8-Day Chicago to Millennium Park, St. Louis, New Orleans, Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains and Ark Encounter Theme Park Tour
Tour Code: GOL-CHI-122
Duration: 8 Day(s) / 7 Night(s)
Tour Guide: Chinese, English
Quality: Budget
3%
Departure City
Destination
Return City
Overview
Experience: UNESCO, Family
Extra (Excluded): Wifi, Meal etc...
Tour Guide:Chinese, English
Special Dates
The Ark Encounter theme park ----the largest timber frame structure in the world
Travel across the Central US from North to South.
Experience the distinctive culture of the Central and South US up close.
Exclusive tours in Chicago Theater and Purdue University
Chicago, New Orleans, and Tennessee
Famous cities and spectacular natural landscape; music and equestrian events; modern beauty and pristine wildness; gourmet foods and shopping
- Hotel breakfast.
Itinerary
Experience the best of Chicago all in one day! This is a world’s top architecture city with fascinating architectures to discover. You will take a walk in Millennium Park, observe the Cloud Gate, and enjoy the spectacular view of the city from 360 Chicago!
Itinerary:
Millennium Park & Cloud Gate (20 mins) → Grant Park (10 mins) → The Art Institute of Chicago (Optional, 120 mins) → Chicago Water Tower (15 mins) → Michigan Avenue (30 mins) → Chicago Cruise (Optional, 75 mins, seasonal) → 360 Chicago (Optional, 75 mins, including Tilt)
We will pass by: Navy Pier, Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, Marina City, Trump International Hotel and Tower, Willis Tower Observation Deck
Special Notice:
Some of the sites may be closed due to the covid pandemic. Please follow your tour leader’s instruction. Your kind understanding and cooperation is highly appreciated.
Hotel: Comfort Inn O'Hare-Convention Center or Similar.
Attractions
The Art Institute of Chicago is an encyclopedic art museum. It features many different exhibits that are beautiful to watch. There are old master pieces there comprising of Asian art, Islamic art, Egyptian art and many more.
Chicago 360 located on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Center is an observatory which offers 360 degree views of the surroundings and up to four states are visible from up there. There is a skywalk and a coffee shop as well.
Chicago is one of the most popular cities of the United States and is visited by many people each year. One of the best way to tour Chicago is with a Chicago Cruise because with the help of a cruise people can see all the attractions of the city.
Grant Park is located in Kankakee county in Illinois, the park was established in 1883 and according to a census in 2010 the population of Grant Park is almost 1,331.
Refers to the street in the north-south in Chicago, The street runs at 100 east in the grid of Chicago, The Street’s northern end is at the Lake Michigan’s shore.
First, we will go south to Springfield, hometown of Abraham Lincoln and see his former home where Lincoln lived in for 17 years. Right behind his residence, there is the State Capitol of Illinois. Then we will head for St. Louis, the largest metropolitan area of East Missouri, which is well known for being the beginning point of the Westward Movement visiting its Gateway Arch and Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis.
Itinerary:
Chicago → Springfield → Lincoln Home National Historic Site (Outside Visit, 30 mins) → Old Illinois State Capitol (Outside Visit, 30 mins) → St. Louis → Gateway Arch (30 mins) → Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis (30 mins) → Hotel
Hotel: Comfort Inn Festus or Similar.
Attractions
It is a historically rich Cathedral which is primarily located in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is also referred to as Saint Louis Cathedral.
A 630-foot monument in St. Louis is a Gateway Arch. The world’s tallest arch located in Missouri is Gateway Arch. The pure stainless steel has been used to construct this arch.
The building that houses legislative and executive branches of US government is the Illinois Capitol. It has been built on the area of four hectares.
Refers to a historical site, where the famous American president Abraham Lincoln once lived precisely from 1844 till 1861. The site consists of Springfield and Illinois home.
Springfield, legalized in 1838, is a famous and the third biggest city in Missouri. It has multiple attractions for the visitors like live music, nightlife, fun, art and various festivals.
St. Louis is an iconic city situated parallel to Mississippi River. The city was constructed in 1960 and presents the arch view as its most prominent sight. Music, barbeque and clubs are its major attractions.
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. We will 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. Later, go to the hotel near Jackson.
Itinerary:
Hotel → Memphis → Graceland (Optional, 120 mins) → Hotel
Hotel: Best Western Airport Inn (Pearl, MS) or Similar.
