Jan 22 | Home to Honolulu Today you board your flight bound for Paradise! Upon arrival at the Honolulu airport, you will be met by your Universal Travel representative and transferred to the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort for a relaxing three-night stay. Dinner is at your leisure this evening. Overnight: Honolulu, Hilton Hawaiian Village or Similar Jan 23 | Free Day in Paradise Today is yours to enjoy exactly as you please at your resort on the shores of Waikiki Beach. Unwind and relax from your travels with a refreshing tropical cocktail at the pool, or a stroll along Waikiki Beach, with its white sands and turquoise blue waters. Why not take the Trolly to downtown Waikiki, where you’ll find shopping and dining opportunities everywhere you look. Overnight: Honolulu, Hilton Hawaiian Village or Similar Jan 24 | Free Day in Paradise Today is another free day in Paradise, so make the most out of it! Take a dip in the warm and calm swimming area with a protective seawall in front of your resort, or relax by one of the 5 sparkling pools, a water lover's dream. Overnight: Honolulu, Hilton Hawaiian Village or Similar Jan 25 - Pearl Harbor/ USS Arizona & Pride of America After checking out of your resort this morning, you will be visiting Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, be-fore departing for the pier where you board Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America just in time for lunch. The ship sets sail at 7 pm. Honolulu (L,D) Jan 26 & 27 | Kahului, Maui | 8 am - next day 6 pm Welcome to Maui! Today you dock at Kahului and stay for overnight. Maui, known also as “The Valley Isle,” is the second largest Hawaiian island and is beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, views of mi-grating humpback whales, farm-to-table cuisine, and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakala, Maui’s highest peak. This massive volcano rises more than 10,000 feet above the sea and provides spectacular views! It’s not surprising Maui has been voted "Best Island in the U.S." by Condé Nast Traveler readers for more than 20 years. From the highly scenic drive to Hana and beautiful Kaa-napali Beach you’ll have a tough time deciding what to do. Why not take an optional excursion to Lahaina? Once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom in the early nine-teenth century, Lahaina was also a historic whaling vil-lage during the whaling boom of the mid-1800s. Up to 1,500 sailors from as many as 400 ships took leave in Lahaina, including Herman Melville, who immortalized the era in his classic novel Moby Dick. Don’t forget to set sail from the Harbor on an unforgettable whale watch-ing tour. The channel off the coast of Lahaina is one of the best places in the world to spot humpback whales. Kahului, Maui (B,L,D) Jan 28 | Hilo - 8 am to 6 pm This morning dock in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined (hence, its nickname, “Big Island”), its sheer size is awe-inspiring. You can travel through all but four of the world's different climate zones here, ranging from Wet Tropical to Polar Tundra, a result of the shielding effect and elevations of massive volcanoes. The Island is constructed of 5 major volcanoes: Kilauea, Mauna Loa (located within Volcano National Park), Mauna Kea, Hualalai and Kohala. Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on Earth. The entire city of Hilo is like one giant greenhouse with spectacular tropical flowers at every turn. You may opt to visit the town's well-preserved historic buildings, or enjoy a tour of the Mauna Loa Maca-damia Nut Factory, with yummy samples at the giftshop! Once back onboard the Pride of America, enjoy a cocktail at one of the three swimming pools watching the sun set in paradise! Hilo, Big Island (B,L,D) Jan 29 | Kona - 7 am to 5:30 pm | Tender Port!!! This morning your ship anchors on the Big Island’s “Gold Coast” of Kona. The sunny Kona District stretches almost two-thirds of the entire West side of the island of Hawaii. Along this expansive area, you’ll find everything from coffee farms to historic Hawaiian landmarks. In fact, King Kamehameha actually spent his final years in Hawaiian Islands Cruise Tour Jan 22 - Feb 1/2, 2025 | …a 12 Day Program Featuring Three Nights on Waikiki Beach, and while on your cruise TWO DAYS each on Maui and Kauai, plus Hilo and Kona on the Big Island Immerse yourself in the rich culture, incredible landscapes, and delicious cuisine of Hawai`i on this one-of-a-kind 7-day cruise from Honolulu. As the only U.S. agged cruise ship, the Pride of America sails year round from Honolulu, giving you the freedom and exibility to vacaon on your schedule. Visit four Hawaiian Islands and ve ports in seven days while you cruise through paradise in style. Explore an island every day of your vacaon – from the lush, fragrant vegetaon of Kauai to the Big Island’s dramac volcanoes and the famous surng beaches of Oahu. Enjoy overnight stays in Maui and Kauai, giving you even more me to discover the best of island living. Plus enjoy a three night stay at the spectacular Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikiki's only true resort desnaon located on the widest stretch of beach in Waikiki. The 22-acre paradise features the best pools and waterslides in Waikiki, as well as the only saltwater lagoon. This is how you Hawai`i!!!
With sufficient numbers, Universal Travel will offer Optional and Private Shore Excursions on all Ports of Call on this Itinerary. Kona. Home to shops, restaurants and nightlife, you can conveniently take a walking tour of Kona’s history at places like Huliheʻe Palace and Moku- aikaua Church. Other significant historic places include Kealakekua Bay to the south, where Captain James Cook first set foot on the island in 1778 and where he was eventually killed. You may choose to visit Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park, a well restored Hawaiian “sacred place of refuge”. For water enthusiasts, the calm and clear waters of Kona are perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and spot-ting dolphins. Your visit on Kona won’t be complete without an optional visit to the cooler upland slopes, where you can sample the distinctive flavors of 100% Kona coffee and learn how it’s grown, dried, and roasted. Kona, Big Island (B/L/D) Jan 30 & 31 |Nawiliwili, Kauai | 8 am - next day 5:30 pm Today at 8 am, you arrive at Nawiliwili, where you will be docked overnight. Embark this morning on a half day, private & included shore excursion. Pass the site of the Coco Palms Hotel where much of the film “Blue Hawaii” starring Elvis Presley was filmed. You’ll stop at beautiful Opaeka’a Falls, whose 80-foot falls spill into a big natural pool surrounded by wild ginger. Its name means 'rolling shrimp,’ recalling the days when shrimp were so plentiful in the river that they could be seen caught up in the churning waters at the base of the falls. Next, embark on an enchanting cruise on Hawaii's only navigable river to Kauai's magical Fern Grotto. The river winds its way through dense tropical flora and past areas rich in the his-tory and legends of old Hawaii, before arriving at the famous Fern Grotto itself, a lava rock grotto covered with formed ferns. Along the way, you’ll be serenaded with Hawaiian music and hula! Next, enjoy free time at a lush 30-acre tropical garden, followed by an authentic, deli-cious Garden Luau. Enjoy included Mai Tai’s from the open bar and experience the rhythm of aloha and the taste of Hawaii! Take a seat at the amphitheater and be mesmerized by the fiery drama of fire knife dancers as well as traditional Samoan, Tahitian, Japanese and Hawaiian dances. The lyrical sway of the Hawaiian hula, the colorful precision of the Tahitian drum dances and the fiery emotion of the Samoan fire knife dance all speak deeply of the people who have come to call Hawaii home! On your second day on Kauai, elect an optional helicopter ride and experience all of the natural wonders of Kauai on a guided aerial tour, as you dip low over razor-thin cliffs, flutter past sparkling waterfalls and swoop into the val-leys of fabled Waimea Canyon. The Pride of America sets sail at 2 pm and shortly after you’ll cruise along the dra-matic Na Pali Coastline. The only way to see this stun-ning vista is via air or on the water. What a wonderful way to end your Hawaiian Islands Cruise. Nawiliwili, Kauai & at Sea (B,L,D) Feb 1/2 | Honolulu & overnight flight home This morning your ship arrives back into Honolulu at 7am. After breakfast and disembarkation, board your motorcoach for a panoramic city tour of Honolulu. View landmarks such as the National Cemetery of the Pacific, the Hawaiian State Capital, and the Pali lookout. You will have free time in Waikiki for lunch and shopping before you transfer to the airport and check in for your overnight flight home. Fond memories of your Hawaiian Islands Cruise Tour program will last forever! (B) *Itinerary is subject to change Inclusions: • Roundtrip transfer to the DFW Airport (minimum 10 passengers) • Roundtrip airfare to from DFW to Honolulu (baggage fees not included) • All transfers from hotel to pier & pier to airport • 3 pre-nights at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on the beach at Waikiki!! • 7 nights onboard the Pride of America in your selected cabin category • All meals while onboard the Pride of America • Hawaii ultimate beverage and 2 night specialty dining packages - with gratuities included! • Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial • Panoramic city tour of Honolulu, Waikiki • Kauai Shore excursion (half day), Tropical Gardens, Luau & Show on Kauai included! • Ship Service fees included • All driver & guide gratuities while in Honolulu • All cruise, port charges and government taxes • Service of a Universal Travel representative throughout the itinerary A $1,000.00 refundable deposit is due, within five days of making the reservation. Final payment due Sep 15, 2024 Cancellation: 50% non-refundable Sep 20, 2024 100% non-refundable Nov 1, 2024 Balcony - Cat. BB $7,349.00 per person Single occupancy is available upon request Check, Cash or Credit Card Payments Suite categories available upon request An optional Travel Protection plan is available with coverage for trip can-cellation/interruption, see enclosed product flyer for more information. Balcony - Cat. BA $7,549.00 per person Outside - Cat. OK (obstructed) $6,649.00 per person Contact Linda Mattingly lmattingly@alliancebank.com 877-903-2265 or 903-439-6707 Alliance Bank PO BOX 500, Sulphur Springs, TX 72483
Luxury Tented Camp Safari Up-close with the Big 5 Feb. 1-12, 2025 Feb 1 & 2 | From home to Nairobi, Kenya Today begin your trip of a lifetime as your board your overnight flight to Kenya with a connection in Europe. Upon arrival you will be met by your Universal Travel staff member and assisted with a transfer to your 5-star hotel in Nairobi, for a comfortable three night stay. Feb 3 | Nairobi The morning is yours to recoup from your flights to Kenya. Relax at the pool, schedule a massage, visit the fitness center or rest in your comfortable deluxe room. An included lunch will be served before you visit the Karen Blixen Museum and former home of Danish author Karen Blixen, famous for her 1937 book Out of Africa. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: Nairobi (B,L) Feb 4 | Nairobi - A day in Nairobi After a leisurely breakfast by the pool , you will visit the Giraffe Centre, which started as a rehabilitation project to rescue the Rothschild Giraffe. Learn about this endangered species and get a close look at the giraffe as you had feed this beautiful animal. Next, you’ll visit the David Sheldrick Wild-life Trust Elephant Nursery in Nairobi National Park. The Nursery provides a safe haven to orphaned baby elephants rescued by the DSWT. After the elephants graduate from the Nursery, they are moved to a Reintegration Center, from where they will ultimately return to the wild. Your tour continues to the new Kazuri Beads Factory with an included lunch enroute. Kazuri, which means “small and beautiful” in Swahili, began in 1975 as a tiny workshop experimenting in making ceramic beads made by hand. Return to your hotel and after some free time to freshen up, enjoy a welcome to Kenya dinner. Overnight: Nairobi (B,D) Feb 5 | Nanyuki & Sweetwaters After breakfast, leave Nairobi behind and pass by pineapple and coffee fields, before you arrive in Nanyuki. Here you visit the Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers, a woman’s self-help group, established in 1977. Starting with only 10 members, the organization now numbers over 200 women and is a highly successful organization. The members collect raw wool from local pastoralists and bring to their place in Nanyuki. Entirely by hand the women card and spin the wool into yarn. It is washed several times before it is dyed with only natural dyes. After it dries, the heavy yarn is woven into rugs of various sizes and patterns well as place mats and wall hangings. Finer yarn is made into fine quality beautiful shawls. Your journey continues to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Mid-day, check into Serena Sweetwaters Luxury Tented Camp, located within the Abounding with wildlife and designed to offer a charming blend of under canvas ambiance and uncompromising luxury, this camp has long been the preferred retreat of wilderness and safari lovers alike. Get ready this afternoon for your first game drive! On your way back to the camp you will cross the equa-tor - a perfect picture opportunity! Overnight: Sweetwaters Tented Camp or similar (B,L,D) Feb 6 | Sweetwaters After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive within the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to the world’s last remaining north-ern white rhinos, and a sanctuary for over 110 critically endan-gered black rhinos. Visit the Morani enclosure, where you meet Baraka the black rhino carrying the ambassador flag for his predecessor. Baraka was born in the wild in Ol Pejeta, but lost sight in both eyes due to a fight and then a cataract. Return to the camp for lunch and free time to rest. Enjoy an early dinner at the camp before you leave for an Universal Trave exclusive night game drive, an activity not available in most national parks and reserves in Kenya. With the help of a filtered spot light, you might spot some unusual sightings of nocturnal animals, including aardvark, caracal cat, bat eared fox, and perhaps even a leopard. Overnight: Sweetwaters Tented Camp or similar (B,L,D) Feb 7 | Sweetwaters to Buffalo Springs Game Reserve This morning, after a leisurely breakfast your journey contin-ues to Samburu. You arrive in time for lunch, at the Ashnil Luxury Tented Camp. Located in the Buffalo Springs Game Reserve, this luxury tented camp is home to some rare north-ern wildlife including the Long Necked Gerenuk, Beisa Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy Zebra, Somali Ostrich and an abundance of bird species, all flocking here because of the springs, which provide permanent drinking water. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in the reserve before returning to the camp for dinner and overnight. Overnight: Ashnil Tented Camp or similar (B,L,D) Feb 8 | Buffalo Springs Game Reserve/ Samburu Bright and early this morning, depart for a game drive as the wildlife viewing will be at its prime. Upon your return to the camp, enjoy breakfast and some free time, before you visit a Samburu Village. The Samburu Tribe, like the Masai, are nomadic pastoralists, moving from one place to another following patterns of rainfall in search of fresh pasture and water for their livestock. The Samburu are easily identified as they wear bright and colorful attire, beaded necklaces, and jewelry. You will be allowed to enter a Samburu hut and learn how they survive in this desert like land. Be ready with your cameras as Samburu Warriors dance to the rhythmic chanting. Return to the camp in time for lunch. You'll have some free time to relax on your private deck or by the pool, before head-ing out again for a late afternoon game drive when animals are most active. Samburu’s skies are stunning at night. So close to the equator, you might be able to spot the Southern Cross, the Scorpion, the Seven Sisters, and other constellations depending on the time of year. Overnight: Ashnil Tented Camp or similar (B,L,D) Feb 9 | Samburu to Maasai Mara This morning after breakfast, transfer to the local airstrip with a short game drive en-route. You’ll fly over the Great Rift Valley and onto the unspoiled Savannah of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Upon arrival at the Fairmont Mara Safari Club’s airstrip, you will be greeted by your driver/guides and transferred to the nearby famous Fairmont Mara Safari Club for a two night stay. With an attractive setting surrounded on three sides by the Mara River and on the edge of one of the “New Wonders of the World” – the Masai Mara is an Eden of stunning vistas and fruitful game viewing. Game drives set
