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Historic Trails, Southern Belles & Caribbean Cruise

(24 days, New York City - Fort Lauderdale, 2013)
Historic Trails, Southern Belles & Caribbean Cruise
This 24 day tour incorporates the best of the best including visits to New Orleans, Washington D.C, New York City and Memphis, as well as a seven night Caribbean Cruise.

New York City to Washington D.C.
This tour uncovers the historic trails of the east, from New York to Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington D.C. Historic Philadelphia was the instrumental meeting place for the Founding Fathers of the United States, and Gettysburg played host to a turning point in the Civil War; whilst Lancaster County is home to one of the country’s largest Amish settlements. Mount Vernon in Virginia was home to the first President of the United States, George Washington; whilst the country’s capital named after him is home to the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian Institution. And from Broadway, Fifth Avenue, the Empire State building, Chrysler Building, Madison Square Garden and the Statue of Liberty; New York City, the city that never sleeps simply speaks for itself.

Atlanta to New Orleans
Departing from Atlanta, discover the soul of the South everywhere from the world’s country music capital, Nashville; the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans, famous for its distinct French Creole architecture and trademark cuisine; to Memphis, home to American blues, Graceland and the National Civil Rights Museum; and in the antebellum plantations of Natchez and Lafayette, the centre of Cajun culture in United States.

Caribbean Cruising (Fort Lauderdale – Fort Lauderdale Round Trip)
An idyllic canvas covered with pristine coral reefs, tropical fish, papaya and mangoes, white sand beaches, colonial towns, exotic cultures and vibrant colours; this crescent-shaped archipelago comprises more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs and cays. Our stunning seven night cruise from Florida’s Fort Lauderdale’s pier takes in vibrant Jamaica including Falmouth and Montego Bay, Haiti’s north coast of Hispaniola and Mexico’s largest Caribbean island, Cozumel for the ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Tulúm and the underwater world of Chankanaab.

  • 16 night land tour including 3 nights in New Orleans
  • 7 night Caribbean Cruise

Scenic Tours Ultimate Inclusions

  • Maximum of 40 guests
  • Fully Escorted Touring
  • Experienced Tour Director
  • Luxury Coach
  • Dedicated Canada Based Team
  • Airport Representatives and Transfers
  • ALL TIPPING and GRATUITIES INCLUDED

Memphis

Memphis’s contribution to music is insurmountable; in fact it is thought to be one of the most mentioned cities in recorded music history. The home of the founders of various American music genres, including blues, gospel, rock n’ roll and ‘sharecropper’ country music; its notable names include Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and B.B. King. Beale Street showcases the impact Memphis has had on American blues, whilst the city is also home to the famous Sun Studios, Graceland, and the National Civil Rights Museum, located in the former motel where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.

Included Scenic Enrich

  • Gain an insight into America’s Civil War history at the site of the Battle of Gettysburg with a guided tour of the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor’s Centre. Witness the arena for one of the most influential moments in US history, where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous ‘Gettysburg Address’
  • A visit to Mount Vernon Estate, George Washington’s plantation on the Potomac River provides a further understanding of the life of America’s first president and the fascinating world in which he lived. For a different perspective of this stunning mansion set on fifty acres, enjoy a cruise along the Potomac River
  • The Grand Ole Opry is dedicated to honouring the colourful history of country music and the dynamic, contemporary artists, ‘The Opry’ is now an American icon. Tour this incredible venue which has hosted country music’s most famous musicians, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
  • BB Kings Blues Club hosts live performances every night. Enjoy dinner at this legendary American music institution, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
  • Experience a private performance by one of Nashville’s acclaimed musicians, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
  • America’s Civil War history comes to life during a plantation tour learning of the antebellum experience in the Deep South and the impact of the war, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
  • Bal de Maison is a ‘house party’ in the Deep South. Experience a private dinner party as the locals do, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
  • Discover the environmental and social impacts of Cyclone Katrina during a presentation by geological expert and interaction with community members and volunteeers, Exclusive to Scenic Tours

Included Scenic Free Choice

  • New Orleans - cajun cooking class learning techniques of the famous southern fare; or southern dance lesson learning new skills in a fun environment, where music is a way of life; or step back in time on a horse and carriage ride through the French Quarter

Included Scenic Dining

  • 49 superb meals including 23 Full Breakfasts - hot and cold buffet selections (FB), 7 Lunches - buffet (L), 19 Dinners - 3 course à la carte and buffet (D)

Included Scenic Special Stays

  • Monmouth Plantation typifies the antebellum experience. Devastated after the Civil War, this historic property has been restored to an opulent hotel

