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8-Day Central South Coast: Chicago, St. Louis, New Orleans and Great Smoky Mountains Gatlinburg

  • Highlights
  • Itinerary
  • Pricing
  • What's Included
  • Pick-up Location
  • Reviews
  • How to Book
  • Special Notes

Highlights

  • 1. the Ark Encounter theme park ----the largest timber frame structure in the world
  • 2. Travel across the Central US from North to South.
  • 3. Experience the distinctive culture of the Central and South US up close.
  • 4. Exclusive tours in Chicago Theater and Purdue University
  • 5. Chicago, New Orleans, and Tennessee
  • 6. Famous cities and spectacular natural landscape; music and equestrian events;modern beauty and pristine wildness; gourmet foods and shopping

Itinerary

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Day 1: Chicago City Tour

Summary of the Day:

This tour will show you the best of Chicago in one day. This is a world’s top architecture city with bold architectures. You will take a walk in the Millennium Park, a combination of stunning architecture, sculpture and landscape design located in the heart of downtown Chicago; you will see Cloud Gate, the impressive signature urban sculpture and one of the best public spaces that you can find on earth. Take a break at the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, one of the world's largest artificial fountains. Stroll around the Navy Pier, the former Navy training center, which is the most visited lakeshore park in central United States now. You will also take an exclusive tour of the Chicago Theatre, an exquisite French Baroque style theatre. Another stop is Michigan Avenue, the Magnificent Mile, where the Art Institute of Chicago, Grant Park, the historical Chicago Water Tower, shopping malls and boutique stores are located. To have the best view of this famous city, you will go up to the 360 CHICAGO which soars 1,000 feet above Lake Michigan and the city’s majestic skyline to offer the most breathtaking views of downtown Chicago, the lakefront and four neighboring states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. It newly presents an enclosed, glass and steel moveable platform that tilts outward 304 meter above the Magnificent Mile and safely holds up to eight visitors at a time, which will be another thrilling experience for whom like to challenge themselves. As the birthplace of skyscrapers, Chicago has a skyline bristling with skyscrapers. Chicago River flows backwards from Lake Michigan and is lined up with best architecture in town: the corncob shaped Marina City buildings, Trump Tower, Willis Tower and etc. Take our river cruise to enjoy the beautiful urban view of Chicago (River Cruise will be closed in winter)

1.Departure time: 8:00AM
2.Pick-up location: 207 W Cermak Rd. Chicago, IL 60616

Meals Included: Breakfast:None / Lunch:None / Dinner:None
Hotel: Best Western Plus O’Hare International South Hotel or similar hotels

Day 2: Chicago - Springfield - St. Louis

Summary of the Day:

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 which 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 Included: Breakfast:None / Lunch:None / Dinner:None
Hotel: Comfort Inn Festus or similar hotels

Day 3: St. Louis - Memphis

Summary of the Day:

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 Included: Breakfast:None / Lunch:None / Dinner:None
Hotel: Ramada Pearl/Jackson Airport or similar hotels

Day 4: Oak Alley Plantation - New Orleans Night Tour

Summary of the Day:

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 directed 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 Included: Breakfast:None / Lunch:None / Dinner:None
Hotel: La Quinta Inn New Orleans Veterans/Metairie or similar hotels

Day 5: New Orleans - Birmingham

Summary of the Day:

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 Included: Breakfast:None / Lunch:None / Dinner:None
Hotel: Comfort Suites Gadsden or similar hotels

Day 6: Chattanooga - Gatlinburg

Summary of the Day:

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 Included: Breakfast:None / Lunch:None / Dinner:None
Hotel: Clarion Inn & Suites West Knoxville or similar hotels

Day 7: Kentucky Horse Park -Ark Encounter

Summary of the Day:

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 Included: Breakfast:None / Lunch:None / Dinner:None
Hotel: Clarion Hotel Conference Center Louisville North or similar hotels

Day 8: Purdue University - Chicago

Summary of the Day:

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 master’s 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.
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 Included: Breakfast:None / Lunch:None / Dinner:None

Pricing

  1. Holiday Price/Person By Occupancy :

    1. The sequence of itineraries is subject to change without prior notice according to departure date, weather, traffic, etc.

