Tentative Itinerary: 23-Day Florida, New Orleans & Texas Southern Getaway
Welcome aboard our 23-Day Florida, New Orleans & Texas Southern Getaway Tour. Please review this information carefully and contact us if you have any questions. I’m sure you’ll agree,we’ve put together another exciting escape with top-notch accommodations, delectable meal inclusions, and just the right mix of free time and included activities. From the beautiful beaches of St.Petersburg, Florida to the jazz music and Creole Cuisine of New Orleans to the picturesque & bustling Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas, we will provide you with a well-managed and exciting tour you won’t soon forget! With more than 56 years of experience escorting group tours, you can count on our team to deliver a quality tour with professional service and the best value for your dollar. Come away with us and become inspired, make new friends and create lasting memories as we travel to St.Petersburg, Florida, New Orleans, Louisiana and San Antonio, Texas! - Sincerely, Greg Collins, President & CEO
Mon.Feb.19th– Day #1 Portland, Maine(D)Courtyard by Marriott
Board your premiummotorcoach at your scheduled location and DEPARTURE time
Please ensure that you arrive at least 15 minutes before departure so youhave ample time to get comfortably seated and your bags can be properly stowed. Stops for passenger pick up/drop off will be brief (10-15 min.) and we ask you to remain on board while new guests join us. A scheduled coffee break and an hour lunch stop (meal your expense) are also built into today’s drive. We expect a 5:30 p.m. arrival. Relax while your tour manager checks the group in, distributes your room key, and has your bag delivered to your room (fee covered for one bag per person),all part of the signature group tour service you will enjoy throughout this tour. At 6:00 p.m. we will board the motorcoach again for our short drive to the Olive Garden restaurant. Enjoy a delicious 3-course meal (included) with a complimentary glass of beer or wine as we toast to the beginning of a fantastic tour! Following dinner we will return to the hotel and the remainder of the evening is free for you to enjoy on your own.
Tues.Feb.20th–Day#2 Baltimore, Maryland(B)Holiday Inn Express
This morning, enjoy breakfast(included) before our 8:00 a.m. departure. Your tour manager will handle group check out, however be sure to cover any personal expenses (e.g. room service, movie rental)as these items are your expense for each hotel stay during this tour. Our destination today isBaltimore, Maryland. We have scheduled two 25 minute coffee breaks and an hour lunch stop to make the tour pace more enjoyable (lunch is your expense). We expect to check in at approximately 6:00 p.m. Dinner tonight is on your own however we will provide several dining options for you to choose from.
Wed.Feb.21st–Day #3 Santee, South Carolina(B, D)Best Western Santee
Enjoy the hotel`s delightful buffet breakfast (included) before check out. Starting at 8:00 a.m., we will depart our hotel and make our way through Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina, before arriving into our home for the night in Santee, South Carolina. Again, we will make several stops along the way for your comfort, as well as an hour-long lunch break (your expense). Enjoy Collins Tours check-in service and luggage handling again, before settling in to your room.We expect a 5:30 p.m. arrival at our hotel, enjoy the signature check-in service and a short break before meeting again for our group dinner time and location TBA.
Thurs. Feb.22nd– Day #4St.Petersburg, Florida(B) Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront Hotel
Start the day off with anotherhot buffet breakfast (included) beforewe depart Santee at 8:30 a.m. Today we will pass through Georgia before crossing into the “Sunshine State” of Florida! Again, we will be making several breaks along the route including an hour-long lunch stop (your expense). We expect a 5:00 p.m. arrival into our home for the next 6 nights, the beautiful Hilton St.Petersburg Bayfront hotel. Enjoy a complimentary Welcome Reception upon arrival and indulge in some hors-d’oeuvres and a welcome drink. Afterwards settle into your room, as your luggage is delivered, or go for dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants (your expense). Enjoy your first evening in St.Petersburg at your leisure.
Fri.Feb.23rd– Day #5St.Petersburg, Florida(B, D)Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront Hotel
Begin your day with acomplimentary hotbuffet breakfast before our 3.5-hour professionally guided city tour of St.Petersburg! Board the motorcoach at 8:45 a.m. as we explore the beautiful harbourfront, downtown area and major points of interest in St.Petersburg and learn about the city from our local tour guide. We will end the tour back at the hotel and you can spend the afternoon at your leisure. Meet in the hotel lobby at 5:15 p.m. as we gather for our first group dinner in St.Petersburg (transportation to/from included) location TBA. Dinner tonight is included and will consist of a delicious 3-course meal, along with a complimentary glass of beer or wine. Relax after dinner or explore more of the downtown on your own, now that you are familiar with the city! Enjoy your evening your way!
Sat.Feb.24th– Day #6St.Petersburg, Florida(B)Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront Hotel
Wake up at your leisure and enjoy a delightful hot buffet breakfast. Today you can choose to stay in St.Petersburg or join a complimentary day trip aboard our motorcoach from the hotel to St.Pete’s Beach leaving at 9:30 a.m. and returning from the beach at 1:00 p.m. Have a swim in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, relax on the beach or enjoy the beaches’ restaurants. For those who wish to enjoy a full day at the beach you may do so and your return transfer to the hotel will be at your expense. After returning to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon and evening are free for you to enjoy your way.
