Costa rica
January 21-28, 2022
Price: $3099 pp/double $4058 pp/single
Includes roundtrip airfare
Day One: Depart the USA for San José, Costa Rica. Upon arrival you will be met by a representative of Mayflower Cruises & Tours who will assist with your transfer to the hotel. Flights should arrive by 4:00pm.
Relax before the included dinner as your busy schedule eases into Costa Rica’s mystical tropical lifestyle. Meal: D
Day Two: En route from San José to the Arenal area, visit the Doka Coffee Estate where members of the Vargas Ruiz family have been involved with coffee production for more than 70 years. Tour the plantation, learning how this famous product of Costa Rica is produced from the harvesting of the beans to the roasting and packaging processes. And of course there is a sampling of the final product! Continuing towards Arenal, with an included lunch along the way, a sweet treat awaits. Coffee beans aren’t the only ones Costa Rica is famous for. Discover the ancient secrets of chocolate, considered a “gift of the Gods”, as cacao beans were used for ceremonial drinks and even currency. During this hands-on experience at a cacao plantation, learn
the whole process of creating sumptuous chocolate from the fruit of the cacao tree. The day ends with arrival at the hotel, providing awe-inspiring views of Arenal Volcano from every room. Meals: B, L
Day Three: This morning, enjoy a gentle walk along the base of Arenal Volcano, a magnificent natural
phenomenon, during a visit to Arenal National Park. Your Tour Manager takes you through the forest, over the lava flows, and to the destroyed area now in the process of regeneration. Continue on to the Misico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park where you can walk across a variety of bridges, 6 of which are hanging, for wonderful views of the flora and fauna of this highly diverse forest. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure to relax in the springs, wander around the lush gardens, or simply enjoy the view from your patio. This evening, meet the Mendez Family at their farm for a cultural dining experience. After a brief orientation of the farm, assist the locals with the dinner preparation, while the main course is cooking over a wood-burning stove. Dine with the locals in a rural setting, learning about their life, culture and traditions. Meals: B, D
Day Four: While in the Arenal area, enjoy a full day excursion to Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, a remote “everglades” type wetlands, teeming with different species of flora, fauna and birdlife. Enjoy a boat ride on the Rio Frio, where you’ll have an opportunity to see a plethora of wildlife: snake-birds, heron, comorants, howler, spider and white-faced monkeys, three-toed sloth, basilik lizards (also known as Jesus Christ lizards), turtles and much more. This unique experience showcases the natural beauty of Costa Rica. A typical lunch is provided during the excursion. Meals: B, L
Day Five: After breakfast, travel to the Manuel Antonio area, famous for its national park. En route, relax on a boat trip along the Tarcoles River located near Carara National Rain Forest Park. This adventure combines nature with the breathtaking experience of viewing American crocodiles at near proximities. Home to one of the world’s largest crocodile populations in the wild, some of these “local residents” are up to 15-feet-long! As your boat ride takes you inside the mangrove canals and along the Tarcoles River, you also have the opportunity to spot many different species of birds, including the rare scarlet macaw, amongst the lush foliage. Upon arrival at the hotel in Manuel Antonio, the remainder of the day is at leisure until the included dinner. Meals: B, D
Day Six: Today’s included tour visits nearby Manuel Antonio National Park, the smallest of the parks in Costa Rica but one of the most popular. There is a magic to this park that is hard to explain. Perhaps it’s the
park’s forest, mangroves, lagoons and beach vegetation that supports 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds (with migrants bringing the bird species to some 270) that make it so amazing. Among the inhabitants that can be easily seen are sloths, iguanas, agoutis, armadillos, raccoons, coatimundis
and the adorable squirrel monkey. After the excursion, return to the hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful grounds and amenities. Meal: B
Day Seven: This morning, depart by coach for the short journey to the Nauyaca Waterfalls. Upon arrival, board smaller vehicles for a ride through the beautiful landscape and wonders of the tropical rain forest to the lower falls. Take a dip in the refreshing water at the base of the falls, or simply relax as you take in the sights, sounds and smells of this magical area. Return to the hotel in time for lunch and a final afternoon
