| Francis Custom Tours |
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| Springtime in Georgia and Florida April 11-20, 2010 Day 1 Travel to the Chattanooga, Tennessee area. Day 2 Today we’ll travel to Atlanta and visit the Atlanta Cyclorama. The Cyclorama features the world’s largest oil painting and is one of only three surviving 3D circular dioramas of its kind. We’ll experience the Battle of Atlanta in this very unique theater setting. Next we’re off to the World of Coca-Cola Museum. In this museum you’ll be able to browse through more than 100 years of Coke memorabilia. You can also taste over forty different Coke products from around the world. Just next door we will visit the Georgia Aquarium. This state of the art facility is home to more than 50,000 animals representing 500 species from around the world. Day 3 Before we leave the Atlanta area, we’ll have a Behind the Scenes CNN Tour at CNN’s global headquarters. We’ll have a chance to gaze out over the overlook into the main CNN newsroom and to see your favorite anchors at work. After our tour it will be time to travel on to St. Augustine, Florida for a two night stay. Day 4 We’ll spend today touring historic St. Augustine. A trolley will take you around to many interesting landmarks in our nation’s oldest city. Some of the landmarks include: Fountain of Youth, Lightner Museum, Castillo de San Marcus, Flagler College, St. George Street, Florida Heritage Museum, the Old Jail, the oldest house, and much more!! Day 5 Today we’ll make the short trip down to Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. You’ll have an opportunity to see an amazing show at their IMAX Theater and tour this awesome facility on their motorcoaches with an informative guide that will tell you all about NASA and the Space Center. We will travel to the Orlando area for our overnight stay. Day 6 We’ll make our way across the state today for a two night stay on Fort Myers Beach. Before arriving at our hotel, we’ll tour the winter homes of inventor Thomas Edison and entrepreneur Henry Ford. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates are a great way to experience Southwest Florida history and tropical Old Florida Charm. It’s then on to our wonderful beachfront hotel. Day 7 Today we’ll have a unique experience as we take an airboat swamp tour through the Everglades. As we make our way through this truly unique eco-system, we’ll get to see many varieties of birds and, of course, alligators in their native habitat. Back on solid ground, we’ll be a part of an interactive reptile demonstration offering an opportunity to see (and hold!) some of the Everglades’ most famous inhabitants. Day 8 Our journey today takes us to Sarasota where we will visit the John and Mabel Ringling Estate. You will be able to visit their winter home, Ca d’Zan, which is patterned after Doge’s Palace in Venice, Italy. The Museum of Art has an amazing array of artwork that the Ringling’s collected from all over the world. Then, changing buildings, you’re at the Museum of the Circus where you will see a collection of circus wagons, calliopes, costumes, handbells, and posters covering the history of the circus from Roman times to the present. After this wonderful tour, we will make our way to Ocala for our overnight. Days 9 and 10 We’ll head toward home with a stop in Mobile, Alabama for an overnight stay. Price includes: Motorcoach transportation, hotels, luggage handling (1), all breakfasts, 10 lunches or dinners, and tours and attractions as listed. Price per person based on: Deposit $50 Due: January 15, 2010 Single $2400 Final payment Due: March 11, 2010 Double $1870 Triple $1700 Quad $1670 |
| San Antonio Spring Fiesta April 21 – 25, 2010 This Fiesta has been voted #1 of places to visit in the U.S. for 2010 Day 1 Drive to Waco, Texas. Day 2 Today will take us into San Antonio for Fiesta Week. We are only staying a couple of days. This Fiesta began as a salute to the Heroes of the Alamo and San Antonio. It is a Fun-filled, multi-cultural, family oriented celebration. Lunch will be at Mi Tierra Cafe next to the Mexican market. After Browsing time at the market, we will make our way to La Quinta Inn for a 2-night stay. This hotel is across the street from the San Antonio Mall so when you have a few minutes, you can always skip to the mall. Tonight we will attend the first Fiesta event. The high school bands compete for Festival honors and they all perform together at the close of the show. And then it’s fireworks to conclude the night’s activities. Day 3 We can start with a leisure morning or tour the Alamo before today’s main event – the Battle of Flowers Parade. We will have reserved seats for the parade near the Alamo. After the Parade we will have a short rest time before going to the German Festival. Here we’ll enjoy food, music, dancing, and storytelling. Day 4 This morning you can experience a boat tour of the Riverwalk and then we’ll be off to the SAS Outlet. After lunch we’ll begin our journey home. Day 5 Travel home. Price per person based on: Price includes: Deposit $50 per person due: Single $900 Motorcoach transportation, hotels, Double $750 taxes, baggage, Handling (1 bag), all February 1, 2010 Triple $710 Attractions listed, reserved seats Quad $680 for parade and the band spectacular, Final Due: March 15, 2010 5 lunches or dinners,& 4 breakfasts. |
