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Morris Murdock Escorted Tours
 
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Nauvoo and Branson

From: 1299 pp/dbl occupancy


September 11-18, 2010
Hosted by Don and Annette Beesley


The combination of LDS church history, the pleasant autumn temperatures and the exciting, fun filled entertainment of Branson is only one reason to consider taking this inspiring tour.

Our 8 day experience is full up to the top with not-to-be-missed sites and shows. This will truly be a tour to remember and then REPEATED!



    Included:
  • 7 nights hotel accommodations
  • 6 Branson shows with prime seats (including Six, Andy Williams, The Brett Family, Red, Hot and Blue, Jim Stafford, and Shoji Tabuchi
  • Deluxe heated/air conditioned motor coach
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary at the end of each day (B,L,D)
  • Optional session at the Nauvoo Temple
  • Taxes & gratuities for meals and hotel

    Not Included:
  • Airfare from your home city. Group air available from Salt Lake City for only $275.00 per person. Other cities available.Please check GET A QUOTE for details
  • Meals not included in itinerary
  • Travel insurance starting at only $35.00
  • Items of a personal nature

    Payment Information:
  • Deposit of $250.00 due at time of booking
  • Final payment due July 28, 2010
  • Program based on a minimum of 25 travelers

    Tour Contact:
  • Wendy Fracchia
  • (800) 809-9910
  • Email Wendy


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Map of

Day One - Saturday - September 11th

Salt Lake City/ Kansas City/Independence/Liberty

 

This morning we will depart to Kansas City.  If you are not traveling with group from Salt Lake please plan to arrive by 1200n to meet the group at the airport.

 

We will have a lunch stop before we travel over to the Independence side of town and start our trip into this history of our faith.  Here we will explore Independence including the LDS Visitor's Center with its interactive exhibits that will help bring the area to life.  We will then visit the site that has been dedicated to a important future Temple.  We will also then visit the Community of Christ (RLDS) Auditorium and temple.  After a great Kansas City BBQ dinner we will check into our hotel for the night. (D)

 

Day Two - Sunday - September 12th

Liberty/ Far West/ Adam-ondi-Ahman/Nauvoo

 

Today we will get to spend our Sabbath at some very sacred sites.  Our touring today will begin as we drive to Liberty to visit the Jail and Visitors' Center. It was here during the winter of 1838 that the Prophet Joseph Smith was imprisoned for four and one half months and received the 121st and 122nd sections of the Doctrine and Covenants. 

 

As we continue on our next stop is the Far West Temple Site to see the corner stones that were placed and the plaques that explain the importance of this site. We will stop in Hamilton to pickup box lunches and then on to Adam-ondi-Ahman, where many significant events have taken place and where important future events will occur. 

 

After our stop we will continue on Hannibal, Missouri, where Mark Twain shared his love for this riverboat town and world.   We will board the Mississippi Queen river boat to we enjoy a dinner cruise on the Mississippi.. After a short drive up river we arrive in Nauvoo!! (B,L,D)

 

Day Three - Monday - September 13th

Nauvoo “The City Beautiful”

 

We will have our full buffet breakfast at the hotel this morning before we begin our adventure into Nauvoo-The City Beautiful.  We will start at the LDS Visitors Center where we can enjoy the tribute Gardens with its many statues honoring women.  We will view the new film Joseph Smith “Prophet of the Restoration” to get us ready to see the city our pioneer ancestors built from a swamp.

 

After a lunch stop we will continue our tour at the Joseph Smith homestead, the Mansion House, the Red Brick Store, the gravesite of Joseph, Emma, Hyrum and other family members that are buried there. We will have time to walk the “Trail of Hope” and read exerpts from personal diaries of the Saints. Your understanding will increase you read about the hard ships and struggles they went through.   Tonight the balance of evening is at your leisure.   This is a great time to take a walk down to the temple for some night photos. (B)

 

 

Day Four - Tuesday - September 14th

Nauvoo “The City Beautiful”

 

Our day begins with a morning Temple Session for those who would like to attend.  After the temple we will go back to the hotel to change our clothes and give you time to have lunch and shop.  We will then meet and drive to the old pioreer cemetery where you can see the names and headstones of those who made it to Nauvoo, but not on with the Saints into the Utah Valley. 

 

From here we will return to restored buildings of Old Nauvoo and you will have time to wonder around and visit the different homes and building that have been restored.  Places to make sure not to miss are Time and Seasons Office, the Browning Gun and Blacksmith Shop to only name a few and be sure to see the  homes of Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff and the Heber C. Kimball!!  Dinner tonight is at the famous Hotel Nauvoo, one of the best meals you will have on tour!