at leisure before the farewell dinner. Meals: B, D
Day Eight: After breakfast, your tropical get-away comes to an end as you return to the San José airport for your flight home. Flights should depart after 1:00pm. Fond memories of the beauty of Costa Rica and the warm hospitality of its people are sure to be treasured for a lifetime! Meal: B
Mexico's monarch butterflies
February 4-10, 2022
Price: $1495 pp/double $1995 pp/single
Airfare is additional
Day One: Arrive at Ciudad de Mexico and transfer to hotel Marquis Reforma. Welcome dinner and overnight. (D)
Day Two: Tour of San Angel and Coyoacan, visit to Bazaar del Sabado and Frida’s Museum with lunch at Casa Azul. Return to hotel for dinner. (B L)
Day Three: After breakfast depart for Tlalpujahua, Michoacán and the City of Toluca to visit the Botanical Museum and the Candy Market. Lunch on your own. Arrive at Tlalpujahua by early afternoon and check in at the Mansión San Antonio hotel for happy hour and Michoacán folkloric presentation. Dinner and overnight. (B D)
Day Four: Breakfast at the hotel and then visit the Sanctuary of El Rosario for our first Monarch experience. Lunch at the park and then return to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon. Dinner and overnight. (B L D)
Day Five: Breakfast at the hotel and then depart for the Sierra Chincua Santuary for our second Monarch experience. Lunch at the park and then visit the town of Tlalpujahua to learn about its historical mining industry and its world famous Christmas ornaments sold across the globe. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight. (B L D)
Day Six: Travel back to Mexico City for a city tour of the historical district with visits to the Cathedral, National Palace and the Templo Mayor, Museum Del Tequila and Plaza Garibaldi. Dinner at the Sanborns Restaurant at Casa de los Azulejos. (B D)
Day Seven: Breakfast is included at the hotel. Transfer to the airport and fly home.
baja whales and wine
February 12-19, 2022
February 21-28, 2022
March 7-14, 2022
Price: $1950 pp/double $2250 pp/single
Day One: Arrive in San Diego today. Transfer from the airport or arrive via motorcoach with pickups in Phoenix and Yuma. Join your tour manager this evening for a welcome cocktail and briefing at the hotel.
Day Two: Depart this morning for Northern Baja California, Mexico. Bienvenidos! Welcome to Mexico, crossing the border into Mexico via Tijuana, the world’s busiest land border crossing. Visit Tijuana’s bustling Mercado Hidalgo before continuing on scenic Highway 1 to Ensenada for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, return to Highway 1 traveling south through Northern Baja’s tomato, strawberry, and pepper fields along the way to San Quintín and tonight’s Welcome Dinner. (B, L, D)
Day Three: Continue on Highway 1 to Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur, through the Desierto Central de Baja California with its unique desert vegetation. Stop in Cataviña along the way to take a short walk through this fascinating desert with rock formations and granite boulders to nearby caves to view cave paintings that offer a glimpse into the indigenous human and animal life that once populated the region. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Guerrero Negro, which will serve as base camp for our next days’ whale watching. Dinner this evening at the hotel. (B, L, D)
Day Four: Early this morning depart for Guerrero Negro’s nearby lagoon, Ojo de La Liebre. These lagoons serve as the magnificent Gray whale’s first calving stop on the journey from the Bering Strait. Aboard small, non-intrusive boats captained by local guides, experience an up-close encounter with these gentle and curious giants. Lunch at a local restaurant after today’s excursion before returning to the hotel for a short relaxing time before taking an afternoon excursion to the salt works, the largest evaporative salt production facility in the world. Back to the hotel. Dinner is on your own this evening. (B, L)
Day Five: Mid-morning departure back to Ojo de La Liebre, also known as Scammon’s Lagoon, for the second time to experience this unique opportunity to enjoy close encounters with these magnificent and curious sea creatures. Home to more than just our giant friends, the nearby lagoons are teeming with sea life, such as dolphins, sea lions, and seals, as well as surrounded by giant osprey nests, and frequented by a variety of other migratory birds. Return to town to board the motorcoach, returning north for an overnight in the village of Cataviña. Dinner this evening at the hotel. (B, BOX LUNCH, D)
