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This jukebox journey takes you from the home of Country music, Blues, and Rock ‘n’ Roll to the
multi-cultural melting pot of New Orleans - peppered throughout with the flavours of the South.
Experience a truly unique journey through Southern Splendour on America’s only authentic
overnight paddle-wheel steamboat! Steeped in history, nostalgia and tradition, the American
Queen offers an unrivaled all-American hospitality experience from its elegant staterooms to its
palatial public spaces. What better way to explore the rich music history and the flavors of the
South than by singing your way through with Sing Australia.
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Day 1 1 May 2015
ARRIVE NASHVILLE
Welcome to Nashville! Upon arrival at Nashville Airport, you are met
by your Tour Director and transferred to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is then free to relax and settle in. Later join
your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception, drinks and a pleasant
evening of dinner and wine.
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 2 2
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May 2015
NASHVILLE
After a restful night’s sleep, enjoy a leisurely morning before your fascinating
visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, full of memorabilia from
stars such as Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn and Garth Brooks.
Your exploration of the city’s rhinestone-studded past continues with a
backstage tour of Ryman Auditorium, the ‘Mother Church of Country Music.’
No visit to Nashville would be complete without a visit to the Grand Ole Opry.
Attend a live taping of America’s longest-running live radio program.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
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Day 3 - 3 May 2015
NASHVILLE - MEMPHIS
Today, travel from the home of Country to the birthplace of Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll. Visit Sun Studios
where some of music’s most iconic figured recorded. Walk in the footsteps of Elvis Presley, B.B. King,
Jerry Lee Lewis and see the studios where their music came to life. Later, enjoy a guided tour of the
Gibsonn Guitar Factory and discover the manufacturing secrets of the instrument giant. This evening,
join your fellow guests on legendary Beale Street for a dinner at Itta Bena, a 1920’s speakeasy-style
restaurant above BB King’s Blues Club.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast and local restaurant dinner
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Day 4- 4 May 2015
MEMPHIS
The following morning is devoted to Graceland, as much an object of pilgrimage as a museum
dedicated to the late, great Elvis Presley. From the painted signs outside the gates, see the effect that
Elvis and his music had on popular American Culture. On an audio tour, marvel at the Jungle Room,
the private jets, custom cars and walls full of gold and platinum records. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
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Day 5- 5 May 2015
MEMPHIS – EMBARK CRUISE
Today be welcomed aboard the only authentic paddle-wheel steamboat in America! Steeped in
history, nostalgia and tradition, the American Queen offers an unrivaled all-American hospitality
experience from its elegant statesroom to its palatial public spaces. Experience the on-board
opulence of a bygone age, tastefully fused with today’s modern amenities.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast and Dinner
The Cruise includes:
Complimentary shore excursions in every port
Complimentary wine and beer with dinner
Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks throughout your voyage
An array of sumptuous dining options including Southern inspired dishes by a
famed American chef.
Gracious service from a friendly all-American staff
Daily lectures by the Riverlorian, our onboard historian
Professional showboat-style entertainment nightly
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Day 6 - 6 May 2015
MISSISSIPPI RIVER CRUISE; Memphis
Board our hop-on hop-off steam coach for a narrated tour experience of attractions throughout
Memphis. Explore exhibits of the civil rights movement at the National Civil Rights Museum. Stop at
the museum that tells the story of the birth of rock ‘n’ roll and soul music, featuring seven galleries and
a digital audio guide at the Memphis Rock & Soul Museum.
Stroll among the three blocks of nightclubs, street musicians, retail shops, and live blues music along
Beale Street. Then, stop at the Peabody Hotel to view the famous Peabody Ducks as they parade
through the Grand Lobby at 11:00am. The last stop is at the Mud Island River Park where you can
cross the harbor into the park by monorail or by walking.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
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Day 7 - 7 May 2015
MISSISSIPPI RIVER CRUISE; Helena, Arkansas
Let gospel voices lift your heart, hear soulful Delta blues, and sample King biscuits
and sausage during an eventful day.