 

Following dinner we will enjoy a musical production called ‘Rendezvous' at the Cultural Hall before returning to the hotel for the evening.  (B,D)

 

Day Five - Wednesday - September 15th

Nauvoo/Carthage/Branson/SIX

 

We bid farewell to Nauvoo as we travel the old road to Carthage, where we will view the production of the ‘Life of The Prophet Joseph Smith,' that is shown exclusively at the Visitor's Center. At the conclusion of the production, we will tour the jail itself where the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were martyred.  You will never forget the feeling of love and sacrifice you feel as you enter the bedroom that door still shows the actual bullet holes from the attack that ended Joseph and Hyrum's lives.

 

Lunch will be en route and then on to Branson, Mo, America's #1 Entertainment destination in the U.S.A.  Dinner tonight will be at the famed Lamberts restaurant, "home of the throwed rolls", REALLY! 

 

To start off our Branson entertainment we will see the show SIX.  You won't believe what comes out of the mouths of this amazing vocal band. The group SIX is made up of six real brothers - Barry, Kevin, Lynn, Jake, Owen, and Curtis Knudsen. SIX uses only their voices to produce all the instrumentation, rhythms, and harmonics of band and vocals. The resulting sound is exhilarating and hip, and compares to the likes of "Take Six" or the "Nylons." SIX has received the prestigious Harmony Sweepstakes award and has won numerous CASA awards for their recordings and vocal arrangements. (B)

 

Day Six - Thursday - September 16th

Red, Hot and Blue/Jim Stafford/Shoji Tabuchi

 

This morning's show will be Red, Hot and Blue.  One of Branson's most-popular shows is now bigger, better and more exciting than ever before! These incredible entertainers sing and dance their hearts out in this fabulous high-energy, beautifully costumed production show featuring the timeless melodies you will absolutely love! Sit back and relax as the "Hardest Working Cast in Branson" takes you on a nostalgic journey back to the classic jazz era of the 1940's, the hilarious 1950's, the Rockin' 1960's, the disco flash of the 1970's and much, much more!

 

We will have a lunch stop and then the entertainment continues with the Jim Stafford show.  I hope you're ready to laugh because Jim will give you something to laugh about!  From the opening moments of his zany show you're in for an action-packed adventure and some incredible guitar playing, not to mention some deliriously delightful surprises that await you during his show. 

 

After dinner tonight, we will finish our full day with world famous Shoji Tabuchi.  You will get to meet all the Tabuchis - Shoji, his wife Dorothy, & daughter Christina - as you experience the blazing violins, stunning harmonies, and world-class choreography of this musical extravaganza. (B)

 

Day Seven - Friday - September 17th

Brett Family/ City Tour /Andy Williams

 

This morning we will spend with the Brett Family.  This fast-paced variety show is jam-packed with feel-good music including barbershop, 40's, 50's, 60's, country, gospel, patriotic, bluegrass and the best a cappella you'll hear in town. As an added bonus you'll love the hilarious magical comedy of Mike Bliss, and the exceptional talent of the Rise-n-Shine Band, comprised of award-winning musicians. 

 

After the show we'll get to see some of the spectacular sights this hidden city in the Ozarks has to offer.  We will have a lunch/shopping stop before we have dinner at McFarlin's and then tonight we will be thrilled to see the Andy Williams show!   Andy has put together an All-Star Variety Show which will feature up to six different variety acts that will be performing with him.  The show will be reminiscent of the variety shows that were aired on NBC years ago. Back then it was one of NBC's top rated programs.   (B,D)

 

Day Eight - Saturday, September 18th

Branson/Kansas City/Salt Lake City

 

After breakfast this morning, we will board our motorcoach to travel back towards Kansas City; but not before we make 1 final stop by Precious Moments Chapel.  Inspired by Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel in Rome, Precious Moments artist and creator, Samuel J. Butcher, designed and constructed the Precious Moments Chapel as his way of sharing the joy of his faith with the world, and it has become his crowning work. The Chapel is so much more than just a building, touching the lives of those who enter its doors with a sense of peace, hope, and promise since it opened in 1989.

 

After a lunch break we will continue to travel back to Kansas City.  Then fly home ready to share with friends and family all the fun you had and memories to last a lifetime.  If arranging your own air be sure to do your departure after 5pm.  (B)

 

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Welcome to the Tour!!

 

What to Expect

Morris Murdock will handle most of the tour preparations for you, however there are still a few things you should know and some details to take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind.  Please review the information below to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. 

 

Airline Information

Group Air Tickets

Where group flights are offered, tickets will be issued approximately 30 days prior to departure.  Morris Murdock Escorted Tours can assist with domestic flights from your home city to the designated international gateway city.  Electronic tickets will be issued where possible.