Day Six: This morning, continue north to the bustling port city of Ensenada. Lunch along the way, arriving this afternoon to your hotel and after checking time permitting join your Tour Manager for an orientation walk of downtown Ensenada. This evening is yours to relax or explore the charming shops, cafes, and taquerias this charming town has to offer. (B, L)
Day Seven: Today after breakfast we will travel to the famous La Bufadora (Blowhole), the world’s 2nd largest marine geyser. After this picture stop continue to the heart of Mexico’s premier wine country, the Guadalupe Valley and its wineries that nowadays rival those of Napa Valley in the USA, here we will visit a locally owned and operated winery. After lunch return to Ensenada. This evening join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
Day Eight: After breakfast, return to the USA crossing through Los Algodones Port of Entry. Next stop will be in Yuma. After an optional lunch, continue on the motorcoach to Phoenix. (B)
Alaska's iditarod
February 27 - March 7, 2022
Price: $4199 pp/double $4958 pp/single
Includes roundtrip airfare
Day One: Fly from Phoenix to Fairbanks, the Golden Heart City and transfer to your hotel. Meet your Tour Manager in the lobby for dining suggestions. This evening an optional journey is available for some Aurora Borealis viewing.
Day Two: A guided city tour of Fairbanks shows you the “Golden Heart City.” Visit the Morris Thompson Cultural Center and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. This afternoon will be at your leisure for optional tours such as dog mushing tours, Arctic Circle flightseeing, as well as many others to choose from. After our included dinner you’ll have another chance to view the Aurora Borealis at a different location. Meals: B, D
Day Three: Today, take the George Parks Highway south to Denali National Park. En route, enjoy an included visit to the town of Nenana, home of the Nenana Ice Classic! Upon arrival into Denali, enjoy an included
visit to the Murie Science and Learning Center which acts as the Denali Visitor’s Center in the wintertime. See the National Park film, Heartbeats of Denali, hear from a local ranger about the park, and even have a chance to snowshoe! A box lunch is included today. Meals: B, Box Lunch
Day Four: After breakfast you are transferred to the Healy Rail Stop to board the world-famous Alaska Railroad, (Adventure Class) for your scenic journey south to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. Keep an eye
out for views of Denali from the north face to south face. Upon arrival in Anchorage you will be transferred to your hotel. Meal: B
Day Five: Today, enjoy a city tour of Anchorage featuring the historic downtown area, Lake Hood where 190+ floatplanes take off and land daily, and Earthquake Park to learn about the 1964 Earthquake. There will
be time for lunch on own today. Later, travel along the scenic Seward Highway and enjoy an included visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where you will have a chance to see Alaska’s Wildlife up close and personal. Tonight, enjoy Iditarod festivities and dinner at the Musher’s Banquet. Meals: B, D
Day Six: This morning, head to Happy Trails Kennel. Here, meet four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser. Hear personal stories and see his dogs while viewing a glimpse of the grandeur Alaska has to offer
along the Iditarod Trail. Later, return to Anchorage with an included stop at the Iditarod Headquarters en route. Meal: B
Day Seven: After breakfast, you head to 4th Avenue to get a great spot at the Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Spend time cheering on mushers from all over the world. Mushers will depart the starting gate every two minutes. Watch each of them depart or take off early and enjoy other Iditarod festivities in Anchorage. This afternoon, visit the Anchorage Museum, a large art, history, ethnography,
ecology, and science museum in the heart of downtown Anchorage. Dinner will be included this evening. Meals: B, D
Day Eight: This morning, depart Anchorage and venture north to Willow for the restart of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Be sure to dress in layers to maximize staying warm as the entire day will be spent outside cheering on your favorite dog teams. En-route, stop at a local grocery store in Wasilla to pick-up on own snack and lunch items. Prepare for a bit of a walk to find the perfect spot along the fence line of the race.