Our tour of this historic city begins with a drive through Cherry Street Historic
District.
An area so picturesque it was used in several scenes of “Walk the Line”, a 2005 Johnny Cash biopic.
Along the way you’ll find more treasures from the same film, including the The Malco Theatre as well
as several boutiques; The Delta Gypsy Caravan and the Cotton and Kudzu Mall. We’ll have the
opportunity to shop The Handworks Boutique, featured on “ABC World News Tonight.” Also, Gist
Music Company whose rare collectibles will transport you back in time.
Then, discover museums that beautifully represent the heritage of the 27-county region of eastern
Arkansas at the Delta Cultural Center. Then, stop at the Moore-Hornor House and the nearly fullsized replica of the Union’s Fort Curtis, rebuilt just a short distance from where it originally stood.
Our next stop highlights some of the most beautiful historic architecture in the region at the PillowThompson House. This late 19th century mansion has been beautifully restored and is a fine example
of Queen Anne Architecture. Our last stop is the Helena Museum and its eclectic collection of
artefacts from prehistoric times through the Civil War and on to the present.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
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Day 8 - 8 May 2015
MISSISSIPPI RIVER CRUISE; Natchez, Missouri
Step into the plantation lifestyle of the antebellum south in Natchez, site of
numerous restored mansions. Visit historic Jefferson College, or just amble down
the Natchez Trace.
Natchez is the centre of the Antebellum South. From Spring Pilgrimage to
Christmas, there’s no shortage of excitement in this small town as you tour the
antebellum mansions of Natchez, drink in the history and enjoy the entertainment.
Take a narrated tour of Stanton Hall which was built in 1857 and is considered the grandest of the
Natchez mansions. See the Magnolia Hall, Rosalie Mansion and William Johnson House. Also on our
route is Twin Oaks, the antebellum mansion of Regina Charboneau, the Chef de Cuisine of the
American Queen, and the Eola Hotel for shopping.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
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Day 9 - 9 May 2015
MISSISSIPPI RIVER CRUISE; St Francisville, Louisiana
This quaint town located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River is your window to
the past.
With over 140 buildings on the National Register, beautiful plantation homes
nestled in the rolling countryside, and bustling Main Street shops, you’ll find
plenty to keep you on the go in St. Francisville.
Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour: As you board your deluxe hop-on hop-off Steamcoach, you will turn onto
Royal Street where you may want to stop off at Grandmother’s Buttons, a Victorian button museum
and jewelry boutique, or the West Florida Republic Park. Visit the Old Market Hall, where you will see
art, jewelry, handmade items and music albums. When you reach Commerce Street, there are
several places for lunch, snacks, spirits, coffee and ice cream. Once you are refreshed, hop back on
the Steamcoach which will take you up to the Spring Creek Shopping Center. Finally, you will visit the
West Feliciana Historical Society Museum on Ferdinand Street and the Grace Episcopal Church.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
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Day 10 – 10 May 2015
MISSISSIPPI RIVER CRUISE; Baton Rouge, Louisiana
The capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge is the center of all the great things the state has to offer—
visitors delight in the seamless blend of past and present experiencing authentic Louisiana at every
turn. With its semi-tropical climate, the outdoors is tempting and the attractions abound. No wonder
this is one of the South’s fastest growing cities.
In Louisiana’s capital city, you will see something unique at every turn!
Begin your day with a tour for the military enthusiast at the USS Kidd, a
WWII Fletcher-class destroyer. You will also visit historic exhibits in the
adjoining Veterans Memorial Museum. Then, visit the Old Governor’s
Mansion, built in 1930 by Governor Huey P. Long as “Louisiana’s White
House.”
