7-Day Tour Chicago Departure-St.Louis-Memphis Graceland-New Orleans-Birmingham-Tennessee-Kentucky-Indiana
Central South Full-Experience

Tour Code: 16CS7
Trip Duration: 7Days
Departure Date: THU

Itinerary  
Day 1: Chicago - Springfield - St. Louis
First, we will go south to Springfield, hometown of Abraham Lincoln, one of the most respected presidents in the United States. We will see his former home where Lincoln lived in for 17 years. Right behind his residence, there is the State Capitol of Illinois, the tallest non-skyscraper capitol building in the United States. Then we will head for St. Louis, the largest metropolitan area of East Missouri, sitting by the banks of Mississippi River that is the longest river of the country. Located in Central America, St. Louis is right at the geographical center point of the United States. It used to be one of the busiest train transport hubs in the world. It held the 3rd Summer Olympics in 1904. It is also well known for being the beginning point of the Westward Movement. Visit the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot monument, is the world’s tallest arch, commemorating the striving men during this historical migration and land expansion. We will also visit the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. The interior of the building is covered by 41.5 million pieces of mosaic glass in more than 7000 colors. It is one of the world's largest mosaic collections nowadays. Our tour group will head to the hotel by dusk.
Meals: Breakfast-N/A, Lunch-N/A, Dinner-N/A
Hotel: Comfort Inn Festusor equivalent

Day 2: St. Louis - Memphis Graceland
After going across Mississippi River the second time during this tour, we reach Memphis, the biggest city of Tennessee, the land of music. Memphis is a city of reminiscence. The city was named after the ancient capital of Egypt by the Nile River. It has the same scorching sun as that in Egypt. The city echoes its Egyptian reference city with a huge modern looking Pyramid that we can see on the bus. Visit Graceland, the mansion home of Elvis Presley, commonly regarded as “the King of Rock and Roll”, “the most significant cultural icon of the 20th century”. Elvis’ hit songs can be heard everywhere in Graceland to pay homage to this beloved superstar. Browse Elvis Presley’s fancy mansion with an interactive iPad to feel the legend. Later, go to the hotel near Jackson.
Meals: Breakfast-N/A, Lunch-N/A, Dinner-N/A
Hotel: RAMADA PEARL/JACKSON AIRPORT or equivalent

Day 3: Oak Alley Plantation - New Orleans (Night Tour)
When we reach Oak Alley Plantation, a U.S. National Historic Landmark located at the west suburban of New Orleans, our attention, right away, would be attracted to the astonishing beauty that the plantation presents. Visitors may even feel that they were taken into the scene of Gone with Wind. The master’s big house is contrasting with the slave quarter nearby. Two rows of 300-years-old oak trees are not only concealing the amazing quarter-mile-long garden road, but also the bitterness of the south had borne after Civil War. The natural environment of New Orleans is as distinctive as its local culture. We will also have a swamp tour, a fun adventurous yet safe boat ride that showcases the unique eco system of New Orleans region. You’ll have opportunities to see alligators, snakes, turtles, egrets, herons, ibis and many other species as well as many strange looking plants living in the swamp. It is like entering a land of unknown. The natural disaster remains of Hurricane Katrina of ten years ago can still be seen. It is so fascinating of the untouched swamp wildness of the pristine beauty. After going to the hotel, it is recommended to take an optional New Orleans night city tour at $25 per person. New Orleans is a city with rich French and Spanish heritage. In between corners of every old French style townhouse, you may find a live jazz performance; every narrow block you turn to, there might be an oyster cocktail bar. It feels like many festivals are going on simultaneously. The night is long, and the nightlife is on.
Meals: Breakfast-N/A, Lunch-N/A, Dinner-N/A
Hotel: LA QUINTA INN or equivalent

Day 4: New Orleans - Birmingham
New Orleans, built in 1718, is an important historical city in South US and one of the major ports, also well-known as the birthplace of jazz and French Creole culture. In its French Quarter, streets are narrow and crowded with French-style architectures, much like in France. It is up to you whether you like to start your day in the Café Du Monde with a most original French Coffee and their famed sugar coated donut, or, immerse yourself in the liveliness of local street art. Feel free to visit the antique stores alongside the Royal Street, or randomly jump in a jazz bar on the Bourbon Street. Jackson Square was built to commemorate General Andrew Jackson. St. Louis Cathedral and steamboat are also within walking distance; and, if anything, don’t miss out the chance to try some authentic Cajun food. We bid farewell to New Orleans and head to Alabama State by noon. Passing through Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama, where is one of the most intense “battlegrounds” during Civil Right Movement in 60s, you will learn and feel how much the tears and blood of demonstrators shed for human rights equality. The violent moments frozen in the silent statues in Kelly Ingram Park are depicting the unforgettable story passing through generations.
Meals: Breakfast-N/A, Lunch-N/A, Dinner-N/A
Hotel: Comfort Suites Gadsdenor equivalent

