Refresh and enjoy a buffet dinner at the hotel.

Day 2-Thursday: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for New York City. Our first stop is St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest decorated gothic-style Catholic Cathedral in the United States. Late afternoon, we check into our hotel, The Hotel Novotel - "our home" while in New York City, located at 52^nd Street and Broadway. After freshening up, we depart for Tavern on the Green for dinner. For our evening entertainment, we depart for a Broadway Show (show to be announced).

Day 3-Friday: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for Liberty Park to meet our guide and take a ferry ride to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Walk over the same steps where your ancestors walked when coming to the United States seeking freedom. And don’t forget that photo opportunity standing in front of the Statue of Liberty. Enjoy free time on your own at Times Square - The world’s busiest intersection, just 2 blocks from our hotel. Times Square has enough shops, restaurants and theatres to keep you entertained for your entire stay. And don’t forget those many street performers and vendors! Return to the hotel to refresh for the evening. We enjoy dinner this evening at Ellen’s Starlight Diner. This unique diner features singing waitstaff and variety shows who perform nightly, so sit back and relax as you will be taken back in time to a never forgotten era as you enjoy the best in classic American cuisine. Before returning to our hotel in Times Square, we visit New York City’s famous Empire State Building, soaring more than a quarter mile into the sky above the heart of Manhattan. Located on the 86^th floor, 1,050 feet above the City’s bustling streets, the Observatory offers panoramic views from both within a glass enclosed pavilion and from the surrounding open-air promenade.

Day 4-Saturday: Enjoy breakfast on your own before departing for a tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, whose collection now contains more than two million works of art from all points of the compass, ancient through modern times. Enjoy lunch on your own while at the museum. The remainder of the day is free to explore the

"Big Apple" on your own. A One Day Metro Pass is included for the day, which is good for unlimited subway and local bus rides. Be sure to check out Central Park, located just outside the museum, or visit Strawberry Fields/Imagine Mosaic, the John Lennon memorial site. Dinner on your own this evening.

Day 5-Sunday: Enjoy breakfast at our hotel before checking out. Mid-afternoon, we check into our hotel to refresh for our evening dinner and entertainment. Board the Gateway Clipper River Boat for a dinner cruise and experience life on the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio Rivers. Take in Pittsburgh’s sparkling city skyline at night! Sailing the three rivers while listening to the relaxing sounds of the onboard duo is a great way to end a stellar weekend!

Day 6-Monday: Enjoy breakfast at our hotel before checking out to return home.

Includes: 5 nights accommodations, baggage handling, 5 breakfasts, 4 dinners, admissions as stated in the itinerary, deluxe motor coach transportation and driver tip.

NEW HARMONY & INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA*
Tuesday - Thursday, June 9 - 11, 2009*

Day 1-Tuesday: We arrive in Indianapolis to pick up our step-on guide at the Historic Landmarks Foundation for a one hour tour of Indianapolis’ highlights. After dropping our guide and having lunch on your own at Shapiro’s Delicatessen, we head to Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts, for a one hour tour which will include the playing field, a locker room, Press Box, a suite and Lucas Oil Plaza. There will be time for shopping in the Colts Pro Shop. Next, we head to the Indiana Statehouse for a guided tour. This building of outstanding architectural beauty has served as a center of civic life in Indiana since 1888. The tour combines a discussion on the three branches of government, with details on the restoration and architectural aspects of the building. After a quick fresh-up at our hotel, we depart for Beef and Boards Dinner Theater for the popular musical production of "Annie", based on the popular Harold Gray comic strip "Little Orphan Annie". We then return to our hotel for the evening.

Day 2 - Wednesday: Enjoy breakfast at your leisure at the hotel. We depart to pick up our fellow travelers from RoadRunner Tours. This is the same group that we had so much fun with on the East Coast Michigan Tour in July 2008. We arrive in Evansville, Indiana for lunch and a tour of the Reitz Home and return to the days of Victorian elegance and grandeur. This historic home is described as one of the country’s finest examples of French Second Empire architecture. Lunch will be served in the Carriage House prior to our tour. The home features period furniture, silk damask-covered walls, hand-painted ceilings, delicately molded plaster friezes, French gift chandeliers and intricately patterned wood parquet floors. We then arrive at the Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden for a tour of the brand new Amazonia, Forest of Riches. At this amazing 10,000 sq. ft., $11.44 million Rainforest Exhibit, you will encounter dozens of rainforest residents from high in the canopy to the forest floor below. Tropical trees and palms soar to the 45-foot tall roof and create a breathtaking tropical setting. A waterfall roars and a suspension bridge beckons. Be on the lookout for the elusive and majestic jaguar! Next, we arrive at the charming and cozy New Harmony Inn for a relaxing escape, nestled on the bend of the Wabash River.  Enjoy the view of the surrounding lake and gardens as you wind down after a busy day. Dinner will be served in the Red Geranium Restaurant, one of the region’s most charming and romantic restaurants serving award-winning seasonal American cuisine.