Included Scenic Highlights

  • Bring the movies to life on a Hop On Hop Off tour of cosmopolitan New York City as you visit ‘The Big Apple’s’ iconic sites at your own pace
  • Discover Philadelphia’s history and culture on a fascinating city tour
  • Enjoy a traditional Amish experience, learning of their way of life upholding values of a non industrialised world
  • Tour Washington D.C., the capital of the United States of America including highlights such as The White House, Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial and Embassy Row
  • Discover how the famous Jack Daniels is created on a tour of the distillery
  • Enjoy dinner on an authentic Paddle Boat as you cruise down the Mississippi River
  • Tour Graceland, the home of ‘The King of Rock n’ Roll’, Elvis Presley. See where Elvis lived, relaxed and played racquetball and later laid to rest on this 14 acre estate
  • Bayou Vermilion wetlands cruise offers an opportunity to learn about and sight alligators in their natural habitat
  • Be amazed by the vibrant culture of New Orleans as you tour the city including the preparations for the annual grand spectacular, the famous Mardi Gras - see how the magic is created

This tour can be booked independently or in conjunction with selected Scenic Tours West Coast Canada & Alaska or Eastern Canada itineraries. Please enquire for further details.

 

Day 1: New York City
Upon arrival at New York Airport, you will be met and transferred* to your hotel.
Two Night Stay: The Renaissance New York Times Square or similar
Day 2: New York City (FB,D)
Meet your Tour Director this morning. Today discover New York at your own pace on the Included Hop On - Hop Off double decker bus. View the famous iconic sites of the ‘Big Apple’ such as Broadway, Fifth Avenue, The Empire State building, Chrysler Building, Madison Square Garden and the Statue of Liberty. Tonight, get to know your fellow travelling companions over a ‘Welcome to The USA’ dinner.
Day 3: Philadelphia - Lancaster (FB,D)
This morning, enjoy an Included historical tour of Philadelphia including Abraham Lincoln’s Statue of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, the third year of the Civil War. The Proclamation declared “that all persons held as slaves” within the rebellious states “are, and henceforward shall be free”, transforming the character of the war. Continue to the Amish community of Lancaster and immerse yourself in a community of simple living separated from the industrialised world. This evening, savour an Included traditional home-style Amish Feast.
Overnight Stay: Lancaster Arts Hotel
Day 4: Lancaster - Gettysburg (FB,D)
Your Included Amish experience today involves visiting an Amish Farm and house as a local guide explains the culture, faith and traditional way of life, which excludes the use of modern conveniences such as electricity or telephones. SCENIC ENRICH: This afternoon gain an insight into the American Civil War during an Included guided tour of Gettysburg National Military Park. The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War and was the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln’s immortal “Gettysburg Address”. While touring the battlefield park, visit the Soldiers’ National Cemetery where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous speech.
Overnight Stay: Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel or similar
Day 5: Mount Vernon - Washington D.C (FB,D)
Included SCENIC ENRICH: Visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. The first US President, George Washington and his wife Martha lived in the estate for over forty years. The mansion is set on over fifty acres of Washington’s extensive plantation. Enjoy a Potomac River Cruise to gain a different perspective of the estate and the fascinating world in which Washington lived. Continue to the capital of The United States of America, Washington D.C. Enjoy dinner tonight with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
Two Night Stay: Fairmont Washington or similar
Day 6: Washington D.C. (FB)
This morning enjoy an Included historical tour of Washington D.C. featuring the White House, Capitol Building, Supreme Court, the Lincoln Memorial, Embassy Row and Dupont Circle. This afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. Perhaps visit one of the plethora of Smithsonian Museums.
Day 7: Washington D.C - Atlanta (FB,D)
Transfer to the airport and board your flight to Atlanta, Georgia. (Please do not book flight to arrive later than 5pm. Flight is not included for land only tour).
Overnight Stay: Grand Hyatt
Day 8: Atlanta - Nashville (FB,D)
This morning enjoy an Included tour of the famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery enroute to Nashville. Included SCENIC ENRICH: Tour the Grand Ole Opry which began as a radio broadcast in 1925 and today is a live entertainment phenomenon and American icon. Known as the ‘home of American music’, the Grand Ole Opry is dedicated to honoring country music’s rich history and dynamic present. Enjoy dinner tonight with your Tour Director and fellow passengers.
Overnight Stay: Hermitage
Day 9: Nashville - Memphis (FB,L,D)
This morning enjoy an Included tour of Studio B and Country Music Hall of Fame Museum. SCENIC ENRICH: Learn of the fascinating country music culture in Tennessee with an Included private performance by one of Nashville’s acclaimed musicians, Exclusive to Scenic Tours. Continue to the home of such legendary artists as B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and John Lee Hooker, Memphis, Tennessee. This evening revel in Included SCENIC ENRICH: a lively evening of dinner and entertainment at the legendary original BB King’s Blues Club.
Two Night Stay: Westin Memphis
Day 10: Memphis (FB)
Make the ultimate Rock n’ Roll pilgrimage and delight in an Included tour of the famous home of the King of Rock n’ Roll, Elvis Presley. Graceland is set on fourteen acres and showcases where Elvis lived and is now laid to rest. This afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Day 11: Memphis - Natchez (FB,D)