    2. Two full-size beds per room, Usitour don't guarantee extra rolling/sofa bed for 3rd or 4th person, please contact front desk for availability;

    3.Some itineraries offer "Buy two get one free" or "Buy two get two free", which means three or four persons share one room freely; The third/forth person only needs to pay the theme park tickets included in the itinerary. The bus location is provided free of charge;

    4. Due to we reserve bus seats, no-show of third and fourth discounted customers incurs penalty fee, and the first and second customers should pay the fee to tour guide.

    5.We offer a "buy two get one free" or "Buy two get two free" . We reserve seats in advance for those who enjoy the discount. If someone who enjoys the offer does not participate in the group on the same day, the tour guide will receive a fine in cash when they get on the bus. 

    6.Children must be occupied when they are two years old (including two years old), and children under two years of age can be embraced by adults. If there is no seated child, there is no service charge.

    7.Except  the Illinois (Chicago Tour), the state law requires infants to use car seats, not adult embraces, if you want to take the tour with your baby no matter how old the baby is, please bring your own baby car seat.

    8.Please read carefully the content in "What's Excluded" section on tour's detail page,and directly pay the fee in cash to your tour guide.

 

What's Included:

7-night hotel accommodations
English speaking tour guide
Transportation via deluxe air-conditioned vehicle
Airport Drop-off
Taxes

What's Excluded:

Gratuities: Suggested $10 per person per day for tour guide and driver (Suggested $12 for ID=550,636533 ); $10 per person one way for airport transfer;

All Personal Expenses (Meals, Laundry, Phone & Travel Insurance, etc.);

All listing mandatory admission, please pay  when you make the booking or pay cash to tour guide;

All listing optional fee: Prices are reference only and subject to change without notice  in advance;

All other fees not show in "What's Included";

Guests are not allowed to use a City Pass and admission ticket purchased by themselves to join the sightseeing attractions included in this tour;
The arrangement for attractions included in this tour may be subject to slight changes depending on weather, traffic, politics, season conditions.
Admissions and optional tours (The following admissions and optional tours ticket prices are for reference only. The opening hours of the attractions are subject to seasonal adjustment. In case of closure, the tour guide will be adjusted according to the actual situation without prior notice.)
Subject Of Entry Adult/per. Child/per. Elder/per. Remark
Chicago
360 Chicago (incl. Tilt) $35.00 $25.00 (3-11) $35.00
Chicago Architectural Cruise $66.00 $54.00 (3-12) $66.00 (65+)
The Art Institute of Chicago $32.00 $26.00 (Under 14) $26.00
Chicago Theater $18.00 $13.00 (3-12) $18.00
Helicopter experience $89.00 $89.00 $89.00
Tennessee
Dolly Parton’s Stampede $84.00 $43.00 $84.00
Rock City $33.00 $22.00 $33.00
Memphis
Graceland (Elvis Presley Mansion) $49.00 $27.00 $49.00
New Orleans
Swamp Boat Tour $27.00 $16.00 $27.00
Oak Alley Plantation $27.00 $9.00 (6-12) $25.00 (65+)
New Orleans Night Tour $25.00 $15.00 $25.00
Michigan/Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio
Kentucky Horse Park $20.00 $12.00 $20.00
Purdue University Campus Tour $10.00 $7.00 $10.00
Ark Encounter $52.00 $17.00 $41.00
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Pick-up Location

  • 芝加哥
Time Location
08:00am
千禧公园游客中心, 芝加哥
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

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How to book

How to book:

Your purchase does not guarantee confirmation. Your purchase will initiate a reservation process. We will confirm with you via email within one to two business days.

Prices may vary due to availability. We reserve the right to make price adjustment without prior notice.

Please refer to our Customer Amendment, Cancellation and Refund Policy before you make reservation.

Local tour provider reserves the right to make modifications to tour arrangements including order of tour activities, hotel and its location if deemed necessary.

Booking process:
1. Place Order: Choose the departure date, pick-up location, number of adults/children, and tours or activities that you like, provide all required information and then place your order.
2. Complete Payment: You can pay with Discover, Master and Visa card, or with PayPal. Once you have completed the payment, you will receive a Reservation Form. The Reservation Form is not your voucher.
3. Confirm Order: Confirmation of your order will take up to 2 business days, depending on availability. If the tour you have chosen is unavailable or cancelled, we will offer you a full refund.
4. Get E-Voucher: Once your order has been confirmed, we will immediately send an E-Voucher to your email. Please read it carefully and keep it with you while traveling.
After You Book:

Immediately after submitting your reservation you will receive a Receipt of Reservation via email.

