Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, you’ll find world-class entertainment for the whole family in Branson, Missouri.
Immerse yourself in New York City for five minutes and you’ll realize it’s like no other place on earth.
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Weave your way to the home of Longaberger baskets, sensational blooms, and the charming Amish country for an extraordinary experience in Ohio.
Experience Southeast Asia as a part of a powerful journey to Thailand, Vietnam & Cambodia.
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Celebrate the Fourth Boston Style
Boston Pops Orchestra, cannons and spectacular fireworks July 2-7, 2009
Getting to Know your Digital Camera Saturday, March 7, 2009 | 8:30-11 a.m. Heartland Operations Center 13th & Iowa streets
Learn how to shoot great vacation memories during a hands-on digital camera workshop with Dr. Abdul Sinno. He’s the founder of the Sinno Institute for Visual Communication and Department Chair of Communications at Clarke College in Dubuque. For more than 16 years, Sinno has taught businesses, community members and students about the art of effective visual communication. Seating is limited and a continental breakfast is included. Call Norma or Abbey at 563.589.1990 or 563.589.2053 to RSVP today. And don’t forget your camera!
From the Bicentennial concerts with legendary maestro Arthur Fiedler, Boston has continued its July 4th spectacular with even greater fanfare and more spectacular fireworks. It has become the preeminent Independence Day celebration in the country. Plus, you’ll stay at the luxurious Omni Parker Hotel where John Kennedy announced his bid for Congress, proposed to Jackie, and where the Boston Crème Pie was created! Tour of Boston includes: s s s s s s
The Old North Church. Harvard Yard. Harvard University. Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. Beacon Hill and the Back Bay area. The Mapparium is a giant, hollow ball made of glass surrounded by lights and skewered through its middle by a footbridge made of glass. Stained inside the glass ball is a map of the Earth turned inside out. s Tour of Salem, Mass., home of the Salem witch trials, the House of the Seven Gables and the Seaside Gardens.
Highlights s Prime seating for the Boston Pops and fireworks over the Charles River. s A summer barbecue while you watch the Pops. s A Boston Harbor Cruise aboard the Spirit of Boston with lobster for lunch. s You choose: A behind-the-scenes tour of Fenway Park or a trip to the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library and Museum. Starting at: $2,490 per person (based on double occupancy)
includes roundtrip airfare, accommodations, listed attractions, transfers, 11 meals (including a lobster bake), taxes and gratuities.
Quincy Market, Boston 3
Important Trip Information Deposit Requirements A deposit varies based on the trip. If a trip involves a theater performance, the deposit is the full cost of the ticket. For extended trips, deposits are based on certain requirements for air and tour packages. Cancellation Policy When a cancellation is necessary, every effort will be made to provide either a partial or full refund. A full refund, however, isn’t guaranteed, as there might be circumstances when refunds are not possible; weather related, cancellations or secured reservations, etc. If a trip is cancelled due to lack of participation, a full refund will be issued. On trips purchased through an outside source, Excursions will adhere to that entity’s written cancellation policy.
Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan and Grand Rapids tour May 5-8, 2009 Welcome spring with a visit to Holland, Michigan! It’s the All-American City with a Dutch accent. Enjoy a spring favorite, the Tulip Time Festival, and stop to smell the roses at the Frederik Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park.
Don’t miss out on these highlights: s Bobby Vinton concert. Vinton’s legendary songs have become classics, including “Roses are Red,” “Blue Velvet,” “Mr. Lonely,” “Melody of Love” and many more. s Reserved seating at the Tulip Festival Parade and Street Scrubbing. View the “Dutch Cleanliness” tradition as hundreds of Dutch-costumed townspeople armed with brooms and pails scrub the parade route.
Waiting List Excursions is always happy to add your name to our waiting list when a particular trip is full.
s New Odyssey Singing Group in concert. These three gentlemen play more than 30 musical instruments and anything from Beethoven to present-day hits.
Payments Excursions accepts multiple forms of payment (cash, check, credit or debit card). A payment plan option is available.
s Three Men and a Tenor in concert. This acapella group performs arrangements from popular artists like the Temptations, the Eagles, the Doobie Brothers and Elvis.
s Guided Tour of Tulip Festival – A highlight of all that the festival has to offer. s Tour of Windmill Island. A beautiful oasis within the city of Holland, Windmill Island features a 240-year-old working Dutch windmill that towers over 36 acres of manicured gardens, dikes and canals. s Frederik Meijer Garden in Grand Rapids. Explore the tropical conservatory and the Victorian, carnivorous and arid gardens as well as the world-class Sculpture Park. s Gerald Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids. Its galleries feature hands-on, interactive, video and holographic displays.