Sweetwaters INCLUSIONS: Roundtrip transfer to the DFW Airport (Minimum 10 passengers) Roundtrip airfare from DFW to Nairobi, Kenya 4x4 vehicle while on safari 3-nights in 5-star accommodations in Nairobi 6-nights in luxury tented camps 2-nights Sweetwaters 2-nights Samburu 2-nights Maasai Mara 1-day room in Nairobi Daily breakfast, 8-lunches, 7-dinners All resort, service, government fees Admissions, Park Fees, Conservancy Fees and inclusions as per itinerary Samburu Village visit (incl. admission and donation) Airline tickets for two flights within Kenya Luggage handling for one bag per person Universal Travel duffel bag Maisha-Air Ambulance Coverage within Kenya Kenya ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) Daily complimentary water bottle in your room/ tent Universal Travel Safari Director All gratuities for Driver Guide | Safari Director TRIP COST: $9,899.00 Per Person —————————––—–—– $1,975.00 Single add on Credit Card, Cash, or Check Accepted A valid passport is required for travel to Kenya. It must have two blank Visa pages, and be valid for at least six months after your return date. $1,000.00 deposit due to confirm the reservation Final payment due Oct. 1, 2024 No penalties until Oct. 5, 2024 Cancellation: 50% non-refundable Oct. 6, 2024 100% non-refundable Nov. 20, 2024 Linda Mattingly lmattingly@alliancebank.com 877-903-2265 or 903-439-6707 Alliance Bank PO BOX 500, Sulphur Springs, TX 72483 An optional Travel Protection plan is available with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, see enclosed product flyer for more information. out in the cool of the mornings before the dew is dry on the grass, and again late in the afternoons when the sun drops low on the horizon. The plains seem to quiver with the expectation of exciting encounters. You might hunt alongside big cats on the prowl, admire a stately parade of magnificent elephant families led by old matriarchs with young calves trailing be-hind, or gaze upon ladylike giraffes, long-legged and long-lashed, as they nibble the crown of acacia trees. Grin as chee-tah cubs frolic joyfully around your vehicle, and laugh aloud at lumbering hippos as they chortle and snort in the winding rivers. Yes, the Maasai Mara is Africa’s wildlife wonderland! After you are settled into your deluxe river front tents, enjoy lunch and some free time before you are off to a late afternoon game drive. The Maasai Mara has been called the Kingdom of Lions and these magnificent, black-maned, powerful hunters dominate these grasslands. This evening you return to your luxury tented camp for dinner and overnight. Overnight: Mara Safari Club or similar (B,L,D) Feb 10 | Maasai Mara This morning you wake up to a lifetime sunrise game drive in with a great chance of spotting predators on a hunt. The Maasai Mara has been called the Kingdom of Lions and these magnificent, black-maned, powerful hunters dominate these grasslands. You return back to your camp for a late breakfast. There is time to relax in your luxuriously furnished tent, featuring four-poster beds, en-suite facilities, and a private deck overlooking the hippo filled Mara River! These fascinat-ing creatures chortle and splash in the water, interacting with each other while keeping a respectable distance between them and the families of crocodiles lining the banks. Later this morning you will visit the Mara Safari Arboretum for a tree planting exercise. Elephants in their constant search for food knock down trees, it’s just something they do. Often, they will strip and eat a few branches of vegetation and then leave the rest of the tree to die. Over the years, the riverine forest has declined and shrunk drastically. In an attempt to reverse this trend, a tree planting project in the Masai Mara has been deemed necessary. Late this afternoon, your 4x4 vehicle awaits to take you out on safari one more time! Often called the Jewel of Africa, the Maasai Mara takes its name from the Maasai tribe who have inhabited these lands since the 17th century. Mara translates to spotted, referencing the scattered acacia trees that mark the landscapes, and that have become the symbol of the Maasai Mara. Its wide open plains provide an oasis-like sanctuary for an abundance of wildlife. Overnight: Mara Safari Club or similar (B,L,D) Feb 11 | Maasai Mara - Nairobi / Dayrooms After a leisurely breakfast you will be transferred to the Mara Safari Club airstrip. Take a last look at the Mara as you fly back to Nairobi and check into your day room. Here you have time to repack and freshen up before you are transferred to the airport for your overnight flight home. A late lunch is included at the hotels restaurant prior to your airport transfer. Dayroom: Nairobi (B,L) Feb 12 | Europe & Home Fly through the night to Europe and connect with your on-ward flights back home. The memories of your luxury tented camp safari will truly last a lifetime! *itinerary is subject to change
The best of Madeira March 26 - April 3, 2025 | 9-Day/8-Night Land Program This tour encapsulates the diverse and breathtaking beauty of Madeira Island, showcasing its coastal splendor, mountainous landscapes, and unique natural attractions. Prepare to be enchanted by the islands charm and discover why it is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Atlantic”. Mar 26 | US to Madeira Today, board your overnight flight bound for Madeira. Mar 27 | Arrival Madeira Welcome to Madeira! Upon arrival you will be met and assisted by a Universal Travel representative. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a brief panoramic city tour of Funchal, before you check in to your hotel for a relaxing four night stay. The Savoy Palace hotel garners high marks for its cleanliness and exceptional service, with guests lauding the pristine conditions and staff's dedica-tion. Its prime location is a hit among travelers for easy access to local attractions. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome to Madeira dinner. Overnight: Savoy Palace - Resort & Spa |Funchal (B,L,D) Mar 28 | Funchal After a leisurely breakfast, depart for a city tour of Funchal. During your tour, visit an embroidery factory, where you will be introduced to the secrets of the famous Madeira embroidery art, passed on from generation to generation. It is one of the unquestionable brand images of Madeira, which dates back to the beginning of its colo-nization process in the 15th century. Every Portuguese town has a market where people buy their vegetables, fruits, fish and meat, but the island of Madeira has a very big and lively one. It is called the Mercado dos Lavradores and is waiting for you in Funchal’s city center! The mar-ket is a hive of activity, noise, color and high-energy, and best place to get in touch with locals customs and culture. Watch the tough fishmongers working their knives through the huge fish or the friendly ladies chatting away while selling their colorful flowers. Next, enjoy an includ-ed lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon, embark on an exhilarating private sightseeing adventure via Tuk Tuk. This three-wheeled, open-air vehicle is certainly one of the most unique transportation methods on the is-land! Your professional driver will take you on a breath-taking, and relaxing ride up the hills of Funchal. Stop at Pináculo and Garajau and witness stunning pano-ramic views of Funchal, the area and the Atlantic Ocean. Return to the hotel, with the remainder of the evening at your leisure. Overnight: Savoy Palace - Resort & Spa |Funchal (B,L,D) Mar 29 |Madeira's beautiful North and East Coast This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, travel north through the Poiso Pass into the mountains with views of Pico do Arieiro, the third highest peak on the island. Journey through Ribeiro Frio Natural Park, and admire its green mountains, covered by the dense Laurissilva Forrest, and home to mahogany, laurel and may blossom trees. You arrive into Santana, famous for its triangular-shaped houses with their iconic thatched roofs, it is definitely a must-see attraction on Madeira! Here, you will have the opportunity to create your own Poncha, the traditional drink from Madeira, followed by an included lunch at a local restaurant, overlooking the dramatic Coastline of Madeira's Northshore. On your way back you’ll drive past the Eagle Rock Penha de Águia to Porto da Cruz, the center of sugar cane cultivation. Visit the local sugarcane mill, a testimony to the importance sugar-cane had and still has on an economic and cultural level in Madeira. On your short tour, walk the original circuit that goes from the collection of sugar cane, through to the various stages of production and ending in a visit to the Rum House and of course with a tasting! Your journey continues with stops at the Portela and Ponta do Rosto viewpoints, offering a broad view of both the east and north sides of the island of Madeira. Tonight's dinner is included in the hotels dining room. Overnight: Savoy Palace - Resort & Spa |Funchal (B,L,D) Mar 30 | Free day at the Savoy Palace Today is the day to enjoy all the amenities of your superi-or 5-star Hotel Savoy Palace! Relax on your private and well-appointed balcony and enjoying breathtaking ocean views. Visit the Laurea Spa for an unforgettable experi-ence (optional)! Enjoy a massage in one of the 11 treat-ment rooms, get a pedicure in the Champagne & Nail Bar, relax at either the indoor or outdoor pool. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served at the hotels restaurants. Overnight: Savoy Palace - Resort & Spa |Funchal (B,L,D) Mar 31 |Monte | Fishing Village | Calheta This morning after checking out of the Savoy Palace, you will visit one of the islands must visit tourist attractions. Board the Funchal Cable Car, which connects the center of Funchal to the parish of Monte, offering the memorable experience of flying over the city and the mountain within 15 minutes, overcoming a drop of 1840 feet. The cable car starts by offering an aerial view over the urban fabric of the capital of Madeira. Gradually, the landscape becomes dominated by the characteristic green shades of this Atlantic pearl. Once in Monte, you will visit
TRIP COST: $5,999.00 Per Person ———————————— $1,169.00 Single add on Cash, Check or Credit Card Inclusions: • Round trip transfer to the DFW Airport (min. 10 passengers) • Round trip airfare to from DFW to Funchal, Madeira • 4-nights at the Savoy Palace 5-Star Resort & Spa • 3-nights at the Savoy Saccarum 5-Star Resort & Spa • 8-Breakfasts, 6-Lunches, 7-Dinners included • 6-days service of a full size luxury motor coach • 6-days service of a local step-on guide • Local beer/wine with all included lunches & dinners • All sightseeing and admissions as listed on the itinerary: Embroidery Factory, Tuk-Tuk ride, traditional Poncha drink, Sugarcane Mill visit, incl. Rum tasting, Funchal Cable Car, Monte Place Tropical Garden, Toboggan Ride (Sledge), Cabo Girão Skywalk, Banana Museum visit, incl. Banana beer tasting, Winery visit, incl. sam-pling a Red and White wine • All resort, service, and government fees and meal gratu-ities included • Porterage of one bag per person (excludes airline baggage fees) • Service of a Universal Travel representative • All gratuities for drivers & step-on guides $850.00 deposit due to confirm the reservation Final payment due Nov 18, 2024 No penalties until Nov 24, 2024 Cancellation: 50% non-refundable Nov 25, 2024 100% non-refundable Jan 1, 2025 An optional Travel Protection plan is available with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, see enclosed product flyer for more information. the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, where the sarcophagus of the last emperor of Austria - Charles I is located. Discover the tropical Monte Palace tropical Garden, which has a vast collection of exotic plant species and covers an area of 17 acres. Alongside its fauna, the works of art add even more beauty to this space. Next, take a Madeira Toboggan Ride on Traditional Wicker Basket Sledges. A thrilling and unforgettable 1.25 mile ride, up to 18 mph per hour is guaranteed. Truly a story you'll want to bring back home! After you made it safe and sound to the finish line, continue your tour by bus to the fishing village Camara de Lobos for an included late lunch. After some free time for shopping in the village you’ll stop at Cabo Girão Skywalk, an attraction that’s certainly not for the faint-hearted. Jutting out of the side of some of the highest cliffs in Europe (1902 feet above sea level), the glass walkway offers incredible views of the Ma-deira coastline, Funchal and the town of Câmara de Lo-bos. This evening, you check in to your 5-star hotel for a comfortable three night stay. Overnight: Savoy Saccarum Resort & Spa (B,L,D) Apr 1 |The Beautiful West This morning you leave the hotel in the direction of Ponta Do Sol, a banana and sugar cane-growing region. Visit the Banana Museum and learn about its history, transport processes, the challenges of the future and its role in nutri-tion. Your tour concludes with a sampling of banana beer and a banana snack. From here you journey over the Encumeada Pass, home to a 20 million year old living fossil, the subtropical Laurissilva Rainforest. It covers an area of approximately 37,000 acres, and is therefore con-sidered the largest and best preserved forest of this kind in the world. In 1999, the Laurissilva was officially declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Around midday ar-rive in the town of Seixal. Here you have free time for lunch, before visiting a winery and sample a local red and white wine. Travel along the wildly romantic north coast including a photo stop at the natural sea swimming pools. Located in the village of Porto Moniz, these special natu-ral pools are among the most famous on the island. From here travel back to your hotel for overnight. Dinner will be served at the hotels dining room. Overnight: Savoy Saccarum Resort & Spa (B,D) Apr 2 | Calheta Leisure Day at the Savoy Saccarum Today is yours to explore your 5-star resort! The hotels unique location, allows you to overlook the ocean, the nearby marina, and the mountainside. Whether you spend your morning with a book on your spacious and private ocean view balcony, or swim in one of the three pools, or enjoy a Pina Colada at the hotels beach bar, you have an ample of choices how to spend your day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included in one of the hotels restaurants. Overnight: Savoy Palace B,L,D) Apr 3 | Departure Today after breakfast, you transfer to the Funchal airport and check in for your flight home. Memories of your time on the Island of Madeira will last forever! (B) *Itinerary is subject to change Contact Linda Mattingly lmattingly@alliancebank.com 877-903-2265 or 903-439-6707 Alliance Bank PO BOX 500 Sulphur Springs, TX 72483 A valid passport is required for this tour program. The passport must be valid for at least 6 month after returning back to the US, and must have at least three empty visa pages.