| Coastal Adventure in Virginia and Maryland featuring The International Azalea Festival & Tattoo April 28 - May 8, 2010 Days 1 & 2 We travel to Virginia. Day 3 Today we travel for a short time and will be in Jamestown for a guided tour of the Jamestown Settlement. The Beginning, The Survivors, The Nation! Every American should stand here at least once! May 14, 1607 - Four hundred years ago 104 English men and boys landed on Jamestown Island. Jamestown Settlement commemorates the first permanent English settlement in the New World. It features full size replicas of the three ships that arrived in 1607, as nearly reconstructed as possible to show the size and hardships the hardy settlers had to face. The reconstructed Jamestown Fort is unique and seems to come to life with the costumed interpreters present to perform 17th century activities. We leave Jamestown and make our way to Virginia Beach, Virginia for a 3 night stay. After dinner we will view the International Tattoo. It’s a spectacle of military splendor - part parade, part theater and sometimes, part circus. The tattoo features bands and forms of drill display, regimental bands, drums and pipes, massed bugle ensembles and fireworks to delight all ages! Day 4 Today we arrive in Norfolk for our reserved seats to view the International Azalea Festival Parade. The grand parade features Queen Azalea, international floats, marching bands, and much more. After the parade enjoy your lunch on your own at NATOfest. NATOfest will be at Town Point Park, just a short distance from the Parade viewing bleachers. After the floats, bands and Queen pass by, don’t miss the opportunity to “Explore 26 Countries in a Day”. Food, culture, entertainment and special attractions are just a few of the things in store for you at NATOfest. After lunch we tour the Nauticus, an exciting science and technology center exploring the power of the sea. You can also visit the Battleship USS Wisconsin, one of the largest battleships ever built. Next, we’re off to the Douglas MacArthur Memorial. An “army brat” with no hometown, this war hero designated this Navy town as the site for a monument for himself because it was his mother’s birthplace. Off to dinner we go, where you will have a choice that includes She-Crab Soup. Day 5 We begin today with a tour of the Norfolk Naval Station. This is home port to more than 80 ships of the Atlantic Fleet, and the world’s largest naval installation. Narrated guided bus tours pass by Atlantic Fleet training centers, aircraft carriers, cruisers and destroyers, amphibious assault vessels and sleek submarines. Next, we’ re off to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. We will take a self guided tour of the gardens. The 155 acre garden has one of the largest collections of azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons on the East Coast. Catch sight of the bird sanctuary where over 90 species have been seen frequently. We leave the gardens and stop at the Cape Henry Lighthouse which guards the entrance to Chesapeake Bay. Then we travel back to our hotel for the rest of the day. You may sit on your balcony, sleep, eat, shop, etc. Day 6 We leave Virginia today via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel for our first exciting day in Maryland. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is a four lane 20 mile long vehicular toll crossing of the lower Chesapeake Bay. We arrive in Berlin, Maryland and enjoy lunch on your own. After lunch we will depart with our guide for a driving tour of historic Berlin. This charming historic town, the film location of the movie The Runaway Bride, has its downtown listed on the National Register of Historic Places and represents nearly two centuries of architectural heritage. Berlin’s beautiful tree lined streets, Victorian town center, museum and historic homes captivate those who visit. We will visit Assateagne Island, a windswept and beautiful barrier island and hope to catch a glimpse of the wild ponies that make this island home. Then we continue on to Salisbury where we will tour the World Museum of Wildfowl Art. The most comprehensive collection of wildfowl carving in the world invites you to explore this unique, indigenous North American art from antique working decoys to internationally acclaimed contemporary sculpture and painting. We will overnight in Cambridge, Maryland. Day 7 We begin with a driving tour of Cambridge including:Annie Oakley’s House, which is currently a private residence. Historic High Street - Here along a brick lined street, one can find the homes and public buildings important to those who pioneered this community. Christ Church, with its spectacular stained glass windows, its graveyard, and the historic County Courthouse are the beginning of a walk through history that leads to the waterfront and the Choptak River. We will then tour Oxford, one of the oldest towns in