Attractions
Graceland offers an exceptional experience that you have never experience before with any other entertainment complex. The complex has the most comprehensive and largest Elvis Museum, and Discovery exhibits showcasing El aspects. Graceland is a MUST visit attraction for any Elvis fan.
A 13.8-acre estate and home of the legend of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Situated in Memphis, Tennessee, it is currently a museum, a National Historic Landmark and also has name in the National Register of Historic Places.
An ideal location to enjoy music with food along the Mississippi River in Tennessee is called Memphis. The Rock’n Roll, Jazz and Blue are favorite music types enjoyed by people.
When we reach Oak Alley Plantation, a U.S. National Historic Landmark located at the west suburban of New Orleans. 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. After going to the hotel, it is recommended to take an optional New Orleans night city tour .
Itinerary:
Hotel → Oak Alley Plantation (Optional, 90 mins) → Swamp Tour (Optional, 90 mins) → New Orleans Night Tour (Optional, 180 mins)
Hotel: Sleep Inn & Suites Metairie or Similar.
Attractions
The New Orleans Night was an Arena Football League, it was founded 1991. People can also go on a tour of the stadium, that is what is meant by New Orleans Night Tour.
The western side of Mississippi River has a historic plantation with exceptional visual attributes, known as Oak Alley Plantation. The scenery, agriculture and architecture are the most remarkable attractions of the plantation.
Hope into one of the fan boats to get up close with the crocodiles, alligators and all the unique flora and fauna dwelling in the swamp ecosystem. You can see snakes, egrets, turtles, ibis and herons too and sometimes owls, hawks, and bald eagles. Apart from the animals, it offers some beautiful sceneries for your eyes as the boat goes deep in the swamp.
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. 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. Passing through Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama, we will head to Alabama State.
Itinerary:
New Orleans → French Quarter → Cafe Du Monde (Optional) → Royal Street → Bourbon Street → Jackson Square → New Orleans Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis → Birmingham → Kelly Ingram Park (30 mins) → Hotel
Hotel: Comfort Suites Gadsden Attalla or Similar.
Attractions
Bourbon Street, LA, this is a renowned French Quarter street and an ideal place to host birthday or bachelor party or even the girls night out. The Bourbon Street has the best bars, DJs, and endless celebration opportunities, besides being steeped in history and 18th-century beauty.
Café De Monde, LA is an Iconic New Orleans cafe popular for its café au laits, chicory coffee & beignets right from 1862. This is a favorite place for many to take a stop each time. This place is always noisy and crowded.
It is a historically rich Cathedral which is primarily located in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is also referred to as Saint Louis Cathedral.
The oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans is famous with the name of French Quarter. It is also known as Vieux Carre. It was established in the year 1718.
Jackson Square is essentially a historic park in New Orleans, in the 1960’s it was officially declared a National Historic Landmark and has remained a really popular tourist attraction.
New Orleans is a fascinating cities that are truly a unique melting pot of food, culture, and music. This is the most historically and culturally rich destination of America. It has plenty of place to stay, eat and things to do.
St. Louis is an iconic city situated parallel to Mississippi River. The city was constructed in 1960 and presents the arch view as its most prominent sight. Music, barbeque and clubs are its major attractions.
Leave for Tennessee, we will arrive Chattanooga and explore the magnificent Lookout Mountain by getting on top of Rock City. 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. 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.
Itinerary:
Chattanooga → Across Lookout Mountain → Rock City (Optional, 75 mins) → Gatlinburg (120 mins, You can go to Pigeon Valley to participate in the Dolly Parton's Stampede show at your own expense) → Hotel
Hotel: Clarion Inn & Suites West Knoxvill or Similar.
Attractions
There are many cities in Tennessee, the fourth largest of which is Chattanooga. According to a census in 2012, the city has an estimated population of 171,279 and is a nice place to visit.
Refers to the inclined plane railway statistically having 4 ft. 8 ¹⁄₂ standard gauge., The location of the Railway is at the side of the Lookout Mountain, the lookout mountain is located in Tennessee United States.
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. Later, arrive in Lexington, the "Horse Capital of the World", visiting its famous horse racing. At noon we will head towards the Ark Encounter theme park. In the evening, we will head towards the historic Findley Market to enjoy local food for dinner.
Itinerary:
Hotel → Kentucky Artisan Center (30 mins) → Kentucky Horse Park (Optional, 75 mins) → Ark Encounter theme park (Optional, 3 hours) → Hotel
Hotel: Best Western Green Tree Inn or Similar.
