Cirque du Soleil Returns to Montreal
Two Dates Available!

Sunday, May 3 and Sunday, May 17, 2009

Bring your friends and the whole family to this must-see performance of Cirque du Soleil. With this season marking the 25th anniversary of Cirque, this promises to be a smashing performance. Be the first to witness this new creation, which will have its world premier under the big top on the Quays of the Old Port in Montreal. This show is so new and so spectacular that it doesn’t even have a name yet!

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Chicago: The Magnificent Second City

Wednesday, May 6-Thursday, May 14, 2009

Discover all of the magic that Chicago has to offer when you join us to explore astonishing architecture, sail on Lake Michigan, witness amazing works of art, or enjoy a birds-eye view from the Hancock Observatory. If you haven’t been to Chicago in a long time, you’ll be pleasantly amazed at the transformation. If you’ve never been before, treat yourself to experiencing one of America’s most intriguing cities. Our unique rail and road trip offers the best opportunity to see it all! NOTE: THIS IS A GUARANTEED DEPARTURE!

We depart Wednesday via Amtrak and arrive in Yonkers, New York where we overnight at the Regency Hotel. Enjoy dinner on your own in the hotel or sample the fare at a nearby restaurant.

Thursday we travel via motor coach to Sandusky, Ohio where we overnight. Dinner is included at the Cracker Barrel this evening.

We arrive in Chicago Friday and enjoy a 90-minute cruise along the Chicago River. A docent from the Chicago Architecture Foundation will point out the amazing buildings that have made Chicago a study in architecture.

After the cruise we check into the historic Hotel Cass located n the heart of Chicago’s downtown. This will be our home for the next four nights. Tonight you will be treated to one of Chicago’s culinary delights, Giordano’s deep dish stuffed pizza, recently named "Best Pizza in America" by The Today Show.

Following breakfast in the hotel, we’re off with our local guide to visit Wacker Drive, Grant Park, the State of Illinois Center, Sears Tower, North Shore/Gold Coast, Millennium Park and Navy Pier.

Our next stop takes us to the top of the John Hancock Center where we enjoy lunch at "The Signature Room on the 95th" affording spectacular views of the city.

From towering heights, we venture to water level as we board The Windy, a traditional 148-foot, four-masted Tall Ship, for a cruise on Lake Michigan.

This evening, enjoy dinner on your own, or join our optional Dinner Show at Tommy Gun’s Garage. Journey back to the Roaring 20’s to an original "speakeasy" and enjoy a musical comedy show and dinner complete with mafia gangsters. Add 71.00 per person if booked prior to departure.

Sunday explore Chicago at your own pace or choose an optional visit to nearby Holland, Michigan for the 80th Tulip Festival:

• A Holland resident in Dutch costume will board our bus for a tour of Holland and their festival with over 150,000 blooming tulips.
• Visit the 240-year old Holland Windmill
• Enjoy lunch at Queen’s Inn

Add 67.00 per person if booked prior to departure.

On day six, discover over 300,000 works of art on a guided tour of the amazing Art Institute of Chicago. An included lunch is served at Lawry’s, Chicago’s famed home of Prime Rib.

This day also offers an optional Chicago Chocolate tour where you visit some of the City’s most popular chocolate stores and discover some secret chocolate treasures as you delve into the rich history of chocolate. Add 50.00 per person if booked prior to departure.

Our last day takes us to Oak Park for a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio, followed by free time to explore the property at your own pace.

This evening we travel to Sandusky and overnight at the Fairfield Inn. Dinner is included this.

Wednesday morning, following breakfast in the hotel, we drive back to Yonkers and overnight at the Regency. Enjoy a relaxing dinner on your own.

Thursday we take our ground transport to the Amtrak station and begin our scenic journey back to Vermont. Memories of new friends, amazing architecture and fabulous food will keep your mind occupied during the trip.

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Tiptoe Through The Tulips with Charlie Nardozzi

Friday, May 8-Sunday, May 10, 2009

Just when you need a breath of Spring filled with fresh blooms, bright colors and sweet fragrances; Ottawa opens its doors to celebrate the season. Join Charlie Nardozzi for our getaway to Ottawa that includes guided tours to the Tulip Festival’s best sights and plenty of time on your own to enjoy this great city in bloom. This is the largest tulip festival in the world and includes day and night displays and entertainment that will amaze you.

With an early morning departure, we arrive in Ottawa at the ByWard Market where you will have time for lunch on your own, and to visit the unique museums, cafes and shops for high quality food products, fashion and cutting edge trends. Built in 1826 by Lt-Col. John By, this is one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets.

Next you’ll meet your local guide for a Capital at a Glance City Tour. This two-hour tour includes Parliament Hill, Confederation Square, Bank of Canada, Supreme Court, the Rideau Canal, many embassies and residences of ambassadors, the Residence of the Prime Minister, Residence of the Governor General, Notre-Dame Basilica, the historic city of Gatineau (formerly Hull) and the Canadian Museum of Civilization.

After all of this activity, you’ll be ready to relax and check into our hotel, the Lord Elgin, located in the heart of downtown Ottawa. Unwind in their whirlpool and sauna before preparing for the evening.

Dinner is served at Friday’s Roast Beef House and Piano Parlour. This charming historic building is one of the best-preserved houses of the early Confederation period to survive in downtown Ottawa. Enjoy a delicious entrée while being entertained to the tinkle of the ivories.

Following breakfast in the hotel, your local guide will meet you once again to immerse you in the Tulip Festival. Your included Tulip Festival Passport includes coupons and admissions to special viewing spaces. Your guide will take you to some of the most popular festival sites including Dow’s Lake and Commissioner’s Park. After getting your bearings, your guide will leave you on your own to enjoy lunch and continue your enjoyment of the festival at your leisure.

Next it’s time to get off your feet with a refreshing afternoon tea back at the hotel. Sit back, relax and share adventures with other travelers. This evening is yours to enjoy on your own. Sample one of the multitudes of restaurants, stroll around the lighted floral displays or have dinner in the hotel.

Sunday morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the hotel. There will be free time this morning to attend a church service or take pleasure in a final walk through the magnificent displays. We will depart for home at approximately 1:30 pm.

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Yanni at the Bell Center in Montreal

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Just in time for Mother’s Day and the perfect girl’s getaway -----Yanni’s 2009 Tour, entitled Yanni Voices. To quote Yanni himself, "The human voice is the most expressive instrument known to man. . .it can evoke an enormous amount of emotion."

Yanni has discovered and developed four of the most extraordinary young voices in music today. Two years in the making, Yanni returns to the stage with reinterpretations of his classic compositions and debuts of new music. This is a must-see concert for music lovers!

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Follow the Petals on the Flower Trail of Laval

Friday, May 29, 2009

The perfect way to celebrate the fresh blooms of Spring! Join Charlie Nardozzi as we travel across the border to discover the unique blooms that are prolific in Canada. You’ll not only visit beautiful gardens, but large nurseries as well. This is a great opportunity to purchase your summer annuals and perennials at great prices!

Our first stop is Paradis des Orchidees, where thousands of orchids are produced in an immense greenhouse. You can see 100,000 plants of 50 different species as well as 500 varieties of orchids.

Our next destination is Serres Sylvain Cleroux Greenhouses, the largest producer of annual flowers in Quebec. You’ll be amazed at the selection of flowers and the ever-changing décor in their boutique.

After all of this "tip toeing through the tulips" you’ll be ready for lunch. In keeping with our French theme, lunch at Les Menus Plaisirs is a real treat! The country ambiance and delicious entrée selections offer a delightful and tasty break in the day.

As we prepare to head back to Vermont, Charlie has a surprise in store. He will lead us to one of his favorite Canadian greenhouses and assist you in selecting the perfect plants to beautify your home. What a great day. . .traveling with an expert and saving money on your spring and summer plantings!

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Back by Popular Demand
Bird Watching Expedition with Chip Darmstadt

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Join Chip Darmstadt as we head to the Groton State Forest to discover firsthand its incredible diverse of bird life. Chip, Executive Director of the North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier, Vermont, is a graduate of the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and is a 24-hour naturalist with an interest in everything from birds to butterflies.

This intimate journey takes us to the 25,000-acre Groton State Forest, the second largest protected area in the State. The Forest maintains a wild atmosphere of the northeast, once lost and now returning. Massive mammals like black bear and moose call the park home. Mink, beaver and otters live in and around the lakes and rivers. The fluctuating elevations and variety of native plants and trees make the Forest an ideal stopover as well as habitat for a vast bird population. The area is renowned for loons, Peregrine falcons and warblers. More unusual birds we might encounter include Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Olive-sided Flycatchers and Rusty Blackbirds.

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Join Us for an Afternoon at the Opera
"The Marriage of Figaro" at the Barre Opera House

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Travel to the century-old Barre Opera House, considered to be one of the finest in Vermont, for The Marriage of Figaro, presented by Green Mountain Opera Festival. Under the guidance of artistic director, Taras Kulish, this lavish period-authentic producton features an incredible cast of singers and musicians, and Mozart’s most famous work sund in Italian with English super titles projected above the stage.

The story takes you through 24 hours of getting the wedding to the church on time. The Count makes advances on the maid, who is engaged to the valet (Figaro), who is pursued by an older woman, who is annoyed by a hormonal teen, and on and on and on! This comedy involving cross-dressing, sexy servants and unfaithful sex-crazed masters was a howling success from its premier. You’ll love this afternoon of pure genius, joy and musical delight.

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Lake Winnipesauke Luncheon Cruise
Aboard the M/S Mount Washington

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Come, sail into summer as we head to Lake Winnipesauke, New Hampshire’s largest lake. Located at the foothills of the White Mountains, the lake’s 282 miles of wooded shoreline, crystal clear waters and 274 islands make a breathtaking backdrop for a cruise. The M/S Mount Washington is 230’ long and carries 1,250 passengers, making for a comfortable cruise with plenty of room. We depart Weirs Beach and follow the western shore until Diamond Island and then cruise over to Alton Bay, the southernmost part of the lake. Savor a delicious buffet lunch and learn of the region’s rich history as the Captain fascinates you with his narration.

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The Best of Alaska-Cruise and Land Vacation

Monday-Tuesday, July 6-21, 2009

Join us for the ultimate Alaskan vacation! Climb aboard the Island Princess for a 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise followed by our popular 8-day Alaska Explorer land-based tour.

