Newsletter June 2018 BURKHALTER TOURS Greetings Travelers! Y ippee, spring has sprung at last! For those of you who planned ahead, your summer and fall tours are just around the corner. Once again, things are changing here at Burkhalter Tours. We have added a new person to our staff, Kristen Anderson. She’s busy learn‐ ing the ropes, but she’s going to be a great addiƟon to our team. If you call and get Kristen, be sure to wel‐ come her aboard! As some of you are aware, Elaine has been out of the office on medical leave for several months. We’re hap‐ py to report she is doing beƩer, and is so grateful for all your good wishes. We’re hoping she’ll be back in the office soon. Kathy is edging closer to reƟrement, and once Kristen is up to speed, she is hoping to reduce her hours a bit more. Kelly is keeping us all on course! Check out the Ɵme‐sensiƟve tours on page 5. These highly sought‐aŌer tours are only open for booking for a very brief Ɵme, so call us right away if you’re interested! Elaine, Kathy, Kelly, Kristen PÙç: MùÝãÙ®Ý Ê¥ ã« IÄ EÃÖ®Ù Ι AÃþÊÄ Wed. June 20, 2018, 6:30p Burkhalter Office 6501 Mineral Point Rd Madison AƩend and learn more about this amazing desƟna- Ɵon and what we’ll be exploring on this wonderful iƟnerary! RSVP required. Please call 608/833‐1525 or toll free 800/556‐9286, ext. 260 or ext. 211 or ext. 252, or email [email protected]. Tour Spotlight: PÙç UPCOMING TOUR SHOWS PERU: MYSTERIES OF THE INCAN EMPIRE March 2‐18, 2019 ‐ including 3 nights in the Amazon Explore this country’s ancient past, learn about and experience its cultural heritage, visit spectacular ruins and enjoy its incredible scenic vistas. Embark on a naturalist‐guided canoe ride along the Amazon river during your three‐night stay at an eco‐lodge located within the Tambopata NaƟonal Reserve. Visit the bustling, modern capital of Lima, and discover its beauƟful colonial architecture, and then, contrast that with the ancient Incan capital of Cusco. Explore the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” Finally, spend three nights in Puno, on the shores of Lake TiƟcaca, where you will discover the world’s highest lake and learn about the naƟve peo‐ ple who live in the area. This is a bucket‐list tour you don’t want to miss! $4,899 from Chicago.
Transcript
News l e t t e r
June 2018
BURKHALTER TOURS
Greetings Travelers!
Y ippee, spring has sprung at last! For those of you
who planned ahead, your summer and fall tours are just around the corner. Once again, things are changing here at Burkhalter Tours. We have added a new person to our staff, Kristen Anderson. She’s busy learn‐ing the ropes, but she’s going to be a great addi on to our team. If you call and get Kristen, be sure to wel‐come her aboard!
As some of you are aware, Elaine has been out of the office on medical leave for several months. We’re hap‐py to report she is doing be er, and is so grateful for all your good wishes. We’re hoping she’ll be back in the office soon. Kathy is edging closer to re rement, and once Kristen is up to speed, she is hoping to reduce her hours a bit more. Kelly is keeping us all on course! Check out the me‐sensi ve tours on page 5. These highly sought‐a er tours are only open for booking for a very brief me, so call us right away if you’re interested!
Elaine, Kathy, Kelly, Kristen
P : M
I E A
Wed. June 20, 2018, 6:30p Burkhalter Office
6501 Mineral Point Rd Madison
A end and learn more about this amazing des na-
on and what we’ll be exploring on this wonderful i nerary!
RSVP required. Please call 608/833‐1525 or toll free 800/556‐9286, ext. 260 or ext. 211 or ext. 252, or email [email protected].
Tour Spotlight: P UPCOMING
TOUR SHOWS
PERU: MYSTERIES OF THE INCAN EMPIRE March 2‐18, 2019 ‐ including 3 nights in the Amazon Explore this country’s ancient past, learn about and experience its cultural heritage, visit spectacular ruins and enjoy its incredible scenic vistas. Embark on a naturalist‐guided canoe ride along the Amazon river during your three‐night stay at an eco‐lodge located within the Tambopata Na onal Reserve. Visit the bustling, modern capital of Lima, and discover its beau ful colonial architecture, and then, contrast that with the ancient Incan capital of Cusco. Explore the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” Finally, spend three nights in Puno, on the shores of Lake Ti caca, where you will discover the world’s highest lake and learn about the na ve peo‐ple who live in the area. This is a bucket‐list tour you don’t want to miss! $4,899 from Chicago.