The next stop is the beautiful St. Joseph Cathedral, built in 1853. Next, walk through the
Main Street Market where dining options include down-home Southern cooking, sandwiches, salads,
Chinese, Greek and Lebanese. This is also a great opportunity to pick up Louisiana souvenirs. Then,
the loop will take us around Capitol Lake through Arsenal Park for a beautiful view of the current
Governor’s Mansion which was built in 1963, when Jimmie
Davis was Governor. Also included is a stop by the Old Arsenal Museum, which was built
in 1838 and used by the U.S. military during the Mexican and Civil Wars.
Tour the Louisiana State Capitol building, standing proud as the nation’s tallest capitol
building. Get a bird’s-eye view of the city and mighty Mississippi River from the 27th floor observation
deck. Next, stroll across the intricate Capitol Gardens and tour the Capitol Park Museum, a Louisiana
State Museum. Here you can step onto a simulated Mardi Gras float, discover the difference between
Cajun and Creole, and lose yourself in multimedia presentations.
For the art lover, your next stop is the LSU Museum of Art, located inside the Shaw Center for the
Arts and featuring a diverse art collection. Lastly, visit Louisiana’s Old State Capitol building, the 160year-old statehouse that has withstood war, fire, scandal, bitter debate, abandonment and the
occasional fistfight.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
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Day 11 - 11 May 2015
MISSISSIPPI RIVER CRUISE; Plantation Road, Louisiana
Experience living history through romantic antebellum mansions of the deep south.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
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Day 12 - 12 May 2015
DISEMBARK CRUISE - NEW ORLEANS
Disembark your cruise this morning. Then we join a local guide in the atmospheric French Quarter
and visit Jackson Square, originally called Place d’Armes when it was the centre of the old city. Wind
your way through the twisted paths of one of the “Cities of the Dead”, the above-ground final resting
place of pirates, politicians and voodoo queens. Then it’s out to the lovely Garden District, home to
one of the best-preserved collections of Southern mansions in the United States.
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 13 – 13 May 2015
NEW ORLEANS
After breakfast, get up close and personal with the rural side of the Crescent City as you board a boat
for a tour of the Honey Island Swamp to meet the resident alligators and other flora and fauna. Enjoy
some free time before this evening’s festivities - gather with your new friends and toast life-long
memories during a Celebration Dinner at a famous New Orleans restaurant.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast a local restaurant Dinner
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Day 14- 14 May 2015
DEPART NEW ORLEANS
Bid ‘Au Revoir’ to the Big Easy this morning. Transfer to New Orleans airport to your onward flight.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
What’s included on board American Queen
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Shore excursions in every port
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Complimentary wine and beer with dinner
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Complimentary cappuccino, espresso, specialty coffees, bottled water and soft drinks
throughout your voyage
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The family recipes of acclaimed Southern chef Regina Charboneau
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The only steamboat with multiple specialty dining options, all at no additional charge
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Gracious service from a friendly all-American staff
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Casual elegance abounds, no formal wear required
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Daily lectures by the Riverlorian, the on-board historian
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Professional showboat-style entertainment and dancing nightly
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Our own dedicated fleet of Steam coaches
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The most all-inclusive American river voyage
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The only authentic steam-powered overnight paddlewheel riverboat in America
What’s Included on tour
ACCOMMODATION:
Based on twin share in First Class hotels for 6nights and 7 onboard American Queen.
Hotels quoted are to be used as a guide only and are subject to availability and change at the time of booking. If
the quoted hotel is unavailable, we will secure another hotel in the same category as similar as possible.
Supplements may apply.
The quoted tour cost is based on Cabin category C which is an outside stateroom cabin with balcony
aboard The American Queen.
SIGHTSEEING:
Included as per the attached itinerary.
MEALS:
Included as per the attached itinerary.
TOUR DIRECTOR:
Services of a professional English speaking Tour Director throughout. Local expert guides where required & as
noted on the itinerary
SERVICE CHARGES
Tips to restaurants where a meal is included by Insight Vacations. Service charges and local taxes on services
provided by Insight. (Except local airport and border taxes)
TIPS AND GRATUITIES
Tips to Tour Director, Driver and local guides.
