Texas, Rio Grande & New Orleans Tour
February 16-March 6, 2010 ~ 16 Days
$2090-Dbl; $2070-Tpl; $2050-Qd; $2810-Sgl

Tour Code-txfb19  Deposit Amt-$200  Final Due by-12/23/09

PRICE INCLUDES
Motorcoach Transportation ~ Hotel Accommodations ~ Fully Escorted ~ Baggage Handling ~ Kansas City, MO ~ Springfield, MO ~ Branson, MO ~ Branson Show and Meal ~ Memphis, TN ~ Graceland ~ Beale Street ~ New Orleans, LA (2 nights) ~ New Orleans - Guided Tour ~ Paddlewheel River Cruise with lunch ~ French Quarter ~ Port Arthur, TX ~ Houston, TX ~ Houston Space Center ~ Corpus Christi, TX ~ U.S.S. Lexington ~ Texas State Aquarium ~ Texas King Ranch ~ Iwo Jima Memorial ~ McAllen, TX (Embassy Suites-4 nights) ~ Rio Grande Valley ~ Corpus Christi, TX ~ South Padre Island ~ McAllen International Bridge ~ Progresso, Mexico ~ San Antonio, TX (2 nights) ~ Rivercenter - IMAX “ALAMO... the Price of Freedom” ~ the Alamo ~ Riverwalk ~ San Antonio - Guided Tour: San Fernando Cathedral ~ SAS Store ~ Buckhorn Saloon & Museum ~ Austin, TX ~ LBJ Library and Museum ~ Dallas, TX ~ School Book and Depository Building ~ John F. Kennedy Plaza ~ Lincoln, NE ~ 15 Continental Breakfasts ~ 1 Lunch ~ 2 Dinners

Fri., Feb. 19: Kansas City, MO
We begin our journey to a place that has grown in popularity for Midwestern people who are looking for relief from our winters. Join us on this tour, seeking sunshine as we head for New Orleans, the Texas Coast, and the Rio Grande Valley. We will make the usual comfort stops along the route. Our first overnight will be in the Kansas City, MO, area.

Sat., Feb. 20: Branson, MO (CB, D)
Today we travel south with a stop in Springfield, Missouri and continue into Branson, Missouri. After an included meal, we will enjoy an evening show - Grand Jubilee - in the “Entertainment Capitol of the World.” This is a fun, energetic show you are sure to enjoy.

Sun., Feb. 21: Memphis, TN (CB)
Heading further south we continue our journey to escape the winter chill. We cross a corner of Arkansas and into Tennessee, with Memphis as our overnight destination. We will tour the legendary Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, to see the exuberant life-style of the "King of Rock 'n Roll." Visit Beale Street, where the "Blues" were born, which is a seven-block entertainment district, where you can enjoy a meal at one of their many fine restaurants.

Mon., Feb. 22: New Orleans, LA (CB)
This morning we depart Memphis for New Orleans, LA. If you are interested in history, fine foods, and great architecture, New Orleans has it all. Upon arrival we check into our lodging for a two-night stay, and then spend some time on Bourbon Street. 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 the pathways of romantic history.

Tues., Feb. 23: New Orleans, LA (CB, L)
We will hear the inside story about New Orleans today with our local step-on-guide. When we think of New Orleans, Creoles and Cajuns, the French Quarter, incomparable jazz, and fine dining, come to mind. We will enjoy a Paddlewheel River Cruise, with an included lunch, on the Mississippi. This evening you can spend some more time in the French Quarter before calling it a day.

Wed., Feb. 24: Houston, TX (CB)
Departing New Orleans, we travel by Port Arthur, Texas, the first large oil refinery community that we will pass. Along the route to Houston, Texas, we will tour the Houston Space Center, near Clear Lake City, Texas.

Thurs., Feb. 25: Corpus Christi, TX (CB)
From Houston we go to Corpus Christi, TX, located off the Gulf coast. We will visit the U.S.S. Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium today.

Fri., Feb. 26: McAllen, TX (CB)
This morning we leave Corpus Christi and continue traveling south making our way to McAllen, TX, and the Rio Grande Valley, one of the fastest growing communities in Texas. Stops along the way include the Texas King Ranch, a National Historic Landmark and recognized as the birthplace of the American ranching industry, and the Iwo Jima Memorial. McAllen is our home for the next four nights of relaxing and fun-filled days. We will surely enjoy the daily breakfasts, free drinks, refrigerators in our rooms, pool, and exercise room at the Embassy Suites.

Sat.-Mon., Feb. 27-March 1: McAllen, TX (3 CB)
This is a winter resort area surrounded by orange and grapefruit groves and irrigated vegetables and cotton fields. McAllen is also a favorite crossing place for excursions into Mexico. There is a world of things to see and do in this "City of Palms." The climate averages around 74 degrees. Side trips will be planned to different attractions in the area during our stay. A visit to South Padre Island, a long favored vacation spot, only a half mile wide. It now relies on tourism and deep sea fishing for its economic base. You may want to pick fruit one day. One morning we will travel to the Mexican border so that you can walk the McAllen International Bridge to Progresso, Mexico (PASSPORT needed for border crossing). While there you will have time to barter for items only found in Mexico.

Tues., March 2: San Antonio, TX (CB)
We continue on to historic San Antonio. There will be a lunch stop on our way to the Rivercenter in downtown San Antonio. At the Rivercenter attend the IMAX Theatre’s presentation of “ALAMO... The Price of Freedom,” which brings us into the historic thirteen-day battle by 189 Texian and Tejano defenders as they fight for Texas’ independence. After the IMAX we will visit the site of the Alamo. You will have free time on the Riverwalk for shopping and a boat ride (cost not included in this tour) on the Paseo Del Rio after we check into our lodging for two nights on this famous 21 block district.

Wed., March 3: San Antonio, TX (CB)
A local step-on-guide will take us on a fascinating and fun San Antonio city tour, including the San Fernando Cathedral and more. Then visit the SAS (San Antonio Shoes), with time to buy a pair at a reduced rate, and the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum which is five museums in one - Horns, Fins, Feathers, The Hall of Texas History Wax Museum, and regular special exhibits.

Thurs., March 4: Dallas, TX (CB)
Departing San Antonio this morning, we are headed for Austin, to see the capitol building of Texas. This massive, classic, state house made of famous Texas pink granite, sits on 46 acres of immaculate landscaped grounds that are covered with stately shade trees and flower gardens. We will also spend some time at the LBJ Library and Museum. Then on to Dallas, where upon arrival we will tour the School Book and Depository Building and the John F. Kennedy Plaza, before going to our hotel.

Fri., March 5: Lincoln, NE (CB, D)
We continue our homeward trek , crossing the rest of Texas and then into Kansas and its largest city, Wichita. This is a city of tall buildings, wide streets, and major marketing point of agricultural products. Then on to the Lincoln, NE, for the night. We will enjoy a delicious Farewell Meal this evening in the area.

Sat., March 6: Home (CB)
Today we continue north with, the terrain looking more and more familiar. We will return this afternoon after a great trip to Texas and New Orleans.

~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.