Maryland. In 1694, Oxford was one of only two ports of entry selected for the entire Maryland province. We will then depart by ferry (weather permitting) for Saint Michael’s. We will have free time to shop and explore in Saint Michael’s, “The Town That Fooled the British.” You’ll find charming antique shops, galleries and superb restaurants. We then board the Patriot Cruise Boat for a tour of the Miles River, a beautiful arm of the Chesapeake Bay. We will learn about the history of Talbot County with our historical narration, view of historic homes, waterfowl and the fishermen who harvest blue crab, clams and oysters. Next we take a guided tour of the Chesapeake Maritime Museum, which traces the history of the bay and its traditions in boat building, commercial fishing, yachting, water fowling and navigation. |
| MURRY'S DINNER PLAYHOUSE Matinee May 5, 2010 "Christmas Belles" - The sequel to last year's "Dearly Beloved" brings the Futrell sisters back in a new comedy. A church Christmas program spins hilariously out of control in this Southern farce about squabbling sisters, family secrets, a surly Santa, a vengeful sheep and a reluctant Elvis impersonator. $75 per person - Due at sign up. |
| Savannah and Charleston May 10-17, 2010 Day 1 Travel day. Day 2 Travel to Savannah, GA for a 3 night stay. Tonight our dinner will be at Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House. Mrs. Wilkes started her career in 1943 and has become a fixture in historic downtown. We’ll enjoy a wonderful southern, home-style meal served family style. Day 3This morning we will tour the Savannah Historic District. The tour begins at the Savannah Visitors Center and History Museum. At this restored 100 year old train station, we will get an overview of the city of Savannah. Our tour will take us through 2.2 square miles of the historic district, which was laid out by James Oglethorpe in 1733. We will visit the Owens Thomas House built in 1816 that is considered one of the finest examples of Regency-style architecture in the nation. After lunch we will explore the Savannah Lowcountry. We will board a boat at the Bull River Marina and enjoy a river cruise through the salt marshes down to the barrier islands. Along this narrated cruise, you’ll enjoy and learn about marshland and tidal river ecology. Before heading back to the hotel for a rest, we’ll stop by the Byrd Cookie Factory for a sample and some shopping. Dinner tonight will be at the Lady and Sons Restaurant. Paula Deen and her family have made their restaurant a wonderful experience of Southern hospitality and good home cooking. After dinner we’ll be treated to some entertainment at the Savannah Theater. Day 4 Today we’ll tour Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island. Jekyll Island has a very elite history. The Jekyll Island Club was a winter retreat for the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Astors, just to name a few. We will board a tram for a tour of the 240 acre Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District. Lunch today will be at the Jekyll Island Club in the Grand Dining Room. After lunch our tour continues on to St. Simons Island. We will visit the beautiful Christ Church built in 1736 and the St. Simons Lighthouse as we make our way around the island. Day 5 Today we travel on to Charleston, South Carolina for a two night stay. Our first stop will be at the Charleston Tea Plantation. You’ll be at America’s Only Tea Garden. We’ll observe the process of making tea in the factory and have a narrated bus tour through the farm. Then it’s on the city of Charleston, a Southern city steeped in history, heritage, and culture. We will see the campus of the Citadel, where we will visit the Cadet’s Chapel. Then it’s on to the Battery, one of the city’s most historic sites. We’ll view White Point Garden, Fort Sumter in the Charleston Harbor, Rainbow Row and the beautiful houses along the Battery. The next stop will be The Four Corners of the Law: God’s Law, City law, County law, and Federal law. We’ll also visit St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and the Customs House. After checking in to our hotel, we’ll have dinner at the Charleston Crabhouse. Day 6 Our touring today in Charleston takes us to Middleton Place Plantation. It is a proud survivor of the American Revolution, Civil War, changing fortunes, and natural disasters. For over 250 years, these beautifully landscaped gardens have enchanted visitors from all over the world. We’ll enjoy a luncheon buffet at the Plantation. We’ll then visit the Charleston Museum, America’s First Museum, founded in 1773. It features objects from the cultural and natural history of Charleston and the South Carolina Low country. We’ll also spend some time at the Charleston City Market. It’s a great place to shop and see some native crafts being made. Dinner tonight will be at the charming Poogan’s Porch. It is known as a Southern institution! Days 7-8 Travel home Price per person based on: Deposit due: Price includes: Motorcoach Single $2100 February 25,2010 transportation, hotels, all Double $1700 attractions listed, guides, 7 Triple $1600 Final due: April 8,2010 breakfasts, 9 lunches or dinners, Quad $1500 luggage handling (1). |