Make the most out of your travel dollars and enjoy both excursions while you are in Alaska. You’ve come this far, so why not enjoy all that Alaska has to offer.

Special Best of Alaska cruise and land combination rates from only 5,678.00 per person. You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity!

Call for reservations today!

Deposit: 400.00
Final Payment due: April 1, 2009

Voyage of the Glaciers-Island Princess Alaska Cruise

Monday-Monday, July 6-13, 2009

Join us for a fabulous 7-day cruise and experience some of the most magnificent scenery imaginable. You’ll sail from Vancouver, BC, along the British Columbia coastline, north to Juneau and be one of the privileged to cruise into the pristine waters of Glacier Bay National Park. This cruise is designed to coincide with the land-based Alaska Explorer vacation; making it easy for travelers to enjoy all the very best that Alaska has to offer.

Day 1: Begin your exciting holiday with a flight from Burlington, Vermont to O’Hare in Chicago, and on to Vancouver, British Columbia. We will be shuttled to our ship, the Island Princess when there will be time to relax before the evening’s get together.

Day 2: After a busy day of travel, relax with a leisurely day at sea. Enjoy the ship’s amenities including a full-service spa, gift shops, restaurants and casino. The chart today follows the British Columbia coastline north to Ketchikan where the beautiful San Juan Islands will surround you. Kick back in a deck chair and watch for Orca and dolphins at play along the coastline.

Day 3: Today we arrive in Ketchikan, the southern-most Alaskan port city. Ketchikan is built on steep hillsides and is labeled the salmon capital of the world. At Totem Bight State Historical Park you will see the world’s largest collection of totem poles.

Day 4: The Princess sails us north to the capitol city of Juneau, one of America’s most beautiful state capitals, with the summits of Mt. Juneau and Mt. Roberts providing a gorgeous backdrop. Take the Mt. Robert´s Tramway for a bird´s eye view from 1,800 feet above the city. There are other numerous tour options available in this port.

Day 5: Today we cruise up the Lynn Canal to Skagway, the gateway to the Klondike. Possessing one of the oldest narrow-gauge railroads in the world, Skagway is preserved as a National Historic Park with its rustic boardwalk and frontier-style storefronts.

Day 6: Become one of the privileged as we enter the pristine waters of Glacier Bay National Park. The Island Princess is one of the very few ships that are allowed in this bay. An on-board naturalist will point out the many wonders as you cruise these icy waters.

Day 7: Today we cruise along the Gulf of Alaska and the afternoon takes us through scenic College Fjord.

Day 8: This morning we arrive in the port of Whittier. Following our farewell breakfast, we board our deluxe motor coach for a morning sightseeing tour enroute to the Anchorage Airport for an afternoon flight home.

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There's a Whole Lotta Lobstah Goin' On!

Saturday, July 11, 2009

If you love Maine and you love lobster, this is the best chance to enjoy the best of both! Back by popular demand, we are offering another day trip to Maine. Join us on our ALL NEW day in Maine that includes all that you ask for and more!

Our first stop is the "shoppers mecca", Kittery. Here you’ll find something for everyone and outlets galore—over 120 of them! Have fun in ORVIS, Columbia, Bass Shoes, Coldwater Creek, Anne Klein, Van Heusen, Crate and Barrel, Eddie Bauer and the list goes on.

After all of the shopping and browsing, you’ll be ready for lunch and you are in for a treat. Warren’s Lobster House is a New England Tradition and is Nationally acclaimed for its excellent food and service. Located on the waterfront overlooking the Piscataqua River, you’ll savor the flavors while dining in their screened deck. Chowdah’, whole steamed lobstahs’ and steamers are surpassed only by their delicious dessert selection. There’s even chicken or steak for landlubbers!

After lunch, wipe the butter from your chin, take off your lobster bib, and travel with us to Prescott Park. Stretching along the Piscataqua River are over ten acres of flower gardens, walkways, seating, docking and grass areas. A "trial garden" is planted with over 500 flower varieties. There is a "formal garden" featuring trees and the sense of a park-within-a-park. In addition there are fountains, tree lined walkways, a flower wall and a separate rose garden. Walk off your lunch, take in the fragrances, gaze in awe at the colors and learn of new flower varieties as we close out our day in Maine.

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The Tall Ships in Boston

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Join us as we share in witnessing this spectacular fleet of beautifully built vessels. This event, entitled Sail Boston 2009, is an official port of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge. The trans Atlantic regatta starts in Spain and races to the Canary Islands en route to Bermuda. The fleet then travels to Boston, races north to Halifax, Canada and on back across the North Atlantic to Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The size, grace and sleek construction of these ships will amaze you. Our travelers will have a privileged up-close view of the Tall Ship Fleet from the best seats in town, on a 2-hour cruise aboard the Spirit of Boston.

This outing is being offered in partnership with our friends at Milne Travel. You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity.

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North To Alaska-The Explorer

Monday-Tuesday July 13-21, 2009

Due to the rapid sell-out of our 2008 Alaskan Explorer trip, we are offering this exciting vacation again in 2009. We hope you will join us on this excursion into the south central and interior parts of this immense and beautiful state. The Alaskan Explorer is a land excursion designed to showcase Alaska’s unique roadside communities, view spectacular scenery, watch the abundance of wildlife and meet local residents. For the ultimate Alaskan experience, join us for the Island Princess Alaska Cruise from July 6-13 prior to the land excursion.

Day 1: Departure day takes you on a flight from the Burlington International Airport to O’Hare in Chicago and then on to Anchorage. There will be an opportunity to meet your traveling companions and tour director after you check into the Clarion Suites hotel, followed by free time to enjoy the charming downtown Anchorage area.

Day 2: Aboard the Alaska Railroad, we will head through the Chugach Mountains and the Matanuska Valley. Enjoy the scenery from your reserved dome car seat. In Talkeetna, a Denali Park Ranger will share stories of the daring mountain climbers and their treks up Mt. McKinley. If the weather cooperates, you will have your first glimpse of this magnificent snow-covered mountain. After luncheon in Talkeetna, we continue north to the Denali National Park. Later this evening we check into the McKinley Village Lodge where we will stay for the next two nights. Dinner will be on your own this evening.

Day 3: We depart early this morning for the Tundra Wildlife Tour in Denali National Park. The Park is considered to be the last intact ecosystem left in the world. Here you will observe the natural behavior of the grizzly, caribou, wolves,and red fox. Remember your cameras and binoculars! A boxed, picnic luncheon will be provided. There is free time this afternoon prior to dinner in the McKinley Chalet, followed by entertainment at the Alaska Cabin Nite dinner theater.

Day 4: This morning we will take a beautiful drive to Fairbanks with a stop along the way at the sod-roofed log cabin known as the Nenana Visitor Center. It is here that President Harding drove the golden spike signifying the completion of the railroad. Presently, Nenana is the hub for the tug boat/barge shipping industry along the rivers of the interior.

Upon arrival in Fairbanks we will enjoy luncheon at the historic Pump House. Afternoon activities include a ride aboard the Riverboat Discovery on the Chena and Tanana Rivers. Enjoy the fascinating narration, a stop at an Athabascan village and watch dog sledding demonstrations. Late afternoon we arrive at the Regency Hotel in Fairbanks. Enjoy an evening at your leisure.

Day 5: This morning we visit the authentic Gold Dredge No. 8-Alaska’s premier gold mining attraction. There will be a presentation of the Dredge in operation, gold mining displays and exhibits at the Bunk House, Bath House and Supply Center. Test your luck as you pan for gold, before an all-you-can-eat miner’s luncheon at the Dredge. Next we head south on the Richardson Highway with a stop at North Pole and the Christmas House. The incredible scenery guides us along Alaska’s first road, the Valdez to Eagle Trail. The road follows the Trans-Alaska pipeline and streams that host fine king salmon. We’ll take a photo stop at the Big Delta Bridge and take an afternoon break at Rika’s Roadhouse. A barbecue-style dinner this evening is served at the Paxson Lodge followed by overnight accommodations at the Caribou Hotel in Glennallen.

Day 6: Today we continue south with a visit at the Wrangell/St. Alias Visitor Center. There will be magnificent photo stops at the Worthington Glacier, Bridal Veil and Horse Tail Falls, before arriving in Valdez for lunch and a stop at the Valdez Museum. Your evening is free to explore and shop in the port of Valdez and have dinner on-your-own at one of several excellent restaurants. Overnight accommodations are at the Mountain Sky Hotel.

Day 7: Today we enjoy a 6 to 8 hour cruise of Prince William Sound. Underway you will see puffins, bald eagles, sea otters, sea lions, humpback and killer whales and azure blue icebergs. Cameras, binoculars and cool-weather clothing are recommended. Luncheon will be served on board.

Late afternoon we arrive in the port of Whittier, board our motor coach, take the half-mile tunnel between Whittier and Portage and continue south along the Seward Highway to the Kenai Peninsula. In the early evening we will arrive at the quaint fishing village of Seward, one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities. Here you may enjoy shopping in the unique stores and artist’s galleries and have dinner on your own. Accommodations are at the Edgewater Hotel, Seward.

Day 8: Put on a smile and get ready to laugh during our behind-the-scenes tour at SeaLife Center where you will see puffins, seals, beautiful fish and sea lions. Following the tour, we head north with a lunch stop (on-your-own) at the Resurrection Roadhouse. Next we visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, home to orphaned or injured animals including grizzly, caribou and moose. Late afternoon we arrive back in Anchorage and check into the Clarion Suites Hotel. Share stories and tall tales with your traveling friends at the farewell dinner served at the Sourdough Mining Company.

Day 9: With fond memories and appreciation for Alaska’s majestic beauty we depart Anchorage on our return flights home.

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New York City Ballet At Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Saturday, July 18, 2009

The New York City Ballet, one of the foremost dance companies in the world, has made SPAC its summer home for more than four decades. Come and be entertained with the 35th anniversary of SPAC’s commissioning of Coppelia, premiered on July 17, 1974. Coppelia is considered one of the triumphant comic ballets of the 19th century and marked the passing of ballet supremacy from France to Russia. Coppelia was the first symphonic ballet score and includes melodic national dances, descriptive passages introducing the main characters and musical effects that have captured audiences for more than 100 years.