Attractions
Located in the Grant County at Kentucky, Ark Encounter is famous Christian fundamentalist and enthusiastic theme park which was open for public in the mid-year of 2016. The iconic Noah's Ark is famous tourist’s attraction among countless other similar attractions.
1. A working horse farm and also an educational theme park, Kentucky Horse Park is dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse. Lots of horse shows and some special events are hosted here throughout the year.
After seeing Indiana state house in Indianapolis from outside, we travel to Lafayette, where Purdue University is located. Then, we will back to Chicago.
Itinerary:
Hotel → Indianapolis → Indiana State House (Outside Visit, 30 mins) → The West Lafayette → Purdue University (Optional, 90 mins，Including Lunch Time) → Chicago
Attractions
Historical records tells us that Capitol city was relocated from Corydon to Indianapolis in the year 1825. The building was constructed in 1888 from precious materials like white oak and limestone.
The region of Indianapolis is recognized as the largest metropolitan of Indiana State. The city is located on the Midwestern's northeast central region. The city is also the capital of Indiana State (USA).
Purdue University was founded in 1860. Its main campus is located in West Lafayette, Indiana.It has the fourth largest population of international students among all universities in the United States. It provides over 200 major programs for undergraduates and more than 70 in masters and doctoral.
Located an hour drive from State capital Indianapolis, the West Lafayette City has a unique attraction from its attractions. West Lafayette houses the leading Purdue University, a wide number of museums, galleries, as well as the city is known to be the most populated in the entire US State of Indiana.
The order of itinerary may change without any notice depending on weather situations or for some other unforeseen circumstances.
The order of activities held during the tour is planned by the tour guide. So, it may be different from what is mentioned on the tour page. On fewer occasions, Tour Guide has to skip an attraction or few during the tour depending on weather, traffic, group interest or some other reason.
Some attractions are seasonal. So, when they are closed they will be replaced with some other attraction.
You can skip some optional activities during the tour and plan something on your own. Make sure that you coordinate with Tour guide and stay with the group with next activity. Please note you cannot stay on the bus if you skip some optional activity.
Probable hotel names are mentioned in the itinerary. It can be similar or a different hotel of the similar rating. Exact Hotel details can only be provided one day before the departure.
Maximum 4 people of any age can stay in 1 Room in the hotel.
These tours are conducted in a group. A group can have people of several cultures. We expect each person to coordinate with Tour guide to make sure things are on track.
Though attractions are optional but you have to at least take 2 attractions.
Pricing
What's Included
Most of the tours are carried out in air conditioned bus. A minivan can also be used depending on the number of people booking the tour.
Hotel Accommodation is included in tour.
This is a guided tour.
All Taxes are included.
What's Excluded
Dolly Parton's Stampede, TN Adult: $$80.09/Per Person, Child: $42.57/Per Person.
Rates could alter without prior notice.
Fee for all Optional Activities and entrance paid in cash to the tour guide. He will arrange tickets for the whole group. Some attractions might be closed on public holidays. Seasonal attractions will be closed after a certain time and itinerary will be changed based on it. Optional activities price may change or can be different as displayed on the website.
Guide will arrange meals and drinks when requested as they are not included in the package.
Daily Service charge for driver and the guide is $12 minimum per person.
Such expenses as telephone services, alcoholic drinks, beverages and laundry services which are private room services.
Services related to travel insurance.
Other personal expenses.
Important:We never encourage customers to purchase admission packages from outside sources and try using them in this tour with discount. If they do, they must arrange transport on the same day. If you skip some attraction, you cannot do it on your own. You can sit near the bus or visit some nearby place, but you will not be allowed to sit in the bus.
Attraction Prices
| Attractions | Adult | Child(2-11 yrs) | Senior(65+ yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ark Encounter, KY | $51.41 | $27.00 | $40.81 |
| Art Institute of Chicago, IL | $32.00 | $26.00 | $26.00 |
| Chicago 360, IL | $35.00 | $25.00 | $35.00 |
| Chicago Cruise, IL | $40.00 | $19.00 | $40.00 |
| Graceland (Elvis Presley Mansion), TN | $49.75 | $28.00 | $49.75 |
| Kentucky Horse Park, KY | $20.00 | $12.00 | $20.00 |
| New Orleans Night Tour, LA | $25.00 | $15.00 | $25.00 |
| Oak Alley Plantation, LA | $27.00 | $9.00 | $27.00 |
| Purdue University, IN | $10.00 | $7.00 | $10.00 |
| Rock city, GA | $32.05 | $21.35 | $32.05 |
| Swamp Boat tour, IL | $27.00 | $16.00 | $27.00 |
All the prices are listed in USD.