| One Day Mystery Trip May 25, 2010 $75 Due at sign up. A wonderful day out to relax and enjoy! |
| Gaither Family Fest in the Smokies May 27 - June 1, 2010 We will experience gospel music at its best on this wonderful, inspiring trip! Free time can be enjoyed in the afternoons as you explore Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Our trips in 2008 and 2009 were fantastic! Day 1 We travel to Lebanon, Tennessee for our first overnight. Day 2 As we arrive in the Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg area, we will stop at the Applewood Farmhouse for a delicious lunch. After we are “revitalized” we will check into our home away from home, the Bearskin Lodge located on the beautiful Pigeon River in Gatlinburg. This comfortable hotel is within a 3 block walking distance of Convention Center so you will be able to decide your own schedule. You stay for all of each performance if you want or you can go back to the hotel and rest. Whatever suits your fancy! If you’ve been to a Gaither event, you understand the “?” at night. When Bill gets started he’s on his own schedule, which may last until midnight. Night 2 through Days 3 & 4 are scheduled to include gospel music artists Andy Andrews, the Collinsworth Family, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Bill & Gloria Gaither, Buddy Greene, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, the Isaacs, Gordon Mote, Ivan Parker, Janet Paschal, Karen Peck & New River, Lynda Randle, Charlotte Ritchie, Greg Ritchie, Ben Speer, Russ Taff, the Voices of Life, Kevin Williams, Ravi Zacharias and more. The events should take place at the following times: Friday night 7:00 p.m. until ? Saturday morning 10:00 a.m. until noon Saturday night 6:00 p.m. until ? Sunday morning 10:00 a.m. until noon Sunday night 6:00 p.m. until ? Day 5 We bid Gatlinburg farewell this morning (not early) with a song in our heart. We will overnight in Jackson, Tennessee tonight. Day 6 Home we go to share the joy of this trip with others. Price per person based on: Deposit $100 (non refundable) due: January 31, 2010 Single $1250 (Gaither tickets are non-refundable) Double $ 990 Triple $ 900 Quad $ 825 Final due: April 20, 2010 Price includes: Motorcoach transportation, hotels, 3 day Gaither tickets, baggage handling (1), continental breakfast each morning, & 4 other meals. |
| Washington, D. C. June 1 - 9, 2010 Day 1 Travel to Lebanon, TN Day 2 Travel to Natural Bridge, Virginia for our overnight. The Natural Bridge is a wonder of nature standing 20 stories tall. The great stone monument helps us feel the presence of Native Americans, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Soldiers of the Civil War, and many others who explored and traveled through this area. Day 3 Travel to Washington, D. C. We begin our adventure with a stop at Arlington National Cemetery. This is the final resting place for President John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Robert Kennedy, Ted Kennedy, Audie Murphy and thousands of soldiers from every major U. S. War. We will also witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Day 4 Our day of touring begins with a visit to the newest memorial, The National World War II Memorial, a wonderful tribute to the 16 million who served in the armed forces during World War II. We will also make stops at the Vietnam Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial. Enjoy lunch on your own at the Reagan Building/International Trade Center. After lunch we will arrive at the NEW Capitol Visitor’s Center. Hopefully, we will be able to tour The Capitol building. After our visit, we will be having dinner at B. Smith’s in Union Station. Our evening will be filled with the sights and sounds a concert by the United States Marine Band and the Corps evening parade. Day 5 After breakfast this morning, we will travel to Mount Vernon, the estate of George Washington for a tour and visit around the property. Lunch will be on your own at the food court. We will then enjoy a visit to the National Archives where, in addition to many other artifacts, the original Declaration of Independence is housed. Our next stops will be The Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and The Jefferson Memorial. We will continue our Washington, D.C. adventure after dinner with a nighttime-illuminated tour which will include views of many historical monuments, The Marine Corps War memorial (Iwo Jima Statue), the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial Park and the Air Force Memorial. Day 6 This day is your day to explore! You have many choices. You may wish to rest at our hotel but you may also take a Tourmobile from Union Station (we will take you to Union Station and pick you up for the return to our hotel.) which allows you to get on and off at their many interesting stops. This would be a great way to enjoy the Smithsonian Museums or any of the other great attractions at your own pace. Day 7 We end our D.C. adventure. Day 8 We travel today to Grand Rivers, Kentucky for our overnight stay and, of course, a great meal at the world famous Patti’s Restaurant. Day 9 After an inspiring and fun filled trip, we journey home. NOTE: Adjustments may have to be made due to unforeseen activities in the D. C. area. Cost per person based on: Deposit $50 per person due: Single $2000 Double $1650 March 1, 2010 Triple $1550 Quad $1500 Final due: April 21, 2010 Price includes: Motorcoach transportation, hotels, taxes, baggage handling (1), attractions listed, step-on guide in DC, 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches or dinners. |