Within one to two business days of submitting your reservation you will receive a confirmation email from us. If you need to book an airline ticket, we recommend that you do so after you receive a confirmation of your tour reservation from us.

An E-Ticket will be sent to you via email as soon as details of your reservation are confirmed or your supporting information is received by us. We will provide you with all detailed information about your tour on the E-Ticket. Contact information for local tour provider will be included on E-Ticket for your convenience or re-confirmation purpose if re-confirmation is required.

Simply print your E-Ticket and present it with your valid photo ID on the day of your activity to your tour guide. Please remember E-Ticket is your proof of purchase.

Amendment/Cancellation/Refund policy

Once you receive your electronic travel voucher, your order has been confirmed. For any reason that you cannot attend the tour or desert the groupearly, there will be no refund for unused tours. All flights and hotel cannot be changed or canceled once confirm.

The specific amendment/refund criteria are as follows:
  • 1U.S. & Mexico travel packages
Cancellation Made Within Refund Policy
1-day tour Non-refundable
7 Days Prior to Departure Date Non-refundable
8-14 Days Prior to Departure Date 50% of payment is refunded
15-29 Days Prior to Departure Date 75% of payment is refunded (Mexico is 60%)
30 or More Days Prior to Departure Date 90% of payment is refunded
  • 2Alaska travel packages
Cancellation Made Within Refund Policy
1-day tour Non-refundable
10 Days Prior to Departure Date(including 10 days) Non-refundable
11-21 Days Prior to Departure Date 45% of payment is refunded
22-30 Days Prior to Departure Date 65% of payment is refunded
30 or More Days Prior to Departure Date 90% of payment is refunded
  • 3Hawaii travel packages (exclude Hawaii inter-island air ticket)
Cancellation Made Within Refund Policy
7 Days Prior to Departure Date Non-refundable
8-14 Days Prior to Departure Date 15% of payment is refunded
15 or More Days Prior to Departure Date 50% of payment is refunded
Tour package with "Once confirmed, no refund" notice Non-refundable
  • 4Canada travel packages
Cancellation Made Within Refund Policy
1-day tour Non-refundable
17 Days Prior to Departure Date Non-refundable
18-24 Days Prior to Departure Date 45% of payment is refunded
25-36 Days Prior to Departure Date 65% of payment is refunded
36 or More Days Prior to Departure Date 85% of payment is refunded

Surcharge for hotel upgrading is non-refundable

  • 4Yellowstone National Park travel packages
  • Please refer to "Cancellation and Refund Info" for individual tours.

  • 6European travel packages

Once the Europe Tour package orders and sends a "Tour Confirmation Form" or "E-voucher", no fees will be refunded. Cancellation of special circumstances will be carried out in accordance with the specific provisions of the "Precautions" in each route.

  • 7Australia travel packages
Cancellation Made Within Refund Policy
1-day tour Non-refundable
Air ticket included in the product Non-refundable
14 Days Prior to Departure Date Non-refundable
15-29 Days Prior to Departure Date 75% of payment is refunded
30 or More Days Prior to Departure Date 90% of payment is refunded
  • 8New Zealand travel packages
Cancellation Made Within Refund Policy
1-day tour Non-refundable
21 Days Prior to Departure Date Non-refundable
8-14 Days Prior to Departure Date 40% of payment is refunded
15-29 Days Prior to Departure Date 70% of payment is refunded
30 or More Days Prior to Departure Date 90% of payment is refunded
  • 9Africa travel packages
Cancellation Made Within Refund Policy
1-day tour Non-refundable
Tour package with "Once confirmed, no refund" notice Non-refundable
21 Days Prior to Departure Date Non-refundable
22-29 Days Prior to Departure Date 40% of payment is refunded
30 or More Days Prior to Departure Date 90% of payment is refunded
  • 10South America travel packages
Cancellation Made Within Refund Policy
1-day tour Non-refundable
Tour package with "Once confirmed, no refund" notice Non-refundable
7 Days Prior to Departure Date Non-refundable
8-14 Days Prior to Departure Date 70% of payment is refunded
15-29 Days Prior to Departure Date 50% of payment is refunded
30 or More Days Prior to Departure Date charge $200 penalty, the rest will be refund
  • 11Attraction tickets/ Show tickets/ Bus tickets
  • 12Cruise itinerary (any changes is deemed to be cancelled)
Cancellation Made Within Refund Policy
14 Days Prior to Departure Date Non-refundable
15-29 Days Prior to Departure Date 20% of payment is refunded
30-55 Days Prior to Departure Date 40% of payment is refunded
56-90 Days Prior to Departure Date charge $330 penalty per person, the rest will be refund