Amish Country, Wild Ponies & Virginia Beach International Tattoo April 22 - 28, 2025 | 7-Day Program April 22 | Departure for Philly Welcome to Philadelphia! Upon arrival you will be met and assisted by a Universal Travel representa-tive and depart for Pennsylvania’s Amish Country! The Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County is America's oldest Amish settlement, where thousands still live a centuries-old "Plain" lifestyle. Step back in time and enjoy a slower, more peaceful pace - one where horse & buggy remain a primary form of transportation and windmills dot the landscape, providing power harnessed from nature. Check into the Eden Resort, Lancaster, PA. After some time to freshen up, meet your fellow travelers for a delicious Amish Smorgasbord/ Family-Style dinner. Overnight: Eden Resort & Suites, Lancaster, PA (D) April 23 | Amish Country ~ Buggy Ride, Farm visit, Amish Lunch & Sight & Sound Theatre After breakfast this morning, set off for a fun-filled day in Amish Country! Travel like the Amish, too, with an authentic horse and buggy ride through the countryside. Your friendly driver will enlighten you with stories, history, and facts about the Amish, offering an authentic look at how the Amish live! Visit a working Amish Farm and, if time permits, an Amish Quilt shop or Bakeshop! Later, enjoy lunch at an Amish home. This afternoon, delight in an amazing performance at the Sight & Sound Theatre! What started 45 years ago as a traveling multimedia show has today become a destination for over 25 million people. This inspiring family experience includes a majestic 2000-seat theatre, a massive 300-foot wrap-around stage, a professional cast, spectac-ular sets up to 40 feet high, and a variety of live animals. Go back in time and witness the greatest stories of the Bible as they come to life right before your eyes! Tonight's dinner is on your own. Overnight: Eden Resort & Suites, Lancaster, PA (B,L) April 24 |Longwood Gardens & Ocean City, Maryland Enjoy breakfast, check out, and depart for Long-wood Gardens, one of the world’s premier horticul-tural showcases and home to the largest fountain garden in the US! On a guided 60-minute stroll, explore the highlights of Longwood’s diverse gar-dens while gaining an appreciation of our heritage and horticultural excellence. The walk is designed to tell how one man’s vision turned Longwood into one of the world's greatest gardens. An included lunch is served in the Garden Cafe. This afternoon, continue to Ocean City, MD and check into the Hilton Hotel Oceanfront for the evening. Enjoy the evening at leisure, taking in the beautiful ocean scenery and having dinner on your own at one of the great oceanfront restaurants, within walking distance of the hotel. Overnight: Hilton Oceanfront Suites, Ocean City, MD (B,L) April 25 | Assateague Island & Wild Pony Cruise After breakfast, you depart with your local step-guide for beautiful Assateague Island, a 37-mile-long barrier island famous for its beautiful beaches, wild ponies, and abundant birds. Enjoy a visit to the Visitors Center before venturing out to the park in hopes of encountering at least a few of the island's most popular residents - the wild ponies! Next, journey south to the sleepy coastal village of Chincoteague. Upon arrival, board the Assateague Explorer Pontoon Boat for a private Pony Express Nature Cruise! The cruise itinerary will take you from Chincoteague Island, along the beautiful southern part of Assateague, to places the legendary wild horses and migratory birds call home (boxed lunch provided). This evening, arrive in Virginia Beach and check into the Hampton Inn Virginia Beach - Oceanfront North Boardwalk, for a beauti-ful, three-night stay. Enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many restaurants, strolling the board-walk while listening to the sounds of the ocean! Overnight: Hampton Inn, Oceanfront North, Virginia Beach, VA (B, BOXED LUNCH) April 26 |Virginia International Tattoo Following breakfast at the hotel, depart for an
TRIP COST: $4,499.00 Per Person ———————————— $900.00 Single add on Inclusions: • Roundtrip transfer to the DFW Airport (minimum 10 passengers) • Air from DFW to Philadelphia and from Norfolk back home (checked bag fees are not included) • Seven days luxury motorcoach • Seven days Professional Tour Director Service • Six night’s accommodations • Six breakfasts • Lunch in Amish Home • Lunch in Longwood Gardens • Boxed Lunch – Assateague Island Pony Cruise • Boxed Lunch on Victory Rover Cruise • Three dinners • Amish Horse & Buggy Ride • Visit to Amish Farm • Performance at Sight & Sound Theatre • Admission to Longwood Gardens • Guided tour of Assateague Island • Assateague Explorer Pony Express Cruise • Admission to Nauticus & Battleship Wisconsin • Parade of Nations – reserved seating • Victory Rover Cruise to see Norfolk Naval Station • Admission to Virginia International Tattoo • Guided tour of the Virginia Beach area, including visits to First Landing Cross and Cape Henry Lighthouse • Virginia Beach Dolphin Cruise • Luggage handling (one piece per person) • Room taxes; included meal taxes and gratuities • All gratuities for drivers & step-on guides $850.00 deposit due to confirm the reservation Final payment due Jan 3, 2025 No penalties until Jan 6, 2025 Cancellation: 50% non-refundable Jan 7, 2025 100% non-refundable Feb 15, 2025 An optional Travel Protection plan is available with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, see enclosed product flyer for more information. exciting day of Military Pageantry! Begin with an early visit to the Nauticus, a nautical museum, and Battleship Wisconsin, the largest battleship that served in WWII, the Korean War, and the Persian Gulf War. From here, venture a short distance to your reserved seating at the NATO Parade of Na-tions, featuring marching bands, Tattoo performers, decorative floats, and decorated NATO officials, all representing NATO Nations. Next, board Victory Rover for an exciting cruise to view the Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval installation in the world. This cruise offers front row views of these magnificent Naval ships in all their glory! (boxed lunch is provided on the cruise). After your cruise you’ll have free time at NATO Fest at Town Point Park to enjoy all the festivities, including the Inter-national Village where the 29 NATO Countries showcase their unique cultures, food vendors, and entertainment along the waterfront. Later it’s on to a fun-filled evening at the Virginia International Tattoo. Enjoy an included early dinner before the main event - The Tattoo! Arrive early and experi-ence the outdoor festival, Hullabaloo, on the Scope Plaza! The Hullaballoo features the American Pipe Band Championship, music, dancing, drill routines, drumming exhibitions, and more! The Virginia In-ternational Tattoo performance is the largest of its kind in the United States. The International Tattoo celebrates with an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime cast of over 800 performers, from 5 to 6 internation-al countries, in one voice, honoring the incredible service and sacrifice of the US Armed Forces. This is a truly awe-inspiring performance, unlike any other! Overnight: Hampton Inn, Oceanfront North, Virginia Beach, VA (B,BOXED LUNCH,D) April 27 |Virginia Beach touring | Dolphin Cruise After breakfast, depart for a guided morning tour of the Virginia Beach area. Visit First Landing Cross, where English Settlers first landed in 1607 (13 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock). Next, enjoy a picture stop at the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, which silently guards the entrance to Chesapeake Bay, before embarking on a thrilling 90-minute narrated Dolphin Cruise to view dolphins and other marine life! The afternoon is at leisure to explore, shop, relax, or to put your toes in the sand! Tonight, gather for a delicious grand finale dinner. Overnight: Hampton Inn, Oceanfront North, Virginia Beach, VA (B,D) Apr 28 | Departure Return flight home After breakfast you depart for the Norfolk Airport and check in for your flight home, taking with you many wonderful stories of your amazing Universal Travel vacation to Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia! (B) *Itinerary is subject to change Contact Linda Mattingly lmattingly@alliancebank.com 877-903-2265 or 903-439-6707 Alliance Bank PO BOX 500, Sulphur Springs, TX 72483
Christoph will take you on an 11 night journey to his motherland of East Germany! See sights that you haven't seen on your previous visits to Germany. Enjoy meats, cheeses, breads and try local beers at a beer garden. Learn how to properly dance an English Waltz instructed by Christoph’s sister at her dance school. Visit the famous Meissen porcelain factory. Meet and hear from locals on your city tours of Berlin, Dresden, Leipzig and Potsdam. Relax and enjoy the countryside between cities. Visit the summer palace of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia in Potsdam and eat at the same restaurant Goethe and Bach dined! Take a river cruise on the river Spree and see Berlin from its best angle. Experience a unique boat cruise on the Elbe River on a paddle steamer in Dresden. Enjoy a farewell dinner cruise in Potsdam on the River Havel and soak in the scenery. …Be surprised - Not everyone in Germany wears lederhosen! MAY 12 | US TO GERMANY Today you board your overnight flight to Germany. MAY 13 | BERLIN | PANORAMIC CITY TOUR Upon arrival at the Berlin airport you will be met and assisted by your Universal Travel representative. Berlin is an incredible place, originally two 14th century towns (Cölln and Altberlin) separated only by the River Spree. It has always been a city of contrasts and never more so than in its recent past, which makes it such a fascinating place to visit. This morning embark on a panoramic city tour incl. Checkpoint Charlie, Branden-burg Gate, Reichstag Dome, Kurfürstendamm, and free time for lunch before you check into your hotel early this afternoon. Tonight meet your fellow travelers and enjoy a welcome to Germany dinner complete with German food, beer, and wine! Overnight: Berlin (D) MAY 14| GDR MUSEUM | BERLIN WALL | RIVER CRUISE A full day of Berlin! First you will visit the East German-GDR Museum, one of the most interactive museums in the world. The museum gives you a chance to experience what everyday life behind the Berlin Wall was like in former East Germany, such as living conditions, the Wall, and the Stasi. This visit is a history lesson like no other, making it one of the top things to do in Berlin. Next you are off to the Berlin Wall, Germany’s standing symbol of the Cold War, dividing the country for more than 28 years. The longest remaining stretch has now transformed into the world’s longest open-air gallery, the East Side Gallery. This one mile of fascinating images takes a signif-icant era of Germany’s history and turns it into a work of art. After some free time for lunch your tour continues with a cruise down the Spree River. Here you will get a completely different perspective of Germany’s Capital. Enjoy lovely views of the Reichstag, the Main Train Station, and the TV Tower among many other sites. You return to your hotel with time to relax and an evening at your leisure. Overnight: Berlin (B) MAY 15| A FREE DAY IN BERLIN Today is yours to explore Berlin on your own! Make it a shop-ping day at the famous department store “The Kaufhaus des Westens.” With over 60,000 square meters of retail space, the KA-DE-W is the second largest department store in Europe, after Harrods of London. Within 10 min. walking distance, you reach Kurfürstendamm. This large avenue, colloquially known by the Berliners as “Ku'damm,” is the most important shopping area in Berlin. A vast number of shops are strung along the wide boulevard, most of which are international brands. Another option is visiting Museum Island, a unique ensemble of buildings on Spree Island in the heart of Berlin. It encompasses five large Berlin museums, built under the Prus-sian rulers, as well as a reception and exhibition building, the James Simon Gallery. Optional Tour - Former Concentration Camp Sachsenhausen: With sufficient numbers, Universal Travel will offer a visit to the Sachsenhausen Memorial Center, one of the biggest concen-tration camps on German territory from 1936 to 1945. From 1945 to 1950 the site was used as a special camp by the Soviet secret service. Overnight: Berlin (B) MAY 16 | WITTENBERG - MARTIN LUTHER | LEIPZIG This morning after a leisurely breakfast, you board your private motor coach and travel south to the town of Witten-berg for a guided tour of the Luther House. It was here that the Reformer, Martin Luther, lived and worked for over 35 years. Originally built as an Augustinian Monastery, Martin Luther called this home from 1508; first as a monk and then later with his family. This was where he made his “reformatory discovery,” gave lectures to students from across Europe, and penned his writings that changed the world. After your tour enjoy free time in Old Town Wittenberg for lunch on your own. You continue your journey southbound and arrive at the University City of Leipzig for a two-night stay. Tonight's dinner will be served at the famous Auerbachs Keller. Like millions of guests before you, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was here, too. The mentioning of the Fasskeller (barrel cellar) in Goethe's classic work "Faust" makes it arguably the most famous restaurant in Germany. Today the room is exactly as generations of guests before and after Goethe's time knew it. Overnight: Leipzig (B,D) MAY 17 | LEIPZIG CITY TOUR | DANCE LESSON This morning after breakfast we are off to a half day sightsee-ing tour of the city followed by free time for lunch and shop-ping in Leipzig’s Old Town. This afternoon a special treat is in store as you participate in a “hands-on slow waltz dance lesson” complete with sparkling wine, taught by Christoph’s sister, a professional ballroom dance champion! Return back to your hotel with the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight: Leipzig (B) The Very Best of Eastern Germany May 12 - 23, 2025 | 13 Days / 11 Nights program
MAY 18 | MEISSEN PORCELAIN FACTORY | DRESDEN This morning you travel to Meissen for a guided tour of the world famous porcelain factory. Meissen porcelain was the first successfully produced true porcelain in Europe, and dominated the style of European porcelain manufactured until the mid 17th century. From here, you journey a short distance to Dresden and check into your hotel for a relaxing three night stay. Dinner tonight will be served at a local restaurant. Overnight: Dresden (B,D) MAY 19 | CITY TOUR | WINE TASTING |STEAMBOAT Start your morning with a walking tour of Dresden’s old city quarters. See the famous Frauenkirche, the Dresdner Zwinger, the Stallhof and more. Next, enjoy a guided tour of the famous Semper Opera House, the most famous opera house in all of Germany! The Opera houses the Saxon State Orchestra, one of the world’s oldest and best-known orchestras. After some free time for lunch on your own, you leave town and journey along the Saxon Wine Route. Here you stop at a winery and sample wines while taking in the scenery. In this area you will find many different varieties of wine, including Traminer, Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, Dornfelder, and Pinot Noir. This afternoon unwind with a relaxing steamboat cruise on the River Elbe. Dinner tonight is included. Overnight: Dresden (B,D) MAY 20 | SAXON SWITZERLAND REGION | FORTRESS After breakfast this morning you leave for the Saxon Switzer-land region. Together with the Bohemian Switzerland in the Czech Republic it forms the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Your first stop is the Königstein Fortress, the "Saxon Bastille," a hilltop fortress located on the left bank of the River Elbe. It is one of the largest hilltop fortifications in Europe and sits atop the mountain Königstein. After a guided tour of the fortress and an included lunch, your journey continues to the Bastei, one of Germany’s most unique landscapes. Giant pinnacles of sandstone rocks tower over the Elbe River and the green coun-tryside. Later this afternoon return back to your hotel for an evening at your leisure. Overnight: Dresden (B,L) MAY 21 | POTSDAM | CHURCHILL, TRUMAN, STALIN After checking out of your hotel this morning, you travel north and arrive in Potsdam around noon. First stop will be the famous Glienicke Bridge, also known as the Bridge of Spies. The bridge straddled the border between East and West Berlin and was used to exchange high-ranking spies between the Eastern and Western powers. After an included lunch you will visit Cecilienhof Palace. It was here that the victorious powers of World War II met for the Potsdam Conference during the summer of 1945. Churchill, Truman, and Stalin made world history here discussing how to divide Germany, and later signed the Peace Treaty Agreement. This afternoon check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Overnight: Potsdam (B,L) MAY 22 | CITY TOUR | SANSSOUCI PALACE | CRUISE On your city tour this morning discover the regal heritage of Potsdam, Berlin's posh royal suburb from the past. You will see Downtown Potsdam, Belvedere Pfingstberg, and admire the red brick buildings in the Dutch Quarter. Later you will marvel over the UNESCO-listed wonder of Sanssouci Palace, the summer palace of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia. Explore the palace gardens before returning to your hotel. This evening enjoy a boat tour along the river Havel complete with dinner, wine, beer and entertainment! Overnight: Potsdam (B,D) MAY 23 | DEPARTURE BACK HOME This morning you will be transferred to the Berlin airport and board your flight home. The memories you made in East Germany will last forever! (B) *Itinerary is subject to change INCLUSIONS: • Roundtrip transfer to the DFW airport (minimum 10 pax.) • Roundtrip airfare from DFW to Berlin • 12-days luxury motor coach transportaon while in Germany • Local step-on guides in Berlin, Leipzig, Dresden & Potsdam 10-nights Accommodaons in 4-star hotels (3-nights in Berlin & Dresden, 2-nights in Leipzig & Potsdam) • Daily breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners (including a glass of beer, wine, or soda per dinner) • Panoramic Sightseeing in Berlin, Leipzig, Dresden & Potsdam • Guided tour of GDR museum, Porcelain factory, Dresden Opera House, Marn Luther House, Cecilienhof Palace, Sanssouci Castle and Fortress Koenigstein • Cruises as indicated on the Spree, Havel and Elbe Rivers • Wine tasng at a winery • Dance lesson incl. 1 glass of beer, wine, sparking wine, or soda • Luggage handling (1 piece per person) • Hotel taxes, meal taxes and gratuies • Porterage of 1 bag per person (excludes airline baggage fees) • All resort, service, and government fees • Professional Tour Director, bilingual (English/German) • All gratuies for drivers, guides, step-on guides TRIP COST: $6,698.00 Per Person $7,999.00 Single Rate $900.00 deposit due to conrm the reservaon Final payment due Jan 6, 2025 No penales unl Jan 9, 2025 Cancellaon: 50% non-refundable Jan 10, 2025 100% non-refundable Feb 10, 2025 An oponal Travel Protecon plan is available with coverage for trip cancellaon/interrupon. See enclosed product yer for more informaon. Contact Linda Mangly lmangly@alliancebank.com 877-903-2265 or 903-439-6707 Alliance Bank PO BOX 500 Sulphur Springs, TX 72483 A valid passport is required for travel. Cash, check or credit cards accepted.
