2024 New Orleans and Iconic USA   

Jan 28 – Feb 9, 2024

 Tour Directors Richard & Agnes Fredericks  

306.491.8212

ITINERARY

(Meals as indicated B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner, S Social)

Day 1 Jan 28 Prince Albert – Minot, ND. Join and greet your fellow passengers as they board the coach along the route. Have your passports ready when crossing the border before settling in overnight in Minot. 

Day 2 Jan 29 Minot - Sioux City, SD. B. Picturesque travel day through North and South Dakota. Stops in Carrington, Fargo, Watertown to overnight in Sioux City at the Hard Rock Hotel. A polished Rock ‘n’ Roll themed Casino.  Nightclub and amphitheatre both feature regular live music, with three restaurants, two bars, casino, seasonal outdoor pool and 24 hr gym should keep you busy all night long!  

Day 3 Jan 30 Sioux City – Kansas City, MO. B. When you arrive in Kansas City you see the J. Rieger & Co. iconic distillery. Access to each phase from grain-to-bottle tour. Each tour concludes with a tasting of their products. You will be split into 2 groups. Have photo ID ready upon arrival, sign a waiver, photos allowed but no FLASH. You must wear closed toe shoes, be able to walk and stand for at least 30 minutes, the building is not climate controlled so it could be warm or cold depending on the weather, please plan accordingly. Next take a behind the scenes look at Kauffman Stadium, the “Crown Jewel” of Ball parks. A guide will take you to areas not normally open to the public including press box, dugout, Outfield Plaza, and the fountains. End your day with 5:30 kick back evening reception with complimentary drinks & food at your hotel for the night. Enjoy the indoor pool, outdoor pool, hot tub, 24 hr gym and snack pantry. 

Day 4 Jan 31 Kansas City – Little Rock, AR. B. Today you will come across a little town of Bentonville. Visit the Crystal Bridge Museum, even if art is not your thing, the architecture of the building in its 120-acre surroundings of Ozark nature is worth the look. Bentonville is also the birthplace of Walmart (1962 by Sam Walton). The original building is under renovations, but you will still get a tour in the Leger building. You will have an introduction, demonstration of the Lab’s technology and a session with the hologram of Sam Walton himself and a scavenger hunt with prizes. The Leger is the world’s only bike-able building, with a ramp to the rooftop to see the wonderful view. The Spark Café that was attached to Walton’s five and dime, now is a food truck where you can still get Sam’s favorite ice cream, the signature Walmart blue and yellow spark. Before leaving town take a quick stop at HGTV – Marrs Mercantile store. Dave and Jenny Marrs renovated a historic bank built in 1905 into a boutique where the community can gather and shop for goods made by the locals. 

Day 5 Feb 1 Little Rock – Baton Rouge, LA. B. Before leaving Little Rock. Pass by The Central High School, the site of desegregation in 1957 after the U.S. Supreme Court 3 years earlier, ruled that segregation by race in public schools was unconstitutional. The unique design of the Bill Clinton Library & Museum, 3 floors of exhibits and memorabilia related to Clinton's life and presidency, plus a 30-acre park, the Big Dam Bridge that is 90 feet above the Arkansas River and discover the controversy of Heifer Village. Once you leave Little Rock you will make stops in McGehee, Vicksburg, and Crosby before settling into the Baton Rouge Drury Inn Hotel and gather for their 5:30 – 7:00pm kick back complimentary menu of hot food, beer, mixed drinks, and sodas. 

Unsplash Photo Credits (L - R): Mick Haupt, K. Mitch Hodge, Vladimir Oprisko

Day 6 Feb 2 Baton Rouge – New Orleans, LA. B. Louisiana has a subtropical climate which shows off its magnificent scenery of the bayous, lush vegetation, marshes, and natural levees. You’ll notice this on route to Rip Van Winkle Gardens, where you can take a stroll under mature mossy oaks amongst the many peacocks on the property. Then explore the Tabasco factory on Avery Island, your tour includes 10 stops that take you from seed to sauce. There is also the Restaurant 1868 where you can order on own as to how hot you would like your dish. Drive or walk along the ancient oaks and wildlife along the garden trail in the Jungle Gardens next door. This evening you will settle into your New Orleans Drury Inn Hotel for the next three nights. Again, this evening you can kick back for the 5:30 – 7:00pm complimentary hot food and cold beverages. If that isn’t enough the Kitchen + Bar at Cumberland located on the first floor of the hotel open 5pm – 10pm M – Su, you can grab a casual meal or a quick bite in a cozy setting and pay via cash or with credit card. The infamous MARDI GRAS Parades begin. You can catch Krewe of Cork in the (French Quarter), Krewe of Oshun 6pm St Charles Ave, Krewe of Cleopatra 6:30pm St Charles Ave and Krewe of Alla 7:00pm St Charles Ave. Maps will be given to show location of the parades. 

Unsplash Photo Credits (L - R): Joshua J. Cotten, Aya Salman, mana5280, Venus Major

Day 7 Feb 3 New Orleans, LA. B D. Today you will meet your Gray line tour guide, for the Oak Alley Plantation, Swamp Tour and Steamboat River Cruise. Oak Alley has a quarter mile of 28 Oak trees each over 250 years old. The Alley tells the story of a plantation in its evolution. Try to visit the Sugar Cane Theater before you reach the mansion. It is packed with stories of how the plantation functioned. (If you are unable to climb stairs let the interpreter know. iPads for guests are available to see the 2nd floor.) Even though photography is not permitted inside the mansion they highly encourage and welcome you taking photos while out on the balcony. Afterwards you will experience the timeless beauty of the majestic cypress trees of South Louisiana through a preserve in a swamp boat gaining unique and memorable experiences. Native guides will reveal the mysteries of the swamps, bayous, and the Cajun. Observe the nesting grounds of local wildlife. Bring your camera to capture the bayou. This evening is one of the countries oldest and richest traditions, Mississippi Steamboat Dinner Jazz Cruise. All cruises are dressy casual attire, so no tank tops for men or daisy dukes for women. Enjoy the food, music, and city lights at night. 