Day 3-Thursday: Breakfast is served in the Red Geranium Restaurant at your leisure before departing for the Atheneum/Visitors Center. This stunning building houses exhibits on the communal history of New Harmony, a large theatre where an orientation film on the town is shown and the Museum Shop. Once called the "Athens of the West", New Harmony has been a favorite place to rejuvenate the spirit for nearly 200 years. It is the site of two 19^th Century Utopian experiments, the Harmonists and the Owenites. Our guided historic tour begins with a short orientation film before visiting the historic sites, including the famous Roofless Church. There will be time to shop in historic downtown with antiques, garden and specialty shops. Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the restaurants. We depart, drop our RoadRunner Tours traveling companions before heading for home.

Includes: 5 meals (including dinner theatre), touring and admission fees, 2 nights hotel accommodations, baggage handling, deluxe motor coach transportation and driver’s tip.

NOT YOUR USUAL BROWN COUNTY TOUR*
NASHVILLE, INDIANA
Monday - Wednesday, June 22 - 24, 2009

We visited Brown County in early May 2008 and discovered some fun attractions in Brown County and got very excited about taking you there. We will be staying at the lovely Artists Colony Inn in downtown Nashville, an extremely great location in the heart of Nashville, Indiana, right in the middle of the many unique shops and eateries. All pictures are courtesy of the Artists Colony Inn to show the lovely accommodations and the surrounding area in which we will be staying.

Day 1: Our first stop will be Not Just Popcorn, which has been featured on the Food Network and in Midwest Living. This unique shop specializes in Indiana grown, gourmet popcorn with more than 100 flavors, from sweet to savory. We arrive in Nashville, Indiana in enough time to do a bit of shopping and browsing or have lunch on your own in the downtown area, or just sit in one of the many areas and enjoy the sights and sounds around you. Before heading to the evening entertainment, we will enjoy dinner at our hotel. On the way, we will gather at Chateau Thomas for a little wine tasting, while enjoying one another’s company on their patio. We then walk over to the Coachlight Musical Theatre for an evening of entertainment by some very funny, talented actors.
Day 2: We start the day with breakfast at our hotel. We then load our bus and head to For Bare Feet, to learn the history of this unique company as you watch a piece of yarn transform into a pair of socks. The story of how this lovely lady came to start this company is so very heartwarming. We head back to the downtown Nashville area for lunch and browsing on your own or freshening up before dinner and our evening out. Handbell ringing is a very rare, graceful form of musical expression, usually performed by 8 - 12 people. Kristine performs solo using 36 handbells at the Joy Bell Theatre! Combining her talent with a wonderful personality and humor, she creates a stunning musical achievement that will overwhelm your musical senses!

Day 3: We again start our day with breakfast at our hotel before departing. Just outside of Nashville, we stop at Camp Atterbury, once a World War II military base. Camp Atterbury is now a premier training and mobilization site for all branches of the U.S. Military, the U. S. Army Reserve and The National Guard. You will enjoy the humor of our soldier step-on guide who will give us rare insight into this facility. We then head home after a fun adventure at one of our Indiana treasures.

Includes: Overnight at Artists Colony Inn, 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners, Chateau Thomas wine tasting, Coachlight Musical Theatre, For Bare Feet tour, Joy Bell Theatre, Not Just Popcorn, Camp Atterbury tour, deluxe motor coach transportation and driver tip.

NATIONAL PARKS OF THE WEST
Fly Out of Indianapolis International Airport
June 27 - July 8, 2009