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Surround Yourself with the Breathtaking Canadian Rockies
Featuring Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise

Saturday, July 18-Friday, July 24, 2009

7 Days • 8 Meals
Towering over the plains of Alberta are the mighty, rugged and exquisite peaks of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Calgary High and Low
Our adventure begins in Calgary in the foothills of the Rockies. Our hotel’s central location ends your first travel day on an easy, elegant note. Eau Claire Market with 60 shops and restaurants is just steps away. Chinatown is an easy walk into the ambiance of Asia where Peking ducks hang in windows and lanterns light the streets. A pub night out, a bowl of pasta or steak, have dinner your way before relaxing tonight.

Travel the Icefields Parkway
Aboard our motorcoach, we’ll travel along one of the world's most spectacular mountain highways. Unsurpassed scenery paralleling the Great Divide in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the Columbia Icefields, Bow and Crowfoot Glaciers, Athabasca Falls and Peyto Lake, come into view. See snow-capped mountains reflected in the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake and watch for black bears, moose and caribou along the way.

Cruise the Lake
We spend two mountain nights at the four-star Sawridge Hotel designed around a three-story fireplace and surrounded by immense forests, pristine lakes, alpine meadows and glaciers. We cruise the glacial waters of Maligne Lake in glass-enclosed boats and learn about the history, geology and wildlife of the lake and Jasper National Park. Some of the world’s most spectacular mountain scenery will slip past your window along with moose and other wildlife. The boat lands at Spirit Island, seen on nearly every postcard rack in Canada. Your own spirit will soar during the short walk to the viewpoint overlooking the mountain-ringed shores. There will be time to explore Jasper’s quaint stores and native crafts before dinner.

Experience the Ice Age
We’ll spend another three mountain nights at the charming International Hotel nestled at the foot of a mountain in Banff, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Alpine zone, Banff is Canada’s highest town and our departure point for the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield south of Alaska. On Icefield Parkway, we pass mesmerizing frozen fields and large upland glaciers, some dating back to the Ice Age. Glacier-fed rivers, majestic peaks and peaceful lakes create scenic wonders and a protected habitat for more than 250 species of birds, bear, elk, wolves, deer and mountain goats. Our "snocoach" will glide over shimmering glacial ice and snow onto the Athabasca Glacier, a tongue of the Columbia Icefield, for an awe-inspiring glimpse of icy crevasses and ice-fed streamlets and a short stroll on ice that froze 400 years ago. We’ll follow the melting ice to Bow Falls to see how the incredible erosive force of water has sliced through rocks and carved out thundering waterfalls.

Touch the Sky
The Banff Gondola provides a comfortable ride up Sulphur Mountain 7,486 feet above sea level, passing over Alpine meadows and bighorn sheep. The summit is the best vantage point in the West, a 360-degree unobstructed view of six mountain ranges. From three observation decks you will see more mountains in a moment than most people see in a lifetime. An elevated boardwalk will lead you along Sulphur Mountain’s summit ridge to the Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site of Canada and the historic Sanson’s Peak Meteorological Station. After experiencing the wonder of walking above the clouds, you can return to the quaint village of Banff. Join fellow world travelers in exploring charming boutiques and the village’s collection of galleries and cafes.

A Diamond in the Wilderness
Surrounded by snow capped peaks, secluded on legendary Lake Louise, and showcased by a majestic glacier, we enjoy a visit to Chateau Lake Louise. In this haven of Victorian splendor, the ambiance, service and food please the most discerning traveler. Lake Louise is known as the "diamond in the wilderness" and, while irresistible to photograph, may be difficult to describe with mere words. In 1882, the first non-native to view Lake Louise penned, "I never, in all my experience, saw such a matchless scene".

At our leisurely farewell dinner, we have time to exchange addresses and favorite views and experiences with new friends. Heading home, not all of your treasures will be in your suitcase. Some vistas will arrive like postcards time and again when your mind drifts back to your special days in the Canadian Rockies.

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The Jersey Boys are Coming to Boston

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Broadway’s biggest success story is finally coming to Boston. The story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons follows the rags and riches tale of four blue-collar kids working their way from the streets of Newark to the heights of stardom. According to the New York Times, "the crowd goes wild when they listen to hits such as Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Oh, What A Night, Hang On and many more."

If you like music, if you like entertainment, if you like live performances, DO NOT miss Jersey Boys, winner of the 2006 Tony Award for best musical.

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He’s Back! Daniel O’Donnell Performs in Albany

Monday, August 10, 2009

Let the luck of the Irish bring you to our Daniel O’Donnell performance. With his repertoire of country and easy listening music your spirits will be lifted with the sounds of this world-renowned singer/songwriter. From his career starting song "My Donegal Shore" to his present day status of one of America’s most loved vocalists, you won’t want to miss this performance.

Join us at the Times Union Center where we have reserved "gold seating" tickets for the 2:00 performance. We’ll stop along the way for a grand buffet luncheon at the Golden Corral Restaurant. Select your favorites and try new tastes on their featured hot and cold buffets. Save room for dessert!

Enjoy the show in Albany where you do not need a passport to get there! The show in Montreal will require a passport.

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Sugarland, Live at Meadowbrook

Friday, August 14, 2009

Yes, they’re coming back to give us a show of all shows! Due to illness, Sugarland had to cancel their 2008 performance, however they are coming back bigger and better and adorned with awards.

Recently recipients of the CMA 2008 Duo of the Year recognition, this group has climbed the ladder to success in record time. Already they have received 3, 2009 Grammy Nominations! A wail from R.E.M., a soulful vocal from Janis Joplin, and a throwback to Appalachian instrumentation gives every song momentum and increases the turn-it-up quotient of the entire performance.

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New England Country Music Festival
Featuring
Kenny Chesney, Sugarland,Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert and Montgomery Gentry

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Reserve early for this sure to sell-out event. CMA Entertainer of the Year, Kenny Chesney is returning to Gillette Stadium for the fifth year in a row. He will be joined by a star-studded lineup that includes 2008’s CMA Vocal Duo of the Year, Sugarland, fan favorites Montgomery Gentry, Miranda Lambert and the CMA New Artist of 2008, Lady Antebellum.

Travel to Gillette Stadium with Notch Above and get there in plenty of time for the whole show and terrific Club Seating

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Anything Goes, New London Barn Playhouse
And Lake Sunapee Luncheon Cruise

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Everyone knows, "Anything Goes!" Climb aboard the MV Mt. Sunapee II for a luncheon cruise followed by a performance at one of the most cherished and historic summer stock theaters in the country.

Your day begins in a relaxing and delicious fashion with a cruise into the pristine waters of Lake Sunapee and a luncheon fit for the captain himself! Next you’ll witness the classic musical Anything Goes with music and lyrics by Cole Porter. This performance takes place on the S.S. American bound for London. A series of comical mistaken identities ensues as the passengers and crew sing and dance their way across the Atlantic. Tap your toes and sing along to your old favorites such as I Get a Kick Out of You, You’re the Top and Anything Goes.

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The Pinnacles of the Pacific Northwest

Saturday, August 22-Friday, August 28, 2009

7 Days • 8 Meals
The coastal terrain of the Pacific Northwest is the most magnificent countryside you'll ever set eyes on. Come along as we explore towering rock cliffs, snow-capped mountains, lush gardens and vibrant cities, giving you a glimpse of American and Canadian natural beauty at its best.

Seattle and the Space Needle
When you see the Space Needle looming in the distance, you’ll know you've arrived in Seattle. But you certainly won't be "Sleepless in Seattle" as there is more than enough activity to keep you busy! Your city tour includes Pike Place Market, Chinatown, historic Pioneer Square, Seattle’s waterfront and the incredible Space Needle. Officially opened in 1961 for the 1962 World’s fair, the Space Needle’s elevators whisk you to the Observation Deck in under a minute for an unforgettable panoramic view of Seattle. With snow-capped Mount Rainier to the south, the Cascade Mountains to the east and the majestic Olympics to the west, you will see why Seattle is anything but ordinary.

Vancouver – Cosmopolitan Canada
Cradled between the ocean and snow-capped mountains, Vancouver’s dazzling downtown skyline, idyllic waterfront and lush parks make this a city to behold. An experienced local guide will join us for an unforgettable city tour of Vancouver. You’ll see the beauty of Stanley Park with its 1,000 acres of gardens and sand beaches, along with the colorful neighborhoods of Chinatown, Shaughnessy and the historic streets of Gastown. You’ll spend three nights in Vancouver with an endless list of things to see and do in one of Canada’s most cosmopolitan cities.

Travel the Ferry System
We’ll use the popular and intricate ferry system, a main mode of transportation for locals which ties the mainland with the many islands that dot the coast line. Whether it’s crossing the Strait of Georgia or the Strait of Juan de Fuca, ferry is the best way to reach Vancouver Island, the largest in the region.

Whistler Mountaineer
The Whistler Mountaineer is a breathtaking three-hour train trip offering world-class Canadian hospitality from North Vancouver to the mountain town of Whistler. The journey delivers a unique blend of contrasts the "Sea to Sky" region is famous for; cities and old-growth forests, bustling action and natural serenity, deep valleys and snow-capped peaks, seascapes and mountain views.

Victoria – A Capital City
A leading travel magazine named Victoria "one of the world’s top ten cities to visit". And, Victoria works very hard to live up to that reputation. The historic capital city of British Columbia, Victoria has a distinctly British feel with pubs, tearooms and bagpipers in abundance. Your experienced Notch Above Tour Manager conducts a panoramic city tour highlighting the best of Victoria, from its beautiful harbor boardwalk to its incredible parliament building. Stop in for a visit at the remarkable Empress Hotel during your free time. One of the highlights of Victoria is the hundred-year-old Butchart Gardens, which Notch Above Tours has included on your itinerary. From the exquisite Sunken Gardens to the lovely Rose Garden, you'll be captivated by the spectacular views and elegant waterfalls as you stroll through the expansive lawns.

Join us as we explore the best of the Pacific Northwest!

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Join Us for the Ideal Summer Afternoon in Vermont
Tea, Music and Art at the Fiske Farm on Isle La Motte

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Celebrate the good fortune that we have in Vermont. Travel to the historic Fiske Farm and immerse yourself in Vermont’s countryside with views of lake, mountain and meadow. Sit back under the shade of an old maple tree and sip ice-cold lemonade while savoring tea sandwiches, scones, and fresh-baked cakes.

This afternoon’s concert features "Maple Jam" a capella jazz music. There’s an art show in the barn, featuring photography by Michael Waters. Celebrate the Quadricentennial with a visit to Isle La Motte, Samuel de Champlain’s first landing place!