Any Amount paid in cash to the Tour Guide is not refundable.
Tour display price is based on double occupancy. It is the price each person will pay if a group of two is traveling.
Prices may change without any notice.
Prices include hotel accommodation, transportation and taxes.
Admission Tickets to different places and meals are NOT included in the tour price.
Mandatory Tip for tour guide and driver are NOT included.
Only the tour guide can purchase entrance tickets for you. Pre-purchased tickets are NOT acceptable.
There must be at least one passenger of 18 years for every booking made with GoldenBusTours. For Children between the age group of 2 to 14 years, a different price will be charged. Please refer to Child price on our pricing calendar. Child Age may vary between different bus operators. Maximum 4 people of any age can stay in 1 Room in the hotel. If the 5th person is infant you will be charged normally then with the second room as an expense.
Activities are optional though, but each customer has to participate in 2 activities at least. No city pass allowed. Some attractions are mandatory. Each customer has to take part in them and have to pay for them in cash.
Departure Location
Return Location
Important Notes
Arrive at departure location 10 to 15 minutes before the mentioned time to make sure you catch the bus on time. If in case you are late, the bus will not wait for you at the location and ultimately you will miss the entire tour (no refund in this case).
Return time on the website is just an estimation. Expect some variation always. Time may change depending on traffic and weather situations
There is a possibility that tour operator may use a shuttle to drop you off at the return location. It usually happens in the case of multiple return locations.
You can leave the tour at any place only after signing a Tour Departure Form for leaving the tour early.
Please note that price will stay the same even if you leave the tour early.
If you have booked a pre-tour hotel stay, then you will have to arrange your own transport from hotel to departure location.
If you have booked extra night hotel after the tour, then you will arrange transport from drop off point to hotel.
On West Coast tours some bus operators have a lot of departure locations. A slow start is expected on these tours.
Policies
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Determination of the time of cancellation will be done when the notice is received and confirmed by our office. You must make any notice of cancellation directly to GoldenBusTours by email or webmail at the Contact Us section.
Cancellation charges
⇒ 16 days or more prior to departure, 10% of the tour fees will be charged as cancellation.
⇒ 9 to 15 days prior to departure, 50% of the tour fees will be charged as cancellation.
⇒ Within 8 days prior to departure, 100% tour fees will be charged as cancellation.
Any Amount paid in cash to the Tour Guide is not refundable.
There is no refund for unused features. You forfeit the entire payment when you are a no-show on the departure date and unable to join the tour for any reason including COVID.
An add-on fee of 6% for handling fees is charged in addition to the above penalties. No matter what the reason for cancellation is, the processing fee will be deducted on each refund.
In order for there not to be a cancellation, a minimum number of participants are required. We reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip although every effort is made by us to ensure that normal operations are maintained. We reserve the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure with respect to operating requirements or circumstances beyond control. In case a cancellation is made at any given moment in time before departure, our only liability as GoldenBusTours will be to refund you the amount we received for the booking of the tour. We will try our best to re-book the same or similar tour if the future travel plan suits you. We are not responsible for any cancellation penalties that may have been incurred on any other travel arrangements like separate purchase of air tickets, visa cost, taxi fare etc. We are not liable for any other travel arrangements that have been affected as a result of the cancellations.
Note: More than 30 days after the completion of the tour, we cannot grant any refunds. Each Cancellation Request must be received in writing by email.
Cancellation and reschedule charges are applicable even if you are NOT able to take the tour because of visa rejection, COVID or any other serious issue. If you reschedule a tour and later decide to cancel it then cancellation charges will be applicable to the original departure date and not to the rescheduled one.
Reservation, Booking & Redemption
Terms & Conditions
Any travel service purchases indicate your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions set out herein.
You are advised to carefully read through and understand these Terms & Conditions before making your booking.
Tour Confirmation
You will get an email immediately once you place an order. Tour Confirmation usually takes 2, 3 days except for urgent order. Urgent orders can be confirmed in a day or even few hours, but we can’t assure success in these cases. On fewer occasions, some of the others may require a longer period of time for confirmation. You are advised not to book airline tickets unless you have received the confirmation.