Day1-Sat., June 27: Scottsdale, Arizona - Tour begins. Join Collette Vacations on a tour through five of America’s most splendid national parks. Your tour begins in Arizona, where you will enjoy a stay in the world-famous resort town of Scottsdale. Dinner included.
Day 2-Sun., June 28: Scottsdale, Sedona and Lake Powell - Begin the day with a visit to the artists’ colony of Sedona before stopping at the spectacular Oak Creek Canyon. See the amazing rock formations change hue with each turn in the road. Later today, you arrive at Lake Powell. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 3-Mon., June 29: Lake Powell and Grand Canyon - This morning you embark on a delightful breakfast cruise on scenic Lake Powell. Then travel to Carl Hayden Visitors Center and look out over Glen Canyon Dam and see to the end of Lake Powell. Afterwards, travel to Marble Canyon before arriving at the spectacular Grand Canyon, staying at the only in-park hotel. The original Grand Canyon Lodge was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1937 by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood. Its rustic construction of limestone walls and timbered ceilings compliments the North Rim’s lush beauty. The Lodge offers peace and comfort to the North Rim visitor and is a National Historic Landmark. Dinner this evening takes place in the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, offering fine dining in a casual atmosphere, with magnificent views overlooking the rim of the Canyon. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 4-Tues., June 30: Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Utah, and Zion Canyon - Today you travel to Bryce Canyon National Park, truly one of the most spectacular scenic wonders of the world. The formations within Bryce Canyon National Park, called Hoodoos, are the creation of wind and water erosion over eons of time. Iron oxidizing within the rock causes the natural orange and red hues that color these formations. Your final destination for the day is the red and white sandstone cliffs of Zion Canyon National Park. In sheer magnitude and color, Zion is very likely one of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the world. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 5-Wed., July 1: Zion Canyon and Salt Lake City - A drive north takes you to Salt Lake City, the "City of Saints", where you will enjoy a two-night stay. Perhaps you will want to explore Temple Square. This beautifully landscaped 10-acre plot of ground in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City is one of Utah’s most visited attractions. The centerpiece of the square is the 6-spired granite Salt Lake Temple, and adjacent to this imposing edifice is the domed Tabernacle, home of the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the great Tabernacle organ. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 6-Thurs, July 2: Salt Lake City - Enjoy a tour of Salt Lake City, featuring the Great Salt Lake, the state capitol and the residential district. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Breakfast included.
Day 7-Fri., July 3: Salt Lake City and Jackson Hole, Wyoming - En route to Wyoming you will see the majestic Bear Lake Summit. Later you will arrive in the cowboy town of Jackson Hole. Breakfast included.
Day 8-Sat., July 4: Jackson Hole - The day is yours to explore Jackson Hole. Some optional activities include shopping, canoeing, hiking and river rafting trips. Tonight, a fun-filled evening of cowboy entertainment and dinner is in store at the Bar J Chuckwagon. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 9-Sun., July 5: Jackson Hole, Grand Tetons and Yellowstone - From Jackson Hole, pass through Grand Teton National Park. Towering more than a mile above the valley of Jackson Hole, the Grand Teton rises to 13,770 feet. Twelve Teton peaks reach above 12,000 feet and support a dozen mountain glaciers. The Teton Range is the youngest range in the Rockies and displays some of North America’s oldest rocks. Later, arrive at the amazing Yellowstone National Park where you will enjoy an overnight stay at your lodge nestled in the heart of this wonderful park. One of the many highlights is the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser, a fountain of steam that rises more than 60 feet in the air. Breakfast included.

Day 10-Mon., July 6: Yellowstone, Cody and Sheridan - A delightful day of sightseeing begins with a trip along Lake Yellowstone and over Sylvan Pass. From the mountains to the prairies, the scenery is simply amazing. As you pass through Cody, a stop will be made at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, a tribute to one of the most colorful figures of the old west, Buffalo Bill Cody. Before turning in for the night in Sheridan, you drive through the incredible Bighorn Mountains and journey through the territory of the Great Sioux Nation. Breakfast included.
Day 11-Tues, July 7: Sheridan and Custer State Park, South Dakota - See one of the country’s most famous landmarks, Mount Rushmore, before visiting the Crazy Horse Monument, a memorial dedicated to the Native Americans of our great land. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Native American Cultural Center to learn about their culture and customs. Here, Native Americans discuss the movements of their dances and the significance of wearing different feathers and clothes. Later, you will arrive at Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Join your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner and share your experiences at our nation’s wonderful parks. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 12-Wed., July 8: Custer State Park - Your tour ends, leaving you with many wonderful memories.

MICHIGAN EAST COAST TOUR*
Changes made to prior years
Monday - Thursday, July 20 - 23, 2009

SAY YES TO MICHIGAN! There actually is an eastern coastline and it is a very pleasant place to visit. Matter of fact, it is a repeat from July 2007 & 2008, which sold out both years. We are sure it includes wonderful, unique activities you have not had the pleasure in which to participate.

Several people stated that they wished we had stayed at the Elk Preserve another night, so we have made adjustments accordingly for 2009.  

