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Centenary College of Louisiana Alumni Association presents:
American Spirit Family Discovery
Day 1: Saturday, July 13, 2013 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Tour Begins
Get ready for the history…the adventure…the culture…and the American spirit that spreads throughout the eastern United States. From Gettysburg to Washington, D.C., every stop on your tour captures the story of a nation built from dreams, ambition and opportunity. Begin your tour in “the Birthplace of a New Nation” – Philadelphia. Meet new friends and fellow adventurers at your welcome dinner; then enjoy an interactive presentation by one of America’s Founding Fathers! (D)

Day 2: Sunday, July 14, 2013 Philadelphia
Today, stroll the trail of independence when you embark on a scavenger hunt that takes your family to some of Philadelphia’s most historic sites. Some of the sites you’ll see: Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House and the Liberty Bell! Spend the afternoon at the Constitution Center, a powerful, interactive history museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution. As you walk through the museum, the story of we, the people comes to life before your eyes! With your night free, discover more of Philadelphia’s historic charm with your family. Perhaps dine at a local restaurant – or grab a cheesesteak. Your tour manager will be on hand to suggest fun things to do in this bustling city. (B)

Day 3: Monday, July 15, 2013 Philadelphia - Amish Country - Gettysburg
Step back in time when you travel to Amish Country! Explore the farmlands of the Amish community with a local guide who will share the unique history and traditions of the region. Tour a pretzel factory and learn to twist your own pretzel, then visit a traditional Amish bake shop and taste their treats. Later, enjoy a family-style lunch of Amish favorites like shoo fly pie! This evening, arrive in the battleground city of Gettysburg. (B, L)

Day 4: Tuesday, July 16, 2013 Gettysburg - Williamsburg
No text book could ever capture the story of the most historic Civil War battle as well as your park ranger-guided tour of Gettysburg’s battlefields this morning. With your group, trace the footsteps of the famous Pickett’s Charge and re-enact the battle! Arrive this evening in Williamsburg – a city that brings history to life. At a colonial tavern, sit down for a delicious dinner of traditional fare. (B, D)

Day 5: Wednesday, July 17, 2013 Colonial Williamsburg
Travel back to the 1770’s this morning as you explore Colonial Williamsburg. Discover what life was like from the costumed re-enactors who populate the streets and buildings, demonstrating colonial customs and teaching about history in an interactive way. Stop in to see the apothecary and learn about his medical treatments; see the work of the wheelmaker; meet the blacksmith and wig maker; or visit a score of other local artisans. Whose apprentice would you be? This afternoon is your time to independently wander the cobblestone streets, discovering fascinating history. (B)

Day 6: Thursday, July 18, 2013 Williamsburg - Washington, D.C.
Journey to Mount Vernon, the beloved home of the first U.S. president, George Washington. Your guide, a character from Washington’s day, leads you through his daily activities and shares his stories with you. Learn about everyday life at Mt. Vernon and the interesting history of George and Martha Washington. Then, travel to Washington, D.C, the capital of the United States, where your choice of adventure awaits. Your family may choose to visit the famed Spy Museum this afternoon – test your spy skills on an interactive visit. Or you can choose to explore another American treasure – the National Zoo. Meet the giant pandas, experience the Bird House’s indoor flight room, or explore some of the other exhibits on the zoo’s 163 acres. (B)

Day 7: Friday, July 19, 2013 Washington, D.C.
This morning, enjoy a city tour and see the world-famous sites of Washington, D.C. including photo stops at the Capitol building, the White House, and several of the city’s renowned monuments. During a visit to the White House Visitor Center, learn about the many transitions this historic residence has undergone. This afternoon uncover some of the treasures of the Smithsonian with your choice of a visit to the famed Air and Space Museum or the National Museum of American History. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner and share your favorite moments with your family and new friends. (B, D)

Day 8: Saturday, July 20, 2013 Washington, D.C. - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Washington, D.C. this morning. (B)