 

Air Tickets Purchased Independently of the Tour:

Please check with us for the arrival and departure times you need to plan your flights around so you meet up with the group at the airport.  Also we urge you to check airline cancellation penalties before purchasing airline tickets since departure times and flights can change. Tours may also be cancelled due to low enrollments. Morris Murdock Escorted Tours does not accept liability for cancellation penalties related to domestic or international airline tickets purchased independently in conjunction with a tour. We recommend that you check with us prior to purchasing any airline tickets.

 

Seat Assignments:

We understand that your seat assignment is an important part of your tour experience.  Each airline has a different policy regarding pre-assigned seat assignments and we are bound by their rules.  Morris Murdock Escorted Tours will advise the airlines of your seating preference and will do all possible to secure your seat request.  Please understand that in cases where pre-assigned seats are not available, seats will be assigned at the airport.  We recommend arriving at the airport early to ensure the best seat selection.

 

Frequent Flyers:

We will be happy to add your frequent flyer number to any airline reservation created by Morris Murdock Escorted Tours.  Please understand that we are unable to assist with securing reservations for free or reduced cost frequent flyer tickets.  Please contact your individual airline for assistance.

Airline seat assignments and flight schedules are subject to change without notice.

Baggage

Most airlines, for both domestic and international flights, now charge additional fees for checking bags.  These charges are not included in the tour price and are the traveler's responsibility.  Baggage handling is normally included in the tour price.

 

Transfers

Some tours do not include group air service.  In cases where the tour is designated as “Land Only”, the tour begins at the airport of the arrival city and ends at the airport of the departure city.  Individual flight schedules should be coordinated to arrive and depart in connection with the group transfer to and from the hotel.  The time of this transfer will be provided at a later date. Transfers at other times will require an additional charge.  Please contact us at  800-809-9910  800-809-9910 for assistance.

 

Passport Information

All participants traveling outside of the USA must be in possession of a valid passport during time of travel. Your passport number, date, place of issue, and birth date is now required by many foreign governments, airlines and trains, and may be required to confirm services.

Names on your airline tickets must match the first and last name listed on your passport. Your passport must be valid for six months after your return to the U.S.

If you need assistance obtaining or renewing your passport, please click here http://www.us.cibt.com/home.aspx?loggedin=45217-1027200963347

At no time will Morris Murdock Escorted Tours be responsible in the event you fail to obtain a passport or valid visa and are unable to travel as a result of it.

 

Weather

As it will be fall we recommend you dress in layers as the temp will change through out the day.  You will want to be prepaired for possible rain.   As you get closer to departure, you may wish to visit www.weather.com to find the most updated forecasts for your trip.

 

 

Temple Attendance

Attendance to the Nauvoo Temple is only voluntary and you must be in possession of a current recommend to enter the temple.

 

The Nauvoo Temple does rent clothing so you do NOT have to pack your own.

 

Travel Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance is available at an additional cost and is strongly recommended for ALL destinations.  This insurance will cover you in case you need to cancel a tour after final payment has been made.  Certain restrictions apply. 

 

Money

All credit and debit cards are accepted around Nauvoo sites and Branson as well as many ATM's for easy access to cash.

 

Packing and Clothing Suggestions

Your days on tour will mostly consist of walking, standing, and getting on and off the coach.  Please dress in casual clothing that can be easily layered for a change in temperature.  Comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles are a must.

 

It is also advisable to pack a change of clothing in your carry-on bag in case your checked luggage goes astray. 

 

The airlines allow only limited amount of liquids in your carry on luggage.  You should plan to follow the 3-1-1 rule which allows a maximum of 3.4 ounces of liquid; 1 quart sized plastic zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger.  Please see http://www.tsa.gov/311 for details.

 

Communication

Internet service is widely available in your hotels.   A nominal fee will be charged for usage.

 

Please check with your cell-phone provider for information on any possible roaming charges if you choose to take one with you. 

 

Time Zone

Nauvoo area and Branson is in the Central Time Zone

 

Gratuities

The tips for your tour escort and driver are not included in the cost of your tour and paid at your discression.  As a guideline it is suggested that you tip $3.00 per person/per day for your tour escort and 1/2 that amount for your bus driver.




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Don and Annette Beesley

Nauvoo and Branson Fall Escape

Don and Annette Beesley have traveled to many parts of the world and have directed tours for more than twenty years across the world. They enjoy visiting places and helping others discover the beauties and significance of those places. Don taught with the Church Education System for 38 years, 34 of those years being on the University Institute of Religion level. He taught at the BYU Jerusalem Center three different times. Don has a doctorate in education from the University of Southern California. He also has degrees from the University of Utah as well as Brigham Young University. Don and Annette have been married for 49 years. They are the parents of seven children and have twenty-nine grandchildren.



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