Your day starts with a stop at Saint Anne’s Shrine, followed by your arrival at the Fiske Farm. There will be time to stroll through the Fiske Quarry Preserve, a 20-acre site that contains a rich wetland habitat for birds and animals as well as a geological treasure - remnants of the ancient 450 million year old "Chazy Fossil Reef." Then sit back, relax and enjoy Vermont at its best!

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Take Me Out To The Ball Game-All Three of Them!
Baseball Road Trip

Friday, August 28-Sunday, August 30, 2009

Join us on this trip designed for the extreme baseball fan-Three teams! Three stadiums! Three cities! Root for your favorite teams-Chicago White Sox versus New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians versus Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves versus The World Champion Philadelphia Phillies!

Friday morning depart Vermont and travel to your New York City hotel. You arrive late afternoon with time to explore the city and have dinner on your own before the 7:05 pm first pitch.

Saturday morning there’s free time in the city before a 12:00 noon departure for Baltimore. Enjoy time strolling in the Inner Harbor, have dinner on your own and arrive at the stadium for a 7:05 game. After the game, check into your hotel the Springhill Suites Baltimore.

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel Sunday morning and travel to Philadelphia. Attend the 1:05 pm game and depart for home right after the game.

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The Carignan-Salieres Forts of Vermont and Quebec
Escorted by Howard Coffin
Sponsored by The Vermont Archaeological Society

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Join us on this fascinating international journey into 17th Century history. Your first stop is Fort Saint Anne in Isle La Motte. Built by the Carignan-Salieres regiment in 1666 and dedicated to Saint Anne, this was the first European settlement in Vermont. The island is named after the leader of the expedition, Captain La Motte. Reflecting upon Vermont’s Quadricentennial celebration, Samuel de Champlain debarked on Isle La Motte July 9, 1609!

Next, travel across the border to Fort Saint Jean, built between 1666 and 1775. It is one of the oldest permanent military facilities in North America and the site of a recent excavation directed by Professor Reginauld Auger of the University Laval in Quebec City. The fort was rebuilt several times and this excavation concentrated on the later 17th Century fort. If the excavation goes as planned, there may be some results from the excavation to report as you tour the site. Fort Saint Jean has been continually occupied since 1666 and is the core around which Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu grew.

While in Saint-Jean, you will also visit the Museum of College Millitaire. The museum’s mandate is to collect, conserve, research and display material relating to the history of the Canadian Military Regiment, its former cadets and its site, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The museum contains collections of military memorabilia and military artifacts. The site has been occupied since 1666 by different garrisons, a shipyard and a military college. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the lovely grounds around the Museum.

Your next stop is at the Fort Chambly National Historic Site. Fort Chambly stands on the banks of the Richelieu River and dates from 1709. Built of local stone, it stands as an invaluable witness to the French presence in North America. Fort Chambly was the largest in a series of fortifications on the shores of what was known as the Iroquois River, now called the Richelieu River. Restored in 1983, exhibitions recounting key moments, a museum and interpretive center are presented within its walls.

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White Water in the White Mountains
Girls’ Whitewater Rafting Weekend
At the Balsams Grand Resort

Saturday, August 29-Sunday, August 30, 2009

Treat yourself to wilderness adventure and grand resort pampering all in the same weekend!
Gather your friends, co-workers and daughters and travel with us to the Balsams, located in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Our early morning departure offers time to enjoy the Resort, their exquisite grounds and included amenities, such as swimming, mountain biking, hiking and complimentary boat rentals. Additional activities include badminton, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, croquet, bocce and shuffleboard. There is also a poolside cabana bar for a refreshing mid-afternoon beverage or treat. As the sun sets, dress for a five-course dinner served in the award-winning dining room at this grand old hotel. Their food recently received a perfect rating from Condé Nast Traveler and is ranked among the best in the world. The acclaimed chefs use only the freshest ingredients, oftentimes from local farmers. The menu changes nightly, and is presented table d' hôte style by the gracious and charming staff. The dining experience alone is enough reason to visit the Balsams!

Rise and shine early on Sunday and savor every taste of a hearty breakfast before we depart the Resort and head to the whitewaters on the Androscoggin River. There’s no need to be squeamish; these are gentle whitewaters. The full-day interactive trip includes an introduction to whitewater, four to six runs on the white water, a delicious lunch, and an afternoon of fun with inflatable kayaks and a swim in what’s been called "the most swum piece of whitewater in the northeast."

Following your exhilarating and exhausting day on the river, you begin your trip back to Vermont with a rest/snack stop along the way. Enjoy the memories, laughter and the thrills!

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NASCAR-Atlanta Motor Speedway

Saturday-Monday, September 5-7, 2009

NEW! Laps and Lodge Package

This is your chance to be a part of one of the biggest events in Atlanta Motor Speedway’s history, because Labor Day 2009, when the sun goes down, the lights go on. You’ll want to be there as your favorite drivers like Gordon, Busch, Junior and Johnson take the track at night for the first time and hit some of the highest speeds of the season. This is sure to be one of the hottest tickets for NASCAR fans across the nation.

Our new Laps and Lodge Package gives you the freedom to travel your way! Use your frequent flyer miles, drive your car, gather your friends and rent a van, or call Notch Above and we’ll gladly arrange your travel, by air or land. This is a guaranteed departure!

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Visit the Sullivan Museum and History Center
At Norwich University

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the nation. Here is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the heritage of this great institution.

Explore the rich 200-year history of Norwich University in a 21st century state of the art facility. The Sullivan Museum was opened January 22, 2007. The building is named after General Gordon R. Sullivan (ret.), Norwich class of 1959 and former U.S. Army Chief of Staff. The Sullivan Museum houses state of the art conservation, storage, and display facilities for the wide variety of Norwich University artifacts and memorabilia. Items currently displayed cover a wide spectrum of Norwich history, including uniforms worn by Alden Partridge and Alonzo Jackman to pieces from more recent history.

The 16,000-square-foot facility features areas for permanent and changing exhibitions and learning stations in the exhibition area. The building’s lighting, heating and cooling systems are designed to provide maximum protection for the University’s collection of artwork and artifacts. The exterior features natural materials—granite, warm cherry wood and copper—connecting the building visually to the rich architectural traditions of the area.

After your time in the Museum, join the Cadets for lunch in the Wise Campus Center mess hall. Witness impeccable manners as the “Rooks” partake in "square meal" dining.

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Spectacular Sites Await in the National Parks of the Southwest

Wednesday, September 9-Wednesday, September 16, 2009

8 Days • 10 Meals
From sun-drenched mesas to rushing rivers, spectacular sights await you in the beautiful, rugged wilderness of the American Southwest.

Glories of the Great Outdoors
America’s National Parks have dazzled visitors for more than a century. Join us as we tour some of the most spectacular treasures of the Southwest. Our eight-day tour will take us through three states and three parks, where we’ll witness some of the greatest natural marvels Mother Nature has to offer. Stand on the rim of the Grand Canyon for a spectacular view and follow the trail of cowboys and Navajo Indians through windswept desert vistas and winding river valleys. It’s a remarkable outdoor adventure you’ll not soon forget!

Bright Lights, Big City
Our tour starts in that glittering cosmopolitan center of the Southwest, Las Vegas. We’ll be staying in the heart of downtown near the fabulous Fremont Street Experience. Home to ten casinos, 60 restaurants and the spectacular Vista Vision light and music show, the Fremont Street Experience offers something for everyone. It’s a fantastic way to bid farewell to city lights as you embark on a tour of the glorious outdoor splendors of the region.

Natural Wonders in the National Parks
The big city lights will pale in comparison to the natural splendors that await you. Our first stop on tour is the Grand Canyon. Averaging 4,000 feet deep, this immense gorge has long stood as a symbol of the abundant beauty of America’s natural environment. We’ll spend two nights on the canyon’s rim at the rustic Grand Canyon Lodges. After a day of exploration, you’ll enjoy a front-row seat to the surrounding scenic treasures as you dine at the North Rim Lodge, overlooking the canyon’s gorgeous buttes and spires.

And the Grand Canyon is only the beginning! You’ll thrill at the sight of the towering sandstone structures of Monument Valley. In Utah’s Bryce Canyon, you’ll see the effect of thousands of years of erosion on colorful limestone rock, producing horseshoe amphitheaters, sharp ravines, and fragile rock formations in pink, white, yellow and red.

Utah is also home to Zion National Park, a vast expanse of 150,000 acres of wild canyon country. Our guided tour will unearth the gems of the natural wonderland, from hidden waterfalls to spectacular red and white sandstone cliffs that tower thousands of feet high.

An Exploration of Native American Culture
Our tour will also serve as an introduction to the native settlers who first made their home in the majestic cliffs and rugged desert country of the Southwest. At the Kaibab Indian Reservation, we’ll visit Pipe Spring National Monument, a lush oasis that for centuries has sustained human settlements from Paiute Indians to Mormon pioneers.

On the way to Monument Valley, we venture deep into Native American territory as we visit the Navajo Indian Reservation. Our visit will be enriched by a Native American tour guide who describes the fascinating history of this scenic region. We’ll also enjoy an included lunch here.

Southwestern Waterways
While the Southwest is famous for its arid desert landscapes, no visit to the area would be complete without a refreshing cruise on the crystal-clear water of Lake Powell. Formed during the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam in 1963, Lake Powell is the second largest man-made lake in the United States, and serves as home to an abundance of wildlife along its shores.

Hit the Trail for Outdoor Adventure
Blaze a trail through the splendors of the great American Southwest! Relive the awe early settlers first felt when they forged their way through this rugged and inspiring territory. This exciting tour will evoke memories of beauty and wonder for years to come!

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Discover Degas and Music-A Very Special Exhibition
The Hyde Collection Art Museum-Glens Falls, New York

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Join us for a compelling docent-guided tour of this famous artist’s works rarely seen in this region, on loan from museums in the United States and Europe. Edgar Degas, known throughout the world as "the painter of dancers," was equally inspired by the world of music. This exhibition brings together works that reflect the French Impressionist’s fascination with music including portraits of musician friends, dramatic images of cabaret singers and stunning scenes of the music-filled world of the ballet. Degas and Music presents an engaging subject that has never been explored in depth or chosen as the subject of an exhibition.

After your tour at the Hyde Museum, enjoy a delicious luncheon served at the Grand Queensbury Hotel. This Victorian-style historic hotel and restaurant has been regarded as the town of Glen Falls’ centerpiece.