| Travel the World without a Passport Arkansas – Missouri – Nebraska – Iowa – Illinois And Experience Sweden – Ukraine – Holland – Germany – Italy With America’s heartland – John Deere – John Wayne – Bridges of MadisonCounty Mennonite Farms – Amana colony – Abraham Lincoln’s Library and St. Louis Arch and Cardinals June 12 – 19, 2010 Day 1 Travel to Kansas City area. Day 2 We make our way to Omaha, Nebraska, where we check in our hotel for a two night stay. We begin our Omaha experience at the Durham Museum of Western Heritage. Tonight we are treated to a Swedish Smorgasbord at the elegant Renaissance Mansion. Day 3 Our day begins with an entertaining presentation of Ukrainian history, customs and traditions. Next we tour one of the most amazing theatre pipe organs in the State of Nebraska. After the tour, we’ll enjoy a concert of 40’s and 50’s music. (Superb!) Then we’re off to Boys Town for a tour and lunch. You will be inspired by this town. After lunch we’ll have a city tour of Omaha –then a short rest. And tonight we’re off to Germany for dancing, singing, and food. A fun way to end the day. Day 4 This morning we leave Nebraska crossing into Stanton, Iowa, making a picture stop at the Swedish Coffeepot water tower. It’s just a short drive to Winterset, Iowa, where we enjoy a back-roads tour featuring the world-famous covered Bridges of Madison County. Our local guide will point out many points of interest and include a stop at John Wayne’s Birthplace. We are served a delicious lunch in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church before visiting Howell’s Dried Floral and Greenhouse. This evening we make our way to the Des Moines area where our overnight accommodations await us. An Italian dinner awaits us this evening. Day 5 We travel to the lovely Dutch Village of Pella, Iowa. The Historical Village Complex features 24 buildings surrounding a courtyard with red brick walk-ways, blossoming trees, and beautiful tulip gardens. Be sure to see the authentic working Dutch Wind Mill. This is truly a touch of Holland. This afternoon lunch is included on a Mennonite Farm. After lunch we will have a guided tour through the Amana Colonies, some of the most unique picturesque communities in the nation. The “Amanas” consist of seven closely unified villages founded in 1855 by a sect of God fearing Lutheran Separatists from Germany. This evening we overnight in Moline for 2 nights. Day 6 Today is Deere Day – we visit the John Deere Pavilion. It is recognized as the world’s most comprehensive agricultural exhibit. Next we visit the display floor at the world headquarters of John Deere. A three dimensional mural contains 2200 authentic pieces of memorabilia dating from 1837-1918. Day 7 Today’s travels will take us first to Springfield, Ill. where we visit the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Lincoln married, raised his family, and practiced law in this town. We leave Springfield and travel to St. Louis. The tentative schedule of the St. Louis Cardinals shows they will be playing at home tonight. If the schedule doesn’t change we will end the trip at the “Ole Ball Game.” Day 8 Travel home Deposit $50 per person due: February 1, 2010 * Early deposit due to St. Louis Cardinals tickets Final due: May 4, 2010 Price per person based on: Single $ 1500 Double $ 1300 Triple $ 1200 Quad $ 1150 Price includes: Motorcoach transportation, hotels, baggage handling (1), attractions, guides, 7 breakfasts & 8 lunches or dinners. |
2010 Scheduled Tours
| Colorado Springs June 22 - 29, 2010 Days 1 & 2 Travel to Colorado Springs, Colorado for a three-night stay. Day 3 We’ll begin our day at one of America’s most spectacular attractions, the Royal Gorge Bridge. You can walk across the world’s highest suspension bridge, which spans 1,053 feet above the Arkansas River. Then we’ll climb aboard the Historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad and experience a scenic train ride and a delicious lunch from a classic glass-topped dome railcar. Our next stop will be at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center. We’ll begin with a film on the history of these spectacular red rock formations and then a guide will lead us through these unique gardens. Day 4 Our day begins with a visit to the United States Air Force Academy. We will enjoy an informative exhibit about cadet life in the visitor center. The Cadet Chapel, an architectural marvel with a jet-wing design and beautiful stained glass, will also be a stop on our tour. After lunch, we’ll be ready for a ride to