You are invited to experience New Orleans in a very
special way. One of the world's most fascinating
cities - home to a truly unique melting pot of
culture, food and music. While enroute, relish the
rock n' roll in Memphis, Tennessee and the
beautiful scenery of Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile,
Alabama. You'll enjoy deluxe accommodations,
wonderful culinary treats, great music and cultural
opportunities all rolled up in one itinerary. But
foremost, you will come home with new found
memories of charm and hospitality.
Itinerary
DAY 1 MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016
MEMPHIS, TN
(LD)
This morning we'll board our deluxe motorcoach and begin our journey! We'll stop in St Louis for a nice lunch and then continue to our first
evening's destination, Memphis, Tennessee. Upon arrival we'll check in to our hotel and join together for a wonderful dinner.
DAY 2 TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016
MEMPHIS, TN
(BL)
Fill up on a hearty breakfast this morning before we start our day! Our first stop is where Rock & Roll was born, Sun Records! This is where Elvis
Presley was “found” and began the tradition of the label's sincere, passionate music that has stood the test of time. Ready for a little more Elvis?
We're about to get as close as we can get, when we visit his home in Memphis— Graceland. We'll eat lunch first before touring this very special
home. This stately colonial revival-style mansion was the fulfilment of a childhood promise to his parents. Graceland was a source of great pride
and joy for Elvis and continues to hold deep meaning for people throughout the world. Next, we are off to Gibson Guitar Factory where we'll be
treated to an intimate viewing of the facility where skilled luthiers craft some of the finest guitars in the world! Next, we'll make our way
downtown to explore Beale Street, the Home of the Blues. Enjoy exploring a variety of blues clubs and restaurants that line this famous street.
DAY 3 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016
NATCHEZ, MS
(BD)
Following breakfast at the hotel this morning, we'll board our motorcoach and continue on our journey to Natchez, Mississippi. Natchez is the
oldest settlement on the entire Mississippi river—older by two years than New Orleans. In 1798, she became the first capital of the Mississippi
Territory and the first capital of the state of Mississippi in 1817. Her vast natural resources have yielded massive fortunes, and coupled with an
exceptional quality of life and growing industrial complex, charming Natchez is known as one of the most desirable small cities in the United
States. Our first stop in Natchez is at the deluxe Monmouth Historic Inn and Gardens. Monmouth, a National Historic Landmark, is a small luxury
Inn featuring 30 beautifully appointed rooms and suites. Built by John Hankinson in 1818, Monmouth was returned to its antebellum
magnificence by its current owners. Monmouth's beauty and elegance have earned it acclaim in editorial coverage from numerous major
publications. Upon arrival at Monmouth, you will be offered a cold beverage (mint julep or a raspberry lemonade) to stroll through the
magnificently manicured 26 acres of gardens with winding paths, secluded benches and quiet areas. Here, you are invited to enjoy the
tranquility and peaceful civility of Southern gentry. After we take in the beauty of the plantation, we will enjoy superior dining and indulge in the
great southern food offered here. Accommodations for the night are at the lovely Grand Hotel Natchez, right in the heart of Natchez restaurant
and entertainment district.
DAY 4 THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016
NEW ORLEANS
(BLD)
After a wonderful breakfast at the hotel, we will enjoy the Natchez area, starting out with a guided tour of this quaint area. Learn about the
importance Natchez played in American History and the position it plays along the Natchez Trace. We'll be treated to an inside look at one of the
most beautiful antebellum mansions—the Dunleith Historic Inn. After we experience the enchantment and civility of the bygone days of
Southern hospitality, we will have lunch at this amazing spot. As we say goodbye to this charming city, we will board our motorcoach and
continue our journey to New Orleans, Louisiana! This evening, we'll feel the excitement build as we board an authentic sternwheeler steamer
for a cruise on the Mighty Mississippi. We'll enjoy Dixieland jazz music played by a live band and feel the romance and enchantment of the world
famous Mississippi River. We'll admire the city's skyline by night as we dine on the dinner buffet.
DAY 5 FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016
NEW ORLEANS
(BL)
Following breakfast this morning at the hotel, we'll take a short walk that brings us to another of the city's institutions—the famed Café du
Monde. Here, in this outdoor restaurant, the café au lait and warm beignets are a perfect way to begin the morning! We’ll follow our “coffee
break” with a walking tour of Jackson Square and the French Quarter. Your motorcoach awaits to whisk us off to a world known only to New
Orleans. A tour of Mardi Gras World is truly magical…because Mardi Gras World is literally the place where Mardi Gras magic is made. Nowhere
else can you watch the artists of Blaine Kern Studios and his team of world-renowned masters of Carnival sculptures and float building perform
their artistry. Walk among towering figures of fantasy, marvel at the skill and technology that animate mega-floats, and acquire an insider's
appreciation of the history and traditions of Carnival. This evening we'll have some free time to explore New Orleans on our own.