TRANSPORTATION:
Exclusive use of air-conditioned coach from Day 1 – 4 and 12 – 14 (subject to conditions). The remainder of the
tour will be as part of the American Queen cruise with other passengers.
Arrival and Departure transfers are based on one group arrival and one group departure transfer. Should
members of the group require transfers outside these times, they will have to make their own transport
arrangements.
DOCUMENTATION
Stylish Insight wallet containing the itinerary, hotel list, optional excursion list, and baggage labels.
PORTERAGE
One piece of luggage per person, in and out of hotels provided by Insight
TOUR COST
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Tour cost is $10,911 per person including international flights and all meals and activities
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The Single supplement is approximately $1128 additional for the land component only
To include the single supplement for the entire land and cruise itinerary is $4455
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Optional surcharge for Business class flights speak to Alycia at MTA Travel
listed in the itinerary. *
*The tour price is based on the above suggested hotel/room categories. It is subject to change due to
availability and increases in air fares and taxes.
The tour price is included hotel tax and hotel service charges as well as all gratuities during the tour
and cruise taxes and port charges.
A non-refundable deposit of $2500 is due at the time of booking. All deposits must be registered with
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the Sing Australia Head Office no later than Thursday 31 July.
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Final payment balance is due no later than the 30 of November 2014
Important Notes:
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All bookings are subject to the Terms & Conditions and reaching minimum attending
members. Prices are subject to change if minimum numbers are not reached.
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A ESTA visa waiver is required for Australian passport holders to enter the USA. This can
be applied for online and is $14 USD. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the
correct documentation and appropriate visa for your passport. This information will be
provided to you
Single Rooms and Rooming Arrangements
If a single room is required the appropriate single supplement will need to be paid. Alternatively, you
may wish to be asked to be paired with another single. Please advise if you are happy to be allocated
with another member.
Itinerary Changes & Tour Cancellation
The tour supplier reserves the right to vary itineraries should circumstances dictate, as well as cancel
or reschedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements, or circumstances
beyond its control. The advertised tours require minimum numbers to depart. Should these not be met
we reserve the right to cancel arrangements.
Transfers and Pre-Post accommodation
Transfers are included in the package for the group. Should you require something different then this
will be additional at your own cost.
Flights
International flights from Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane have been included in the
tour cost. However, this is subject to availability at the time of booking and taxes and airfares are
subject to change without notice and are also subject to the rate of exchange against the Australian
Dollar.
Flights from your home city to one of these capitals is at your own expense. Alycia at MTA Travel can
assist you with making these arrangements.
Insurance
Insurance is compulsory for this tour and Alycia from MTA Travel can assist with organising this for
you. We recommend Covermore for your Travel insurance and further information with prices have
can be provided to you. Note that insurance for the USA falls into Area 1 which is the most costly for
insurance and a group discount has been arranged should you wish.
Limitation of liability & travel participation agreement
Sing Australia, MTA Travel. or its agents shall not be held liable for (A) any damage to, or loss of,
property or injury to, or death of, persons occasioned directly or indirectly by an act or omission of any
other provider, including but not limited to any defect in any aircraft, watercraft, or vehicle operated or
provided by such other provider; and (B) any loss or damage due to delay, cancellation, or disruption
in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or
interpositions of any government or any subdivision or agent thereof, or by acts of God, strikes, fire,
flood, war, terrorism, insurrection, sickness, quarantine, epidemics, theft, or any other cause(s)
beyond their control. Participants waive any claim against Sing Australia, MTA and the tour supplier.
for any such loss, damage, injury, or death. Participants understand that the itinerary, schedule,
prices and services can alter without prior notice for any reason. Participants are solely responsible
for being in sufficient health to undertake the tour and for taking all appropriate medical precautions.
Sing Australia and MTA Travel strongly advises participants to obtain medical/trip and cancellation
insurance.