Travel deeper south to Natchez. SCENIC ENRICH : Learn about America’s Civil War history during an Included plantation tour. Learn of the antebellum experience where grand estates embellished in the finest furnishings, maintained by enslaved servants became ruins after the Civil War. The Monmouth Plantation typifies this experience and today has been restored to an opulent hotel. Enjoy an Included dinner of southern cuisine this evening.
Overnight Special Stay: Monmouth Plantation or Dunleith Plantation
Day 12: Natchez - Lafayette (FB,D)
Visit Vermilionville set on banks of the Bayou Vermilion and look out for alligators and the abundant birdlife on your Included wetlands cruise. Continue to Lafayette, known for its sumptuous cuisine and music. Included SCENIC ENRICH: Bal de Maison Celebrate this event with your fellow travellers as you enjoy authentic cuisine and live, local music this evening.
Overnight stay: Hilton Lafayette
Day 13: Lafayette - New Orleans (FB,D)
This morning be amazed by the vibrant culture of New Orleans as you tour the city including the preparations for the annual grand spectacular, the famous Mardi Gras - see how the magic is created. Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE Dining: Choose from a selection of local restaurants.
Three Night stay: Monteleone
Day 14: New Orleans (FB,D)
Included SCENIC ENRICH: Visit with the local community and environmentalist to learn how New Orleans is recovering after the devastation of Cyclone Katrina, Exclusive to Scenic Tours. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to further explore this vivacious city. This evening, revel with your fellow passengers aboard an Included Paddle Boat Cruise with dinner and musical performance as you cruise the mighty Mississippi River.
Day 15: New Orleans (FB,D)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activities today. Select from: (1) cajun cooking class discovering the techniques to making a local ‘Southern’ delicacy; or (2) southern dance lesson moving to the rhythms of the Deep South where music is a way of life; or (3) step back in time and relax on a horse and carriage ride through New Orleans’ French Quarter. This evening enjoy a lively farewell dinner, dancing the evening away with your fellow travellers to the soulful sounds of the Deep South.
Day 16: New Orleans - Fort Lauderdale (FB)
Transfer to the airport and board your flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida (flight not included in tour price, flight is unescorted). Upon arrival in Fort Lauderdale, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight Stay: Fort Lauderdale Hotel
Day 17: Caribbean Cruise (FB,D)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, later transfer to Fort Lauderdale’s pier. Step on board your luxurious cruise ship and settle into your Included Verandah stateroom on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Sea or Allure of the Sea for a 7 night Caribbean cruise. Familiarise yourself with the multitude of services, facilities and activities on offer at your convenience and contained all on one lavish vessel.
Day 18: Scenic Cruising (FB,L,D)
Sit back and relax as sail through the idyllic Caribbean. Tonight like every other night on board your magnificent ship glitters with choices - catch a musical production or visit one of the many lounges featuring live music.
Day 19: Labadee, Haiti (FB,L,D)
On the north coast of Hispaniola, surrounded by beautiful mountain slopes and exotic foliage, sits Labadee®, Royal Caribbean’s private paradise. This exclusive destination offers pristine beaches, breathtaking scenery and spectacular water activities.
Day 20: Falmouth, Jamaica (FB,L,D)
Quaint Falmouth was an economic powerhouse and centre for dramatic social change during the English Colonial Period. In today’s Falmouth, visitors still enjoy 19th-century Georgian architecture as well as river bamboo raft rides, arts and crafts shopping, flavourful local fare and horse-and-buggy rides. Just east of Falmouth is Ocho Rios, known for its spectacular Dunn’s River Falls. Travel west to reach Montego Bay and the beaches of Negril. Thanks to its central location, Falmouth gives visitors the best tour experiences of the north coast of Jamaica (shore excursions are available at own expense).
Day 21: Scenic Cruising (FB,L,D)
Relax as you cruise through the picturesque Caribbean.
Day 22: Cozumel, Mexico (FB,L,D)
The waters around Cozumel’s sheltered coral reefs make this one of the best snorkelling areas in the world. Explore the ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Tulúm or explore the underwater world of Chankanaab on a deep-sea adventure aboard the Atlantis Submarine (shore excursions are available at own expense).
Day 23: Scenic Cruising (FB,L,D)
Relax as you cruise through the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
Day 24: Fort Lauderdale (FB)
Disembark this morning and transfer* to Fort Lauderdale airport for your homebound flight (please do not book your flight to depart before 1pm).

Please note day 16 and Caribbean Cruise is unescorted by a Scenic Tours Tour Director

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For guests who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.

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Depart Date Price
Sep 2013
6
from $11,290
Itinerary and departure dates subject to change. Please inquire for full details. All prices are in CAD and based on per passenger twin share. Refer to the terms and conditions.
Itinerary and departure dates subject to change. Please inquire for full details. All prices are in USD and based on per passenger twin share. Refer to the terms and conditions.
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At a glance

Duration
24 Days
From
$11,290
per person twin share
 
Dates
06 Sep 2013
On Request