SOUTH AFRICAN SAFARI ADVENTURE October 7‐18, 2018 ‐ 2nd departure! Experience the culture, history, wildlife and beauty of four south African countries on this once‐in‐a‐life me bucket‐list tour! Stay in beau ful park lodges and em‐bark on safari adventures in Kruger, Hwange and Chobe na onal parks in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Stand in awe at nature’s supreme master‐piece, Victoria Falls, and relax onboard a spectacular sunrise cruise on the mighty Zambezi River. If you s ll have some me, you might book an op onal three‐night extension to Cape Town. Call for a complete i nerary. $7,459 from Chicago (coach transfer from Madison).
ARGENTINA HIGHLIGHTS October 31‐November 9, 2018 From the cosmopolitan capital of Buenos Aires to the grand glaciers of Patagonia, this country has some‐thing to delight every traveler. In Buenos Aires, known as “the Paris of South America,” you’ll discover a city alive with European‐influenced culture, but the vibrant sounds and colors reflect its dis nctly La n vibe. World‐class museums, amazing architecture and lively night‐life await. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you’ll experience the incredible beauty of Bariloche, an im‐pressive se lement in the Patagonian Andes, and the spectacular scenery in Los Glaciares Na onal Park. You will be impressed by this amazing country, and its awe‐some beauty. $4,350 from Chicago.
ESSENTIAL BRITAIN October 5‐17, 2018 This exci ng tour circles Britain, including Lands End and Cornwall, and features considerably more me in Scotland than most UK tours. You’ll see: Prehistoric Stonehenge; Plymouth‐where you will follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims; the seaside resort of St. Ives in Cornwall; a stop in King Arthur’s Glastonbury; Jane Austen’s Bath; the Welsh capital of Cardiff and Brecon Beacons Na onal Park; the Roman city of Chester; the Beatles’ hometown of Liverpool; Wordsworth’s Gras‐mere; Viking York; and Shakespeare’s Stra ord. In Scotland, visit Gretna Green, Glasgow, Isle of Skye, Inverness and Edinburgh. $3,800 from Chicago.
NEW ENGLAND AUTUMN SPLENDOR October 6‐14, 2018 This terrific i nerary begins and ends in Boston, and travels to Kennebunkport, Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine—with a tour of Acadia Na onal Park; along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway in New Hampshire; Vermont’s Quechee Gorge; charming Stockbridge, Massachuse s and its wonderful Norman Rockwell Museum; Connec cut for rides on the Essex Steam Train and Becky Thatcher riverboat; and to Newport, Rhode Island and the fantas c Breakers Mansion. $3,339 from Chicago (coach from Madison).
Multi-Day Tours June 2018 ‐ P 2
$300pp air discount un l 6/30!
For more informa on, call 800/556-9286 or 608/833-1525—Kelly ext 211, Kristen ext 252, Kathy ext 260, or Elaine ext 261. For more informa on, call 800/556-9286 or 608/833-1525—Kelly ext 211, Kristen ext 252, Kathy ext 260, or Elaine ext 261.
BRANSON HOLIDAY November 14‐18, 2018 Branson is back—by popular demand, we are bringing back this holiday‐themed getaway! In addi on to six great shows, you’ll also ride the rails on the Branson Scenic Railway, enjoy a lovely dinner cruise on Table Rock Lake aboard the Branson Belle, and explore the Dogwood Canyon Nature Park on a guided tram tour. Live entertainment includes the Clay Cooper and Bre Family morning shows, an a ernoon program head‐lined by Daniel O’Donnell, and evening entertainment featuring the Hughes Brothers, the Du on’s, and the always‐hilarious Jim Stafford. $1,015 from Madison.
NATURAL WONDERS OF COSTA RICA February 9‐19, 2019 With its beau ful beachfront, lush rainforests, stun‐ning waterfalls, exo c wildlife, colorful plants and flowers, and welcoming people, Costa Rica has be‐come a top tourist des na on. This tour begins with a visit to Tortuguero Na onal Park, where you will cruise along the canals as your guide points out the nearby wildlife. Next, you will overnight under the shadow of Arenal Volcano, visit a Nature Park to see the local vegeta on and wildlife, and enjoy the hot springs in the area. Experience the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Re‐serve for its rich fauna and exo c birds. Conclude your tour with three nights at a terrific beachside resort in the Guanacaste region with lots of free me to soak up the sun and relax or explore the area with guided ex‐cursions. $3,299 from Chicago.