The Miami Cruise Line cancellation is subject to the cruise company rules

  • 13Reservation made 7 Days Prior to Departure Date
  • Reservations made 7 days prior to departure date are non-refundable if cancel due to personal reason, regardless of whether you have received the Confirmation Form or E-voucher.

  • 14Confirmed order
  • The following terms apply to the refund policy when canceling or changing a confirmed order

    (a) Reducing the number of travelers

    (b) Rescheduling tour departure date

  • 15Cancel amended order
  • If cancel the order that has been rescheduled tour departure date, refund policy will be applied to the original tour departure date.

  • 16Cancellation of free-fare passenger of "buy 2, Get 1 or 2 Free" offers (exclude Yellowstone National Park tours)
  • If cancellation of free-fare passenger(s) is made at least 10 days before tour departure date, the reservation will be subject to a $50.00 Amendment Fee. No-show or cancellation within 10 days will be assessed a penalty fee as amount of child price.

  • 17The specific amendment/refund criteria after receive Confirmation Form and E-voucher:
  • (a)If amendment is made at least 7 days before tour departure date, the reservation will be subject to a $50.00 Amendment Fee and any other surcharge.

    (b) You can fill the flight information one-time for free after receive Confirmation Form, and will be charge $50 Amendment Fee after.

    (c)If a tour is scheduled to depart within the next 7 days, we will not change a traveler's departure date and will not offer a refund.

  • 18How to Change/ Cancel a Reservation
  • Amendment or Cancellation must be made by filling out and signing the Usitour Amendment Request Form and Cancellation Request Form. Please email, fax or mail to us, and confirm of receiving by calling us. We will process your request within 7 to 15 business days.

    Email: service@usitour.com

    Fax: 626-768-3706

Special Notes

1. Usitour cooperates with top local tour operators and ensures the best quality of services to all travelers.

2. The sequence of itineraries is subject to change without prior notice according to departure date, weather, traffic, holidays, construction, etc.

3. Please ensure safety of your luggage always, especially in public areas. The tour operator or the tour guide cannot be held responsible for any loss of personal belongings.

4. Please bring valid documentation on travel date (passport, driving license, visa, etc).

5. No-show of third and fourth discounted passengers incurs a penalty fee, and the first and the second passengers should pay the fee to the guide.

6. National Park Pass / City Pass / Entry Tickets / Annual or Season Passes / Senior Pass (or) any admission tickets to attractions purchased on your own are not allowed on this tour. All mandatory / optional tour services, have to be purchased as instructed in the exclusions section.

7. Two full-sized beds per room. No additional bed for children, 3rd or 4th travelers. 

8. Tour is not wheel chair accessible.

9 Children at 18 or under 18 years old must be accompanied by a partner at 19 or 19+ years old.

10. We recommend that you book your flight ticket after receiving the confirmation e-tour ticket. After ordering the ticket, please return to our website tours.usitour.com “My Account” to fill in the ticket information for the guide to pick up the plane.

11. If the flight is late or delayed, please inform the pick-up personnel in time. We are not responsible for this issue affected due to your pick-up arrangement.

12. For the principle of fairness, the bus seats are rotated daily during the trip. Please cooperate with the tour guide to avoid unnecessary disputes.

13. For New Year's Day, National Day, Labor Day or other long weekend holidays, the group fee will be adjusted appropriately. Please confirm the price before booking.

14. In order to ensure that all guests can start the tour on time, please arrive at the pick-up location 10 minutes in advance, and we are not responsible for your expiration.

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