Pictures below are taken from our 2008 tour.  You may view all pictures from that tour by clicking on the link directly below.

http://tinyurl.com/62gkjb

Day 1: Arrive at the Doubletree in Bay City. Freshen up a bit, then take a stroll on the river walk just outside the front door for this evening’s Dinner Sail on the Tall Ship Appledore. Enjoy an unforgettable evening learning the history of the Saginaw River as the Appledore sails from Downtown Bay City out to the Saginaw Bay. Once out on the open water, help the crew set the sails or relax and enjoy the view.

Day 2: This morning feast on Doubletree Riverfront Grille’s breakfast buffet prior to visiting the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, housed in the Arbury Fine Arts Center on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University. The main exhibit houses an extraordinary collection of more than 200 works that span the career of Marshall M. Fredericks (1908-1998), who was a Detroit based traditional figurative public sculpture. He is known in America and abroad for his monumental figurative sculpture, inspiring public memorials, exuberant fountains, insightful portraits and whimsical sculptures of animals.  Next, we continue north where we arrive at the Northport Travel Center located in Au Gres and board the 50' passenger vessel "Shirley Ann". Enjoy the 45-minute ride across the open waters of Saginaw Bay to Big Charity Island. The lake mariners named the island for its location, placed through the charity of God midway between the city of Au Gres and the Thumb of Michigan. On the way to the island, we will also stop at Gravelly Shoals Light.  Upon arrival at the Island Harbor, you will receive a presentation of the history of the island and the Charity Island Lighthouse. We will then walk through the beautiful hardwood forest to the lightkeeper’s house. A traditional Great Lakes Perch or Beef Tenderloin lunch is served on the porch, providing a breathtaking view of Saginaw Bay. Tours of the home are given after dinner. Dessert is served on the return trip to the mainland. Later this afternoon, we travel north where we arrive at the Thunder Bay Resort , where we will stay for the next 2 nights. Enjoy relaxing on the grounds of the resort overlooking the golf course, play a game of horse-shoes with your friends or time in the hot tub. This evening, we gather as a group for a pizza dinner in the Clubhouse Grill. Finish your evening with a little star gazing in the dark northern sky while roasting marshmallows!

Day 3: After a full breakfast in the Clubhouse Grill, we depart for the Forty Mile Point Lighthouse, which is located on the northern shoreline of Lake Huron in Presque Isle County’s Lighthouse Park in Roger’s City, Michigan. At a cost of $25,000, the station was completed by the end of 1896. Its 4^th Order Fresnel lens has been a welcoming beacon to sailors since May 1897 and is still operating today. We will also visit the pilot house from the Steamer Calcite, built in 1912, and the first self-unloading steamer on the lakes.  Then we visit one of the oldest surviving lighthouses on the Great Lakes. Built in 1840, Old Presque Isle Lighthouse, and then to the New Presque Isle Lighthouse, built in 1871. Then it’s time to head to Alpena. Box lunches will be provided at the New Presque Isle Lighthouse.  In Alpena, we will visit the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. This 20,000 sq. ft. center was built by NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) to complement the Thunder Bay National Underwater Shipwreck Preserve. Lake Huron’s unpredictable weather, its murky fog banks and sudden gales, coupled with rocky shoals, earned Thunder Bay the unfortunate name of "Shipwreck Alley". During the 200-year shipping history, scores of vessels ended their careers on the lake floor of Alpena, MI.  We arrive back at Thunder Bay Resort, where we will relax prior to our evening event! At 5:30, be prepared for a four-hour slice of Northern Michigan heaven. We will enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the woods, across the Thunder Bay River and into the Elk Preserve. Here you’ll see majestic Rocky Mountain Elk and trophy Whitetails. Then it’s on to the Elk Antler Log Cabin for a gourmet five-course dinner prepared before you on antique wood cookstoves. While deep in the northern forest, you will also enjoy samples of six locally produced wines from the Stoney Acres Winery in Alpena. Then it’s back to the carriages for the return trip to your outstanding cabin room.

Day 4: After a full breakfast in the Clubhouse Grill, for those wishing to bring your golf clubs, enjoy an early morning tee time on the golf course playing 18 holes at the Thunder Bay Resort. Those looking for more laid back activities can enjoy relaxing or taking a visit to the Brush Creek Mill, a local grist mill located on the banks of the Thunder Bay River. Watch as the mill demonstrates the power of moving water with its 22' stainless steel wheel and how it powers different types of electrical items. We will also enjoy a demonstration of the grinding stones and the different grinds of flour and corn meals that can be produced without the use of anything but the 22' water wheel. Enjoy samples of breads and muffins made from the freshly ground products and purchase some to make tasty homemade treats for your family.