June 22 | Welcome to New England! Welcome to New England! Famous for its rich histo-ry, charming villages, majestic mountains, and coastal scenery - you’ll Rail and Sail your way around many of New England’s beautiful regions! Arrive at Boston Logan International Airport, where you’ll receive a warm greeting from your Professional Tour Director, and step aboard a luxu-ry motorcoach. Once boarded, depart for Newport, Rhode Island - America’s first resort and yachting capital. Check into the Wyndham Hotel Newport, RI for a relaxing three night stay. Take some time to freshen up before enjoying a welcome dinner at one of Newport’s famed restaurants! Overnight: Wyndham Hotel, Newport, RI (D) June 23 | Newport’s Gilded Age, Breakers Mansion & Schooner Cruise After breakfast, you’ll depart for a guided tour along the magnificent Ten Mile Drive, returning to the opulent Gilded Age, where elite families such as the Vanderbilts and the Astors built their “summer cottages” to retreat from city life. Then tour the grand dame of all the Mansions - The Breakers. Built in just two years (1893-1895) at a cost of over $7 million (equivalent to over $150 million today), this 70-room Italian and Renaissance-style Villa was the summer home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II. After your self-guided tour, enjoy free time for lunch on your own and shopping along the waterfront. You’ll finish the afternoon aboard one of Newport’s classic schooners for a cruise around Narragansett Bay! Enjoy the leisurely evening along Newport’s waterfront and dine at one of the many wonderful restaurants. Overnight: Wyndham Hotel, Newport, RI (B) June 24 | Cruise to Block Island, Luncheon & Tour This morning after breakfast, head to the port of Galilee and board a ferry bound for Block Island. This beautiful island, found nine miles off the coast of Newport, has been heralded as “one of the twelve best-unspoiled areas in the Western Hemisphere” and is known for its relaxed way of life. Think food and drinks overlooking the ocean, boutique-lined streets, spectacular natural sights and some of the most unspoiled white sand beaches in the country. Step back in time and enjoy a delicious included luncheon at one of the Island’s historic grand hotels, followed by a narrated tour of the Island’s views of dramatic cliffs, rocky beaches, historic lighthouses, and charming villages. Enjoy free time in the village before cruising back to the mainland. Return toNewport with the balance of the day at leisure to dine at one of Newport’s great restaurants. Overnight: Wyndham Hotel, Newport, RI (B,L) June 25 | Winnipesaukee Railroad Train Ride w/ boxed Lunch & Kancamagus Highway After breakfast, set off for a spectacular day in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire! Later today, step aboard the Winnipesaukee railroad for a two-hour nostalgic train ride along the shores of Lake Winni-pesaukee. The railroad line was built in 1849 by the Boston & Maine Railroad, which brought tourists to the lake for summer vacations from the late 1890s to the 1950s. Enjoy a Hobo Picnic boxed Lunch while admiring the beautiful scenery. Continue north to the White Mountains and travel along the Kan-camagus Scenic Byway, which is considered one of the world’s most spectacular drives, with photo stops enroute. Arrive at North Conway Grand Hotel and settle in before gathering for a delicious dinner this evening. Overnight: Grand Hotel, North Conway, NH (B,L,D) East Coaster – Railing & Sailing... June 22 - 28, 2025 | 7-Day program Explore the region famous for its rich history, beautiful coastline, and majestic mountains by road, rail, and sail.
June 26 | Mount Washington Hotel Tour & Lunch-eon and Mount Washington Cog Railway This morning after breakfast, venture to the historic Omni Mount Washington Hotel. Ground was bro-ken in 1900 and construction was completed in 1902. Two hundred and fifty Italian craftsmen, skilled in masonry and woodworking, were brought in and housed on the grounds. The Mount Washington Hotel was the most luxurious hotel of its day, and once became a favorite summer haunt for poets, celebrities, presidents, and princes. Enjoy some free time at this magnificent hotel, followed by a deli-cious luncheon in the Grand Dining Room. Next, you’ll board the Mount Washington Cog Railway for an unforgettable and exciting “once in a life-time” railing experience. In 1869, the Cog Railway was an engineering marvel of technology with toothed cog gears, rack rails, and tilted boilers. En-joy a rare glimpse of this world gone by while taking in spectacular views as you travel up some of the steepest railroad tracks in existence. Tonight's din-ner is on your own. Overnight: Grand Hotel, North Conway, NH (B,L) June 27 | Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Lobster Cruise This morning, set off for coastal Maine, arriving at the beautiful village of Kennebunkport and enjoy-ing a scenic drive along the ocean-viewing Walker’s Point, the well-known summer home of past Presi-dent George HW Bush. Enjoy free time in charming Dock Square for lunch on your own before boarding a lobstering cruise for an upfront demonstration to learn all about these tasty crustaceans! Later, continue to the seaside village of Ogunquit, named by the Abenaki Indians and meaning “Beautiful Place by the Sea,” and check into the Meadowmere Resort for the evening. Our grand finale awaits! Enjoy a photo stop at one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country: The Nubble Light, followed by a traditional Maine Lobster bake with all the fixings! Overnight: Meadowmere Resort, ME (B,D) June 28 Departure home After breakfast, you return to Boston Logan Inter-national Airport for your departure home, taking many beautiful memories with you! (B) *itinerary is subject to change Inclusions: • Roundtrip transfer to DFW (Minimum 10 passengers) • Roundtrip airfare from DFW to Boston (checked bag fees are not included) • Seven days motor coach transportation • Professional Tour Director • Six nights accommodations • Six breakfasts • Block Island Luncheon • Winnipesaukee Railroad Hobo Picnic Lunch • Omni Mount Washington Luncheon • Two dinners • Traditional Lobster bake dinner • Admission to the Breakers Mansion • Newport Schooner Cruise • Block Island Cruise • Block Island transportation • Lobster Cruise • Winnipesaukee Railroad • Mount Washington Cog Railway • Luggage handling (one piece per person) • Hotel taxes; meal taxes and gratuities • All gratuities for drivers, guides, step-on guides $4,399.00 per person $875.00 Single add on $800.00 deposit due to confirm the reservation Final payment due Feb 28, 2025 No penalties until Mar 4, 2025 Cancellation: 50% non-refundable Mar 5, 2025 100% non-refundable Apr 5, 2025 Contact Linda Mattingly lmattingly@alliancebank.com 877-903-2265 or 903-439-6707 Alliance Bank PO BOX 500, Sulphur Springs, TX 72483 An optional Travel Protection plan is availa-ble with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, see enclosed product flyer for more information.
Welcome to Paradise! The islands of French Polynesia are a gorgeous collection of volcanic atolls strewn across the grand Pacific Ocean and the island of Tahiti is the largest of all. Start your dream vacation with a two-night stay in Papeete at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort and Spa. The Resort is located on 32 acres of lush tropical garden alongside an idyllic lagoon. Indulge in a host of activities, from diving amongst coral reefs to taking a swim at the infinity pool or unwinding at the Deep Nature Spa. Enjoy a drink from your private balcony of your spacious panoramic ocean view room facing the lagoon. Explore the best of Tahiti on two included half-day excursions before you embark the M/S Paul Gauguin, one of the finest small boutique ships at sea. Voted most luxurious ship to sail in Tahiti on a year-round basis, your Paul Gauguin ship is designed to dazzle. Along with the incredible beauty of the South Pacific you will be treated to all shipboard meals in your choice of venue, included beverages, in room fridge replenished daily with soft drinks, beer, and water, entertainment including local Polynesian performers, complimentary watersports including kayaking and paddle boarding, use of the secluded, white-sand beach in Bora Bora, and a day on Gauguin’s private island, Motu Mahana! July 23 & 24 | Here we go! - Board your flight today for Los Angeles or San Francisco and connect to your flight to Papeete, Tahiti. Depending on flight schedules you’ll arrive either late on July 23 or early on July 24. On arrival you’ll be met by your Universal Travel Tour Director and assisted with your transfer to your hotel. The hotel owns two private freshwater horizon pools, one with a sand-bottom and a swim-up bar. A lagoonarium of its own is available too for the snorkeling fan. It is Tahiti's most famous Resort and one of the island's only two 5-star properties, with amazing views over the island of Moorea, just in front of it. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to rest in your upgraded, spacious, and panoramic ocean view balcony room, your beautiful home for the next two nights. Tonight meet your fellow travelers for a welcome to Tahiti dinner. Overnight: InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa (D) July 25 | Downtown Papeete - Meet your local tour guide this morning for a private half-day tour. Visit downtown Papeete, the Capital of French Polynesia. The name Papee-te means “water from a basket”. Visit the local market and surrounding shopping area. You will be greeted by a Poly-nesian Dance group with the sounds of the conch shell, Marquisian drums, guitars & ukuleles. See local artists demonstrating their skills of weaving, wood carving, pareo painting/dying. Sample traditional food including “poisson cru” (fresh tuna ceviche marinated with lemon and coconut milk and some crudities). It will be a great introduction to the Polynesian lifestyle and joyful culture. Return to the hotel early this afternoon to relax and enjoy the resort. Overnight: InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa (B) July 26 | Sail away from Papeete! - After your leisurely breakfast this morning your local guide awaits you for another half-day tour of the island. Travel westbound this morning and your first stop will be the Museum of Tahiti and the Islands, considered to be one of the best and most beautiful museums in the South Pacific. Next you will visit Arahura marae, an ancient cult center. Here you will learn about the ancestral Ma’ohi religion and culture. Continue your tour to Maraa’a Fern Grotto and later you will visit the Vahipahi Tropical Gardens, before transferring to the pier to board the incredible M/S Paul Gauguin! You’ll ar-rive in time for a late lunch and will have the entire evening to discover what makes the M/S Paul Gauguin the award winner that it is! The ship underwent an refurbishment in March of 2021. Tonight choose one of the three restaurants for dinner and relax in the piano bar. Your ship sets sail at midnight. (B,L,D) July 27 | Huahine, Society Islands - Your first port of call is Huahine, known as “The Garden Island” for its lush rain-forests and dramatic terrain. While here, you can cruise the expansive lagoon, explore the island’s culture, or have a romantic picnic on the beach. (B,L,D) July 28 | Taha’a Mount Mahana, Society Islands Embark on your choice of exciting shore excursions today, or spend your whole day relaxing on Motu Mahana, Gau-guin’s private islet. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, or simply lounge on the beach with drinks served in coconuts, and a floating lagoon bar. Les Gauguines will also be on hand to provide musical entertainment & demon-strate traditional Polynesian crafts. Enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch at the beach or relax on your balcony and soak in the breathtaking island views! (B,L,D) July 29 & 30 | Bora Bora, Society Islands! Immediately recognizable by Mount Otemanu rising from the ocean, this half atoll, half mountain is surrounded by a spectacular lagoon and a series of smaller islands. Ancient Tahiti & the Society Islands ~ Featuring Papeete, Huahine, Taha’a, Bora Bora & Moorea ~ July 23 - August 2/3, 2025