July 13 - July 20, 2013
8 Days • 11 Meals
7 Breakfasts • 1 Lunches • 3 Dinners
Highlights: Philadelphia, Amish Country, Gettysburg, Colonial Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, Washington, D.C.
Rates Per Person
Double: $2469, Single: $2969,
Triple: $2439
*Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Shreveport Regional Airport,Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges,Hotel Transfers.
*Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $165 per person.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 - 2 Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia, Philadelphia,Pennsylvania
Day 3 Wyndham Gettysburg, Gettysburg,Pennsylvania
Day 4 - 5 Colonial Williamsburg Fnd, Williamsburg, Virginia
Day 6 - 7 Marriott Hotel Washington, D.C., Washington D.C.
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Essential Experiences
  • Discover the city of Philadelphia during a scavenger hunt.
  • Colonial Williamsburg comes to life when you meet the local artisans.
  • See D.C. your way with the choice of a visit to the Spy Museum or the National Zoo.
For more information call
 Collette Vacations

1-877-872-4331
Included Meals Key
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

AVAILABLE OPTIONS:
Philadelphia, PA
Philly Highlights and Cheese Steak Tour • $45.00
Join a local guide on an in-depth tour of center city Philadelphia beyond the historic district. View the modern art and architecture throughout the city, including John F. Kennedy plaza, home of the famous Love sculpture that has become perhaps the most recognizable symbol of the city. View the impressive Philadelphia Museum of Art building, with its 72 stone steps featured in the Oscar-winning Rocky films. Of course, no visit to Philadelphia would be complete without taking a photo with the bronze Rocky statue at the base of the staircase before conquering these steps firsthand! Explore the area around the Philadelphia Art Museum, including Boathouse Row, where the many rowing crews make their home along the Schuylkill River. Cap off your evening Philly-style when you visit the two most famous cheesesteak venues in the city. Choose your allegiance between the neighboring rival food stands before enjoying a cheesesteak from your choice of either Pat’s King of Steaks or Geno’s Steaks!
Washington, D.C.
District of Columbia Twilight Tour • $80.00
Savor the cuisine of Washington, D.C. during dinner at a local restaurant, before joining a local guide and heading out for a spectacular evening twilight tour of our nation's capital. See the dramatic monuments and memorials that this beautiful city is known for illuminated against the darkened sky. Stops will be made at beloved icons such as the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the FDR Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. The experience of seeing these famous landmarks as darkness falls is certain to be the highlight of your visit to Washington, D.C.
CANCELLATION WAIVER:

Worry-Free Cancellation
Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travelers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.

Plus, you're covered on tour.
Our cancellation waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.

Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is just $165 per person.

Click here for complete details.