Sun.Feb. 25th– Day #7 St.Petersburg, Florida (B, L)Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront Hotel
Following another fantastic leisurely buffet breakfast (included) we will board the coach at 10:00 a.m. and make our way to the exciting amusement park, Busch Gardens. Much more than thrilling rides and roller coasters, the park is home to a extensive variety of African wildlife and has monorails through the park allowing you to peer from above over their enormous habitats as you spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, rhinos, hippos, gorillas and more! It’s the next best thing to being on a real African safari! Enjoy a complimentary park pass, as well as an “All-you-can-dine” package, providing you with free lunch at participating restaurants within the park, including the Serengetti Overlook Restaurant where you can enjoy views of African wildlife while dining in style! We will depart the park at 3:30 p.m. and make our way back to the Hilton St.Petersburg Bayfront Hotel at approximately 4:30 p.m. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Mon.Feb. 26th– Day #8 St.Petersburg, Florida (B)Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront Hotel
Enjoy another hot buffet breafast at your hotel (included). Today is yours to do as you please We have no set agenda, allowing you to eat at your convenience, explore the area on your own, perhaps visit the incredible Dali museum with works of art from the talented Salvador Dali or relax at the hotel! Lunch and dinner are on your own today.
Tues.Feb. 27th– Day #9 St.Petersburg, Florida (B, D)Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront Hotel
Enjoy hot buffet breakfast included at hotel again this morning. Lunch will be at your leisure today, on your final day in St.Petersburg. Join us for a complimentary morning excursion to the beautiful Sunken Gardens, a 4-acre botanical garden in the Historical Old Northeast neighbourhood of St.Petersburg. Explore the grounds, admire the 100-year old plants and come close to ponds with live flamingoes (entrance fee included)! We will depart the hotel at 9:30 a.m. and return from the gardens at 11:45 a.m. We will meet for dinner in the lobby of the hotel at 5:00 p.m. Dinner tonight will be an evening you won’t forget! Enjoy a delicious meal aboard a Dinner & Dance cruise with beautiful vistas over St.Petersburg from the sea! Transportation to and from the cruise is included. Following dinner, you are free to spend the rest of your evening as you please…just don’t forget to pack your luggage as we will say goodbye to St.Petersburg in the morning!
Wed.Feb. 28th– Day #10 Pensacola, Florida (B, D)Springhill Suites by Marriott Pensacola
Following our last delicious breakfast at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel, we will board the motorcoach at 8:30 a.m. and bid farewell to St.Petersburg! We will make our way to Pensacola, Florida while making several coffee breaks and a 1-hour lunch stop (your expense) along the journey. We expect a 5:30 p.m. arrival into our hotel. Let your tour manager check you in and have your bags delivered to your room, before returning to the motorcoach at 6:30 p.m. to transport you to a nearby restaurant for a delicous 3-course meal (included). Return back to the hotel by motorcoach and enjoy the rest of the evening on your own.
Thurs.March1st–Day #11New Orleans, Louisiana(B, D) Drury Inn & Suites New Orleans Downtown
Rise and shine! Take time to enjoy your complimentary breakfast before check out at 10:00 a.m. Today’s drive to New Orleans will take us from Florida to Louisiana! We will make a lunch stop along the way (your expense) before arriving approximately 2:30 p.m. at the beautiful city-centre Drury Inn New Orleans Downtown Hotel. Enjoy the Collins Tours signature group check in service upon arrival. Explore the area (only minutes away from the French Quarter and Bourbon Street) or relax at the hotel. Make sure you make it back to Drury Inn for their signature “5:30 Kickback”, a complimentary assortment of hot and cold foods, free wine, beer and soft drinks and snacks! This service is provided free of charge to all guests and will happen each night of your stay here beginning at 5:30 p.m. Mingle with other guests and enjoy the fun and camaraderie that evolves during every group tour! After dinner, enjoy a free evening of exploring or relaxing.
Fri.March2nd–Day #12New Orleans, Louisiana(B, D) Drury Inn & Suites New Orleans Downtown
Today enjoy a heartyhot buffet breakfast (included) before we set out for our 4-hour professionally guided city tour of New Orleans! See the remainders of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, learn about the fascinating history and culture of the area from our knowledgeable guide and tour best areas of the city with a local! We will end the tour back at our hotel, leaving you with ample time to sample some Creole cuisine for lunch, if you wish! Afternoon is at your leisure in this beautiful city, and dinner tonight is provided, should you wish, at the Drury Inn’s “5:30 Kickback”. Enjoy a free evening relaxing and exploring more of this incredible city, with countless restaurants, boutiques, music venues, pubs and more, all within walking distance to our hotel.
Sat.March3rdDay #13New Orleans, Louisiana(B,D)Drury Inn & Suites New Orleans Downtown
Enjoy the day your way! Perhaps arrange a visit to one of New Orlean’s historic plantations or zoom past alligators aboard a motorized boat in the nearby swamps and bayous of Louisiana (on own-not included). If you wish to explore more of downtown New Orleans you are able to do so as well! Dinner tonight is included again at a local restaurant near by our hotel with fabulous cusine! Tonight will be a 3 course dinner included with a taste of the local culture! Spend the rest of your last night in New Orleans your way!