Day 5: Chattanooga - Great Smoky Mountains Gatlinburg
Leave for Tennessee, we will arrive Chattanooga and explore the magnificent Lookout Mountain by getting on top of Rock City. It is said seven neighboring states might be seen from Lover's Leap, one of the scenic points in the Rock City - you can find out by yourself whether it is true or not. However, we are sure you will be amazed by the breathtaking panoramic views of natural landscape, massive ancient rock formations, and gardens with over 400 native plant species. We continually drive through the Great Smoky Mountains which is the habitat of a variety of animals. Then we will reach Gatlinburg, a charming mountain town with a variety of unique shops, restaurants and boutique hotels. Among them, some local stores will surely keep you busy where you can pick out souvenirs or local products such as Ole Smoky Moonshine and hand-made candies. Our Tennessee visit reaches the climax of the day by attending the most visited dinner attraction in America (at your own expense): Dixie Stampede, dine in a dinner theatre where you can watch a brilliant show with 32 horses and a cast of top-notch riders. They will thrill you with daring feats of trick riding and competition, pitting North against South in a friendly and fun rivalry. You will enjoy music, dancing, special effects and family friendly comedy along the way. With such a visual spectacular and taste buds satisfaction, the experience composed is second to none.
Meals: Breakfast-N/A, Lunch-N/A, Dinner-N/A
Hotel: Clarion Inn and Suites West Knoxvilleor equivalent

Day 6: Kentucky Horse Park – Ark Encounter theme park
Visit Kentucky, where known as the "Bluegrass State" due to its fertile soil in many pastures. We stop by Kentucky Artisan Center, a state tourism agency celebrating Kentucky’s charming local folk art wares. A variety of handcrafts and artworks are one of a kind and such eye-candy. Later, arrive in Lexington, the "Horse Capital of the World". Kentucky’s horse racing is world famed. We will visit Kentucky Horse Park. This equestrian facility is a 1,224-acre park dedicated to "man's relationship with the horse" with various shows and museums open to public. Kentucky Horse Park has also been home to many of the world's best competition horses, and a nursery ground to many rare horses (If Kentucky Horse Park closed, visitors would see the statue of champion horse and its championship career in front of the park.). At noon we will head towards the Ark Encounter theme park. The theme park is a $100 million representation of Noah’s Ark in Kentucky. The Ark itself claims to be the largest timber frame structure in the world. In the evening, we will head towards the historic Findley Market to enjoy local food for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast-N/A, Lunch-N/A, Dinner-N/A
Hotel: Clarion Hotel Conference Center Louisville Northor equivalent

Day 7: Purdue University - Chicago
After seeing Indiana State House in Indianapolis from outside, we travel to Lafayette, where Purdue University is located. Purdue University is a giant public flagship university founded in 1869 with a nearly 40,000 student enrollment. The West Lafayette campus offers more than 200 majors for undergraduates, over 70 graduate and doctoral programs. Purdue has produced 23 astronauts who have been chosen for space flight. Its alumnus Neil Armstrong took his famous "small step" into history as the first human to set foot on the moon. We will reach sweet home Chicago later afternoon of the day.
Notes: Upon completion of the tour, we will send you to the O’Hare International Airport (ORD) for flights home. See “Airport Pick-up/Drop-off Notes” for more details. (If you need to leave at any other places on the way back to Chicago, please confirm it with your tour guide in advance.)
Meals: Breakfast-N/A, Lunch-N/A, Dinner-N/A

Tour Fares
Double Occupancy (1-2 people): $685/ person
3rd person (Triple Occupancy): $457
4th person (Quad Occupancy): $468
Single Occupancy: $1028
Triple and Quad prices are for three people or four people sharing one room with 2 beds respectively.
 
Costs include
1. 6 nights hotel accommodation.
2. Transportation via air-conditioned vehicle.
3. Experienced tour guide.
    