TRAVEL TIPS:
American Spirit Family Discovery
Listed below is important information to assist you in preparing for your upcoming trip. This information provided will help you have a more enjoyable experience while you are on your tour.
Accommodations
On some programs, there are a limited number of single and triple rooms. Double rooms usually consist of 2 beds. Triple rooms are normally a standard double room with 2 beds. A cot or rollaway bed may be added to the double room at some hotels, based on room size and fire codes. When triples are not available, appropriate charges for single and twin accommodations will be assessed. We make every effort to accommodate your specific requests and forward them to the hotels. These requests cannot be guaranteed as hotels may not always be able to honor them. Check-in times are set by individual hotel properties and vary by hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there may be a delay in gaining access to your room as most hotels offer afternoon check-in. We ask guests to observe check-out times at all properties as designated by the hotel. Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. Hotel membership programs are not applicable. Accommodations: Parties of (3) three will be accommodated in two queen beds throughout the tour Parties of (4) four will be accommodated in two queen beds throughout the tour Rollaway beds will be made available upon request and are subject to availability
Clothing & Packing Tips
Bring a camera, film, and batteries and be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring an extra battery, plus proper recharging equipment. Due to security screening, we recommend storing your equipment in your carry-on luggage. Bring a travel alarm clock, travel sewing kit and an alcohol based gel hand sanitizer when soap and water is not accessible. Pack items that may leak in plastic bags. In many cases, laundry services are available to you at the hotel, for an additional charge. Do not pack any articles of value in your checked luggage. As a precaution, we suggest that you divide the contents of your suitcase with your traveling companion. Avoid over packing and leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home.
If you are taking prescription medication, please be sure to take an adequate supply for your tour and a few additional days, in original prescription containers. Medication should be packed in your carry-on baggage. Do not place it in your checked luggage. You may want to carry an extra prescription in a separate bag in case medication is lost.
As you prepare to explore Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Lancaster and Williamsburg, enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. It is recommended to bring clothing that may be worn in layers that may be added or removed as the temperature changes. This region can be rainy at times; therefore, rain gear is suggested such as a raincoat and an umbrella.
Currency
Your personal bank card may work at local ATM machines in the destination you are traveling to. Please contact your bank to determine if this option is available, that your PIN number will be accepted and to inform them that you are traveling. We recommend carrying only a few major credit cards. Credit card purchases often provide an extra guarantee on your purchase (check with your specific credit card company for details and fees). It is advisable to contact any credit card company you intend utilizing while on tour before you depart to notify them where you will be traveling, to avoid any rejection of services. If optional tours are made available to purchase, please note that credit cards must have an expiration date of greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.
Electricity
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. When packing your electronic items for travel, please review the converter electric current level to make sure it is the same or greater than the items you are planning on using. If you plan on utilizing or transporting a sleep apnea machine, please remember to pack an extension cord and adapter plug to ensure proper function.
Elevation
All sites are at or near sea level.
Helpful Hints
Bring a copy of your passport/identification and pack it separately from the original. Leave a copy of your tour itinerary at home with your emergency contact and a copy of your passport. Remember when flying you can only take one quart size bag with no more than 3 ounces of any one liquid. Liquids that do not fit in the one quart size bag and are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Remember to hydrate and get up and stretch while flying. If you are considering using your cell phone while traveling internationally, you should check with your cell provider concerning their access and charges for overseas calls, texting and emailing for the specific destination you are traveling to.
Included Features
The following are included in your tour package: transportation via motorcoach, accommodations, hotel luggage handling, meals, sightseeing, admission charges (as outlined in your itinerary), and applicable gratuities for bellmen, doormen and dining room wait staff. Customary gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, drivers and tour managers have not been included.
Local Guides
In order to further enhance your experience of this destination, five local guides have been arranged throughout this tour. Customary gratuities for these guides are not included in the cost of the tour. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary and individual basis at a suggested amount of 1-2 USD per day, per guide. Your tour manager will review customary tipping amounts and timing with you when you are on your tour.
Luggage