Universal Travel will oer Optional and Private Shore Excursions on all Ports of Call on this Itinerary. Polynesians called it Parapora, or “firstborn” because they thought it was the first island created after Raiatea. The ship anchors for an overnight stay. (B,L,D) July 31 & August 1 |Moorea, Society Islands Vibrant colors abound on Moorea, in everything from fresh fruits and flowers to multi-hued lagoons, from spectacular mountain peaks to palm-fringed beaches. You may shop for local handicrafts, embark on an optional dolphin watching expedition with a marine biologist, and sample the local pineapples, said to be the most delicious in all of French Polynesia! Tonight you return to Papeete (B,L,D) August 2/3 | Papeete, Tahiti & flight back home After disembarking the ship this morning, board your motorcoach and journey to the East Coast to admire the volcanic coastal scenery at Tahara lookout. Next, travel to Bay of Matavai, where Captain Wallis discovered Tahiti. Continue your journey to the Faarunai waterfalls and Arahoho Blowhole, one of the island’s most visited natural wonders. On your way back you will stop at a local restau-rant for an included lunch. This afternoon a dayroom awaits for your convenience. Repack and relax at the pool once again before you transfer to the airport for your over-night flight. Fond memories of Polynesia will last a lifeline! (B,L) *itinerary is subject to change Inclusions: • Round trip transportation to the DFW airport (Minimum 10 pax) • Round trip airfare from DFW to Tahiti (except baggage fees) • 2 or 3 night pre stay in Papeete (depending on the air schedule), at a 5-star resort in panoramic lagoon view rooms • All transfers while in Papeete • 2 or 3 full American Breakfast at the hotel • Porterage of one suitcase per person • One welcome to Tahiti dinner • 3 half day tours in Tahiti (incl. driver & guide gratuities) • 7 nights onboard the m/s Paul Gauguin • Onboard gratuities for room stewards, dining and bar sta • All shipboard meals, in your choice of venues • Complimentary 24-hour room service • Complimentary beverages, incl. select wines, spirits, beers, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages served throughout the ship • In-room refrigerator replenished daily with soft drinks, beer, and bottled water • Watersports, including complimentary kayaking and paddle boarding from our marina or destination beaches • 1 Post Day-Room in Papeete (run of the house) • Service of a Tour Director • $100.00 per person Shipboard Credit • Driver & Step on Guide Gratuities in Papeete Contact Linda Mattingly lmattingly@alliancebank.com 877-903-2265 or 903-439-6707 Alliance Bank PO BOX 500 Sulphur Springs, TX 72483 $900.00 deposit due when making a reservation $250.00 non-refundable at the time of sign up ———————————–———————————– An additional 30% of the trip cost in your selected cabin, is due on or before Jan 10, 2025 ———————————————————————— Final payment due Mar 3, 2025 Cancellation Penalties: 50% non refundable Mar 4, 2025 100% non-refundable Apr 22, 2025 An optional Travel Protection plan is available with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, see enclosed product yer for more information. A valid passport is required for this itinerary and must be valid for at least 6 month after returning back to the USA. Two Porthole Window - Cat. F | 200sqft $9,499.00 per person Picture Window - Cat. E |200sqft $9,999.00 per person Balcony - Cat. D | 202sqft + 37sqft $11,599.00 per person Balcony - Cat. C | 202 sqft + 37sqft $11,899.00 per person Single occupancy is available upon request Veranda - Cat. B |249 sqft + 56 sqft $13,599.00 per person Veranda Suite - Cat. A|300 sqft + 58 sqft $15,899.00 per person Optional, limited upgrade to an Overwater Bungalow on your pre-cruise in Papeete available upon request Cash, Check, or Credit Cards Accepted
M/S Paul Gauguin Ship - Facts • All Oceanview accommodations, nearly 70% with balconies, measuring from 200 to 500 sq. ft. • 166 suites/staterooms on Decks 3-8, including one wheelchair-accessible stateroom and select staterooms that can accommodate three guests/ Cabin B and up: Butler service, in-suite bar setup, and iPod® music system in suite/stateroom • A choice of three dining venues • Complimentary 24-hour room service, including selections from L’Etoile restaurant during regular dining hours • Complimentary beverages, including select wines and spirits, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages • In-room refrigerator replenished daily with soft drinks, beer, and bottled water • Onboard gratuities for room stewards, dining and bar sta • Full entertainment program including Polynesian artists, musical entertainment, a pianist, and a professionally operated casino with slot machines • Spa and beauty services, including hand and foot treatments, body treatments, facials, and spa programs • Optional PADI SCUBA diving program and certication • Watersports marina for complimentary kayaking and paddle boarding, and Zodiacs® for optional dive excursions • A day at Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ exclusive retreat o the coast of Taha’a, featuring Polynesian hospitality, snorkeling, watersports, bar service, and a delicious feast • Access to the exclusive, private beach located on a motu o the coast of Bora Bora, which oers an idyllic white-sand beach, excellent snorkeling, and bar service on French Polynesia itineraries • Fully-equipped tness center • Presentations by local naturalists and a variety of special guests • Spacious outdoor decks and a pool • La Boutique duty-free shop • Book library (open 24 hours a day) • Wi-Fi hot spots throughout the ship to cover most staterooms and common areas, as well as guest-accessible comput-ers, available 24 hours a day for a nominal fee • Laundry services available • Certied medical services Weather July is the best month to visit French Polynesia. The daily temperatures in July reach pleasant low 80’s °F. The seawater temperature reaches ideal 80 °F. At night, temperatures hover around a pleasant 71 °F. Capacity: 330 guests Crew: 217/International Crew-to-Guest Ratio: 1:1.5 (one of the highest of any luxury cruise ship) Length: 504 feet Width: 72 feet Draft: 17.1 feet Tonnage: 19,200 tons Maximum speed: 18 knots Passenger decks: 7
Deck 9 Deck 4 Deck 5 Deck 3 Deck 6 Deck 7 Deck 8
Sep 17 | US | Scotland. Today transfer to the airport and board your overnight flight bound for Edinburgh, Scotland. Sep 18 | Edinburgh | Edinburgh Castle | Welcome Din-ner. This morning you arrive in Edinburgh where you are met by your local guide and driver. Enjoy a brief panoramic city tour of Edinburgh, followed by free time for lunch and shopping in town, before you check in to your hotel for a comfortable two-night stay. Tonight, enjoy a wel-come to Scotland dinner. Overnight: Edinburgh (D) Sep 19 | Edinburgh | Royal Yacht Britannia | Under-ground Vaults. This morning after breakfast you’ll visit the Royal Yacht Britannia. A Royal residence for over 40 years, The Britannia sailed over 1,000,000 nautical miles on 968 state visits with the Royal Family where they entertained prime ministers and presidents. Nowa-days she is a five-star visitor attraction and TripAdvi-sor's No.1 UK Attraction in 2023! On your private tour, you’ll discover stories of life at sea across five decks for both the Royal Family and the 220 Royal Yachtsmen who served on board. Follow in the footsteps of Royalty through the State Apartments, see Queen Elizabeth II's favorite room, and feel like the captain of the ship on the Bridge. Next, enjoy Tea and Scones on the Royal Deck! This afternoon you are off on a walking tour of Edin-burgh, viewing iconic sites like the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, and St. Giles' Cathedral. In the evening, you’ll go on a fascinating tour of the Edinburgh Vaults. This one hour tour takes you to an underground network of cham-bers with a haunting history. Dinner this evening is at leisure. Overnight: Edinburgh (B, Tea & Scones) Sep 20 | Rosslyn Chapel | Balerno | Glasgow. After breakfast and check out this morning, you’ll head south and visit Rosslyn Chapel, one of the most famous reli-gious sites of Scotland, famous for its intricate carvings and made even more famous in the past few years due to the Da Vinci Code novel by Dan Brown and the movie with Tom Hanks. On your way to Glasgow, enjoy a Farm to Table lunch experience at a private farmhouse in Balerno. Continue to Glasgow for a visit to the National Piping Centre to explore 300 years of musical history, and try the bagpipes for yourself! Check in to your centrally located hotel in Glasgow, with the remain-der of the day at leisure to explore Glasgow on your own. Overnight: Glasgow (B,L) Sep 21 | Loch Lomond | Trossachs National Park | Glen-coe. This morning take the scenic drive through Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, an area of excep-tional beauty that separates the lowlands and the rugged mountainous landscape of the Scottish Highlands. Enroute you’ll make stops at the Trossachs Woolen Mill, Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, Three Sisters of Glen-coe, and the National Trust Glencoe Visitor Centre. Lat-er today check in to your hotel for a two-night stay, and after some free time to freshen up, enjoy an included dinner in the hotel dining room. Overnight: Isles of Glencoe Area (B,D) Sep 22 | Jacobite Steam Train |Western Highlands. To-day you board the Jacobite Steam Train, hailed as one of the greatest railway journeys in the world! This 84 mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. The Jacobite Steam Train or 'Hogwarts Express' starts its journey near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, and visits Britain's most westerly mainland rail-way station, Arisaig. It then passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar, and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis! The train journey takes around two hours for each leg, with a 90min. stop in Mallaig for lunch and shopping, making it a six-hour day trip. This afternoon you return to your hotel, with the remainder of the evening at leisure. Overnight: Isles of Glencoe Area (B) Sep 23 | Isle of Skye | Portree. After breakfast you depart Fort William for a scenic sightseeing day at the Isle of Skye. Connected to Scotland's northwest coast by bridge, the Isle of Skye is known for its rugged land-scapes, medieval castles, picturesque fishing villages, it's history, and the outstanding scenery. Enjoy an included lunch in fishing village of Portree, famous for its colorful houses. Here you have the option to stay in the village with free time for shopping, or go on a 60min. roundtrip hike to the Man of Storr viewpoint. Your journey contin-ues to Inverness with photo stops at Kilt Rock and Eilean Donan Castle enroute. This evening check in to your hotel for another two-night stay. Tonight dinner will be served in the hotels dining room. Scotland SEPTEMBER 17-27, 2025 | 11 Days / 9 Nights Featuring Edinburgh, Glasgow, Loch Lomond , Isle of Skye, Inverness, Loch Ness and more...
Sep 24 | Inverness | Dunrobin Castle |Northern High-lands. This morning enjoy a guided tour of Inverness in-cluding a visit to the Inverness Cathedral and the Art Museum. Thereafter you’ll have free time for lunch and shopping in town. This afternoon you’ll travel north and visit Dunrobin Castle and Gardens for a guided tour. The Castle is the most northerly of Scotland's Great Houses and is one of the most majestic, looking like a French château with its fantastic gardens. It is the largest house in the Highlands of Scotland with 189 rooms, and one of Britain’s oldest inhabited houses, with parts dating from the early 1300s. It was home to the Dukes of Sutherland, and it is now occupied by the Earls of Sutherland who are their descendants. Return to Inverness for the even-ing and dinner at leisure. Overnight: Inverness (B) Sep 25 | Loch Ness Cruise | House of Bruar | Whiskey Tasting. This morning you travel a short distance to Dochgarroch. Upon arrival enjoy a two-hour cruise on Loch Ness. The journey begins on Thomas Telford’s Canal, then across Loch Ness with views of the Great Glen and panoramic views of Aldourie Castle, Bona Lighthouse, and the spectacular Urquhart Castle. After your cruise you continue to the House of Bruar for shop-ping and an included lunch, followed by a whisky tour and tasting at the beautiful Blair Athol Distillery. Your journey continues to the city of Dundee. Upon arrival you’ll check in to your hotel for overnight. Dinner to-night is at your leisure. Overnight: Dundee (B,L) Sep 26 | Dundee City tour | Stirling Castle | Falkrik. Af-ter breakfast enjoy a guided tour of Dundee, followed by free time for lunch on your own and shopping in town. Early this afternoon, visit Stirling Castle for a guided tour. The 16th century castle remains a great symbol of Scottish independence, national pride, and is also known from the movie “Braveheart” starring Mel Gibson. Continue your journey to the Falkirk Wheel, the world's one and only rotating boat lift! Experience a marvel of engineering on your boat cruise as you “Sail through the Sky” on the Falkirk Wheel and climb or descent over 100 feet in just 5 minutes! On your way to Edinburgh, you’ll stop at the Kelpies for a photo op before checking in at your Edinburgh hotel for overnight. This evening enjoy a fun filled farewell dinner, complete with wine and entertainment. Overnight: Edinburgh (B,D) Sep 27 | Flight back home. After breakfast this morning you’ll depart for the Edinburgh airport and your flight home to the United States with memories of Scotland that will remain forever. (B) *Inerary is subject to change TRIP COST: $6,999.00 Per Person Cash or Check payment —————————––— $1,589.00 Single add on Cash, check, & all major credit cards accepted INCLUSIONS: • Round-trip transfer to the DFW Airport (minimum 10 passengers) • Round-trip airfare from DFW to Edinburgh • Luxury motorcoach transportation while in Scotland • Nine-nights accommodations in 3 and 4-star hotels Three-nights in Edinburgh Centre One-night in Glasgow Centre Two-nights in the Isles of Glencoe area Two-nights in Inverness Palace & Spa One-night in Dundee Centre • Daily breakfast, three lunches, and four dinners • All sightseeing, attractions, and admissions (as detailed in itinerary) • Local step-on guide on Isle of Skye Day • Hotel taxes, meal taxes, and gratuities • Porterage of 1 bag per person (excludes airline baggage fees) • All resort, service, and government fees • Service of a professional Tour Director • All gratuities for drivers, guides, step-on guides $1000.00 deposit due Final payment due May 3, 2025 No penalties until May 8, 2025 Cancellation: 50% non-refundable May 9, 2025 100% non-refundable June 9, 2025 Contact Linda Mattingly lmattingly@alliancebank.com 877-903-2265 or 903-439-6707 Alliance Bank PO BOX 500, Sulphur Springs, TX 72483 An optional Travel Protection plan is available with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption. See enclosed product flyer for more information. A valid passport with at least three empty Visa pages is required, and must be valid for at least six months after your return date. The UK - ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization ) fee is not included in this program.