BEST OF AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND February 26‐March 14, 2019 Journey to the lands Down Under to experience Aussie and Kiwi hospitality! In Australia, cruise on the Great Barrier Reef, learn about fascina ng Aborigine culture, tour the cosmopolitan capital of Sydney, visit a sheep sta on and explore the ci es of Canberra and Mel‐bourne. In New Zealand, discover the lovely gardens and unique architecture of Christchurch, explore the spec‐tacular beauty of Milford Sound, learn about Maori culture and the geothermal landscape around Rotorua, visit the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, and tour amazing Auckland. This tour is too big for this small space—call for a brochure! $8,350 from Chicago.
TULIP TIME RIVER CRUISE WITH OLBRICH GARDENS April 11‐19, 2019 Explore the gorgeous spring gardens of the Nether‐lands from the perspec ve of a professional hor cul‐turist! Olbrich’s Jeff Epping will host this group as they visit the famous Keukenhof Gardens, explore Antwerp and visit its Botanical Garden, and travel to Brussels for their Floralia Exhibi on. The group will also have a private tour of some of Amsterdam’s hidden gardens and courtyards. In between garden visits, the group will enjoy meandering along beau ful rivers, stopping to visit charming towns and historic ci es. You’ll love the luxury and pace of river cruising! From $4,259 from Chicago.
For more informa on, call 800/556-9286 or 608/833-1525—Kelly ext 211, Kristen ext 252, Kathy ext 260, or Elaine ext 261.
GOURMET TUSCANY June 1‐9, 2019 If ea ng your way through the Tuscan Region of Italy sounds like a great idea, this is definitely the tour for you! Spend seven nights in one deligh ul hotel in Mon‐teca ni, and from there, venture out each day for a foodie adventure. Visit a bakery to learn about Italian bread‐baking, and a butcher to learn about cuts of meat. Take in two cooking classes, one focused en rely on desserts. Of course, your trip wouldn’t be complete without calling on local wineries and sampling their wares. Your scenic drives will be peppered with terraced vineyards, olive groves and chestnut trees. $3,049 from Chicago.
PORTRAIT OF POLAND June 21‐30, 2019 So many of our past travelers to Poland have expressed their u er delight in discovering this beau ful country with gorgeous landscapes, historic ci es with stunning architecture, and friendly folks happy to meet them! Explore Warsaw, a rich tapestry of European architec‐ture. Visit Gdansk, an important shipping port in north‐ern Europe and birthplace of the Solidarity movement. In medieval Torun, learn about its na ve son, Renais‐sance astronomer Copernicus. Colorful Poznan is one of the country’s oldest ci es, and Krakow, da ng back to the 7th century, is renowned as Poland’s most beau ful city. The tour also includes a sobering visit to historic Auschwitz. $3,510 from Chicago.
June 2018 ‐ P 4
5% off un l 12/31!
VIRGNIA’S INTERNATIONAL TATTOO April 23‐30, 2019 If you haven’t got the me or inclina on to go all the way to Edinburgh for their annual Ta oo, here’s a great alter‐na ve! Also renowned as one of the world’s great ta oos, this event is a thrilling, awe‐inspiring musical spectacle ‐ part parade, part theater, and some mes, part circus. Other tour highlights include: The Military Avia on Museum, home to one of the world’s largest private col‐lec ons of vintage WWI and WWII aircra ; the Norfolk Naval Sta on; the Douglas MacArthur Memorial; the Nau‐cus Na onal Mari me Center, where the U.S.S. Wiscon‐
sin is moored; the Norfolk NATO Parade of Na ons; and the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. $1,969 from Madison.
A WEEK IN BARCELONA May 4‐11, 2019 This is the third op on in our laid‐back “Week In” tours ‐ we did Week in London last year and Week in Rome this year. For 2019, we’ll be sending our travelers to this color‐ful, cosmopolitan city on the Mediterranean Sea. Barcelona is the capital and largest city in the Principality of Catalonia, the largest metropolis on the Mediterranean, and the sec‐ond most populous city in Spain. Like our previous tours, travelers on this i nerary will have an included overview tour of the city, including the whimsical architecture of Gaudi, but will plan the balance of their stay on their own. On‐site hosts can offer assistance and ps on ge ng around the city, and they can also get you booked on any guided tours of the area that you’d like to do. If you enjoy sightseeing on your own, but appreciate a li le guidance, this is a perfect op on for you! Call for brochure.
PARIS TO NORMANDY RIVER CRUISE August 16‐25, 2018 Join Tom and Lou Ann Colby for a trip that combines the unparalleled city of Paris with the stunning gardens of Monet’s Giverny, and the picturesque and historic region of Normandy. Gently cruise along the serene Seine River, past charming villages, castle ruins and lovely river‐side scenery. Choose from included excursions to Normandy’s landing beaches, a drive along the “Abbey’s Route,” where more than 100 abbeys once stood, an agricultural region where you can sample local special es, Rouen, where Joan of Arc lived and died, Van Gogh’s last home, and much more. From $5,110 from Chicago.
