Gulf Coast & New Orleans Tour
March 6-18, 2010
$1699-Double; $1679-Triple; $1659-Quad; $2199-Single Occ.

Tour Code-gcmr06  Deposit Amt-$200    Final Due by-1/20/10

PRICE INCLUDES
Motorcoach Transportation ~ Hotel Accommodations ~ Fully Escorted ~ Baggage Handling ~ Oglesby, IL ~ Nashville, TN ~ Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theatre - Show & Dinner ~ Montgomery, AL ~ Gulf Coast ~ Mobile, AL ~ Mardi Gras Meal ~ Battleship U.S.S. Alabama ~ Pensacola, FL (3 nights) ~ National Naval Aviation Museum - Tour ~ Mobile, AL ~ Bellingrath Gardens & Home ~ Biloxi, MS (1 night at a casino hotel) ~ Gulf of Mexico ~ Historic Tour - “the Shrimp Train” ~ New Orleans, LA (2 nights) ~ Guided City Tour ~ Steamboat Natchez Lunch Cruise on Mississippi ~ French Quarter ~ Bourbon Street ~ Jackson Square ~ Vicksburg, MS ~ Vicksburg National Military Park, Cemetery, and Visitor’s Center ~ Little Rock, AR ~ Branson, MO ~ Dinner ~ Show (t.b.a.) ~ Bass Pro Shop ~ Des Moines, IA ~ 12 Continental Breakfasts ~ 1 Lunch ~ 3 Dinners

Sat., March 6: Oglesby, IL
With a chill still in the air, we are anxious to begin our travels southward to experience the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, and into Cajun Country and the Natchez area. Our first night is in Oglesby, IL.

Sun., March 7: Nashville, TN (CB, D)
We make comfort and meal stops as we travel through Illinois and Kentucky to Nashville, TN. Tonight we will enjoy dinner and a show at the Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theatre.

Mon., March 8: Mobile, AL (CB, D)
Day three takes us to Montgomery, AL, located in central Alabama, for a quick stop. Then we continue on to the Gulf Coast. Our destination is Mobile, AL. Enjoy the southern charm of this area. Mobile is the city where Mardi Gras began, is a historic city, and is Alabama’s only seaport. To experience the flavor of Mardi Gras, we get together tonight for a Mardi Gras Meal, complete with all the southern fixins’.

Tues., March 9: Pensacola, FL (CB)
This morning we will visit the Battleship U.S.S. Alabama, where you can explore the ship at your own pace, learning about its missions and history. Then depart for a short drive to Pensacola, FL. Enjoy a three-night stay here in this city, which is also located on the Gulf Coast. Pensacola is known to have some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches.

Wed., March 10: Pensacola, FL (CB)
A tour of the renown National Naval Aviation Museum here is included. A spectacular collection of artifacts representing the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviation, plus over 150 beautifully restored aircraft are featured here. Enjoy the remainder of the day to experience the area, taking in the shops, walking along the beach, or just relaxing at our hotel.

Thurs., March 11: Pensacola, FL (CB)
We’re giving you a free day today to enjoy the beach, try your luck at an area casino, take in a round of golf, and more. With 52 miles of white sandy beaches, you will really enjoy this city, and the view!

Fri., March 12: Biloxi, MS (CB)
Our journey today takes us from Pensacola, FL, to Mobile, AL. While here we will spend time at the Bellingrath Gardens and Home with its Spring flowers in bloom. Stroll through this 65-acre estate and English Renaissance-style home. Azeleas paint the landscape in vivid hues and transform the garden into a floral wonderland. Inside the house you will find Mrs. Bellingrath’s collection of dolls, china, and furniture. After the tour a short drive takes us to Biloxi, MS, which is also located off the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. We will board Biloxi’s original historic tour - “the Shrimp Train” that will take us on a historical journey of one of the oldest towns in America. The afternoon is yours to enjoy on your own. Enjoy the amenities and the surrounding area of our casino hotel here in Biloxi, MS.

Sat., March 13: New Orleans, LA (CB)
New Orleans, LA, here we come! Upon arrival we will check into our hotel for a two-night stay. A locally guided city tour will help us familiarize ourselves with the area, as well as learn more about the history of the Cajun culture and changes of this unique city, while seeing the local sites, cemeteries, and the Garden District. New Orleans is a place like no other in the United States, and is where you can find history, fine foods, and great architecture.