Colorado’s Rails and Rockies October 7-14, 2025 Featuring: The famous Rocky Mountaineer on a two-day rail journey between Denver & Moab. Also includes the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad in upgraded Vista Dome Cars, the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, a Hummer Jeep tour on the legendary Hell’s Revenge Trail, and a Sound & Light Boat Tour on the Colorado River after dark. Oct 7 - Denver Today, board your ight bound for Denver. On arrival, you will receive a warm greeng from your Universal Travel representave. Board your luxury motor coach and trans-fer to your hotel with some free me to relax and freshen up. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. Overnight: Denver (D) Oct 8 - Denver to Glenwood Springs | Rocky Mountaineer Enjoy a hearty breakfast before boarding your luxury mo-tor coach, making a short transfer to the Denver train staon. Upon arrival, board the Rocky Mountaineer to begin your fascinang rail journey. Travel through two days of extraordinary landscapes from Denver to Moab, and experience the majesty of the Rocky Mountains in luxury from your glass domed coach car. Vast canyons, inspiring deserts, natural archways, and enchanng hoodoos are just a start. This Rocky Mountaineer rail route is lled with highlights best seen by train, including Ruby Canyon, Mount Logan, and crossing the Connental Di-vide. A two-course gourmet breakfast will be served upon deparng the Denver train staon. The custom-designed coaches oer you a clean, crisp view from the comfort of your reclining seat. Dine on a three-course, regionally-inspired lunch as your hosts capvate you with stories of the region while you take in the views, from your pre-reserved seats, of picturesque Byers Canyon and Gore Canyon. Early this evening you arrive into Glenwood Springs. Disembark and reminisce about your day in the comfort of your hotel room. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure. Overnight: Glenwood Springs (B,L) Oct 9 - Glenwood Springs to Moab | Rocky Mountaineer | Hummer O Road Adventure | Sound and Light Show Boat Tour Leave beauful Glenwood Springs rested and relaxed as you connue heading west for another day of extraordi-nary views toward Moab onboard the Rocky Mountaineer. Enjoy another two-course hot breakfast while watching the morning light bounce o the rugged canyons and Mount Gareld, as you cross the Colorado-Utah border. Admire mother nature with its red rock formaons lining the clis in Ruby Canyon and Red Sandstone landscapes emerge as you approach Moab at noon. You will be trans-ferred to downtown Moab with free me for lunch on your own. Aer lunch, embark on an o-road experience in style and comfort aboard the world’s most serious cus-tom 4x4 ride! Professional guides operate these Hummer vehicles with raised seang in the rear for opmum pas-senger viewing. Within minutes you'll be scaling one of Moab's famous red rock ns on your way to an area known as "Hell's Revenge”. Weave in and out of rock can-yons and feel the excitement of climbing unbelievable sandstone hills. Learn about the geology and unique histo-ry of the area and return with a new feeling of freedom and unforgeable memories that your children and grand-children will never believe you did! In the late aernoon check into your hotel with some free me to relax at the sparkling pool. This evening enjoy an included BBQ dinner before embarking on a Sound and Light Boat tour on the mighty Colorado River. Once darkness seles in, the for-mal part of the evening begins with 40,000 was of natu-ral light illuminang the canyon wall. Lights, shadows, mu-sic, and narraon make the stories of the canyon’s for-maon, creaon, and history come to life on the walls above the river. Overnight: Moab (B,D) Oct 10 - Moab to Durango | Million Dollar Hwy | Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Aer a leisurely breakfast, your journey connues as you travel on the Million Dollar Highway towards Silverton. Built in the late 1880's, the Million Dollar Highway, part of the San Juan Skyway, is one of the naon’s most spectacu-lar drives. Upon arrival at the historic mining town of Silverton, you have some free me to explore main street and a lunch on your own. Early this aernoon take a nostalgic ride on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a designated Naonal Historic Landmark. Upon arrival at the Durango Train Depot, check into your hotel for overnight. This evening, you are free to enjoy leisure me in this western town. Overnight: Durango (B)
Oct 11 - Durango to Alamosa |Mesa Verde | Great Sand Dunes Naonal Park Aer breakfast at the hotel, journey to Verde Naonal Park via your luxury motor coach. Upon arrival, visit the cli dwellings inhabited by Anasazi, known as the Ancient Ones, nearly 4,000 years ago. This is the naon’s largest archeological preserve with 4,000 sights including 600 cli dwellings. Your travels connue eastward, with a comfort stop and me for lunch on your own before vising the Great Sand Dunes Naonal Park, the tallest dunes in North America. A sandbox of epic proporon, the enre dune eld encompasses 30 square miles with the tallest dune towers 750 feet high. Check into your hotel late this aernoon, followed by an included dinner in town. Overnight: Alamosa (B,D) Oct 12 - Alamosa to Colorado Springs | Royal Gorge Rail-road Aer breakfast at your hotel, you travel to Canon City. Upon arrival, enjoy a visit to Royal Gorge Park & Bridge, with some free me to walk on the world’s highest suspension bridge. Next, embark on a vintage train ride with the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Experience your rail journey in style with the best view from your upgraded Vista Dome, where you are invited to ride and dine in comfortable, booth-style seang for a relaxing journey through this meandering canyon. Take in the majesc, soaring views of the Royal Gorge while enjoying a fantas-c, locally sourced lunch from the Royal Gorge Route’s 403 Grill. Upon arrival into Colorado Springs, check into your hotel with the remainder of the evening at leisure to ex-plore Colorado Springs on your own. Overnight: Colorado Springs (B,L) Oct 13 - Colorado Springs Aer breakfast, board your coach and travel a short distance for a visit to the Garden of the Gods Park, a magical stop at this Naonal Natural Landmark. The Park is famous for its red sandstone rock formaons and abundance of plant and animal life. Your next stop will be at the charming town of Manitou Springs, with me to shop and lunch on your own. Consider stop-ping in at one of the local art galleries while passing through. This aernoon ride Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, the world’s highest cog railroad. They say every journey begins with a single step and yours begins right here: a nine-mile journey, 14,115 feet in altude and sweeping 360-degree views! Return to your hotel with me to relax and freshen up for dinner. This evening experience cowboy fun, food, and entertainment at the Flying W Ranch, a living symbol of Western heritage. Overnight: Colorado Springs (B,D) Oct 14 - Colorado Springs | Flight back home This morning aer breakfast and checking out of your hotel, you will be transferred to Denver Airport for your ight home. Fond memories will last forever! (B) *Inerary is subject to change INCLUSIONS: Roundtrip transfer DFW Airport (Minimum 10 passengers) Roundtrip air from DFW to Denver Full size luxury motor coach Daily breakfast, two lunches & four dinners Seven hotel nights Two day package onboard the Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Cars, including two 2-course breakfasts/ one 3-course lunch, plus alcoholic & non-alcoholicbeverages while onboard & one overnight inGlenwood Springs One way train ckets for Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad/ Royal Gorge Route Railroad (Vista Dome upgrade) & Pike’s Peak Cog Railway Admissions to Royal Gorge Park/ Garden of the Gods Park/ Mesa Verde Naonal Park & Great Sand Dunes Naonal Park Colorado River Sound & Lights Boat Cruise 4x4 Hummer O-Road Adventure Tour Director throughout the inerary Luggage handling for one bag per person (excludes airline baggage fees) All resort, hotel, service, and government fees All gratuies for drivers, guides & hosts on all trains TRIP COST: $5,899.00 Per Person—————————––——–— +$1000.00 Single add on$1000.00 deposit due to conrm the reservaon Final payment due is April 25, 2025 Cancellaon: 50% non-refundable May 1, 2025 100% non-refundable Jul 1, 2025 An optional Travel Protection plan is available with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, see enclosed product flyer for more information. Linda Mangly lmangly@alliancebank.com 877-903-2265903-439-6707Alliance Bank PO BOX 500 Sulphur Springs, TX 72483 All major credit cardsaccepted. Cash or check
Tanzania & Kenya Luxury Safari Oct. 8 - 20, 2025 Oct 8 & 9 | From home to Tanzania! Today begin your trip of a lifetime as your board you over-night flight to Tanzania with a connection in Europe. Your African Adventure begins upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport where you will be met by your Universal Travel staff member and assisted with your transfer to your 5-star hotel in Arusha. Overnight: Gran Melia Hotel, Arusha Oct 10 | Arusha & Ngorongoro Good morning! After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll depart for a brief city tour of Arusha, which is well known as the safari capital of Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit. Arusha sits below the dormant volcano of Mount Meru (14967 feet high) and is on the eastern escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. It's a vibrant city filled with an interesting mix of markets, chaotic traffic, and old colonial buildings. After an included lunch, leave all the hustle and bustle behind and travel through the countryside, passing by villages, banana plantations, and rice fields. Stop at the bustling farming community of Mto Wa Mbu, located between Manyara and Ngorongoro in the Great Rift Valley. A melting pot of cultures, Mto Wa Mbu is thought to be one of the only places in Tanzania where there are repre-sentatives from all 120 tribes living happily side by side. During your visit you’ll get a good feel for the social side of the village - the schools, food markets, art centers, workshops, and local eateries. Soon, you’ll find yourself surprisingly immersed with the people, learning about their lifestyles, history, and politics. Next, visit a local market before you arrive at the Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge for a two night stay. Overnight: Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge or similar (B,L,D) Oct 11 | Ngorongoro Crater This morning you'll descend down to the crater floor for a day of wildlife viewing in one of the most incredible places on earth - the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The jewel in Ngorongo-ro's crown is a deep, volcanic crater, the largest unflooded and unbroken caldera in the world. With walls 2,000 ft high and a crater floor that spreads for 102 sq miles, the crater is a virtual Noah's Ark, inhabited by almost every species of wildlife indig-enous to East Africa, including the rare black rhino. In fact, the crater has the greatest concentration of wildlife on the planet. The large bull elephants that reside here have extreme-ly large tusks due to the rich mineral content of the volcanic soil. After a picnic lunch near Hippo Lake and more wildlife viewing in the afternoon, drive up the steep road out of the crater and return to your lodge for overnight. Overnight: Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge or similar (B,PICNIC L,D) Oct 12 | Serengeti National Park After breakfast your driver guide will take you to the Manyara airstrip and you’ll board your flight bound for the famous Serengeti! Upon arrival at the Seronera airstrip, you will be met by your driver guide and depart for a brief game drive, before checking into the Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge, located at the heart of the Serengeti National Park of northern Tanzania. The accommodations provide a seamless blend of contempo-rary luxury and authentic African charm. Each spacious tent is thoughtfully designed to offer a serene sanctuary amidst the untamed wilderness. The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is a World Heritage Site and is one of the largest wildlife sanc-tuaries in the world. The origin of its name comes from the word “Siringet” in Maasai language, which means “never-ending plain,” and the area spans close to 5,800 square miles in size. The Serengeti is located in the highlands, which extend from the east to the west of the high plains of Ngorongoro, to Lake Victoria, and continue to the north with the Masai Mara in Kenya. Enjoy an afternoon game drive along the Seronera River, where lion sightings are common and the riverbank is home to one of the world's densest populations of leopards. The Sausage Trees and Umbrella Thorns rank among the best plac-es in Africa to search for leopards - there are too few tall trees for these elusive creatures to be well-hidden! Overnight: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge or similar (B,L,D) Oct 13 | Serengeti Enjoy an early morning game drive, and a late afternoon game drive in the Park, when most of the animals are more lively. Especially during the dry season when the water is scarce and animals depend mostly on the early morning dews and small waterholes in the later afternoon. The most impres-sive attraction of this gigantic ecosystem is the large concen-tration of herbivores such as wildebeest, zebras, and antelope on the plains during their annual migration. The wildebeest dominate in Serengeti, and their herds are made up of hun-dreds, and at times thousands, of these majestic animals. The Masai Mara is an extension of the Serengeti National Park and they both serve the same ecosystems. The world-famous Great Migration can be viewed every year when the Masai Mara welcomes 1.5 million wildebeests onto its sprawling savannahs each June/July through September/October. The precise tim-ing of the Serengeti wildebeest migration is entirely dependent upon the rainfall patterns. It can vary from year to year, in response mainly to the available grazing and available water on their migration path. Overnight: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge or similar (B,L,D) Oct 14 | Amboseli National Park This morning, after a leisurely breakfast you’ll leave the tented Lodge and enjoy one last game drive in the Serengeti before you arrive at the Seronera airstrip. Here you’ll board your flight bound for Arusha. Upon arrival your driver guide will take you to a local restaurant for an included lunch before crossing the border into Kenya. Later this afternoon you arrive at Ol Tukai Lodge, located at the foot of Mt. Kilimanja-ro within Amboseli National Park. Writers have described Ol Tukai and surrounding Amboseli with its breathtaking scenery and unique wildlife as, “a home for the gods.” With spectacu-lar views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the golden plains, Ol Tukai Lodge is a charming, contemporary retreat situated within the pristine Amboseli National Park. Imbued with a quintessential African atmosphere and set amidst beautifully manicured lawns, the lodge’s luxury chalets offer uninterrupt-ed views of the tranquil wilderness of the park, or the snow-capped mountain in the distance. Tonight's dinner is served in the Lodge dining room. Overnight: Ol Tukai Lodge or similar (B,L,D) Oct 15 | Amboseli National Park Bright and early this morning depart for a game drive as the wildlife viewing will be at its prime. Upon your return to your camp breakfast will be served in the main lodge, and the remainder of the morning you’ll spend at your leisure. Beauti-fully appointed and inviting, the chalets boast private terraces where guests can make the most of their spectacular surround-ings. Ol Tukai Lodge Amboseli is one of the best spots in the world to watch elephants with the backdrop of Africa's highest
INCLUSIONS: Roundtrip transfer to the DFW Airport (minimum 10 passengers) Airfare from DFW to Kilimanjaro International Airport and from Nairobi back to DFW 4 x 4 Landcruiser Safari Vehicles throughout the itinerary 10-nights in luxury Hotel/ Lodge & Tent accommodations: 1-night Arusha, 2-nights Ngorongoro Crater area, 2-nights Serengeti, 2-nights Amboseli, 3-nights Maasai Mara, plus one day room in Nairobi Daily breakfast & lunch, 9-dinners in Maasai Mara Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, and one complimentary laundry service while at the Fairmont Mara Safari Club All resort, service, government fees Tree planting exercise (plant a tree in Africa) Admissions, Park Fees, Conservancy Fees and inclusions as per itinerary, incl. visits to Mto Wa Mbu village & Maasai village Airline tickets for five flight segments Manyara to Seronera (TZ), Seronera to Arusha (TZ), Amboseli to Wilson (KE), Wilson to Maasai Mara (KE), Maasai Mara to Wilson)) Luggage handling for one bag per person Universal Travel duffel bag Air Ambulance Coverage within Tanzania & Kenya Kenya ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) Tanzania Visa Daily complimentary water bottle in your room/ tent/ vehicle Universal Travel Safari Director All gratuities for Driver Guides, Step-on Guides & Safari Director TRIP COST: $12,999.00 Per Person —————————––— $2,450.00 Single add on Cash, Check or Credit Card Payment $1,000.00 deposit due to confirm the reservation Final payment due Apr. 5, 2025 No penalties until Apr. 9, 2025 Cancellation: 50% non-refundable Apr. 10, 2025 100% non-refundable May 31, 2025 Contact Linda Mattingly lmattingly@alliancebank.com 877-903-2265 or 903-439-6707 Alliance Bank PO BOX 500 Sulphur Springs, TX 72483 An optional Travel Protection plan is available with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, see enclosed product flyer for more mountain. This afternoon you’ll meet with a naturalist to learn about the elephants in the Park and their behavior and social organization, before you leave the Lodge for a late afternoon game drive. Elephants will be the easiest to spot at Ol Okenya Swamp, a favorite spot for the big-tuskers. Overnight: Ol Tukai Lodge or similar (B,L,D) Oct 16 | Maasai Mara This morning after breakfast, transfer to the Amboseli airstrip with a short game drive en-route. You’ll fly the short distance to Nairobi, and connect to your onward flight to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Upon arrival you will be greeted by your driver/guide and transferred to the nearby famous Fairmont Mara Safari Club for a relaxing three night stay. With an at-tractive setting surrounded on three sides by the Mara River, and on the edge of one of the “New Wonders of the World,” the Maasai Mara is an Eden of stunning vistas and fruitful game viewing. Game drives set out in the cool of the mornings before the dew is dry on the grass, and again late in the after-noons when the sun drops low on the horizon. The plains seem to quiver with the expectation of exciting encounters. You might hunt alongside big cats on the prowl, admire a stately parade of magnificent elephant families led by old matriarchs with young calves trailing behind, or gaze upon ladylike gi-raffes, long-legged and long-lashed, as they nibble the crown of acacia trees. Grin as cheetah cubs frolic joyfully around your vehicle, and laugh aloud at lumbering hippos as they chortle and snort in the winding rivers. After you are settled into your deluxe river front tents, enjoy lunch and some free time before you are off to a late afternoon game drive. This evening you return to your luxury tented camp for dinner and overnight. Overnight: Mara Safari Club or similar (B,L,D) Oct 17 | Maasai Mara (optional Balloon flight offered) This morning you’ll wake up to a once in a lifetime sunrise game drive with a great chance of spotting predators on a hunt. The Maasai Mara has been called the Kingdom of Lions, and these magnificent, black-maned, powerful hunters domi-nate these grasslands. You’ll return back to your camp for a late breakfast. There is time to relax in your luxuriously furnished tent, featuring four-poster beds, en-suite facilities, and a private deck overlooking the hippo filled Mara River! These fascinating creatures chortle and splash in the water, interacting with each other while keeping a respectable distance between them and the families of crocodiles lining the banks. Later this morning you’ll visit a Maasai village. Argua-bly the most iconic tribal group in all of Africa, the Maasai, who populate vast areas of southern Kenya, are the dominant ethnic group surrounding the Maasai Mara. This nomadic, warrior tribe, which once held vast swathes of pre-colonial Kenya, still retain many of their traditions as they live largely untouched by modern day civilization in areas surrounding Maasai Mara. Here you have the chance to interact with the Maasai and get a glimpse into their culture and unique way of life, and see first hand some of their customs and practices. Return to the Fairmont Mara Safari club in time for lunch. Enjoy a free afternoon with time to relax at the pool or on your private front porch overlooking the Mara River before you depart for a late afternoon game drive. Overnight: Mara Safari Club or similar (B,L,D) Oct 18| Maasai Mara This morning you are off for another game drive, this time in a different area within the Game Reserve. Later this morning, you will be part of a tree planting exercise. Yes, you are plant-ing a tree in Africa! Elephants in their constant search for food knock down trees, it’s just something they do. Often, they will strip and eat a few branches of vegetation and then leave the rest of the tree to die. Over the years, the riverine forest has declined and shrunk drastically. Late this afternoon, your 4x4 vehicle awaits to take you out on safari one more time! Often called the Jewel of Africa, the Maasai Mara takes its name from the Maasai tribe who have inhabited these lands since the 17th century. Mara translates to spotted, referencing the scattered acacia trees that mark the landscapes, and that have become the symbol of the Maasai Mara. Overnight: Mara Safari Club or similar (B,L,D) Oct 19/20 | Maasai Mara - Nairobi/ Dayrooms/ Europe & Home After a leisurely breakfast you will be transferred to the Mara Safari Club airstrip. Take a last look at the Mara as you fly back to Nairobi and check into your day room. Here you have time to repack and freshen up before you are transferred to the airport for your overnight flight home. A late lunch is included prior to your airport transfer. Fly through the night to Europe and connect with your onward flights back home. The memo-ries of your luxury tented camp safari will truly last a lifetime! Overnight: Crowne Plaza or similar, Nairobi (B,L) *itinerary is subject to change A valid passport is required for travel to Kenya. It must have two blank Visa pages, and be valid for at least six months after your return date.