Mushers take off across Willow Lake on their 1,049-mile journey by dog sled to Nome. The Willow Community Center is open and offers a break from the cold with vendors selling food and drink as well as local crafts. Don’t miss out on snacks throughout the day! Your Tour Director will have more information on this edible portion of the program! The departure time from Willow will depend on weather conditions and guests’ comfort level. It is our goal to see as many of the Mushers depart as possible while still arriving back into Anchorage by 6:00/6:30pm. Upon returning to Anchorage it will be time to say goodbye to your local Tour Manager as you are transferred to the Anchorage Airport for your evening flight. Meal: B
Day Nine: Arrive back at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
Memphis and Nashville
May 3-8, 2022
Price: $2325 pp/double $3025 pp/single
Includes roundtrip airfare
Day One: Fly from Phoenix to Memphis. Transfer to the Guesthouse at Graceland. Dinner included at BB Kings on Beale Street this evening. (D)
Day Two: Tour Memphis today, including Sun Records, Stax Museum of American Soul, and the National Civil Rights Museum. This evening is on your own on Beale Street.
Day Three: This morning, tour Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. Then depart for Nashville. Upon arriving, check into the Drury Hotel.
Day Four: Breakfast is included this morning at the hotel. Enjoy a city tour of Nashville, a tour of the Ryman Auditorium and a tour of the National Museum of African American Music.(B)
Day Five: Breakfast in included this morning at the hotel. Tour the Country Music Hall of Fame this morning and reserved seats are included this evening for the Grand Ole Opry. (B)
Day Six: Breakfast is included this morning at the hotel. Transfer to the airport and fly home. (B)
pacific coast adventure
June 12-19, 2022
Price: $3525 pp/double $4600 pp/single
Includes roundtrip airfare
Day One: Today arrive in the Emerald City of Seattle. Meet your Tour Director and transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. This exciting Pacific Coast Adventure will take you from the Pacific Northwest along spectacular parts of the Oregon & California Coasts to the beautiful city of San Francisco. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers. (D)
Day Two: This morning enjoy a Seattle City Tour. Start by visiting the Space Needle where the experience features an elevator ride to the observation deck 520 feet above the city streets. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the iconic tower can feature views of the Cascades, Mt. Rainer, ferries, boats, seaplanes & bustling downtown. The tour continues featuring historic Pioneer Square, the Chittenden Locks & Fish Ladders, the Seattle Center and a stop for great pictures and views of the Space Needle. End your touring at the famous Pike Place Market. Built in 1903, the waterfront market is home of the flying fish & the original Starbuck’s Coffee. Enjoy time to wander, shop & grab a bite to eat. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore this wonderful city at your own pace. (B)
Day Three: This morning travel south & visit the Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center to learn about the May 1980 eruption. Shaken by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, the north face of this tall symmetrical mountain collapsed in a massive rock debris avalanche. This afternoon enjoy a Portland City Tour to see the Columbia River, Washington Park with its famous International Rose Test Garden, Pioneer Courthouse Square and the famous downtown food trucks. Learn how Portland has transformed from small lumber town into a bustling big city with a lively downtown. Later check into your hotel in the Portland area for an overnight stay & evening at leisure. (B)
Day Four: This morning travel through the fertile Willamette Valley, containing beautiful vineyards and home to much of Oregon’s agriculture. Next visit the historic coastal town of Newport, founded in 1866. Continue and explore the magnificent Oregon Coast and visit the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, a unique 40 mile stretch of windswept sand which is the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America with dunes towering up to 500 feet. Continue to Coos Bay and enjoy your evening at leisure. (B)