Next, you’re off to the Chapman Historical Museum. This is a restored house museum featuring furnishings and historical artifacts depicting life in Glens Falls during the late 19th Century. Explore the exhibits, archival materials, research archives and museum shop.

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Ride the Rails-Trains and Canyons of the West

Tuesday, September 14-Monday, September 21, 2009

8 Days • 11 Meals
Journey to the heart of the American West! Ride the rails and explore the country’s most breathtaking National Parks! Come along on an adventure through the untamed Wild West and the unparalleled majesty of the Rocky Mountains!

Canyonlands National Park
Your adventure starts in Salt Lake City,Utah, where big city ambience meets alpine snow resort, all at the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics. As you motorcoach to Moab, you’ll be in awe of the massive sandstone walls of Canyonlands National Park. Take in its colorful landscape of countless canyons, mesas and buttes along the Colorado and Green Rivers.

Majestic Arches National Park
Arches National Park preserves over 2,000 natural sandstone arches as well as a variety of unique geological resources and formations. We’ll board a raft for a float trip down the Colorado River giving you a different perspective of the world’s most amazing landforms and monoliths...looking up!

Mesa Verde National Park
UNESCO has designated Mesa Verde National Park as a World Cultural Heritage Park. Celebrating 14 centuries of history, the archeological sites found in Mesa Verde National Park are some of the most notable and best preserved in the U.S. Leading publications have named Mesa Verde the #1 historic monument in the world as well as one of the world’s greatest destinations. You’ll see where the ancient Pueblo Indians built their spectacular cliff dwellings and mesa-top villages.

Colorado’s Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train
Voted one of the "Top Ten Most Exciting Train Journeys in the World", the Durango Railway Train was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railways in the late 19th century. Originally constructed to haul ore from the San Juan Mountains, passengers soon became awestruck by the mountainous views of the San Juan National Forest. Relive the experience once again on board this 100% steam powered railroad as we travel through spectacular canyons in the remote wilderness.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad – Next Stop 1880!
Built in 1880 as the San Juan Extension of the Denver & Rio Grande, the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad remains one of the most spectacular examples of steam era mountain railroading in North America. While one hundred years ago, the steamer hauled precious metals, today the steam locomotives carry passengers looking for adventure over high trestles, through dark tunnels and along narrow shelves. You’ll trace the same historic steps of the gold prospectors as they traveled the same route, seeking their fortunes.

Magical Santa Fe
Santa Fe, New Mexico, one of the most attractive and historic towns in the Southwest is the oldest state capital in the U.S., founded in 1610. The heart of the city has a charming small-town feel, with the main shops and old buildings within walking distance of each other. Santa Fe is famous for its world-class opera, Indian crafts and eclectic art market. Join us for a walking tour of the Old Santa Fe Trail to see San Miguel Mission, Loretto Chapel and Santa Fe Plaza. You’ll have the afternoon free to explore the city on your own. Why not visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and see her gorgeous flower paintings, or browse through the shops for a turquoise jewelry treasure of your own? Tonight, join us for a farewell dinner and a chance to sample some authentic New Mexican cuisine.

Adventure Awaits!
Join us for an amazing adventure aboard historic rails, discover America’s most treasured national parks, and experience the desert landscape as never before.

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Chinese Lantern Spectacular
Montreal’s Botanical Gardens

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a veteran, you won’t want to miss this year’s outing to view the Chinese Lanterns. This annual event, with a different theme each year, introduces you to traditional Chinese culture as the magic of lanterns lights up the Chinese Garden with a landscape of colorful silk lanterns. Our newly designed excursion offers an entire afternoon to explore the Gardens by day. Charlie Nardozzi will lead the way and offer his expert advice on all your gardening needs. A delicious dinner at the Ristorante Vinnie Gambini’s will refresh you for the illuminated evening under the stars to witness the lanterns.

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The Jersey Boys are Coming to Boston

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Broadway’s biggest success story is finally coming to Boston. The story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons follows the rags and riches tale of four blue-collar kids working their way from the streets of Newark to the heights of stardom. According to the New York Times, "the crowd goes wild when they listen to hits such as Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Oh, What A Night, Hang On and many more."

If you like music, if you like entertainment, if you like live performances, DO NOT miss Jersey Boys, winner of the 2006 Tony Award for best musical.

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Radio Vermont Big E Tour

Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, 2009

The Eastern States Exposition in Springfield, MA is the largest fair in the Northeast. It is the only event in the country where six states come together for 17 days each fall for one spectacular event.

There’s something for everyone at the Big E: The Avenue of States, Storrowton Village Museum, The Super Circus, the New England Center, Farm-A-Rama, agricultural events, horse shows, sheep dog trials, live performances and cooking demonstrations. There’s the Magic Midway for fun rides, thrill rides and games galore. And don’t forget the food-from “fair food” to fine dining, the choice is yours, but don’t forget to try the world-famous Big E Cream Puff. We’ve even included a coupon so you can try one on us!

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The Polar Bear Discovery-Up Close and Personal

Friday, October 2-Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Journey to the land of the Polar Bear. See the Northern Lights dance across the Arctic sky. Thrill to the magnificent scenery, natural beauty and rare wildlife from your warm Tundra Bus. Join us for an adventure of a lifetime in the Canadian wilderness!

Winnipeg – Gateway to the Canadian West
Rising from the shores of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, Winnipeg is the capital and largest city in the province of Manitoba. The city’s rich architecture, brick warehouses and rail depots reflect its importance as a historic supply center. A 1920s boomtown, Winnipeg is a vibrant Canadian cultural center with its many art galleries, museums and The Forks market. It is here you’ll meet your traveling companions for a welcome dinner.

The next morning, we board our aircraft for the flight to Churchill.

Lazy Bear Lodge – Your Warm, Comfortable Home in Churchill
Rustic and charming, the Lazy Bear Lodge is an elegant, handcrafted log building providing warm, comfortable accommodations. The newest in Churchill, the Lazy Bear Lodge is smoke-free and family-run, bringing you the best in personal service and quality amenities. Eat fireside at the Lazy Bear Cafe as you feast on homemade cuisine, creating a true Northern ambiance you’ll always remember.

During the afternoon, enjoy a Churchill Cultural Heritage Tour.

Tundra Bus – The Best Way to See the Best Show on Earth
With large, over inflated tires, the tundra vehicles are designed to safely travel over the fragile ecosystem. Our warm, self-contained tundra bus takes us out onto the tundra to view these magnificent beasts, some just a few feet away from our window. Invented and perfected in Churchill, the tundra buses let you get within a few feet of the bears and be completely safe, secure and comfortable! Vehicles are well heated with onboard washroom facilities and large viewing windows, plus a special open-air observation platform for watching the bears. Have your cameras ready!

Churchill – Discover the Polar Bear Capital of the World
Established as a grain port in the early 1700s, the frontier town of Churchill is home to the world’s southernmost population of polar bears. These magnificent creatures, the monarch of the Arctic, tip the scales at over 1300 pounds and can stand some 10 feet tall. Anticipating the winter freeze, polar bears congregate along the coast beginning in October to return to the seal-rich feeding grounds on the ice flows of Hudson Bay. Watch as they search for food, play and roughhouse as they have for centuries. Tours are led by experienced driver-guides whose years of hands-on experience in the Churchill region provide an insightful narration. In your hunt for wildlife, you may also sight arctic foxes, arctic hares, caribou, ringed seals and the beautiful willow ptarmigan.

Get an awe-inspiring look at the greatest wildlife viewing spectacles on Earth. For those who hear the "call of the wild," join us for this once in a lifetime experience!

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Witches Getaway-Salem, Massachusetts

Saturday-Sunday, October 3-4, 2009

Grab your broomstick and ride with us for a ghoulishly great weekend in Salem. Visit the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, the Corwin House Witch House, Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery, Chestnut Street, the House of Seven Gables and more. The haunted happenings are endless!

Bring your friends and little goblins too, for this weekend of history and Halloween. The weekend is filled with time on-your-own to enjoy Salem just the way you want to.

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Fall for Nova Scotia

Saturday, October 3-Sunday, October 11, 2009

Nova Scotia vacations are worlds away from anything you’ve ever experienced. Renowned for the highest tides in the world at the Bay of Fundy, award-winning vineyards scattered about the province and nationally recognized chefs, Nova Scotia is a place of remarkable natural beauty and thriving culture. Relax at Peggy’s Cove fishing village, tour the Cabot Trail or explore Halifax’s Pier 21, one of Canada’s seven wonders. Fall in Nova Scotia is a celebration of colors and harvest. Join us, and you, too will "Fall for Nova Scotia."

We depart Vermont on Saturday and head to Portland, Maine where we will overnight. There will be free-time to visit the historic downtown and old port and enjoy dinner on your own in one of the city’s fabulous eateries.

Sunday, following breakfast in the hotel, we board the "CAT" for a 5 1/2 hour cruise to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Sit back, relax, take in the scenery and watch for marine life frolicking in the waves. Once docked, we clear Canadian Customs and arrive at the Oak Island Inn where we overnight. Dinner is included this evening.

Monday we visit Peggy’s Cove, known as an artist’s paradise. Fishing boats, the lighthouse and weathered buildings surround you in this pristine cove. Enjoy luncheon overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Our next stop is Halifax, the capital city of Nova Scotia. Here we will visit the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, one of three cemeteries in Halifax where victims of the Titanic are buried. Other stops include the Halifax Public Gardens and Citadel Hill. Following the city tour, we arrive at our hotel. Sample, on your own, one of the delightful restaurants in Halifax.

Rise and shine early Tuesday morning as we make our way to Cape Breton to enjoy Scottish music and traditions. Our route takes us to Sherbrooke Village for a step back in time. Enjoy lunch in the village, surrounded by folks dressed in period costume. After lunch, we travel along the St. Mary’s River and the beautiful Lochaber Lake. We arrive at the Canso Causeway that carries us to Baddeck. Visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museum before arriving at your Country Inn, an overnight destination for Mr. Bell himself!

Wednesday we take a trip around the Cabot Trail, one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world. The trail winds around the rocky splendor of Capt Breton’s northern shore, and is carved into the sides of mountains that rise above the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Keep your eyes open for pods of whales and bald eagles. Stops for photo ops will be made along the way. We visit Flora’s, home of Cheticamp Rug Hooking and "Les Trois Pignons", a museum in wool. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the sites before heading to Keltic Lodge, one of Nova Scotia’s three resorts. We overnight at our Inn in Baddeck with free-time to walk the boardwalk of the village along the Bras d’Or Lake.