We depart Thunder Bay Resort at 12:00 noon for West Branch, traveling through Oscoda County. As we continue our trip towards home, we will stop for lunch on your own at Lumber Jack Food & Spirits, listed by the Detroit News as one of the top three places to dine in mid-Michigan. Enjoy a little time to shop the Up North Gift Shop before lunch, with specialties such as White Wine Pucker Pickles, Buckeye Onion Soup and Gang-sawed BBQ ribs. We then depart for home.

Includes: 8 meals, 3 nights hotel accommodations, Appledore Dinner Sail, Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, Cruise to Charity Island for lunch, Gravelly Shoals Light, Forty Mile Point Lighthouse, Old & New Presque Isle Lighthouse, Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, Carriage Ride/Elk Viewing and Gourmet 5-Course Dinner, Brush Creek Mill and driver's tip.

MAGNIFICENT CITIES OF CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE
featuring Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow & Warsaw
October 25 - November 7, 2009
Fly out of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport

Experience the cultures of Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Poland. Visit the Jasna Gora monastery with one of its clergy to witness the world-famous Black Madonna.

Day 1 - Sunday, October 25, 2009: Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Germany.

Day 2 - Monday, October 26, 2009: Arrive in Berlin, Germany. Your tour begins in Berlin. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for a welcome dinner (included).

Day 3 - Tuesday, October 27, 2009: Berlin, Potsdam & Berlin. Begin the day with a trip to Potsdam, where you will see the impressive Sans Souci Palace. Then return to Berlin for a comprehensive tour featuring Brandenburg Gate, Charlottenburg Palace, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Schoenberg City Hall, Kurfuerstendam and the Reichstag Building. You will then pass through the area which was once "Check Point Charlie" and see what remains of the Berlin Wall. Breakfast included.

Day 4 - Wednesday, October 28, 2009: Berlin, Prague & Czech Republic. Language Discovery - Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the languages you will experience on your tour, along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Depart Berlin for the "Golden City" of Prague. Your afternoon is at leisure. You may want to visit Prague’s Old Jewish Quarter, its historic cemetery and museum. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 5 - Thursday, October 29, 2009: Prague. Your introduction to this fairy tale city begins with a visit to the amazing Hradcany Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. Continue with a leisurely walking tour through the old town, showcasing the unique astronomical clock and the statue-lined Charles Bridge. The afternoon is at leisure to independently explore the city, shop for famous Bohemian Crystal, or visit one of the city’s many fine museums. Breakfast included.

Day 6 - Friday, October 30, 2009: Prague, Vienna & Austria. Leaving the Czech Republic you arrive in colorful and vibrant Vienna, Austria, the "musical city". Tonight’s dinner is in one of Vienna’s great local restaurants. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 7 - Saturday, October 31, 2009: Vienna. A tour of the city showcases some of its architectural marvels, including the magnificent St. Stephan’s Cathedral and the lavish Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty. The remainder of the day is your to experience all that Vienna has to offer. This evening you may choose to enjoy an optional dinner, followed by classical music performed at the Schoenbrunn Palace Orangerie. Breakfast included.

Day 8 - Sunday, November 1, 2009: Vienna & Budapest, Hungary. Sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque Hungarian countryside en route to historic Budapest. You will discover Budapest is divided by the Danube with the historic Buda on one side and the cosmopolitan Pest on the opposite side. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 9 - Monday, November 2, 2009: Budapest. The beautiful city of Budapest is often referred to as "the Paris of Eastern Europe". Today a local expert provides an informative city tour featuring Fisherman’s Bastion, Mathias Church, old Buda, the New Parliament and Gellert Hill. AS special stop is made at Heroes Square, a unique monument where you will learn about the many diverse leaders of Hungary. Later, you will have some free time to explore Budapest on your own. Breakfast included.

Day 10 - Tuesday, November 3, 2009: Budapest, Slovakia and Krakow, Poland. Enjoy a scenic drive along the Low Tatra mountain range of Slovakia en route to Poland. Your home for the next two nights is the lively city of Krakow, which still offer an old world charm. Breakfast and dinner included.

Day 11 - Wednesday, November 4, 2009: Krakow. A city tour of Krakow’s historic Old Town features Market Square, St. Mary’s church, the University and Wawel Castle, a former residence of Polish kings. This afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy the city on your own. You may choose to take an optional excursion to the amazing Wieliczka Salt Mines, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Breakfast included.