Day Five: Early this morning travel south along the Oregon Coast to Gold Beach & board your vessel for a Rogue River Jetboat Trip. The half day scenic adventure features abundant wildlife and pristine wilderness along the ‘Historic Mail Boat route’ to the small town of Agness where you will stop for an included lunch. This afternoon your Motorcoach ventures into California. Stop to visit famous Redwood National Park, home to the majestic coast redwood trees, the world’s tallest living things which can grow to 350 feet. Late afternoon arrive in Eureka and drive through Old Town to view several of the famous & beautiful Victorian Homes. Tonight enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers at a popular local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day Six: This morning depart for the Avenue of the Giants. This world-famous scenic drive is a 31-mile portion of old Highway 101 with 51,000+ acres of redwood groves. The Avenue of the Giants is surrounded by Humboldt Redwoods State Park which has the largest remaining stand of virgin redwoods in the world. Continue south and travel into Sonoma County, home to one of California’s great wine regions. Stop for a Sonoma Valley Winery Tour & Tasting experience to sample the local product and learn about wine making. Later cross the majestic Golden Gate Bridge into one of the world’s most amazing cities, San Francisco. Arrive for your two-night stay & an evening at your own pace in the exciting “City by the Bay”. (B)
Day Seven: Today enjoy a San Francisco City Tour to see the Civic Center area, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Union Square, Seal Rocks, Pier 39, Pacific Heights and a stop at Vista Point for spectacular photos of the Golden Gate Bridge. This afternoon enjoy this amazing city at your own pace. Maybe take a cable car ride, enjoy a chowder filled sourdough bread bowl or shop in Union Square. Tonight enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers in San Francisco’s famous Fisherman’s Wharf. (B,D)
Day Eight: Today fly home with wonderful memories of your Pacific Coast Adventure. (B)
cape cod and the islands
July 16-22, 2022
Price: $3145 pp/double $3895 pp/single
Includes roundtrip airfare
Day One: Today fly to the historic city of Boston. Upon arrival meet your Tour Director and transfer to your Boston area hotel for a one night stay. Enjoy a Welcome Drink this evening.
Day Two: This morning enjoy a Boston City Tour featuring Boston Commons, the Old State House, the Old North Church from where Paul Revere got the signal to start his famous ride, the Old South Meeting House, Beacon Hill and Old Ironsides. Visit the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, located in downtown Boston near the waterfront and originally gifted to the city in 1742. Later depart Boston and travel to Plymouth. Visit Plimoth Plantation, an accurate re-creation of the Pilgrim’s 1627 village where costumed interpreters portray colony residents in this living history museum. Then celebrate the journey that brought the pilgrims to the New World as you visit the Mayflower II, the 1620 ship reproduction was recently renovated for the 400th Anniversary of the voyage. Also see famous Plymouth rock, the place where the Pilgrims first stepped ashore after a 66 day trans-Atlantic voyage. Later arrive at your hotel on Cape Cod for a 5-night stay. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening with your fellow travelers. (B,D)
Day Three: This morning enjoy a scenic ferry ride to famous Martha’s Vineyard where little has changed since European settlers arrived early in the 17th century. The island’s resident population includes writers, artists, entertainers and fishermen. Your Martha’s Vineyard tour includes the colorful Victorian cottages of Oak Bluffs, Edgartown with its stately houses built by whaling captains, pristine beaches and colorful yacht harbors. Later return via ferry and back to your hotel. (B)