The next day our travels lead us via Antigonish and New Glasgow to Pictou, a quaint Scottish town, where we enjoy lunch. Then we climb aboard the Northumberland Ferry and travel across the Northumberland Strait to Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest Province. Check in to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day and evening on your own in this charming city.

Friday morning experience a tour of Charlottetown followed by a visit at the Marine Aquarium and Manor of Birds. Witness seals and the largest private collection of mounted birds. After lunch we stop in Cavendish and see the home where the story of "Anne of Green Gables" is centered. Next we visit the Prince Edward Island Preserve Factory for samples of preserves and herbal tea. Make certain to save room for dinner; the famous New Glasgow Lobster Supper!

Saturday it’s time to say goodbye to "The Isle of the Green" as we cross over The Confederation Bridge. We’ll stop at Gateway Village and Cavendish Figurines before making our way to St. John, St. Stephen and Calais, Maine where we go through U.S. Customs and re-enter the United States. We overnight in Bangor, Maine where you will have time for shopping and dinner on your own.

Sunday morning, following breakfast in the hotel, we begin our journey home.

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Celebrate Oktoberfest Bavarian Style
Whiteface Mountain

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Celebrate the harvest-celebrate the colors-celebrate the crisp air-Join us at Whiteface Mountain for their 18th Annual Oktoberfest. With authentic Bavarian music, dancing, food and of course beer, this is a happening to delight adults and children alike. Explore the craft vendor booths, sing-a-long to tunes played by roving musicians and enjoy the complimentary rides and activities. Ride the Cloudsplitter Gondola to the majestic summit of Little Whiteface for breathtaking views of the Adirondack Mountains. Bring your appetite, your cameras and your dancing shoes!

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Fall Foliage Luncheon at the Balsams Resort

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Come along for a spectacular foliage ride through Vermont and into Dixville Notch, New Hampshire--destination the Balsams Grand Resort Hotel. Enjoy the journey and the scenery along country roads through Plainfield, Marshfield, Cabot, Lancaster and North Stratford. Gaze in awe as you travel into the White Mountains and discover the Balsams nestled high in the Great North Woods.

Immerse yourself in the history of this grand hotel that first opened just after the Civil War. Explore their 15,000 acres filled with gardens and dine like royalty in the upscale ambiance of the dining room. Pick up a souvenir or specialty item in the gift shop.

After luncheon as we wind our way back home, we’ll stop at one of the sweetest places on earth, Chutters, home of the world’s longest candy counter. Located on Littleton, New Hampshire’s historic Main Street, Chutters offers a treasure trove of nostalgic favorite treats.

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3rd Vermont Volunteer Infantry Regiment
Civil War Monument Dedication
Escorted by Paul Zeller

Thursday, October 8-Sunday, October 11, 2009

Join Paul G. Zeller, Civil War author and historian, in the celebration of a monument dedication to the 3rd Vermont Volunteer Infantry Regiment at the site of the battle of Dam Number 1 in Newport News, Virginia. It was at the battle of Dam Number 1, frequently called the battle of Lee’s Mills, that four companies of the 3rd Vermont Infantry Regiment made their first courageous assault upon Confederate earthworks. Led by Captain Samuel Pingree, the Vermont charge drove the Confederates from their advanced rife pits along the shore of the Warwick River. Initially successful, the outnumbered Vermonters came under a heavy counterattack. Without reinforcements and in spite of being severely wounded, Captain Pingree brought his men back across the river amid a hail of bullets. In that short fight, 26 Vermonters were killed and 63 wounded, nine of whom would later die of their wounds.

Throughout the fight, Julian Scott, a drummer boy, crossed the blood stained river several times to rescue the wounded. For their bravery that day, both Samuel Pingree and Julian Scott were awarded the Medal of Honor.

The Eighteenth Vermont Regiment, Inc., a contemporary Civil War historic preservation organization, commissioned Rock of Ages in Barre, Vermont to produce a Civil War memorial to honor the men of the 3rd Vermont Volunteer Infantry Regiment at the battle of Dam Number 1 on April 16, 1862. Funding for the $18,000.00 monument was raised through individual donations and contributions from attendees of the 18th Vermont Regiment’s annual Civil War Expo. The nearly seven foot tall monument of Vermont granite will be located at the preserved battle site beside the Warwick River in the Newport News Park.

Day 1, Thursday
With an early morning departure from Burlington, we arrive in Aberdeen, Maryland where we overnight. Enjoy an included dinner featuring regional Chesapeake Bay seafood.

Day 2, Friday
Following breakfast in the hotel, we travel to Newport News, Virginia where we arrive in time for a fortifying lunch to prepare us for an afternoon of touring.

Our first stop is Young’s Mill, where the Vermont Brigade had a skirmish on April 4, 1862. Next we visit the Warwick Courthouse and Confederate trenches along the Warwick River, followed by a walking tour of the battle site.

We travel to historic Williamsburg where we overnight. Enjoy dinner at the Whaling Company, recognized by locals as Williamsburg’s seafood specialist.

Day 3, Saturday
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before departing to the Mariner’s Museum in Newport News. Witness the full-scale replica of the USS Monitor and relics from its watery grave.

Lunch served at the Boxwood Inn in historic Lee Hall is a real treat. You’ll be immersed in great flavors and history as you dine in the former home of Simon Curtis, the "boss man" of Warwick County.

After lunch, we travel to Newport News Park for the 1:00 pm dedication of the monument.

We board the coach after the dedication and travel to Aberdeen, VA where will overnight. Dinner this evening will be at the renowned Captain Billy’s Crab House.

Day 4, Sunday
Following an early breakfast in the hotel, we depart for Vermont. With rest/lunch/snack stops along the way, will arrive at approximately 8:00 pm.

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All Aboard the Farm-Way Shopping Train

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

What, you might ask is a "Farm-Way Shopping Train?" Climb aboard the White River Flyer and ride to Bradford, home of the renowned Farm-Way Store. Occupying 17 acres of land and holding more than 4 million dollars in inventory, you’ll find a stock of items that you want and need, from shovels to frying pans to an entire outfit. Selections include clothing brands such as Isis, Carhartt and North Face. Visit the extensive footwear department, the home, garden and gifts store, and the shop of complete outfits for man and beast.

We’ll board the train in White River Junction, and dine on a delicious roast turkey luncheon, served in the dining car. Deboard the train in Bradford and start your immersion in a shopper’s world. The train returns to White River about 3:30 pm so there’s plenty of time to brag about your bargains!

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The Extreme Walk About
Australia and New Zealand Vacation

Wednesday, October 14-Thursday, October 29, 2009

Now is the time to take your dream vacation-your "thrill of a life-time excursion" into a new world of adventure. The itinerary is designed for your individual enjoyment, as there is plenty of time on your own to choose from the multitude of exciting options. This is your vacation---spend the time the way you want to! Join us on this 15-day divine escape down under.

NOTE: PRICE INCLUDES AIRFAIR FROM BURLINGTON, VERMONT!

October 14, Wednesday

Depart the Burlington International Airport, and fly to Los Angeles, and depart that evening on an international flight to Auckland, New Zealand.

October 15, Thursday

The time flies when you’re having fun! You’ve crossed the International Date Line, so you have actually lost a day!

October 16, Friday

Welcome to New Zealand-"Haere Mai". Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Rotorua. You will be ready to relax and recharge after your long journey.

Rotorua, once known as the Suphur City, has the most energetic thermal activity in the country with boiling mud pool, gurgling hot springs and gushing geysers. It also has the largest Maori population and some of the best trout fishing in the world.

This evening get ready for a memorable, traditional and entertaining experience that you will treasure for a life time as you witness a Maori welcome. After the formal welcome, you become part of the family for the rest of the evening enjoying traditional Maori performances, like the war dance, the twirling of poi, stick games and action songs. A highlight is the walk to the will wharekai to enjoy the hangi dinner cooked in the traditional earth oven.

Overnight at The Heritage Hotel, Rotorua

October 17, Saturday

Following a full breakfast in your hotel, today is yours to enjoy on-your-own. It’s called "leisure day" where you may rest, relax and prepare for the rest of your adventure.

Overnight at The Heritage Hotel, Rotorua

October 18, Sunday

After your delicious breakfast in the hotel, you’ll fly from Rotorua to Queenstown, where you check into your hotel the Rydges Lakeland. Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, is nestled in one of the most scenic spots in the world. Enjoy over 100 attractions such as jet boat rides, guided city tours, boutique wine tour, the skyline gondola and more. Queenstown’s compact town center comes alive at night featuring cafes, bars and late night shopping.

Overnight at the Rydges Lakeland Hotel, Queenstown

October 19, Monday

Following an early breakfast in the hotel, we depart Queenstown and travel the Milford Road, a stunning alpine drive taking you into the Fiordland National Park, through the Eglington and Hollyford Valleys. The route combines the scenery of mountains, lakes, gorges, rainforests and waterfalls.

At Milford Sound enjoy a nature cruise up the waterway of the fjord where you will view the cascading Bowen and Stirling Falls, the sparkling glacier of Mount Pembroke and Mitre Peak. Your guide provides an engaging commentary about the magnificent scenery and wildlife---watch for dolphins, seals and penguins.

Following the cruise return to Queenstown via the Homer Tunnel, Te Anau, Mossburn, Waimea Plans, Kingston and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Overnight at the Rydges Lakeland Hotel, Queenstown

October 20, Tuesday

After breakfast in the hotel, you depart from Queenstown and travel to Arrowtown, many parts of which remain unchanged from the gold rush days of the 1860’s. From Arrowtown, you ride to Wanaka, home of some of New Zealand’s finest alpine scenery. The view of the Alps across the waters of Lake Wanaka is unparalled.

Lake Hawea is the next scenic highlight. Drive through the wilderness town of Makarora before the road dramatically twists and turns toward the Haast Pass where you will see waterfalls and river scenery as you arrive in rainforest country and stop for a photo op at Thunder Creek Falls.

North of Haast is Lake Moeraki, followed by Lake Paringa and Knight's Point offering dramatic views of the west coast. You continue through the Westland National Park before arrival at Fox Glacier, named after an early New Zealand Prime Minister, William Fox. The two rivers of ice of Franz and Fox Glaciers are accessible and are unique in the world in that in no other temperate region do glaciers descent to so low an altitude-about 250 meters above sea level.