Please don’t hesitate to call 563.589.1990 for more information on any trip or event.
Starting at: $959 per person
(based on double occupancy)
includes motorcoach transportation, attractions as listed, accommodations, eight meals, luggage handling and driver gratuity. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
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Fountain Park 2728 Asbury Road Dubuque, Iowa
Cookin’ with Gus – A Comedy
Comedy Sportz March 21, 2009, 8 p.m.
February 15, 2009, 3 p.m. February 20, 2009, 8 p.m.
Head to the Bell Tower Theater for Comedy Sportz’s™ “Off the Cuff.” For one night only, threeThis comedy stirs up the perfect time National Improv Tournament recipe for delicious fun. Take winners will create a brand new one world famous chef, a long suffering boyfriend, a nosy gypsy show right before your eyes using suggestions from the audience. neighbor and a pushy theatrical agent. Then, mix with TV cameras A ComedySportz match features two teams of comedy “actletes” and a post-hypnotic suggestion, competing for laughs and points. and you’ve got a comedy treat.
This long-running theatre features a theatre-in-theround style with state-ofthe-art sound and lighting systems, and a hydraulic-lift system in the stage. The Fireside, located at Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, also consistently wins awards for its excellent meals that accompany the shows.
Married Alive! – A Musical Comedy April 19, 2009, 3 p.m. April 24, 2009, 8 p.m. Follow two couples, one newlywed and one “oldlywed,” from bickering to cuddling; from babies to empty nests; and from job stress to domestic bliss. This zany show applauds and pokes fun at marriage. Don’t miss the Iowa premiere of a musical journey from Niagara to Viagra.
Full Price: $17 Excursions Price: $12
Full Price: $17 Excursions Price: $15
Fabulous Fifties – Part 2 January 23, 2009
The Fantasticks March 20, 2009
Fireside Christmas December 11, 2009
Relive this fast paced, tuneful, hilarious, rocking tribute to that delicious decade that brought America TV dinners, hula hoops, and rock and roll. The sequel features music from the talents of Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Bobby Darin, Pasty Cline, Elvis Presley and many more.
Two teenagers on neighboring farms steal glances and hide their romance from their feuding fathers. Little do these lovebirds know, however, that their fathers are actually good friends who’ve hatched a plan to get these two lovers down the aisle. But they learn to be careful what you wish for.
No Fireside Christmas would be complete without something new for the holidays. This year, Fireside will feature a more traditional scripted show filled with music, wonder and the true spirit of Christmas—Miracle on 34th Street “Here’s Love.”
Price includes motorcoach transportation, performance, lunch and driver gratuity. $95
Price includes motorcoach transportation, performance, lunch and driver gratuity. $95
Full Price: $17 Excursions Price: $12
Price includes motorcoach transportation, performance, lunch and driver gratuity. $95
Let one of our Excursions experts help you decide which trip is the perfect fit for you! Call 563.589.1990 or visit www.greattravelhappens.com 5
New York City The Big Apple at its Best September 4-8, 2009 Immerse yourself in New York City for five minutes and you’ll see why it’s like no other place on earth. Only here will you find all of America’s best attributes – the diversity, the culture, the style – intensified in such an intriguing way. Only here will you experience those sublime moments that have made New York City famous. Join us to experience world-class museums, delectable restaurants, stunning Broadway shows and fantastic shopping in the Big Apple! Highlights include: s Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty s 9/11 Ground Zero s St. Patrick’s Cathedral s Times Square s A carriage ride through Central Park s Empire State Building s United Nations s Radio City Music Hall s Rockefeller Center
s NBC Studios s Top of the Rock Observation Deck s Hudson River evening boat tour s Reserved Seating at Broadway Show s Luxury Hotel in the Theatre District s Tavern on the Green
Starting at: $2,499 per person (based on double occupancy)
includes roundtrip airfare and transfers, four nights accommodations at the Marriot Marquis, Broadway performance, listed attractions, four breakfasts, three dinners, taxes and fees on included items.