E-Ticket (Mandatory to be on bus)
Your e-ticket includes complete operator information such as local telephone numbers at your destination. You are required to print the e-tickets and bring them along with you on the trip. They will be needed as proof of purchase.
Changes in Booking
You may incur a fee for any revisions or alterations made to the reservation when the booking has already been confirmed. Cancellation fees may be applied to things such as name changes or corrections. They may also apply to tour date changes or tour itinerary changes. Please note that no departure changes are permitted 72 hours before departure.
Changes in Tour Itinerary
We are continuously striving to improve tour itineraries and features. In the event of unforeseen circumstances that are beyond the control, we do reserve the right to vary the itineraries and to substitute hotels. Duplicate departures may operate during certain peak periods, sometimes in reverse order. As such, hotels may vary from those included on the itinerary pages.
Reschedule
If you want to reschedule your tour (change the departure date or choose a different tour) then a reschedule fees may be applied. No reschedule request will be entertained within 15 days before the departure date.
Cancellation and reschedule charges are applicable even if you are NOT able to take the tour because of visa rejection.
Pricing
1. One room can accommodate maximum 4 people. Even if you are 5 people including 1 month old baby you still need 2 rooms.
2. If you can carry your child up to 2 years of age then you do not need to book seats for him. It may vary from one tour to another.
3. Service providers hold the right to change the itinerary and hotel arrangements without any notice.
4. Child (0-9 years) and Single traveler going on the tour have special rates. These prices vary from one tour to another.
5. Meals and Attractions are not included. You can ask your tour guide to try to arrange the meal for you as per your requirements. For attractions, admission fees pay it to the tour guide on the tour.
6. Prices may change without any notice because of prices fluctuation in the market.
7. All prices mentioned on the website are in US dollars.
8. In Case of Bank Wire Transfer customer have to bear Wire transfer fee.
9. Tour package price is inclusive of taxes.
10. Tour Prices are every individual and in view of room inhabitance.
11. Final hotels booked may not be same as the one mentioned on the website.
Child rates are applicable for children between (0-12 years) of age. Parents are advised to bring car seats for the safety of their child.
Buy 2 Get 3rd discounted: Get 3rd Ticket on special discounted rates on the purchase of 2 tickets.
Responsibility
3. Before booking any tour make sure to go through every detail like tour itinerary, tour price, cancellation policy, reschedule and refund policies. Tour Guide will be Chinese and English or it can only be chinese based on the group size.
4. You should either bring a printed copy of your E-Ticket or bring it in your smartphone on the day of tour departure. You should also bring a valid photo ID along with your E-Ticket. In the case of any issues for not carrying E-Ticket or Photo ID GoldenBusTour will not be responsible.
5.Make sure to provide a valid phone number so we can reach you in the case of any emergency.
6. Please read all important notes, inclusion, exclusion section, terms and conditions, policies and below notes.
6a. Tour Operator holds the right to cancel the tour at any time depending on poor weather condition or some other unforeseen circumstances. However, GoldenBusTour will update its customers about the cancellation and shall not be held accountable for charges other than tour fees.
6b. Change in tour price will not affect any confirmed booking.
6c. Tour Operator can change the order of itinerary at any time without any notice.
7.You will be responsible for your travel documents during the tour.
8.Reach Departure location about 20 to 30 minutes before departure time. Unfortunately, no one will wait for you in case you get in late. The bus mostly has Bus Operator name and logo on it. Even if you are five minutes late and miss the bus then GoldenBusTours or Tour Operator will not be responsible. There will be no refund in this case. You will be charged 100% tour fee.
Reviews
Reviews
Atnesh
I came all the way from the United Kingdom to America just because my best buddies were willing to discover the good tourist destinations in the country. We hired this 8-day bus tour from our home online, it was stress-free. We joined the tour bus from Chicago city and then continue to various attractions of the city first including the Cloud Gate, Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, and the exclusive aerial views from the Chicago 360. The vibrant night culture of New Orleans was extraordinary. Thanks to the great tour that we explored the entire Chicago City which I later realized that it was one of the largest city in the America.
Kong
I could name all the amazing places we went to on this special bus journey. I would like to include the remarkable work of management probably because of the best-visiting sites as well the hotels. We browsed the Oak Alley Plantation, Springfield, Gateway Arch, Memphis Graceland, Great Smoky Mountains, and many others on the eight days of the trip. We had the best continental food, luxury hotels, and visited the top-notch sites. It the most recommended tour with full of enjoyment and entertainment.
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