DAY 6 SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2016
NEW ORLEANS
(BD)
Enjoy breakfast this morning and then we'll continue our New Orleans experience by meeting a local step-on guide who will take us on a
narrated driving tour through historic New Orleans, where we'll learn that there's much more to New Orleans than the French Quarter! Travel
down world famous Mardi Gras Canal Street. Skirt the boundaries of the French Quarter and listen to the history of the early city. Pass Jackson
Square, the French Market and Congo Square. See Basin Street and hear about Storyville, the infamous red light district of New Orleans where
Dixieland Jazz got its start. Travel down Bayou St. John, where original plantation homes remain today. Walk with our guide through one of New
Orleans' famous cemeteries and hear the story of New Orleans’ unique above ground burial. Marvel as we drive under magnificent, 100 year old
Oak trees in City Park, one of the country's largest municipally owned parks. Drive along Lake Pontchartrain, the 4th largest lake in the United
States, and hear about how New Orleans is built below sea level. Ride through the City of the Dead and see a magnificent tomb that cost $83,000
at the time of its completion. Travel through the University section, uptown New Orleans and down St. Charles Avenue, the avenue of
streetcars, millionaires and churches. See “Millionaire’s Row,” a replica of “Tara” from Gone with the Wind, and many other magnificent
mansions on the Avenue. Drive past the Garden District and see fabulous mansions that grace the finest residential section of the city. See the
city's modern skyline and learn about the Louisiana Superdome Stadium. We would be amiss if we didn't stop at the National World War II
Museum. The National World War II Foundation was founded by renowned historian, author and educator, Dr. Stephen Ambrose in New
Orleans in 1991. The Museum, opened on June 6, 2000, is the only museum in the United States that addresses all of the amphibious invasions
or “D-Days” of World War II, honoring the more than one million Americans who took part in this global conflict. We'll make our way back to the
French Quarter to enjoy an entertaining dinner at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Since 1980, the New Orleans School of Cooking has
introduced countless visitors from around the world to the wonderful food and rich culture of Louisiana and New Orleans.
DAY 7 SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016
NEW ORLEANS
(BD)
Get a great start this morning with breakfast at the hotel and then board our motorcoach. Relax and enjoy sightseeing as we are whisked from
New Orleans to the great River Road where many of yesterday's plantation treasures remain today. The drive will take us through cypress
swamps, rich sugar cane fields, and across the Mississippi River. Our first stop is Oak Alley Plantation, a more traditional Greek Revival,
antebellum plantation built in 1837. You'll be dazzled by the plantation's magnificent Oak trees, believed to be almost 300 years old. We'll leave
the River Road behind and travel to the cypress swamps that surround New Orleans. We'll board a comfortable, sightseeing boat to explore the
swamp. As our knowledgeable guide, alligator hunter, and fur trapper leads us down the Bayou on our swampland adventure, you'll marvel at
the swamp's natural beauty. We may see alligators, egrets, snakes and other abundant wildlife as we explore Louisiana's wilderness paradise.
Once back in New Orleans, we'll listen to live music as we enjoy a scrumptious New Orleans dinner together.
DAY 8 MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2016
MOBILE, AL
(BD)
After a wonderful breakfast at the hotel, it is time to bid farewell to New Orleans. Take in the landscape of Cajun Country as we make our way to
Biloxi, Mississippi. A tour of this area really puts you into the southern hospitality mind set! You will see the full impact of Hurricane Katrina on
the Gulf Coast and an entire area of recovery in full swing. Leaving Biloxi, we will drive a short distance to the Mobile Bay, Alabama area and the
beautiful Bellingrath Gardens and Home. The Bellingrath Gardens and Home consists of gardens and a mansion located on the Fowl River in
Theodore, a suburb of Mobile Bay, Alabama. The 65 acre complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features handmade
brick and ironwork obtained from the demolished Southern Hotel. Walter Bellingrath, president of Mobile's Coca Cola Bottling Plant, began
developing the gardens in 1927 and the home was completed in 1935. We'll enjoy a stroll through the gardens at your own pace, taking in the
blooming flowers of roses, hibiscus, caladiums, coleus, vinca, petunias, begonias, bougainvillea, and so much more. Once we have taken in all
that this enchanting garden has to offer, we will board our motorcoach and depart for Mobile, Alabama. Mobile is known for its sheer beauty,
modern architecture, amazing museums, and famous seafood. With an array of cultural influences, we will enjoy one last southern style dinner.