Day Four: This morning travel along the Cape Cod national seashore, dedicated in 1961 by President JFK, which features forty miles of pristine sandy beaches, marshes, ponds, and uplands supporting diverse species of wildlife dotted with lighthouses, cultural landscapes and wild cranberry bogs. Arrive in Provincetown, located on the tip of Cape Cod which boasts a lively artist community, beautiful beaches, great restaurants and charming shops. Enjoy some leisure time to relax, eat and shop. Later visit a traditional Cranberry Bog and learn about the harvesting of Cape Cod’s famous fruit. Late afternoon return to your Cape Cod hotel. Dinner is included this evening at a popular local restaurant. (B,D)
Day Five: Today visit Newport, Rhode Island, one of New England’s most delightful coastal cities and a long time favorite vacation site of affluent socialites and yachting enthusiasts. Enjoy a Newport City Tour and drive by the Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in America, the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the splendid estates along Bellevue Avenue. Marvel at the extravagant life-style of a bygone era with a guided tour of the Breakers Mansion, the Vanderbilt’s lavishly decorated turn of the century mansion. Then follow “Ten-Mile-Drive” along the magnificent rocky coast which boasts exquisite estates from the early 1900’s. (B)
Day Six: This morning board a ferry and cruise to scenic and historic Nantucket Island featuring a cobblestoned Main Street, unspoiled beaches, sea Captains’ houses and art galleries. Enjoy a visit to the Nantucket whaling Museum including its rooftop observation deck overlooking the harbor and other whaling exhibits all reflections of an island that some 300 years ago was the whaling capital of the world. Enjoy some time at your own pace to shop or explore the yacht filled harbor and waterfront. This afternoon board a ferry and return to your Cape Cod hotel. Tonight’s Farewell Dinner is a traditional New England Lobster Dinner. (B,D)
Day Seven: Today transfer to the Boston airport filled with wonderful memories of your Cape Cod & the Islands Tour. (B)
Canadian Rockies
July 10-15, 2022
Price: $3299 pp/double $4399 pp/single
Includes roundtrip airfare
Day One: Fly from Phoenix to Calgary, Alberta’s cosmopolitan city. Meet your Tour Director and depart for Banff National Park and the charming town of Banff, and check into your hotel a 5-night stay. Nestled in the beautiful Bow Valley, the town of Banff’s main thoroughfare is cut off at one end by a mountainous rock wall and at the other end by a rock garden. Banff is a year round resort town featuring majestic scenery, a lively Main Street of shops and restaurants and an abundance of outdoor activities. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers at a local restaurant in Banff. (D)
Day Two: Today’s Canadian Rockies tour features a panorama of snow-capped mountain peaks, glaciers, waterfalls and canyons, and you should also be on the lookout for moose, deer, big-horn sheep and bear. Visit two of the crown jewels of the Canadian Rockies: Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. First stop to view spectacular Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Then journey through Kicking Horse Pass into Yoho National Park to see the Natural Bridge, the Spiral Tunnels and stunning Emerald Lake, named for its deep green color surrounded by towering peaks. Later free time to explore the grounds of the historic Chateau Lake Louise, located within a UNESCO World Heritage site offering spectacular views of Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier. Enjoy a dinner this evening at the magnificent Chateau Lake Louise. (B,D)
Day Three: Today enjoy a Banff Area Tour featuring the Banff Springs Hotel, Mt. Rundle, Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain and the Hoodoos, also referred to as the “Land of Sleeping Giants”. This afternoon is at leisure to
explore the town of Banff on your own, shop or visit the incredible Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. An optional tour will be available this afternoon featuring a Lake Minnewanka Cruise & the Sulphur Mountain Gondola.