the top of America’s most famous mountain, Pike’s Peak. We’ll be passengers on the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway that will take us up to the 14,110 foot summit. Tonight we’ll enjoy a mouth watering chuck wagon supper and an entertaining western stage show at the Flying W Ranch. Day 5 Today we’ll travel to Dodge City, Kansas, founded in 1872 and quickly became known as the Cowboy Capital of the world. Day 6 We’ll spend this morning touring Dodge City. Our stops will include the Home of Stone, one of the oldest homes in Dodge City; Fort Dodge, and the Boot Hill Museum. Time to get out of Dodge! We’ll then travel on to Oklahoma City for 2 nights. Day 7 Our day will be spent touring Oklahoma City. We’ll visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. This is a very moving tribute to the survivors and victims of the Murrah Federal Building bombing in 1995. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum depicts the rugged spirit and rich influences of cowboy culture. A tour of the Oklahoma State Capitol features murals and painting of Oklahoma’s history. This is the only state capital with an oil well on the grounds. Tonight we’ll experience a minor league baseball game featuring the Oklahoma City Redhawks! The team plays in the beautiful AT&T Bricktown Ball Park in downtown Oklahoma City. Day 8 Travel home. Price per person based on: Deposit $50 per person due: Single $1700 Double $1400 March 31, 2010 Triple $1300 Quad $1200 Final Due: May 10, 2010 Price includes: Motorcoach transportation, hotels, all attractions listed, guides, luggage handling (1),7 breakfasts, and 8 lunches or dinners. |
| Day 8 We meet our guide for a tour of Annapolis. Annapolis is Maryland’s Capital city and home to more surviving Colonial buildings than any other place in the country. You can still walk the streets the colonists did and be sure to take in the view from the foot of the City Dock! (Comfortable shoes are a must! This is a 6 block walking tour.) We will visit the Maryland State House which is the oldest U. S. State House in continuous legislative use. In the restored Old Senate Chamber, George Washington resigned his commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, and the Treaty of Paris was ratified ending the Revolutionary War. We will also visit the U. S. Naval Academy. While walking the scenic grounds of the United States Naval Academy, known as the Yard, the contrasts in architecture reflect the long and colorful history of the academy. On this National Historic Site, the academy’s tree shaded monuments commemorate the courageous graduates and their contributions to Naval history. Located beneath the chapel is the crypt of John Paul Jones, naval hero of the American Revolution, whose battle cry “I have not yet begun to fight” has become a part of U. S. Naval tradition. Stratford Hall Plantation, the birthplace of Robert E. Lee, will be our next tour. Long a working plantation on the Potomac River, the site has a store and gristmill. The property has been home to two signers of the Declaration of Independence. We will visit George Washington’s Birthplace National Monument, Which includes over 500 acres and a portion of the old Washington Plantation. First settled in 1657 by John, George’s father, our first president was born there in 1732. Destroyed by fire on Christmas Day in 1779, excavations have revealed five original foundations. Since the exact appearance is not known, a memorial house was built here to represent an 18'th century plantation home. The colonial Living Farm recreates some of the farm scenes of the young Washington, and a cemetery on grounds contains the graves of 32 family members. We overnight in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Day 9 Today we begin our day touring The Rising Sun Tavern that was built around 1760 as a private residence by Charles Washington, George’s youngest brother and became a tavern in 1792. The “tavern wenches’ at the Rising Sun today entertain us as though we have just stepped off a stagecoach in this lively interpretation. A taproom, gaming tables, musical instruments, innkeeper’s storeroom and office may be seen as well as other accessories needed to run a proper tavern. The Mary Washington House was bought by George for his mother in 1772 and she lived here for the last 17 years of her life. The garden remains much as it was when she lovingly attended it. The same sundial there still marks the passing of time. Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center introduces the extensive action that took place in the Fredericksburg area during the Civil War. Four major battlefields are encompassed here; Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness and Spotsylvania. After lunch we begin our journey home. Days 10 & 11 Travel home. Price per person based on: Deposit $50 per person due: Single $2450 February 12, 2010 Double $2050 Triple $1900 Quad $1800 Final due: March 25, 2010 Price includes: Motorcoach transportation, hotels, baggage handling (1), continental breakfasts, 11 lunches or dinners, all sightseeing tours listed & local guides. |