Overnight at the Franz Josef Glacier Hotel

October 21, Wednesday

Following breakfast in the hotel, you travel to Greymouth along the rugged west coastline. Pass through Hokitika and see beautiful native Greenstone jewelry and artifacts. Greymouth is the principal transport and communication center for the West Coast. Optional activities include guided walks, white water rafting, dolphin viewing, gold panning, horse trekking and fishing.

You then board the TranzAline Train for a journey over the majestic Southern Alps, through narrow gorges and over steep ravines to Arthur’s Pass. Descend from the Pass and travel through the Waimakariri River Gorge and over the "patchwork quilt" Canterbury Plains to Christchurch where you will overnight.

Christchurch is a beautiful garden city described as the most English of New Zealand’s cities. Walking around in the city is easy or you may catch a tram and visit Colombo Street for shopping, visiting museums, galleries and casinos.

Overnight at the Rydges Hotel, Christchurch

October 22, Thursday

Today is a leisure day in Christchurch. Partake in some of the many optional activities and sites that are just waiting for you to enjoy.

Overnight at the Rydges Hotel, Christchurch

October 23, Friday

After breakfast in the hotel we travel via air to Sydney. Upon arrival you will check into your hotel and enjoy the day at your leisure.

Overnight at the Radisson Plaza Hotel, Sydney

October 24, Saturday

Following breakfast you’ll enjoy a half day Sydney Sights Tour, via private coach. Sydney is regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Visit the Rocks with its winding streets and sandstone buildings and enjoy a walk around the traditional pubs, galleries, craft shops and outdoor cafes.

Next your coach takes you to Circular Quay for a luncheon cruise where you sail by all of Sydney’s harbors. Sample Sydney’s famous Rock Oysters and Australian cheeses, all part of a lavish luncheon buffet.

After the tour, you return back to the hotel and you may enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight at the Radisson Plaza Hotel, Sydney

October 25, Sunday

This is your day in Sydney to select from many of the optional excursions and activities.

Overnight at the Radisson Plaza Hotel, Sydney

October 26, Monday

After breakfast you are on the road again with a flight to Cairns. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the day at your leisure.

Overnight at the Hotel Cairns

October 27, Tuesday

This morning a coach will drive you to Freshwater Station for a ride on the Kuranda Scenic Train. Enjoy the spectacular views as you journey through 15 hand cut tunnels while passing through spectacular waterfalls. Upon arrival in Kuranda there’s free time to explore or visit the local markets and village.

Next make your way to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to enjoy the wonders of the rainforest as you glide over the canopy. In the descent prepare to be tansported back to the Dreamtime by myths and legends of the indigenous people of North Queensland at the Tjapukai Cultural theme Park. Enjoy the buffet luncheon before visiting the history and creation theaters and the Bush Camp. Once back at your hotel, enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Overnight at the Hotel Cairns

October 28, Wednesday

Enjoy the day in Cairns on-your-own.

Overnight at the Hotel Cairns

October 29, Thursday

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before riding the coach to the Cairns airport for your departure flight to Los Angeles, via Brisbane.

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Experience the Thrill of Small Ship Cruising On the Hudson River

Friday-Friday, October 16-23, 2009

Join us for a unique and fascinating 8-day, 7-night rail and sail package as we travel via Amtrak to Chelsea Pier in New York City to depart on a 7-day, 6-night cruise on the Hudson River. The spectacular fall foliage will guide you along the river surrounded by the Catskill Mountains on the western shore and the Taconic and Berkshire Hills to the east. Enjoy the sights that Henry Hudson first experienced in 1607.

Spend your days cruising serenely past the imposing Palisades and the rolling hills that inspired the painters of the Hudson River School. At each stop you’ll find an historic shore excursions. Tour West Point Academy, witness Albany’s magnificent architecture, step into the legend of Sleepy Hollow, visit Lyndhurst, one of New York’s finest Gothic Revival Mansions, walk through the rejuvenated artistic City of Kingston, or visit Springwood, Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s family estate. This cruise assures unique experiences and extraordinary memories.

We depart Friday morning, via Amtrak and arrive at Penn Station early evening. Our shuttle transports us to the Hampton Inn, Madison Square Gardens, where we will spend the night. Enjoy dinner on your own in New York City. Saturday morning, our shuttle delivers us to Chelsea Pier, for a 9:30 am boarding, 12:00 noon departure on the 100-passenger American Star. This afternoon experience a delightful relaxed cruise along the Hudson River to West Point.

The ship offers 52 staterooms each with private bath, 4 oversized lounges and dining salon. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner daily prepared by the Executive Chef in the ship’s galley. To enhance your cruise experience, naturalists and historians will be on board offering activities, open discussions and informal lectures that bring the local history alive. They also lead shore excursions on “behind-the-scenes tours.” Evening activities and entertainment include lectures, guest musicians from local towns and minor theatrical performances.

Sunday, tour the United States Military Academy at West Point. Walk the grandiose grounds once trekked by some of the nation’s greatest generals. Also available is a 2-hour historic guided tour of Clermont, the oldest of all the Hudson River estates.

Monday, we arrive in Albany, discovered by Henry Hudson in 1609. The capital of New York welcomes visitors with majestic architecture and grand views of the Hudson River Valley. Explore the New York State Museum and the renovated State Capitol building.

Tuesday, we cruise to Kingston, originally the capital of New York in the late 1700’s. Today, Kingston preserves the maritime heritage of the region at the Hudson River Maritime Museum. Kingston is located in an area known as Millionaires Row, with palatial estates and grand mansions reminiscent of the mid 1800’s.

Our port of call on Wednesday is Sleepy Hollow. This town is immortalized in the works of Washington Irving, author of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle." Today, Irving’s country home, Sunnyside, is a Registered National Historic Landmark.

Enjoy a full day of cruising the Hudson River on Thursday. Relax and take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way back to Chelsea Pier. Enjoy a farewell dinner on board this evening.

Friday morning, we disembark the America Star at 8:30 am. Our shuttle transports us to Penn Station where we board Amtrak for our ride back to Vermont, filled with knowledge and appreciation for the Hudson River’s fascinating past and present day beauty.

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Discover The Panama Canal And The Hidden Caribbean

Tuesday, November 3-Friday, November 13, 2009

11 Days • 29 Meals
Come discover the Caribbean and the Panama Canal. From Holland America’s Private island of Half Moon Cay to the unspoiled charms of Costa Rica. From the Dutch Antilles of Aruba and Curacao to the unforgettable Panama Canal and Costa Rica.

The Eighth Wonder of the Modern World- The Panama Canal
The dream to cut a path across Panama to shorten the dangerous journey around South America's Cape Horn began with the Spanish explorers in the 16th Century. The Frenchman Ferdinand de Lesseps began the effort after his triumphant completion of the Suez Canal in 1879. His plan collapsed into bankruptcy in 1889, and President Theodore Roosevelt took up the cause in 1902.

A river was dammed to create what was then the world's largest artificial lake. An eight-mile channel was cut through a mountain range and more than 200 million cubic yards of earth and stone were cleared. Six immense locks, with walls 1,000 feet long and 81 feet high, took four years to build. The massive doors on the locks each weigh nearly 750 tons.

Working conditions for the more than 35,000 laborers were excruciatingly difficult. Typhoid, malaria and other tropical diseases were a constant threat, and temperatures often rose to 130 degrees.

Even with all the travails, this marvel of human ingenuity was finally completed in 1913, a year ahead of schedule and $23 million under budget. The first vessel through the Canal was the tugboat, Gatun, which fulfilled a dream hundreds of years in the making.

Explore the Panama Canal and Caribbean aboard Holland America’s MS Zuiderdam
Holland America's new Zuiderdam is forward looking in both design and spirit. Enjoy more space per person than on any other ship in a fleet already known for its stylish, spacious comfort. There are more staterooms with ocean views and private verandahs. Delight in the expansive spa facilities complete with a hydrotherapy pool, shows in the three-tiered Queen's Lounge, delectable Italian cuisine at the Odyssey Restaurant, plus three sparking pools and a casino. Gracious award-winning service, antique furnishings, and fresh flowers complete the Holland America experience.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Holland America Line's pristine private island offers everything you need for a day of play in paradise: a two-mile crescent of perfect beach; an interior lagoon; private beachside cabanas with butler service, showers and misters; and all manner of watersports and activities.

Oranjestad, Aruba - Netherlands Antilles
Aruba has modern Dutch taste and a delightful Caribbean spirit. The island is friendly and welcoming and perfect for swimming, sunbathing, shopping, and sightseeing. The coral reefs that shelter colorful fish are famed for world-class snorkeling. Join a photography tour and snap photos of the windmills spinning in the dry ocean breeze. Or play a round of golf among the lush foliage and unique divi divi trees or try your luck in one of the trendy resort-casinos.

Willemstad, Curacao
The neat and clean town of Willemstad is a bit of Holland-in-the-Caribbean and located off the coast of South America. Amsterdam-like canals, brightly painted gabled Dutch colonial buildings, an exotic floating market. This bustling duty-free port has it all including the world-famous and delicious Curaçao Liqueur Distillery and an intriguing coral reef teeming with parrotfish and queen angelfish.

Panama Canal
The highlight of your cruise will be a daylight journey through one of the major locks and lakes of the Panama Canal. This engineering marvel of the modern world today links oceans, continents and cultures. The MS Zuiderdam rises 85 feet above sea level while transiting three steps at Gatun Locks and then enters the Gatun Lake which is key to supplying the water necessary to operate the lock system. It will take about 52 million gallons of water to float the MS Zuiderdam through the locks. On board lectures will describe the history of the Canal – a history that shapes global events even today.

Colon, Panama
Colon lies on the stunning Caribbean coast of Panama, where unparalleled beaches and lush tropical scenery are de rigueur. In nearby Portobello, discover the ruins of Spanish forts, watch the colorful yachts sailing in the bay or hunt for treasures in the local markets.

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
Enchanting Costa Rica is a small country with a big heart. Named the "Rich Coast" by Columbus, it is imbued with natural treasures. You’ll find breathtaking beaches, lush rain forests, volcanoes, and jagged mountains. Its rain forests are home to ten percent of the world's bird species and more than a thousand varieties of orchids. This peaceful country, the oldest democracy in Latin America, has dedicated 25 percent of its land to national parks and wildlife refuges. Take a guided tour under the canopy of the trees and enter the world of exotic animals and unusual foliage or join an excursion to the cosmopolitan capital of San Jose where museums beckon you.