Oct 29 or 30 | US to Vietnam. Today board you over-night flight bound for Hanoi. Depending on your air schedule, you will be leaving the US on the 29th or 30th for your flight bound for Vietnam. Oct 31 | Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam! Today, you will be met by your Universal Travel representative and trans-fer to your hotel in Hanoi. Overnight: Lotte Hotel Hanoi or similar Nov 1 | Hanoi - Historic Hanoi. This morning, your guid-ed sightseeing takes a look at the life of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam. First, visit the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next on the agenda: One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, and the infa-mous “Hanoi Hilton.” Also visit the ancient Temple of Literature, over 900 years old and Hanoi’s first universi-ty. Lunch is at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospi-tality program that trains local street children in restau-rant skills they can use to find a job and build a stable life. After lunch, enjoy an electric cart ride through the fascinating Old Quarter, with 36 ancient streets where peddlers trade as they have for centuries. An early dinner this evening is followed by a fascinating performance of Hanoi’s renowned water puppets, a traditional art form dating back to the 11th century. Overnight: Lotte Hotel Hanoi or similar (B,L,D) Nov 2 | Hanoi to Ha Long Bay - Caves and Islands. Trav-el from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Herit-age Site. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, the bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanci-ful shapes by the action of the water. Tunnels, caves, and weirdly shaped outcroppings with imaginative names can be found on many of the small islets sprinkled across the bay. Board a cruise excursion to explore the caves and admire the beauty and scale of this bay before stop-ping at one of the many secluded islands. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening. Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long (B,L,D) Nov 3 | Ha Long Bay, Vietnam to Siem Reap, Cambodia. This morning, drive to Hanoi and board your flight for Siem Reap. Welcome to Siem Reap, home to the Tem-ples of Angkor, considered by many to be the most spec-tacular architectural ruins on Earth! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in. Overnight: Park Hyatt Siem Reap or similar (B) Nov 4 | Siem Reap - The Tranquil Temples of Angkor and Joyful Dances. Explore the temples by tuk-tuk. Start at the best preserved and most famous of all the temples: Angkor Wat. Featuring five trademark towers, it is the symbol of Cambodia. Then, continue your guided excur-sion to visit Angkor Thom, where you will explore Bayon Temple with its 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas relief sculptures. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore Siem Reap’s shops for local arti-san crafts. This evening, enjoy dinner and a private Ap-sara Dance Performance brings ancient Khmer culture to life through music, song, and dance. Overnight: Park Hyatt Siem Reap or similar (B,L,D) Nov 5 | Siem Reap - Root-Covered Ruins and Native Noo-dles. Continue your Sightseeing Tour of the Angkor temples at Ta Prohm. Tree roots cover the ruin walls, allowing you to experience the temple with the same wonder as early explorers. Then visit Banteay Srei, a unique temple built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. En route, stop at a village famous for making Khmer noodles by hand. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. Overnight: Park Hyatt Siem Reap or similar (B) Nov 6 | Siem Reap - Embarkation. Fly to Phnom Penh and transfer to the port where the M/S Avalon Saigon ship’s crew will be waiting to welcome you onboard. Get acquainted with the ship and enjoy an afternoon/evening cruise to Wat Hanchey. (B,L,D) Nov 7 | Wat Hanchey to Angkor Ban | Water Blessings and Back-to-School Adventures. Visit Wat Hanchey, a hilltop temple dating back to the 8th century. Climb or be driven to the top where you will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area and partake in a traditional water blessing given by local monks. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour through the rural village of Angkor Ban. Here, you will visit a traditional Khmer house and inter- Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand … Featuring Hanoi, fascinating Ha Long Bay, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, the incredible Mekong River, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok and much more! October 29/30 - November 18, 2025 This inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise takes you to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, including stays in Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Bangkok. You’ll be immersed in the cultures and ancient traditions as you sightsee and spend time with locals in the most fascinating places along the mighty Mekong River.
act with children at a local school. This evening, your ship sets sail for an overnight cruise to Kampong Tralach. (B,L,D) Nov 8 | Kampong Tralach to Konpong Louang to Phnom Penh - Calm in the Cambodian Countryside. Your guided sightseeing starts in Kampong Tralach with an Ox-Cart Ride through the beautiful Cambodian countryside. Along the way, stop to meet a local farmer and learn about his daily life. At the silversmith village in Konpong Louang, see talented craftsmen use old-age techniques to turn pure silver into works of art. In the afternoon you’ll set sail to the capital city of Phnom Penh. Upon arrival you have the choice of either a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and one of the killing fields provides a glimpse into the atrocities inflicted on the Cambodian people by the Khmer Rouge regime, OR: a visit the lively Central Market with its unique Art Deco design by tuk-tuk. This evening, spend some free time exploring the city on your own. (B,L,D) Nov 9 | Phnom Penh - The Royal Treatment. Join a guid-ed tour of the city by private cyclo with visits to the Royal Palace with the spectacular Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum featuring an outstanding display of Khmer artifacts. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Tonight, just before din-ner, children from a local orphanage will perform a show, featuring local song and dance. Later this evening, the ship sets sail to the Cambodia/Vietnam border. (B,L,D) Nov 10 | Border Crossing into Vietnam to Chau Doc - Good morning Vietnam! Take a village walk through the Chau Doc market and absorb the atmosphere as locals are busy buying and selling fish, meat, and produce. After lunch, embark on a guided excursion down the backwaters of the Mekong. Along the way, see tradition-al floating homes, speedboat merchants, religious sites, a market selling dried goods, and more. This evening, the ship sets sail to Long Khanh A. (B,L,D) Nov 11 | Long Khanh A to Cu Lao Gieng - Cotton Weav-ing, Cinical Hats, and Handcrafted Sampans. This morn-ing, a sampan brings you to the village of Long Khanh for a cotton-weaving demonstration of this well-preserved tradition. This afternoon, enjoy scenes of daily life on Cu Lao Gieng Island via sampan and local motor cart. Your guided excursion starts with a stop at one of Vietnam’s oldest Catholic churches. Then, visit the home of a local family that makes Vietnamese conical hats, or “Non la,” from materials available to them such as palm leaves and bamboo. These iconic hats are primarily used as protection from the sun and rain but you may also see them used as a basket to carry home goods from the mar-ket. Lastly, visit a local workshop where a skilled family hand-crafts sampan boats. This evening, your ship sets sail to Ving Long. (B,L,D) Nov 12 | Vingh Long - Sweets and Rice Treats. Board a sampan this morning to visit a local workshop in Vinh Long where you will see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candies are made. This afternoon, enjoy time on board the ship as you sail to exciting Ho Chi Minh City. (B,L,D) Nov 13 | Ho Chi Minh City | Disembarkation - Motor-bikes, Monuments, and Mouth-watering Cuisine. Take a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s historic landmarks, including a stop at the Rex Hotel for a refreshing drink at the rooftop bar where the U.S. Military held the infa-mous “Five O’clock Follies” during the war. Then, visit the War Remnants Museum and bustling Ben Thanh Market. For lunch, participate in a hands-on Vietnamese Cooking Class. Learn to prepare several local dishes and how to recreate them at home. Last, but not least, sam-ple your delicious creations! Enjoy time at your leisure this afternoon and evening for independent exploration. Maybe stop for a drink at the famous rooftop bar at the Caravelle Hotel. Overnight: Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City (B,L) Nov 14 | Ho Chi Minh City | Excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels - Secret Passageways and Underground Hideouts. Drive out of the city for a guided visit to the Cu Chi Tun-nels - an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length - used as a hideout and secret village by the Viet Cong. Explore Ho Chi Minh City further during free time this afternoon. This evening, join your travel-ing companions for a special dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight: Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City (B,D) Nov 15 | Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok, Thailand. This morning, fly to Bangkok. Upon arrival, you’ll trans-fer to your hotel for a relaxing 3-night stay. Overnight: JW Marriott Hotel, Bangkok (B) Nov 16 | Bangkok - Sacred Sights of Thailand. This morning, your guided sightseeing begins with a boat ride on the Klongs, Bangkok’s famous canals. Stop at the stunning Grand Palace featuring the Temple of the Em-erald Buddha, and visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bang-kok. It houses more than 1,000 Buddha images, includ-ing the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: JW Marriott Hotel, Bangkok (B,L) Nov 17 | Bangkok – Bold Colors of Bangkok. Enjoy a full day at your leisure exploring Bangkok on own, or take an optional excursion to one of the famous sandy beaches (approx. 2-hours away from Bangkok). Overnight: JW Marriott Hotel, Bangkok (B) Nov 18 | Bangkok - Flight back Home. After breakfast you transfer to the airport. (B) *itinerary is subject to change
Inclusions: • Roundtrip transfer to the DFW Airport (minimum 10 passengers) • Roundtrip international air from DFW to Hanoi, and from Bangkok back to DFW • 6-night accommodations at 5-star hotels prior your Me-kong River cruise (two in Hanoi, one in Ha Long Bay, three in Siem Reap • 5-night accommodations at 5-star hotels after your Me-kong River cruise • 7-nights onboard the M/S Avalon Saigon in your deluxe All-Suites accommodations • One way air from Hanoi to Siem Reap • One way air from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok • Luxury transportation throughout the itinerary • Included meals while on the Land program: Daily breakfast, 5-Lunches, and 4-Dinners • Included meals/ drinks while on the Cruise program: Complimentary specialty coffees including espresso and cappuccino, tea, and soft drinks Complimentary juices with breakfast Daily cocktail hour serving hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and a cocktail of the day Complimentary water stations Bar serving from 6am to 11pm complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, and local beer/spirits through out the day at the bar and with meals (excludes premium spirits) Daily a la carte lunch including regional specialties, healthy fresh options, classic dishes, and seasonal recipes featuring the freshest local ingredients Vegetarian options available with all meals Four-course à la carte dinners with choice of salads, soups, entrées, dessert or cheese Complimentary wine with all onboard lunches & dinners Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites • Free Wi-Fi when available • Air-conditioned Panorama Lounge • Open-air observation lounge with shade system & premi-um lounge chairs • Sightseeing with Expert Local Guides • Onboard lectures, activities & entertainment • English-speaking friendly crew, staff & professional Cruise Director • Choice of Classic, Active or Discovery excursions while on the cruise • Behind-the-scenes galley tour • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 50 free movie options • Headsets for all guided shore excursions • Tourist Visa for Vietnam and Cambodia (not required for Thailand) • Service of a Universal Travel Representative • All gratuities for drivers, guides, step-on guides, cruise An optional Travel Protection plan is available with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, see enclosed product flyer for more information. Linda Mattingly lmattingly@alliancebank.com 877-903-2265 or 903-439-6707 Alliance Bank PO BOX 500 Sulphur Springs, TX 72483 $1,250.00 non-refundable deposit is required to make a reservation, and is due at the time of signing up. An additional $750.00 non-refundable deposit is due for Single occupancy. Final payment due June 7, 2025 Cancellation: 50% non-refundable June 10, 2025 100% non-refundable July 20, 2025 A valid passport is required for travel and must be valid for at least 6 months after return. $13,999.00 per person sharing Cat. B | Panorama Suite - Mekong Deck | 245 sq. ft. $5,699.00 Single Supplement Cat. A | Panorama Suite - Tonle Deck | 245 sq. ft. $14,799.00 per person sharing Cat. A | Panorama Suite - Tonle Deck | 245 sq. ft. $4,699.00 Single Supplement Cat. B | Panorama Suite - Mekong Deck | 245 sq. ft. Cash, Check, or Credit Card Payment Accepted
Since rst taking her maiden voyage on the Mekong River, the Avalon Saigon has been praised for deliv-ering an inmate cruise experience as part of Ava-lon's award-winning eet of Suite Ships®. Named "Best New River Cruise Ship" by Travel Age West, the Saigon sails with a maximum of just 36 guests, delivering all the modern features you expect from Avalon Waterways, while incorporang the unique character and charm of Southeast Asia. The Avalon Saigon is designed to venture easily into areas where other cruise ships cannot, while measuring as wide and long as ships carrying twice the number of our just 36 guests. Cruising uninterrupted from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh (or vice versa), the Saigon eliminates hours of motorcoach travel me associated with other river cruise ship ineraries. The Avalon Saigon Suite Ship incorporates the clas-sic colonial charm beng the Vietnam and Cam-bodia experience with the modern features you expect from Avalon. Each Panorama Suite features 245-square-feet of living space with wall-to-wall, oor-to-ceiling panoramic windows to create river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With luxurious beds that face the window, you'll never miss a fasci-nang view on the Mekong. You'll also nd ample room to roam on board, while never feeling crowd-ed. From the air-condioned Panorama Lounge to the open-air observaon lounge, you'll nd plenty of seang and inving spots to relax. With lounges located at the front of the ship, you'll always have a great forward-focused view no maer where you sit. Our crew embodies Avalon's "you rst" spirit from start to nish. From the recepon sta and bartender to wait sta and room aendant, you'll experience exquisite service with a relaxed luxury that's come to encompass the Avalon dierence.