Please consult with your scheduled airline as luggage fees and restrictions vary by carrier and destination. Due to the limited motorcoach capacity, one checked luggage (62 inches in length, height and width; weight not to exceed 23kg/50lbs) is allowed on tour. We also encourage just one carry-on bag per individual (for carrying items that might be needed during the day’s sightseeing excursions or camera/video equipment). Dimensions for carry-ons should not exceed 17" x 12" x 10", allowing it to fit under the seat or in the overhead rack of most motor coaches. If you exceed the limit of 2 bags, we cannot guarantee that your additional luggage will be able to fit in the touring vehicle. Storage or shipment of additional luggage will be at your own expense. If we are able to accommodate your additional luggage, we will assess a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel. Please remember to label your luggage and important items with your name, home address and telephone number. We recommend labeling your luggage on both the outside and inside of the bag. Please attach only the plastic luggage tag included in this mailing to your checked luggage before checking in for your flight. Your paper luggage tag is to be attached at the first hotel. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is in your best interest to have adequate insurance (such as our comprehensive “No Worries Travel Protection”) to cover these eventualities.
Due to luggage restrictions on tour, if a stroller is required, only small, folding umbrella strollers will be accommodated.
Miscellaneous
Traveling with Children This family adventure is open to any child from the age of 4, however it is best suited for children age 6 and up. Children under 18 must be booked in a room with at least one adult. If you are traveling with a child on a Collette Family Vacation, it is your sole responsibility to ensure that the child follow all safety rules of the tour. Past travelers have inquired about childcare services while on tour. Services are available at most hotels at an additional charge. Your tour manager will be able to assist if you need to make arrangements. Your tour manager is not responsible for childcare services at any time during your tour.
Name Badges
Collette Vacations provides name badges to our travelers in order to facilitate conversation among fellow travelers. The name badge also ensures that a Collette Vacations representative can easily recognize you, especially at airports upon arrival.
Reading List
Interested in reading about your destination before you depart? We have pre-selected travel guides, novels and books on history, nature and art to help enhance your total vacation experience. You can access the complete list by typing the following into your web browser. Select the region of the world to find your tour: http://www.longitudebooks.com/find/d/3279/r/CV/mcms.html
Shopping
One of the best parts of traveling is coming back home with souvenirs that really reflect the place you’ve just been. Popular items to purchase in Philadelphia are souvenirs from Independence Hall, Liberty Bell and other Revolutionary-era America themed items. Both Philadelphia and Lancaster, Pennsylvania are well known for excellent quality hand-crafted items such as quilts, quillows (a pillow that unfolds into a quilt), small woodcrafts, locally produced jams, jellies, and other food products. In Williamsburg, look for colonial-themed artifacts and artwork. As you explore Washington, D.C., America's "Capital City," you'll find lots of American history and political memorabilia.
Smoking
Smoking Restrictions: Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please alert your agent upon tour booking. Please be mindful of locations where smoking is prohibited: the motorcoach, at dining venues and other restricted areas on tour including most hotels. Customers are responsible for any fines incurred for failure to comply with smoking restrictions.
Time Zone
The Eastern US follows Eastern Standard Time.
Tour Manager
We pride ourselves on having the best-trained and most experienced tour managers in the industry. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary basis and should be in direct proportion to the level of professionalism and personal service extended to you throughout the tour. Past experience has shown that a guideline of 4-6 USD per person for each traveling day is a customary amount for the tour manager. A customary amount of 3-5 USD per person per day is suggested for the driver.
Transportation
Transfers We are pleased to provide you with complimentary airport to hotel, and hotel to airport transfers at the beginning and end of an escorted tour when you purchase an air-inclusive vacation. Land-only clients who have purchased round trip transfers will be accommodated at the same times as air inclusive clients. Arrival meeting locations and transfer departure times are provided on your document booklets. On some programs there may be a waiting period at the airport due to varying flight schedules of other arriving passengers. If you have secured your own transfer, you may meet your tour manager at the hotel. Motorcoach Information: We do not own or operate vehicles. We charter quality coaches that are temperature controlled vehicles. Coach size may vary based upon the number of tour patrons. In certain countries, lavatory equipped motorcoaches are not available or the lavatory is for emergency use only. Frequent stops will be made en route for comfort and convenience. Seat Rotation: Seats are rotated for the benefit of our tour guests. This fosters communication and enables our guests to enjoy a variety of vantage points on the motorcoach. Guests will rotate seats at least once a day, as directed by the tour manager. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.
Flight Information, Departure Taxes & Fees Land Only Vacations: If you chose to purchase a land only vacation, pay particular attention to flight segments that occur during the tour which are not included in your land only rate. You must purchase these internal flight segments and the schedule must match the flights that we utilize on the group tour. Please provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour six weeks prior to departure so we may secure services if you purchased transfers from us, as well as maintain emergency contact. Air Inclusive Vacations Air inclusive vacations cover air transport to and from your origin gateway as well as all internal air segments on tour. In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, all passengers must provide full name, date of birth and gender at time of reservation. Your airline ticket must match the name on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID to be shown at the airport (including middle name, first or middle initial). If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, provide the number upon booking and retain the passenger copy of your ticket and boarding pass to ensure that you receive proper credit of your mileage. Some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual. Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you on tour in local currency.