Sun., March 14: New Orleans, LA (CB, L)
Today we board the Steamboat Natchez for a Lunch Cruise along the Mississippi River while enjoying the beauty and romance of this city with breathtaking views of the city from the indoor and outdoor seating. There is time on your own at the French Quarter and Bourbon Street later this afternoon. Not far from Bourbon Street is Jackson Square, where General Jackson sits forever on his bronze horse. Beyond Jackson Square the narrow old streets and alleys wander away into pathways of romantic history. Be sure to try a delectable beignet (pronounced “ben-yay”) while in town. The remainder of the day is free to explore New Orleans on your own.

Mon., March 15: Little Rock, AR (CB)
Departing New Orleans we make our way to Vicksburg, MS. While here we take a tour of the Vicksburg National Military Park, Cemetery, and Visitor’s Center. This is a self-guided 16-mile tour that parallels Union and Confederate siege lines. Then on to Little Rock, AR.

Tues., March 16: Branson, MO (CB, D)
Branson, MO, is our destination today. We arrive around lunch time. Enjoy an included dinner before our show (t.b.a.) this evening. Branson is located in the Ozarks and is full of fantastic shows, shops, restaurants, and more.

Wed., March 17: Des Moines, IA (CB)
Our travels take us to Des Moines, IA, today. Along the way we’ll stop at Bass Pro Shop in Springfield, IL. Tonight in Des Moines, we sit back and relax while remembering our last few days enjoying the Gulf Coast area.

Thurs., March 18: Home (CB)
We make our way home today after exploring the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Comfort and meal stops will be made along the way, arriving home this afternoon. Thank you for traveling with Utopia Tours.


~Deposit is due within 5 days of sign-up to hold reservation. Coupons / discounts are to be taken off of the final or full payment, not the deposit.
~FINAL INFORMATION: Will be sent approx. 10 days prior including hotel list, time/place of departure.
~Optional trip cancellation/interruption insurance is available. Brochures available for more information.
TOUR INCLUDES: See “Price Includes” Section. All sightseeing admissions, transportation, transfers, guide fees, tour director services, events included in tour itinerary, lodging, baggage handling (for one piece of luggage per person), taxes, tips for services included in tour, meals mentioned in "Price Includes" section of itinerary. NOT INCLUDED: Tips for meals or services not included in tour price; also, gratuities to Tour Director and Driver are customary.
PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF locations follow the route of the tour to maintain a flowing schedule. On tours 6 days or longer, shuttling may be available from various locations, with minimum number of passengers. Some shuttles may require an overnight stay. Fees may apply for shuttle service /hotel accommodations.

General Tour Information
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: Receive a 100% refund when canceling, for any reason, up to final payment due date. After final payment due date (listed on individual brochure) and up to 7 business days prior to departure receive 75%, less non-recoverable fees; this is for medical reasons only, need note from doctor. (Travel companions are also covered) Tour cost is non-refundable 7 business days prior to departure. There are no refunds on the air or cruise portion of the tour after 61 days prior to departure. No refund to no shows and for non-covered cancellations. If client cancels reservation, any refund processed by credit card will be less a 3% processing fee. Call us for information on Optional Insurance. The purchase of optional trip cancellation or interruption insurance is highly recommended. Optional insurance can be purchased up to 72 hours prior to departure. Certain deadlines apply for waiving pre-existing medical exclusion. Optional Insurance premium is non-refundable. See Coverage Policy Sheet for more details. FUEL SURCHARGE: Utopia Tours reserves the right to add a fuel surcharge to the cost of the tour. Notice will be given prior to departure. AIRFARE INCLUDED: The availability of airline seats may be limited from each departure city. Utopia Tours reserves the right to provide ground transportation to or from a larger or alternate airport. PERSONALLY ESCORTED: A congenial and trained tour director will handle every detail, attend to the comfort and pleasure of each individual and provide expert guidance throughout the tour.  LUGGAGE: Provision is made for handling one piece of luggage per person. You may also take another travel bag to be handled by yourself.  SEATING ARRANGEMENTS: No seats are reserved on our motorcoach tour except the seat behind the driver which is reserved for the Tour Director. A seat rotation procedure will be followed.  IDENTIFICATION: For tour members entering Canada or foreign ports, passports are required starting 6/1/09. UTOPIA TOURS reserves the right to make changes or alterations in the printed itinerary, dates, routings, or included features prior to or during the tour as may be necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the tour without prior notice and assumes no responsibility for delays and/or expenses due to such modification. SMOKING: No smoking is allowed on the motorcoach. RESPONSIBILITY: Utopia Tours is not responsible for any loss or damage of personal property or for injuries, expenses or damages whatsoever incurred or claimed by any tour member.