Park Hyatt Saigon Discover urban luxury with a combination of sophisti-cated design, handcrafted details, and modern-day com-forts at Park Hyatt Saigon. Enjoy world-class dining, tranquil spa, and refreshing pool all on site. French-colonial inspired room rooms combine elegant, tradition-al comfort with the latest technology and desired ameni-ties. JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok Step into a 5-star urban oasis graced with luxury ameni-ties that pamper and inspire, with multilingual associates providing signature Marriott service at every moment. Unwind with indulgent spa treatments, lounge in a de-signer chaise by the palm-tree-framed tile pool or invigor-ate in our hotel's modern fitness center. Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long The first & only resort in the North of Vietnam located on its own private island, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long is the perfect base to explore all Ha Long Bay has to offer. With a pool, spa, gym, garden, three private beaches, and several dining options the resort is a desti-nation, in and of itself. Park Hyatt Siem Reap The Park Hyatt, Siem Reap is the city's most prestigious address and perfect base to explore the Temples of Ang-kor. Located in the heart of the city, this award winning hotel blends an elegant and contemporary design to cre-ate an enlivening resort and residential feel. From the second you arrive you will be welcomed by true Cambodi-an hospitality and superb service. The stylish guestrooms offer a refined home away from home with all the ameni-ties one would expect from a deluxe hotel. Lotte Hotel Hanoi Conveniently located near Hanoi’s Old quarter, Lotte Hotel Hanoi connects the rich cultural history of the past with today and sets a new standard of luxury in Hanoi. Spacious rooms offer a touch of Vietnamese elegance with panoramic views over the city.
1Of you, a traveling companion, family member, or business partner. 2Coverage when plan is purchased at or before the final trip payment. 3All coverage per insured up to the limits listed. Pre-existing medical conditions waiver may vary by state. Coverages may vary and may not be available in all states. Please see the policy for details, or call +1.888.574.7026. Rates are subject to change. 4Based on industry average. Fastest payment on approved claims is based on electronic payment of claim. 5Coverage for trip interruption and trip interruption–return air only cannot be combined. 6$50 deductible in CT, IN, KS, MO, MT, VT, and WA. 7Provided by the designated provider listed in the policy. 10.23 GRPFLY3| | Group Travel ProtectionPlan highlights• Trip cancellation/interruption benefit includes: – Sickness, injury, or death1 – Inclement weather & natural disasters – Financial insolvency2 & labor strike – Involuntary unemployment• Primary coverage, no deductibles3• Medical evacuation• 5-hour travel delay benefit• 3-hour missed connection benefit• 12-hour baggage delay benefit• Fast online claims4Group tours are an exciting way to explore the world, and a Travelex travel protection plan can help ensure that you stay safe during your next tour. Our 360° Group Premier plan provides maximum travel protection for all ages at competitive group rates. Benefits include trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical coverage, and 24/7 travel assistance services.360° Group Premier plan benefits3Benefits CoverageTrip cancellation 100% of trip cost (up to $20,000)Trip interruption 150% of trip cost (up to $30,000)Trip interruption—return air only5 $1,000Travel delay $1,000 ($250/day)Missed connection $1,000Baggage & personal eects $1,500Sporting equipment delay3 $600Baggage delay $250Emergency medical expenses6 $50,000Emergency dental expenses6 $500Emergency evacuation & repatriation $250,000Accidental death & dismemberment $10,000Travel assistance services7 Included360° Group Premier360° Group Premier plan rates3Trip cost 0-59 60-74 75+$0 $36 $47 $64 $1 - $250 $44 $58 $81 $251 - $500 $57 $74 $105 $501 - $1,000 $86 $114 $168 $1,001 - $1,500 $109 $143 $211 $1,501 - $2,000 $149 $191 $215 $2,001 - $2,500 $191 $245 $277 $2,501 - $3,000 $234 $300 $338 $3,001 - $3,500 $276 $354 $400 $3,501 - $4,000 $319 $409 $461 $4,001 - $4,500 $361 $463 $523 $4,501 - $5,000 $404 $518 $584 $5,001 - $5,500 $446 $572 $646 $5,501 - $6,000 $489 $627 $707 $6,001 - $6,500 $531 $681 $769 $6,501 - $7,000 $574 $736 $830 $7,001 - $8,000 $638 $818 $923 $8,001 - $9,000 $723 $927 $1,046 $9,001 - $10,000 $808 $1,036 $1,169 $10,001 - $11,000 $893 $1,145 $1,292 $11,001 - $12,000 $978 $1,254 $1,415 $12,001 - $13,000 $1,063 $1,363 $1,538 $13,001 - $14,000 $1,148 $1,472 $1,661 $14,001 - $15,000 $1,233 $1,581 $1,784$15,001 - $16,000 $1,318 $1,690 $1,907$16,001 - $17,000 $1,403 $1,799 $2,030$17,001 - $18,000 $1,488 $1,908 $2,153$18,001 -$19,000 $1,573 $2,017 $2,276$19,001 -$20,000 $1,658 $2,126 $2,399
Unless otherwise stated in the plan, this plan will not pay for any loss arising directly or indirectly out of, or as a result of, or from, or that occur to, or are as a result of the actions of, the insured or the insured’s family member, or traveling companion, or business partner for the following: suicide, attempted suicide, or intentionally self-inflicted injury, while sane or insane (while sane in CO and MO); mental, nervous, or psychological disorders; being under the influence of drugs or intoxicants, unless prescribed by a physician; normal pregnancy, resulting childbirth, and elective abortion; participation as a professional in athletics while on a covered trip; participation in organized amateur or interscholastic athletic or sports competition or related practice events; riding or driving in any motor competition; o-road driving, whether as a driver or as a passenger; declared or undeclared war, or any act of war; civil disorder; service in the armed forces of any country; nuclear reaction, radiation or radioactive contamination; operating or learning to operate any aircraft, as pilot or crew; mountain climbing, bungee jumping, snow skiing, skydiving, parachuting, free falling, cli diving, B.A.S.E. or base jumping, hang gliding, parasailing, travel on any air-supported device other than on a regularly scheduled airline or air charter company, or extreme sports; mountaineering where ropes or guides are commonly used including ascending and descending a mountain requiring specialized equipment, including but not limited to anchors, bolts, carabiners, crampons, lead/top-rope anchoring equipment and pick-axes; scuba diving if the depth of the water exceeds 75 feet; the insured’s commission of or attempt to commit a felony; elective medical or holistic treatment or procedures; failure of any tour operator, common carrier, other travel supplier, person or agency to provide the bargained-for travel arrangements/services; a loss that results from a sickness, disease, or other condition, event, or circumstance that occurs at a time when this policy is not in eect for the insured; a diagnosed sickness (if insurance is purchased after such diagnosis) from which no recovery is expected and that only palliative treatment is provided and that carries a prognosis of death within 12 months of the eective date of the applicable coverage under this policy; sickness, injury or death if the plan is purchased after entering a hospice facility or receiving hospice treatment; any trip taken outside the advice of a physician; or a pre-existing medical condition, including death, that results therefrom (within the stated look-back period within your insurance policy). Additionally, this plan will not pay for any loss arising directly or indirectly out of, or as a result of, or from, or that occur to, or are as a result of the actions of, the following that occur to the insured: any amount paid or payable under any worker’s compensation, disability benefit or similar law; a loss or damage caused by detention, confiscation, or destruction by customs; or medical treatment during a covered trip, or arising from a covered trip undertaken for the purpose or intent of securing medical treatment. The following additional exclusion applies to accidental death and dismemberment benefits: We will not pay for loss caused by or resulting from sickness of any kind. Please refer to your plan documents for a complete list of plan exclusions and limitations, as well as the definitions of capitalized terms used herein. The purchase of this product is not required in order to purchase any other travel product or service. Your travel retailer might not be licensed to sell travel insurance and will only be able to provide general information about the product. An unlicensed travel retailer may not answer questions about the terms and conditions of the insurance oered and may not evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance coverage. The products oered provide insurance coverage that only applies during your covered trip. You may have insurance coverage from other sources that provide similar benefits but may be subject to dierent restrictions depending on the coverage. You may wish to compare the terms of the travel policy oered through Travelex with any existing life, health, home, and automobile insurance policies you may have. If you have questions about your coverage under your existing insurance policies, contact your insurer or insurance agent or broker. Any inquiry regarding claims may be directed to Zurich Travel Assist at claims@zurichtravelassist.com, P.O. Box 968019, Schaumburg, IL 60196-8019; +1.800.501.4781. Inquiries regarding new, existing, or denied claims and any other claims questions may also be directed to this address. Consumers in California may also contact the California Department of Insurance Hotline +1.800.927.4357 or +1.213.897.8921. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Consumers in Maryland may contact the Maryland Insurance Administration +1.800.492.6116 or +1.410.468.2340. Insurance coverages underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company, a New York domiciled company with its principal place of business at 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196 (NAIC # 16535). The terms and conditions of the policy described in this brief summary are governed by the individual policy document that contains the complete terms. In the event of any discrepancy between the information in this brief summary and the policy, the policy document shall govern. This is intended as a general description of certain types of insurance available to qualified customers, provided solely for informational purposes. Policy Form Series #U-TIIV-100-A CW, #U-TIIN-100/110-A CW, #U-TIGV-100-A CW, #U-TIGV-100-A CW; in DC #U-TIIV-100-A DC & #U-TIGV-100-A DC; in IN #U-TIIN-100/110-A IN & U-TIGV-100-A IN; in KS U-TIIN-110-A KS; in MN #U-TIIV-100-B MN & #U-TIGV 100-B MN; in MO U-TIIN-110-A MO; in MT #U-TIIN-100/110 MT & U-TIGV-100-A CW; in NH # U-TIIV-100-A NH; #U-TIIV-101-B NY, #U-TIIN-100 NY; in OR #U-TIIV-100-A OR; in VA #U-TIIV-100-A VA and #U-TIGV-100-A VA; in VT #U-TIIN-100/110-A VT. 10.23 GRPFLY3 Trip cancellation & trip interruption Protect travel investments and recover nonrefundable prepaid costs if your trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason. Popular covered reasons include: Travel delay Reimbursement for reasonable additional costs — such as accommodations, local transportation, and meals — if travel is delayed five hours or longer.Baggage & personal eects Reimbursement for personal articles and expenses if bags are lost, stolen, or damaged.Baggage delay Reimbursement for reasonable additional personal articles and expenses if bags are delayed for 12 hours or more.Emergency medical & dental expenses6 Emergency medical treatment if sickness or injury occurs while traveling.• Sickness, injury, or death1• Residence or destination uninhabitable• Strike• Inclement weather• Cancel for business reasons• Trac accident en route• Quarantine• Jury duty/subpoena• Military duty• Financial insolvency2• Terrorist incident• Theft of passport/visa• Involuntary terminationEmergency medical evacuation Includes emergency medical evacuation to the nearest suitable medical facility, help returning home if medically necessary, and repatriation expenses.Accidental death & dismemberment Reimbursement for permanent loss of life, limbs, or sight from a covered accidental injury during travel.Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver3 Pre-existing medical conditions are eligible for coverage when:• The traveler is medically able to travel at the time of plan purchase• The plan is purchased at or before the final trip paymentA pre-existing condition is an injury, sickness, or other condition (excluding any condition from which death ensues) of an insured, traveling companion, or family member traveling with the insured within the 60-day period immediately preceding the insured’s plan purchase date.Plan detailsView policy at policy.travelexinsurance.com/GPZ-1023Questions about plan benefits?Call +1.888.574.7026 and use Plan GPZ-1023, or email 360Group@travelexinsurance.com.