DAY 9 TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2016
CARUTHERSVILLE, MO
(BD)
Following breakfast at the hotel, we will bid farewell to southern hospitality, board our motorcoach, and begin our journey home. We will travel
as far as Caruthersville, Missouri today. Upon arrival in Caruthersville, we'll join together in a farewell dinner and reminisce about the wonderful
sights we've seen and memories we've made.
DAY 10 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2016
HOME
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we board our motorcoach and make our way home.
(B)
• Sun Records • Graceland • Gibson Memphis Guitar Factory • Monmouth Plantation
• Guided Tour Natchez, MS • Dunleith Historic Inn • Sternwheeler Dinner Cruise on
the Mighty Mississippi • Café du Monde • Jackson Square • French Quarter • Mardi
Gras World • Driving Tour of Historic New Orleans • National World War II Museum
• New Orleans School of Cooking • River Road/Oak Alley Plantation • Sightseeing
Cypress Swamp Cruise • Biloxi, MS Tour • Bellingrath Gardens and Home
$2,999 per person Double Occ.
$3,822 Single Occ.
A $500 deposit per person is required with your registration form.
FINAL PAYMENT IS DUE: FEBRUARY 22, 2016
• Deluxe Motorcoach • 9 Nights in Deluxe Accommodations • 20
Meals ( 9 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 7 Dinners) • Admission to
Attractions as Stated in Itinerary • Porter Service at One Bag Per
Person at All Hotels• Travel Protection Insurance
Meals and/or beverages other than those listed on the itinerary and items of a
personal nature/sourvenirs are not included in the price of this tour.
DOCUMENTATION: A government issued photo I.D. is required for this trip.
For further information or questions, please call:
Karissa Wikert
(866) 866-8901 or (319) 358-2230
or email: [email protected]
Custom designed tour by
STE R
D
estinations
BASIC TRAVEL INSURANCE INCLUDED: Included insurance is being purchased on your behalf by Hills Bank. Travel Protection means passengers are covered when unforeseen medical circumstances arise which may force you
to cancel or interrupt your vacation. Coverage is as follows: Accidental Death and Dismemberment ($25,000), Emergency Medical Expense/Emergency Assistance (Emergency Accident and Sickness Medical Expense - $50,000 /
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation - $250,000), Trip Cancellation (Trip Cost), Trip Interruption (150% of Trip Cost), Missed Connection ($1,000), Trip Delay $750 (up to $150 per day), Baggage and Personal Effects ($2,500),
Baggage Delay ($250). A brochure with full details is available.
CANCELLATION: Full refund of all monies is made if cancellation is received in writing to our office prior to final payment. A 100% fee is charged if the cancellation occurs between final payment and departure unless for a medical
reason that is covered by Insurance.
TERMS & CONDITIONS: Star Destinations, Inc. (SDI) acts as an agent for and makes arrangements with airlines, hotels, railroads, bus lines, cruise lines, adventure companies and other independent parties to provide you with the
travel services and accommodations. Although great care is taken in choosing suppliers, we are unable to directly control them and therefore cannot be held responsible or liable for their acts or omissions. The travel services are
subject to the conditions imposed by these suppliers and their liability may be limited by their tariffs, conditions of carriage, and international conventions and agreements. Should for any reason beyond our control, the hotel or
establishment described in the attached itinerary may not be available, SDI. and its agents reserve the right to lodge travelers in another hotel of similar or superior category. SDI cannot assume responsibility for any claims, losses,
damages, costs or expenses arising out of injury, accident or death, damage, loss or delay of baggage or other property, or delay, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, upset, disappointment, distress or frustration, whether physical or
mental, resulting from a) mechanical breakdowns, dangers inherent to the sea, fire, theft, civil disturbances, strikes, government actions, weather and other factors and causes beyond our control. b) passenger's failure to follow
instructions of SDI or its representatives. c) any other cause beyond the control of SDI. In addition, SDI reserves the right to vary the Tour Price advertised or printed to cover any increase in air fare, fuel price, Government taxes and
charges, exchange rate fluctuations, or other Tour related tariffs and costs subject to price guarantee. If you request a variation or change to your booking, SDI may choose to accept or reject that request at its sole discretion. If SDI
accepts your request, you must pay the variation fee and any costs associated with it.