(B)
Day Four: After breakfast, set off along the Icefields Parkway, which winds its way through Alberta’s Banff and Jasper National Parks and offers more than 600 glaciers, six icefields and snowcapped mountains featuring jaw-dropping views of spectacular rocky peaks, waterfalls and snowfields around every turn. First Scale Bow Pass with a stop to see turquoise blue Peyto Lake. Continue along the Icefields Parkway, watch
for wildlife including bears, moose, elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Next take a memorable ride across the surface of the 1,000 foot-thick Athabasca Glacier on an Ice Explorer, a specially designed glacial
vehicle, for a close look at the glacier’s geological features, another highlight of your tour & adventure. On the way back to Banff we retrace our route along the Icefields Parkway keeping an eye out for more wildlife
and an opportunity to appreciate the region’s spectacular scenery from several perspectives. The rest of the evening is at leisure in Banff. (B)
Day Five: Today is yours to explore Banff National Park as you please. You may wish to check out the village of Banff with its spectacular scenery and trendy shops and boutiques. There are also many optional activities to choose from in Banff National Park itself. Take a nature walk, go horseback riding, canoeing on the Bow River or play a round of golf at your world-famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. An optional tour is available to the cosmopolitan city of Calgary including a Calgary city tour featuring a visit to the Calgary Tower offering a panorama view of the city and Rocky Mountains. See Stampede Park, the Saddle Dome, Canada Olympic Park, one of the main sites of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. Later visit Heritage Park Historical Village, one of the Calgary’s most visited attractions. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant in Banff. (B,D)
Day Six: Today transfer to Calgary and fly home filled with wonderful memories of your Majestic Canadian Rockies Adventure. (B)
yellowstone and grand tetons
August 21-28, 2022
Price: $2599 pp/double $2999 pp/single
Airfare is additional
Day One: Arrive at the Salt Lake Airport and transfer to the hotel on own by hotel shuttle. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own. Lodging – Springhill Suites by Marriott, Salt Lake City, UT (or similar)
Day Two: Learn about the unique geology and history of Northern Utah, Southeastern Idaho and Western Wyoming on the way to Jackson, WY. Explore the Gros Ventre Slide area and historic Jackson. Dinner tonight will be at one of the fantastic local restaurants in Jackson. Lodging – Elk County Inn, Jackson, WY
Meals: B,L,D
Day Three: Enter Grand Teton National Park and start your day with wildlife and photography opportunities at Schwabacher’s Landing and Mormon Row. Arrive Jenny Lake for a boat tour and hiking to Hidden Falls and
Inspiration Point. Next head north to Jackson Lake and Coulter Bay for an afternoon of more hiking and wildlife watching. Return to Jackson for a relaxing evening in town.
Lodging – Elk Country Inn, Jackson, WY Meals: B,L
Day Four: Drive north through Grand Teton to Yellowstone National Park and explore the West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Then travel over Dunraven Pass and make your way to the Lamar Valley for evening wildlife viewing. Continue along the Scenic Beartooth Hwy to the wonderful small town of Cooke City for overnight. Lodging – Grizzly Lodge, Cooke City, MT Meals: B,L
Day Five: Return to the Lamar Valley for morning wildlife viewing. Then visit Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Geyser Basin for hiking and exploring before traveling through the Madison River Valley to West Yellowstone. Evening free on own. Lodging – Kelly Inn, West Yellowstone, MT Meals: B, L
Day Six: Today you will focus on the Geyser Basins, explore Fountain Paint Pots, Old Faithful and the Old Faithful Lodge for Lunch. Afterwards explore Grand Prismatic Spring, Firehole Geyser Basin, Black Sand Basin, and other areas. There will be some great hikes and multiple opportunities to enjoy watching the wildlife within the park. Lodging – Kelly Inn, West Yellowstone, MT Meals: B, L
Day Seven: This morning will be spent exploring just outside of Yellowstone NP in Island Park with stops at Big Springs and Mesa Falls. Continue south through the potato fields of Idaho and then along the shore of the Great Salt Lake. You will return to Salt Lake City by 6:00 pm. Lodging – Springhill Suites by Marriott, Salt Lake City, UT (or similar) Meals: B, L
Day Eight: Transfer to the Salt Lake Airport on own by hotel shuttle for your departure flight home.
Meals: B
culinary journey through tuscany italy
November 15-23, 2022
Price: $4499 pp/double $5149 pp/single
Includes roundtrip airfare
Day 1: Board your overnight flight to Europe.