Hotel Accommodations
Days One through Eleven – Aboard the Holland America Line’s MS Zuiderdam

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The CMA Awards-Nashville, Tennessee

Monday-Thursday, November 9-12, 2009

This is a guaranteed departure tour!

Join us for country music biggest night on our "Red Carpet, Stars and Guitars" trip to Nashville for the 43rd Annual CMA Awards. Travel your way, or let Notch Above arrange your air travel. Arrive in Nashville Monday afternoon where you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel, The Holiday Inn Select. Enjoy an included dinner this evening.

Boot up on Tuesday as the excitement mounts in Nashville. Start the day with a city tour led by a local guide, followed by a self-guided tour of the Ryman Auditorium. Luncheon at the Wildhorse Saloon, Nashville’s Number 1 destination for dining and entertainment includes a back-stage tour. Enjoy free time for the rest of the afternoon before dinner in a local restaurant. An evening at the Grand Ole Opry closed the stage on your day in Nashville.

Following breakfast in your hotel, the day is yours to visit famous landmarks, museums, shops, and surround yourself in the world of country music’s legends. Then it’s back to your hotel to get gussied up for the evening. A starlight riverboat dinner cruise down the Cumberland River creates the ambience for the Red Carpet Treatment to follow. When the boat docks, sashay up to the Red Carpet and witness the stars as they make their grand entrance to the show. Then sit back and get ready to be entertained at one of the biggest annual events of the year.

Thursday morning following breakfast in your hotel, you depart for the airport and your return flight to Vermont.

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Girlfriend’s Getaway to Montreal

Saturday-Sunday, November 14-15, 2009

Here’s the perfect chance to getaway for the weekend without the hassle of driving, organizing and making plans. It’s so simple. . . .just climb on board and join us for a carefree weekend in Montreal.

The weekend is yours to enjoy the way you want to. Go shopping, visit a spa, explore a museum or art gallery, take in a show, go to a nightclub or savor the flavors in a French restaurant. Take a time-out for yourself with your friends.

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Witness a Thanksgiving Tradition:
The Macy’s Parade in New York City

Wednesday-Friday, November 25-27, 2009

You’ve made the Macy’s Parade part of your Thanksgiving tradition for years. Here’s your chance to enjoy the parade up close and personal! Gaze into the skies at the giant balloons, cheer on the marching bands, watch your favorite entertainers perform on the street right in front of your eyes and let the Rockettes amaze you with their mile-high kicks. Treat yourself and your family to an "experience of a lifetime."

We depart on Wednesday morning and arrive at your hotel mid-afternoon. After checking in, you’re off to the city for a guided tour of the Big Apple that includes a “behind the scenes tour” of the Balloon Blow Up in the Upper Westside. After the tour, enjoy a fabulous dinner at Carmine’s , renown for its Southern Italian cuisine served in abundant portions. Walk off your dinner with a visit to Top of the Rock, the 70th floor observation deck above Rockefeller Center. The views, the lights, the glow and the sparkle will amaze you.

Thursday morning, don’t worry about preparing the turkey, dressing, gravy and all the rest-we’ll do it for you! Arrive at Charley O’s on Broadway and 49th Street, situated on the parade route. Savor every bite of their special Thanksgiving Day Parade Brunch and prepare to watch the most amazing parade passing just below you. Stay inside to keep warm, or venture out on to Broadway for the best bigger-than-life viewing.

After Santa’s appearance ends the parade and rings in the holiday season, you are free to explore the city on your own. Take a stroll through Central Park, ice skate at Rockefeller Center, go site seeing or gaze at the holiday decorations.

Early evening, board the World Yacht for a three-hour dinner cruise around New York’s harbor. Dine on a traditional Thanksgiving feast and enjoy music and dancing surrounded by the sparkle of millions of holiday lights in the city.

Friday morning after breakfast in the hotel you arrive in the city to the opening of the holiday season. Here’s your chance to shop ‘til you drop, sit on Santa’s lap at Macy’s, visit the Statue of Liberty or stroll through Central Park.

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Christmas Past in Colonial Williamsburg

Friday-Tuesday, December 4-8, 2009

Christmas today is filled with bright lights, tinsel and Frosty the Snowman. Come with us as we journey back to where Christmas traditions were born. Nothing quite matches the excitement, sights, smells, sounds and grandeur of the Christmas Season in Colonial Williamsburg. Come experience the magic for yourself and give your family a holiday they will never forget.

We depart Vermont with our first overnight spent in Crystal City at the Courtyard Arlington. Take the nearby metro into Washington, DC for dinner on-your-own, or dine at a restaurant near the hotel.

Following breakfast in the hotel, we depart for Williamsburg on Saturday morning. After lunch on-your-own enroute, we’ll meet our Colonial Guides and begin our tour of Colonial Williamsburg. We’ll visit the Capitol where Virginia patriots developed principles of self-government and the Governor’s Palace that reflects the period of Lord Dunmore’s residents, the last English governor of the Virginia colony. Revel in the myriad of the all natural handmade holiday decorations.

We check into the Springhill Suites by Marriott with time to relax and refresh before dinner in a Colonial Tavern in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. After dinner, attend a special holiday evening program in Williamsburg.

Sunday, after breakfast in the hotel, there’s free time to visit your choice of buildings, museums and shops in Williamsburg. Enjoy lunch on-your-own while strolling through the village. Late afternoon, meet your guide and join in Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination, a tradition that has taken visitors’ breath away for over 60 years! The celebration includes fireworks, musical entertainment, dancing, caroling and dramatic presentations. The soft glow of candles in every window, the warmth of street torches and fireworks set off at different locations creates a breathtaking, glorious and enchanting celebration.

This evening we experience "Dinnertainment" at the historic Boxwood Inn in Newport News. We’ll be caroled into the house and treated to hot cider. Wandering minstrels will entertain with stories and music from the Old English of Dickens’ time. Enjoy a classic Wassail toast and savor an "Olde English Dinner". After dinner, you’ll be treated to a two-mile drive through spectacular light displays in Newport News.

Monday morning following breakfast, we travel to Washington, DC where our first stop is Union Station. Enjoy the shops and lunch on-your-own. Next, we’ll be greeted by a local guide and led on a tour of the Christian Heurich Mansion, a drive along Embassy Row and a tour of the Washington National Cathedral.

Upon departing Washington, DC, we arrive at our hotel, the Marriott Bethesda. Dinner this evening will be at Copeland’s of New Orleans. After dinner, we’ll enjoy a Holiday performance in the Washington, DC’s Temple Visitor’s Center auditorium and witness their Festival of Lights, including a live nativity scene, live musical performances, and over 250,000 lights and tree displays.

Tuesday morning after breakfast in the hotel we head for home with heads filled with sugarplums and memories of Christmas Past and Present.

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Ring in the Holidays with the Rockettes
New York City

Saturday, December 5-Sunday, December 6, 2009

Plan now to create Christmas memories that will last a lifetime! The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the world-famous Radio City Rockettes, is an unparalleled show featuring the Rockettes’ signature eye high kicks, and precision choreography in multiple show stopping numbers including; the legendary "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers", and "New York at Christmas," a dynamic holiday celebration.

Bring your entire family! Audiences of all ages will delight in this multifaceted spectacular including Santa flying high above the crowd, childhood dreams coming true in the Nutcracker and touched as the true meaning of Christmas is brought to life with the awe-inspiring Living Nativity - the beautiful story of the first Christmas. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is an enduring Christmas tradition, which has dazzled and inspired for over 75 years.

Our New York Holiday outing is designed with plenty of free time so you may explore, sight see, shop and dine the way you want to! Our Midtown Hotel offers a superb location near Lincoln Center, Central Park, Carnegie Hall, Fifth Avenue, and a multitude of restaurants.

Our early morning departure puts us in New York City early afternoon. You will have free time to enjoy the city and have dinner before the show. Sunday morning take a stroll through Central Park, ice skate at Rockefeller Center, attend a church service or shop---the choice is yours. We depart the City at 2:00 pm to return home. Make this Christmas a spectacular Christmas!

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Run for the Roses-Kentucky Derby 2010

Wednesday, April 28-Sunday, May 3, 2010

The Grand Daddy of them all for race fans. Join us for this exclusive "trip of a lifetime" at the Kentucky Derby.

Travel with us around Kentucky’s Bluegrass Horse country; enjoy in-depth sightseeing, daily entertainment and a fabulous experience leading up to the 136th running of the world’s most exciting two-minute horse race. Enjoy the private marquee red carpet hospitality tent, complimentary food and drinks and reserved seating along Churchill Downs first turn. We’ll put you in the winner’s seat at the Kentucky Derby.

Board your flight in Burlington and arrive at your Louisville hotel mid afternoon. Relax and enjoy the hotel’s amenities before your welcome dinner.

The next day you’re off to the world of Saddle Bread horses where you’ll see newborn colts and past grand champions. Witness a performance on the history of Kentucky as you enjoy a special luncheon tea. Next, wet your whistle with a bourbon tasting-a real Kentucky welcome! Spend a fabulous evening at the 1200-acre Kentucky Horse Park where dinner and live entertainment combine with fascinating insights on the history of horses that will introduce you to the Parades of Breeds and Best-in-Class traditions.

Friday, the excitement of the Derby builds with your choice of activities. Options include the 136th running of the Kentucky Oaks, or visiting 2 museums in Louisville: the Louisville Slugger Museum and the Mohammad Ali Center. In true Kentucky spirit, travel to a historic mansion in My Old Kentucky Home State Park where Stephen Foster performed Kentucky’s nostalgic State Song. During lunch, the Stephen Foster Singers will entertain you. Following is a tour of Heaven Hill Distillery and another taste of that great Kentucky Bourbon. A special pre-race dinner will be served this evening.

You’re off to the races on Saturday, where at Churchill Downs you’ll experience the Kentucky Derby in person! The morning begins with a guided tour of the historic race tracks in Marquee Village followed by a stop in your private hospitality red carpet marquee where a day-long buffet of regional cuisine, open bar, closed circuit transmission of the races and pari-mutual betting window cater to you in legendary style. As a VIP guest, watch the action from your reserved seating along the First Turn for premier viewing of this world famous rate. After the day’s festivities and excitement, enjoy a dinner back at your hotel this evening.

Sunday it’s time to say good-bye to your Kentucky Home and board your return flight to Vermont. With memories of the beautifully decorated hats, mint juleps and the greatest race of them all, your trip of a lifetime has become a reality!

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