Nothing beats Branson in the Autumn October 14-18, 2009 Twelve Irish Tenors
Branson, Missouri, is the live-show capital of the world. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, you’ll find world-class entertainment for the whole family. Truly a remarkable, vacation destination, Branson has 52 live performance theaters, three pristine lakes, 12 championship golf courses, an international award-winning theme park, dozens of attractions and museums, shopping galore, a full range of dining options, and a host of hotels, motels, resorts and meeting and conference facilities.
Highlights include: s Seven shows, two attractions and 10 meals s Twelve Irish Tenors s 50s At the Hop s Acrobats of China Featuring the New Shanghai s “Breaking Up is Hard To Do”
s s s s s s
Pierce Arrow Show Dixie Stampede Dinner Show Brett Family Singers Titanic Museum and Tour Veterans Memorial Museum Branson Landing
Starting at: $899 per person
(based on double occupancy)
includes transportation, accommodations, meals and attractions as listed, taxes and fees on included items.
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Ring of Fire March 11, 2009 Circa ‘21 Rock Island, Illinois A cast of gifted singers and instrumentalists take you through more than 30 of the greatest songs by Johnny Cash, one of America’s most brilliant singer/ songwriters. His remarkable life story of love and faith; struggle and success; rowdiness and redemption; and home and family is told through his music, climaxing in a concert that will both move and exhilarate. Price per person includes ticket, lunch, dessert, motorcoach transportation and driver gratuity. $70
Back by Popular Demand: Jersey Boys March 28, 2009 Bank of America Theatre Chicago If you haven’t seen “Jersey Boys,” here’s your chance. It’s one of the most exciting, “feel good” musicals in years. Four blue-collar kids work their way from the streets of Newark to the heights of stardom. Experience the electrifying performances that took these guys to the Rock-andRoll Hall of Fame. Price includes lunch, show, motorcoach transportation and driver gratuity. $189
The Milwaukee Skyline and A Chorus Line
Guys and Dolls April 8, 2009 The Drill Hall Theater Janesville, Wisconsin Set in New York City, this oddball romantic comedy introduces a cast of vivid characters. Sarah Brown, the upright but uptight “mission doll;” Sky Masterson, the slick, high-rolling gambler who woos her on a bet; Adelaide, the chronically ill nightclub performer whose been engaged to the same man for 14 years; and Nathan Detroit, her devoted fiancé, desperate to find a spot for his infamous floating crap game. Price includes lunch, show, motorcoach transportation and driver gratuity. $95
June 27-28, 2009 Marcus Center Milwaukee, Wisconsin In an empty theater, on a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. The field has been narrowed down to 17 dancers. For these men and women, this audition is the chance of a lifetime – to be a part of “A Chorus Line.” Enjoy the longest-running American musical inside the beautiful theater in the Marcus Center and explore Milwaukee, the “City of Festivals.” Trip includes terrific seats, overnight accommodations, two meals, luggage handling and all transportation costs. Price TBD
Mary Poppins April 18, 2009 Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago Hang onto the flying umbrella because it’s going to be Supercalifragilistic ride! Based on the classic 1964 Walt Disney film, “Mary Poppins” is the perfect show for children or grandchildren.
And the fun doesn’t end there! Enjoy a lunch in downtown Chicago at the unique Rainforest Café. Price per person includes transportation, orchestra seating, lunch and driver gratuity. $170
Let one of our Excursions experts help you decide which trip is the perfect fit for you! Call 563.589.1990 or visit www.greattravelhappens.com 7
Experience Ohio as Never Before Discover the hidden treasures of this quaint state May 31-June 5, 2009 Weave your way to the home of Longaberger baskets, sensational blooms, and the charming Amish country for an extraordinary experience. Here are just some of the highlights: s Spend an unforgettable night at Little Nashville, Indiana, a historic artist colony snuggled in the hills of southern Indiana where a great dinner and theater performance await. s Enjoy three nights at the Cherry Valley Lodge in Newark. It’s the only hotel in the nation that’s also an arboretum and botanical garden. s Experience the quaintness of the Longaberger Basket Homestead. Visit the home office, a seven-story basket and the world’s largest apple basket. Tour the basket factory, and even weave your own basket. For those of us who are novices, someone will guide us. Shop at unique retail boutiques, shops and galleries. Enjoy dinner at Miller’s Essenplatz that specializes in traditional Dutch, German and Amish foods. s Savor a delectable chocolate treat and tour the Anthony Thomas Factory.
