9 Days Central South Full-Experience Tour - Chicago - New Orleans - Tennessee (Buy 2 Get 1 Free)

The first day’s itinerary is for your reference only; the schedule is subject to change upon your arrival.
Fly from home to Chicago. For passengers arriving with domestic flights, please wait at Baggage Claim area; for passengers taking International flight, please wait at the Exit doors after retrieving your luggage. Tour guide will lead you to the meeting point.
For those guests who arrive at O’Hare meeting point before 3:00pm, you will receive an additional gift - free transportation to the Fashion Outlets of Chicago which features many shopping and dining options, there’s no complementary airport pickup and shopping option for Midway Airport arrival.
For passengers who arrive before 5:00pm, you are invited to join the night tour of Chicago at $25 per person. (*To arrange the night tour, it requires at least 4 guests enrolled.)

【Chicago Night tour】
Start from the Crown Fountain at Millennium Park, we will set off for Michigan Avenue where you can have a wonderful view of the Magnificent Mile in the night and take a walk alongside the Chicago River. The last stop will be the Michigan Lakeside with the panoramic view of the world-class city skyline of Chicago.

Hotel: Best Western or equivalent

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, or take an In-depth Walking Tour (in winter) through the underground Pedway system which connects numerous famous landmarks.

Hotel: Best Western or equivalent

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.

Hotel：COMFORT INN or equivalent

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.

Hotel：RAMADA PEARL/JACKSON AIRPORT or equivalent

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.

Hotel：LA QUINTA INN or equivalent

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.

Hotel：DAYS INN ATTALLA, BEST WESTERN or equivalent

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.

Hotel：CLARION INN, BAYMONT INN & SUITES or equivalent

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.). Lastly, we will head to the shopping outlet of the Bluegrass at Simpsonville with many named brands later of the day. Enjoy the low state sales tax.

Hotel：Ramada Louisville, Days Inn or equivalent

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.

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.)

Airport Pick-up:
1. Complementary airport pickup is provided 9:00AM - 9:00PM at O’Hare Airport. You may have to wait for other guests. No complementary pick-up service is available at Midway International Airport.
2. Paid 24-hour pick-up and drop-off service is also available for $120 per first two persons with $10 for each additional person.

Airport Drop-off:
FREE: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) - departures after 19:00
PAID: Midway International Airport (MDW) - departures after 19:00

1. Itinerary will be subject to traffic and weather. The sequence of the attractions might be changed according to actual and practical situation for better service.
2. In case of attraction closures (due to holidays or construction, etc.), tour guide may make some necessary changes to the itinerary accordingly.
3. This tour does not accept any City Pass or your own tickets for the attraction. Guests need to purchase admission tickets from tour guides.

1. If the weather condition, war, general strikes and other unforeseen circumstances interrupt the journey, our company reserve the right to rearrange the journey without refunding the tour fee.
2. If visitors cannot join the tour because of personal reason, the fee for hotels and transportation is not refundable.

The meals, attractions tickets, service fee ($8 per person per day), and any private costs (such as hotel telephone charges, laundry etc.)

East Coast & Canda Attraction Fee	Adult	Senior(62+)	Children(3-11)
Chicago Night Tour	$25	$25	$15
360 Chicago	$25	$25	$18
Chicago Cruise	$35	$32	$21
Chicago Architecture Walk Tour	$20	$20	$15
The Art Institute of Chicago	$25	$19	$Free (Under 14)
Chicago Theater	$15	$15	$10
Graceland (Elvis Presley Mansion)	$38.75	$34.90	$17 (age 7-12)/FREE (6 or under)
Oak Alley Plantation	$22	$22	$5 (age 6-12)/$8 (age 13-18)
Swamp Boat Tour	$27	$27	$16
New Orleans Night Tour	$25	$25	$15
Rock City	$22	$22	$13
Chicago Theater	$15	$15	$10
Dixie Stampede	$67	$67	$41.5
Kentucky Horse Park	$20	$20	$9 (age 6-12)
Purdue University	$10	$10	$7
Service Fee	$8/DAY