Sun.March4th– Day #14San Antonio, Texas(B, D)Drury Inn & Suites San Antonio Riverwalk
Today enjoy your last breakfast in New Orleans before we leave the hotel at 8:00 a.m. Today we will cross over from Louisiana into Texas! We expect a 5:00 p.m. arrival into San Antonio, with stops along the route including a 1-hour lunch break (your expense). You can go straight from the motorcoach into the Drury Inn & Suites San Antonio Riverwalk’s “5:30 Kickback” and once again enjoy complimentary hot & cold foods, snacks and beverages including beer and wine. This hotel is located on the Riverwalk and in the heart of everything so you can enjoy the most from San Antonio! Your tour manager will once again look after check-in, distribute your room keys and have your luggage brought to your room for you. The rest of the evening you are on your own and free to explore San Antonio from our fabulous hotel’s location!
Mon.March5th– Day #15San Antonio, Texas(B, D)Drury Inn & Suites San Antonio Riverwalk
Hot buffet breakfast is included again this morning before our 9:00 a.m. professionally guided 4-hour city tour of San Antonio, including a visit to the Alamo, the infamous site of the 1836 battle for independence between Texas and Mexico. Following our in-depth tour of the city with our local guide you will be dropped off at the hotel and have the rest of the afternoon and evening to explore the area. Be sure to stroll the picturesque Riverwalk, a mile-long promenade along the San Antonio River full of cafes, bridges, boutiques and restaurants. Dinner tonight is again provided at the Drury Inn during their “5:30 Kickback”. Enjoy the rest of the evening as you desire.
Tues.March 6th– Day #16 San Antonio, Texas (B, D)Drury Inn & Suites San Antonio Riverwalk
Enjoy a hot buffet breakfast included at your hotel. Today is a free day, spend the entire day your way! Explore more of the beautiful San Antonio and enjoy the pleasing temperatures March tends to bring in San Antonio! Perhaps make time for a dip in the heated rooftop pool & whirlpool tub? Enjoy one of the many restaurants along the Riverwalk or enjoy the complimentary “5:30 Kickback” at our hotel once again! Evening is at your leisure.
Wed.March 7th– Day #17 San Antonio, Texas (B, D)Drury Inn & Suites San Antonio Riverwalk
Enjoy your hot buffet breakfast again this morning and enjoy another free day to do as you please. Meet back in the hotel lobby for 3:30 p.m. for an included 2-hour river cruise tour along the San Antonio Riverwalk. Following your river cruise we have arranged a beautiful group dinner at a restaurant overlooking the San Antonio River, time and location TBA. Enjoy a 3-course meal with your fellow travelers as we enjoy our last night in this amazing city together (included). Rest of evening is at your leisure.
Thurs.March 8th– Day #18 Little Rock, Arkansas (B, D)Holiday Inn Express Little Rock Airport Hotel
Following an early hot buffet breakfast, we will depart San Antonio for Little Rock, Arkansas at 8:00 a.m. Today will be a longer than usual day of travel in order to make the journey home much easier during the following days. With several stops and a lunch break, we expect to arrive at the Holiday Inn around 6:45 p.m. We will check-in to our hotel and bring you for a late dinner included at a nearby restaurant (location TBA). Tonight enjoy the hotel and a well-deserved rest.
Fri.March 9th– Day #19 Lexington, Kentucky (B)Homewood Suites by Hilton Lexington
Today we travel at 8:00 a.m. from Little Rock, Arkansas to Lexington, Kentucky via Tennessee. Enjoy several stops along the way and a 1-hour lunchbreak. Tonight, we expect to arrive at approximately 6:00 p.m. and once again will bring you just after check-in to a nearby restaurant for your dinner (your expense).
Sat.March 10th– Day #20 Washington, DC(B)Hilton McLean Tyson’s Corner
After a delightful breakfast (included), we will check out and depart at 8:00 a.m. and make our way through West Virginia and Maryland into Virginia & Washington, DC. Again, there will be ample rest breaks and a lunch break (your expense) before our estimated arrival time of 4:30 p.m. The Hilton McLean Tyson’s Corner is a 4-star property with fine dining onsite as well as a beautiful indoor heated pool. Dinner tonight will be at a restaurant close to the hotel (your expense, transportation to/from included) or you can choose to dine at the hotel (not included).
Sun.March 11th– Day #21 Boston, Massachusetts(B,D)The Colonnade Hotel Boston
Today we will enjoy a gourmet buffet breakfast before making our way to Boston, Massachusetts with stops and a lunch break along the route. Leaving the hotel at 8:30 a.m., we expect to arrive in Boston around 5:00 p.m. The Colonnade Hotel is very well situated in Boston, directly across from the Prudential Center with a large variety of shopping. Tonight join your fellow travelers for another group dinner included. (Time and location TBA). The rest of the evening is at your leisure.