Day 8 Feb 4 New Orleans, LA. B FREE DAY FOR ALL. You are free to do as you wish. Explore on your own. Rest. Take in more parades. Parade schedule: Femme Fatale 11:00am St Charles Ave, Krewe of Carrollton noon, Knights of King Arthur 1:00pm and Barkers 2:00pm French Quarter. Try catching some beads, as the floats pass by. 

Unsplash Photo Credits (L - R): Myron Drawdy, Ian Wagg, Jessica Tan, Sunira Moses, Justin Wilkens

Day 9 Feb 5 New Orleans – Jackson, TN. B. If you are a fan of HGTV - Home Town with Ben and Erin Napier of Laurel, MS, then this is for you. Scotsman General Store and Woodshop has snacks, shirts, grocery, and many other things. Who knows, they could be filming, or Ben’s truck is outside for a photo op. We will see inside the workshop through the window wall separating the store and the shop. If spare time allows, you can drive around for other iconic landmarks. This afternoon, we will tour the original home and museum of the world’s most famous railroad engineer, Casey Jones in Jackson TN. 

Day 10 Feb 6 Jackson – Cedar Rapids, IA. B. This afternoon you will be in Hannibal MO at Lovers’ Leap, the legendary viewpoint and elevated park overlooking the Mississippi River including a guided tour through Mark Twain Cave. Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) played in the caves throughout his childhood. His signature was discovered in 2019. The cave is an easy walk, well lit, walkways are level and smooth, temperature is a constant 52 degrees. Please wear comfortable shoes for the tour.  

Day 11 Feb 7 Cedar Rapids – Bloomington, MN. B. Tentatively booked for a tour of the John Deere factory in Waterloo. (Can not officially book till December) This tour does not matter if you farm or not, or a John Deere fan or not, it is a great experience and it is amazing to see the technology. Tour on a wagon type tram, provided with safety glasses and headphones to hear the guide. No open toed shoes are allowed. This afternoon, believe it or not, you will be touring a Spam Museum, yes the canned precooked meat product Spam. The contemporary museum shows the Historical growth of the Hormel company, the origin of Spam, and its place in world culture. There are interactive exhibits, a gift shop full of great gifts and cookbooks for those who didn’t grow up with Spam. It’s a unique stop. This evening you will be able to wander, shop, and eat at the Mall of America. The giant 4 level mall has many stores, restaurants, theme park, cinema, and aquarium. Lots to see and do before settling into a nearby hotel. 

Day 12 Feb 8 Bloomington – Minot, ND. B. A relaxing travel day to Minot with stops in Alexandria, Fargo, and Carrington.  

Day 13 Feb 9 Minot – Prince Albert, SK. B. Last chance to purchase USA at the Duty-Free Shop. Have passports ready and then head home with fond memories and newfound friends. 

ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Make the tour fit your schedule. Contact Dana in Prince Albert Office at 1.800.665.0171 for a fly option.

2024 NEW ORLEANS & ICONIC USA TOUR INCLUDES:

- PA Northern Bus Lines, driver, sound and entertainment system, lavatory, comfortable reclining seats and coach cleaned daily.

- Hotel accommodations.

- 12 breakfasts ranging from continental to full hot buffet, 1 dinner.

- Guided tours of J. Rieger & Co distillery, Kauffman Stadium, Bentonville Walmart, and Leger building, Oak Alley Plantation, Swamp Tour, Mark Twain Cave and John Deere Factory.

- Steamboat dinner, cruise and entertainment.

- Iconic sights: Crystal Bridge Museum, Marrs Mercantile, Rip Van Winkle Gardens, Tabasco Factory, Jungle Gardens, Mardi Gras Parades, Home Town general store and workshop, Casey Jones home and museum, Mark Twain’s Lovers Leap, Spam Museum and Mall of America.

- Opportunity to stroll, shop and step back in time along the way.

- All tips for drivers, step on guides and tour directors.

- Two Professional Tour Directors to welcome you and look after details. Their care and attention ensure you have a worry-free tour.

TOUR COST: based on double occupancy

$3499.00 double                  $2989.00 triple

$4949.00 single                   $2799.00 quad

TIPS, TAXES & FEES INCLUDED IN THESE PRICES.

 DEPOSIT: $500.00 PER PERSON TO SECURE SEAT. BALANCE DUE: Nov 26th, 2023

PAY BY CASH, CHEQUE, CREDIT CARD or E-TRANSFER.

Late bookings please call office for availability.

 KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: 

PASSPORTS: All passengers REQUIRE a valid passport for this tour and must be valid for 6 months beyond the date of return.

INSURANCE: All passengers MUST HAVE adequate out of country medical insurance for this tour.

MANULIFE WORLD INSURANCE: Lobstick Travel & Tours offer the personalized coverage you need, to be financially protected against the cost of unexpected emergencies that happen prior to or during your trip. For your insurance rates call Dana at Lobstick Travel 1.800.665.0171. Passengers have the option to obtain insurance at their discretion. If you chose to decline or purchase insurance elsewhere, we require our waiver form to be signed and returned to office.

 CANCELLATION:

If you must cancel for any reason, CONTACT Dana at Lobstick Travel 1.800.665.0171 IMMEDIATELY.

CANCELLATION POLICY: applies the day you notify us.

60 days or more prior to departure – loss of deposit.

59 – 31 days prior to departure – lose 50% total cost.

30 days or less prior to departure – lose 100% total cost.