Expense Items
1. Round trip air ticket from your hometown. Private expenses on insurance, laundry or other items.
2. All meals and drinks during the trip, but the tour guide will arrange for it.
3. Tips (Minimum $10/person/day) to guides and drivers.
4. Optional admission fee(Prices subject to change without prior notice. Child 3-11, Senior 65+).
*Memphis
Graceland (Elvis Presley Mansion) Adult USD39.00, child USD17.00（7~12yrs）free（-6yrs） ,senior USD35.00（62+）
*Tennessee/New Orleans
Oak Alley Plantation: Adult USD22.00, child USD5.00(6~12yrs), senior USD22.00
New Orleans Night Tour: Adult USD25.00, child USD15.00, senior USD25.00
Swamp Boat Tour: Adult USD27.00 , child USD16.00, senior USD27.00
Rock City: Adult USD22.00, child USD13.00, senior USD22.00
Dixie Stampede Dinner Show: Adult USD67.00, child USD41.50, senior USD67.00
*Kentucky/Indianapolis
Kentucky Horse Park: Adult USD20.00 , child USD9.00, senior USD20.00
Purdue University Campus Tour: Adult USD10.00, child USD7.00, senior USD10.00
Ark Encounter: Adult USD43, child USD30, senior USD33
 

* No refund once relative documents are issued
* For terms and conditions, please refer to TQ Travel website
* We reserve the right to change prices without notice
* We reserve the right to adjust the itinerary without notice

RESERVATION PROCEDURE
1. Within 24 hours after submitting your reservation, you will receive a Receipt of Reservation by email.
2. Upon receiving the Receipt of Reservation, please make payment to our company within two business days in accordance with the requirements detailed in the email
3. After making payment, you will receive our Confirmation Email with all the detailed information for your tour, including departure time, itinerary, hotel confirmation, airport pick-up, etc.
4. Simply present the printed copy of the Confirmation Email to your tour guide on the departure day. Please remember that the Confirmation Email is your proof of purchase.

Notice
Thank you for choosing us for your trip. Please read carefully and be sure that you fully understand the TERMS & CONDITIONS and RESPONSIBILITY as stated. Your reservation represents your acknowledgement and acceptance of these terms and conditions.
1. Please be sure to bring your travel document (Passport, Alien registration card or visa). Our company assumes no responsibility for customers without the proper travel documents. Costs of travel documents are on your own expense.
2. Hotel rooms are Standard Twin with air conditioning and bath, 2 full-size beds.
3. About Sharing Room, a supplement of $65 based on Twin Room price is to be charged as a guarantee of common interests between customer and whole party
4. Transportation via deluxe air conditioned motor coaches; experienced tour guide for each tour.
5. All private expense on insurance, taxes and other items will be covered by travelers themselves.
6. All Meals, Admissions and Gratuities, please pay cash on tour. Tour guide will assistant to arrange meals along the way; all the resorts which need admission fees are optional. Join or not depends on customers themselves. Travelers may budget accordingly before they go.
7. City passes are not accepted during an escorted tour due to the fact that they do not correspond into the tour schedule. The group entrance tickets provided by tour guides have fast lane and tour guides accompany passengers for activities.
8. Policy of Cancellation and Change: it indicates bus seats, hotel as well as itinerary are all set once tour been confirmed. Any change(regarding Date, Traveler amount, Names etc) or cancellation per you request after confirmation, there will be a penalty fee to be collected according to following policy:
Policy of Cancellation:
 - 100% of reservation cost within 7 days prior to departure date;
 - 50% of reservation cost within 8-14 days prior to departure date;
 - 25% of reservation cost within 15-29 days prior to departure date;
 - 10% of reservation cost within 30 or more days prior to departure date.
 - The “Free Ones” cancellation must be submitted at least 15 days before tour departure date. Any No-show on tour departure date without advanced request will be collected a penalty fee USD150 by tour guide for blocking an extra seat on the bus. This penalty is a mandatory fee will be paid in cash by other participating travelers of the reservation in order to participating on the tour.
Policy of Change:
Request for reservation change must be submitted at least 30 days before tour departure date, and there will be a service fee USD20 to be charged. Reservation change within 30 days prior to departure date please refer to Cancellation Policy above.
9. Pick-up and Drop-off location:
Depature time : 8:00am
Pick-up : 207 W Cermak Rd. Chicago, IL 60616
Drop-off : 207 W Cermak Rd. Chicago, IL 60616 OR O’hare  airport (ORD),
Airport Drop-off:  Please book your departure flight from ORD airport after 19:00.
10. We reserve the right to refuse any clients who may hinder or delay the progress of a tour. In such situation the used portion if the tour will be refunded on a pro-rata basis after all prepaid expenses such as hotel, transportation etc are deducted.
11. If customer chose to discontinue tour before the tour is finished or miss any part of the tour, no refund would be allowed. In addition, it is the client’s own responsibility for all consequences arises from an early termination of the tour.
12. All tours are carefully planned with our rich experience. Our company dedicate ourselves to provide you a wonderful journey, accommodation, as well as service. And please understand that we are not responsible for any losses or extra expenses caused by strike, acts of government's civil disturbances, bed weather, or any other force majeure. In such cases, we will do our utmost to make arrangements, but the costs have to be borne and paid for by the participant.
13. Order of itinerary might be reversed according to number of groups and weather condition, no further notice will be provided.