DAY 2: Arrive in Florence, meet your Tour Director and transfer to your Tuscan Hotel in Chianti for a seven night stay. The Chianti Region is filled with wonderful vineyards and charming hill top towns. This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner of Tuscan favorites and locally produced wine with your fellow travelers. (D)
DAY 3: After breakfast travel through the surrounding hilly landscape, dotted with olive groves, cypresses, vineyards and palaces. Arrive at a lovely Tuscan Estate, where you will be greeted with a welcome drink. Next enjoy a truffle hunt with access to a protected area on the property. Following this Truffle Hunt, enjoy delicious tastings of oil and truffle butter bruschetta, salami, pecorino and wines from the estate. Later this afternoon, we travel to Florence where a local expert guide awaits you for a walking tour of Florence. Visit to
the Accadamia Gallery & Museum to see Michelangelo’s magnificent Statue of David, an awesome sight. See the Cathedral to see Giotto’s Belltower and Baptistry with its impressive ‘Gates of Paradise’. These buildings
demonstrate the traditions of Florentine art and architecture from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Also see the open-air museum of Piazza Della Signoria & Santa Croce, which houses the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo. The insightful walking tour includes a stroll across the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge.
Dinner is included tonight at a local restaurant in Florence. Return to your hotel in Chianti. (B,D)
DAY 4: Today enjoy an Organic Cooking & Pasta Making Class and lunch at Castello di Vicchiomaggi, located at the top of a hill overlooking the valley of Greve in Chianti. You will be greeted with a welcome drink
to enjoy while the chef discusses the class and food to be made and his recipes. The restaurant staff will assist you with putting on your aprons and chef hats and let the cooking fun begin! At the end of the cooking
class you will get to eat and enjoy what you have prepared for lunch. Later this afternoon continue to Volpaia Castle for a Wine Tour & Tasting. The winery is organically farmed for producing extra virgin olive oil, vinegar
and Chianti Classico Wine. Enjoy tastings of Vin Santo (holy wine) and Cantucci (Biscotti). Dinner is included this evening. (B,L,D)
DAY 5: Travel to the incredibly picturesque Val d’Orcia Region filled with ancient villages, gorgeous
farmhouses, isolated homesteads, roads lined with cypress trees, fabulous vineyards and olive groves. Stop in Pienza, a lovely medieval town overlooking the Tuscan hills to visit a local cheese producer for a delicious typical Pecorino Cheese tasting. Continue to a traditional farmhouse in Montalcino, where you will enjoy a multi sensory experience of music and wine! Four wines will be matched with music tracks selected by a
local Sommelier. You will have time for lunch on your own in Montalcino before continuing onto
beautiful Siena, where a local guide awaits you for a walking tour in the Old Town. The highlight is the
Piazza del Campo, the seashell-shaped square on which the famous horse-race, the Palio, takes place
each year. Later, just outside Siena, we will visit a local Tuscan farmhouse with an opportunity to
meet the owner and enjoy dinner featuring typical Tuscany dishes paired with their local wines. (B,D)
DAY 6: Today we travel to San Gimignano, the epitome of a Tuscan hill town, where nobles built more
splendid towers to outdo one another and indulge in their need for status. The medieval structures
of this city have largely remained intact and San Gimignano, with its large number of art treasures,
is truly considered an open-air museum. Next enjoy a delicious gelato ice cream in one of the
oldest gelateria in Italy that produces unique flavors of gelato which are famous world-wide. Taste the
saffron & pine nuts flavored gelato, a registered trademark. Continue to Volterra, another ancient
and beautiful hilltop Italian city. Enjoy free time in Volterra and lunch at a family-run farmhouse that
specializes in saffron production. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening. (B,L,D)
DAY 7: Today is at your leisure to relax at the hotel, enjoy the spa or explore on your own. An optional tour will be available today. Dinner is included at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)
Day 8: Begin your morning with a hearty breakfast and journey to Lake Trasimeno located in the Umbria Region of Tuscany. The heartshaped Lake Trasimeno is surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves, woods of oak and cypress trees, vineyards and sunflower fields that frame castle-topped medieval towns and villages. Free time to explore and walk around the medieval town of Tuoro, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Next enjoy a boat cruise to the Island Maggiore, where we will have lunch at a traditional restaurant located on the lake. Tonight a special Farewell Dinner is planned. (B,L,D)
DAY 9: Today transfer to Florence for your flight home with wonderful memories of your Culinary Journey Through Tuscany. (B)