Franklin Park Conservatory
s Visit North Market - an indoor farmer’s market with foods from around the world. s Stroll through exotic flowers and seasonal exhibits at Franklin Park Conservatory. s Tour Columbus with stops at the Santa Maria Boat, Short North, German village areas. Then enjoy dinner at Schmidt’s German Restaurant with live music. s Stay overnight in Nappanee, Indiana at an historic Amish village and enjoy an Amish dinner.
Starting at: $1,100
(based on double occupancy)
includes daily breakfasts, five dinners, motorcoach transportation, listed attractions, luggage handling and driver gratuity.
Longaberger home office 8
Trip Teasers Treasures of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia November 6-21, 2009
(1) Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals @ St. Louis
Experience Southeast Asia with an intimate Smithsonian Journey. You and no more than 19 other passengers will wander off the beaten path with local scientists, historians and artists as your guides. This exciting expedition showcases the fascinating history, culture and artistic treasures of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Explore glorious cities, from vibrant Bangkok to ancient Angkor Wat, and from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Discover early empires, enchanting landscapes and friendly people.
(2) Chicago Cubs Home Game
Highlights s Explore Bangkok, Angkor Wat, Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta. s Renowned for some of the world’s finest archaeological sites, Southeast Asia offers a splendid array of ancient treasures. s Discover the details and significance of the exquisite Khmer and Hindu art found within the Angkor temples, the 12th-century masterpiece of Cambodia’s Khmer Empire, in the company of a local archaeologist. s Learn about the conservation efforts in Angkor during a specially-arranged session with a member of the World Monument Fund. s Enhance your visit to Vietnam with a discussion on the impact of foreign influence and control on current Vietnamese political policies and economic issues.
(3) Milwaukee Brewers Home Game (4) A Fall Foliage Tour of New England (5) A Holiday Getaway Look for more information in our next issue.
Hoi An Marketplace
Starting at: $5,999
(based on double occupancy)
includes roundtrip airfare, motorcoach transportation, listed attractions, luggage handling and driver gratuity.
Let one of our Excursions experts help you decide which trip is the perfect fit for you! Call 563.589.1990 or visit www.greattravelhappens.com 9
upcoming
FABULOUS FIFTIES – FIRESIDE
January 23, 2009 COSTA RICA
February 4-12, 2009 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA
March 7, 2009 RING OF FIRE – CIRCA 21
March 11, 2009 THE FANTASTICKS – FIRESIDE March 20, 2009 GUYS AND DOLLS – THE ARMORY
April 8, 2009
MARY POPPINS – THE MUSICAL April 18, 2009 TUESDAYS WITH EXCURSIONS LUNCHEON
April 21, 2009
BOSTON’S 4th OF JULY CELEBRATION
TUESDAYS WITH EXCURSIONS LUNCHEON
July 2-7, 2009
October 20, 2009
TUESDAYS WITH EXCURSIONS LUNCHEON
TREASURES OF THAILAND, VIETNAM & CAMBODIA
TULIP TIME FESTIVAL – HOLLAND, MICHIGAN
August 18, 2009
November 6-21, 2009
NEW YORK CITY
May 5-8, 2009
September 4-8, 2009
A FIRESIDE CHRISTMAS December 11, 2009
EXPERIENCE OHIO
CELEBRATION BELLE BOAT CRUISE
TUESDAYS WITH EXCURSIONS LUNCHEON
May 31-June 5, 2009
October 7, 2009
TUESDAYS WITH EXCURSIONS LUNCHEON
December 15, 2009
BRANSON, MISSOURI October 14-18, 2009
June 16, 2009 A CHORUS LINE June 27 – 28, 2009
Tuesdays with Excursions We’re spreading the word about “Tuesdays with Excursions!” This year these always popular luncheons will be held at a different spot in Dubuque. The first lunch is February 17 at the new Diamond Jo Casino. Please RSVP by calling 563.589.1990 and meet us in the main lobby (valet parking location at the entrance facing Bell Street) at 11:30 a.m. for a tour and lunch. Cost of lunch is $7.00. Check out the next Excursions newsletter to see who will host us on April 21, June 16, Aug. 18, Oct. 20 and Dec. 15.
Got a taste for adventure? Your next journey is only a click away! Visit Excursions at www.greattravelhappens.com and explore our upcoming trips, events and more. Norma Kramer 563.589.1990 nkramer@dubuquebank.com 10
Abbey Smith 563.589.2053 asmith@dubuquebank.com