COLORADO ROCKIES, RAILS & NATIONAL PARKS September 9‐17, 2018 Ride the rails to see Colorado’s most spectacular sights! Three scenic train rides and five na onal parks are the highlights of this terrific nine‐day ad‐venture. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Rail is a deligh ul jour‐ney through the San Juan Na onal Forest. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is a drama c ride to the top of the fa‐mous mountain. Some of the most arres ng scenery in the en re country can be seen on the Royal Gorge Train. Also see Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, Arches and Canyonlands na onal parks! $2,999 from Chicago.
DOOR COUNTY GARDENS August 14‐16, 2018 Join Jeff Epping of Olbrich Botanical Gardens to discover the beau ful gardens of Door County! Stop in Oshkosh at the Paine Art Center to explore their lovely gardens and enjoy their Tiffany exhibi on. A er lunch, con nue to Sturgeon Bay and check in for a two‐night stay. Enjoy a tour at the Garden Door, the dis‐play garden for the Door County Master Gardeners, visit Meissner’s Nursery, and explore The Ridges Sanctuary. Addi onally, Jeff has the inside scoop on several private gar‐dens in the area and will arrange those visits. Last stop is for lunch and a tour at the Green Bay Botani‐cal Gardens. $728 from Madison.
If you want one of these, book it now!
KENTUCKY DERBY May 2‐5, 2019 If the Derby’s on your bucket list, join us for this three‐night stay near Louisville for the legendary race! Other highlights include: Dis llery and bourbon‐tas ng; Louis‐ville Slugger Museum; Hermitage Thoroughbred Nurse‐ry; special “Off to the Races” dinner party; Derby Day riverboat race; a chance to buy “the perfect Derby hat;” and of course, the big race where you will have 2nd level seats under cover. $2,298 from Madison.
OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY May 20‐29, 2020
Every 10 years, the people of Oberammergau perform the Passion Play as repayment for God’s Divine Interven‐
on, saving their ancestors from the Bubonic Plague. Other highlights of this tour include: Sightseeing in
Munich, Germany; a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspira on for Disney’s fairytale castle; and sightseeing
in Salzburg, Vienna and the beau ful Danube Valley. $4,959 from Chicago.
These tours are me‐sensi ve and seats are very limited—must be booked by August 27th. Call now!
Any of our terrific tours may also be booked through our equally terrific travel agents—call one today!
West Madison: 800/556‐9286 or 608/833‐5200 6501 Mineral Point Rd, Madison 53705 East Madison: 800/414‐7166 or 608/241‐7500 615A N Sherman Ave, Madison 53704 Fitchburg: 888/522‐4269 or 608/441‐0151 3050 Cahill Main, Fitchburg 53711 Oregon: 800/537‐0419 or 608/835‐8474 763 N Main, Oregon 53575 Stoughton/Chalet Travel: 800/733‐6970 or 608/873‐8133 226 S Forrest St, Stoughton 53589 Baraboo: 800/660‐8359 or 608/356‐4999 141 Third Ave, Baraboo 53913 Prairie du Sac/Travelog Travel: 800/242‐8457 or 608/643‐4599 180 Washington St, Prairie du Sac 53578 Brookfield/Olson Travel: 800/847‐5921 or 262/782‐0110 17550 W Bluemound Rd Suite 202 Brookfield 53045 Dubuque/Travel Headquarters: 800/383‐0563 or 563/588‐3456 2095 John F Kennedy Rd Suite 1 Dubuque, IA 52002
About Our Tour Listings Individual brochures including reserva on forms, complete i neraries and all terms and condi ons, are available for each of the extended tours listed in this news‐le er. Call or email to request a copy. Or, if you receive the newsle er electronically, you may simply click on the tour tle to go directly to the brochure for that tour. Prices shown are complete per person based on double occupancy, including accommoda ons, admissions, some meals, taxes and fees, and the cost of transporta‐on by air, motorcoach, train or ship.
Note: airfares are o en es mated and subject to change.
One-Day Tours June 2018 ‐ P 6
If you see this (L) or (D) a er the tour price, it means a meal
is included.
Arts & Gardens: Green Bay Botanical Garden John Michael Kohler Arts Center Wed, Aug 1 ‐ $95 (L) Join us for a fabulously colorful summer ou ng! Our first stop is a guided tour of the deligh ul Mi‐chael Kohler Arts Center in She‐boygan. In addi on to works from the local community and around the world, we’ll get a peek at the five ar st‐created public washrooms seen on the Travel Channel’s Most Extreme series. Then, it’s off to the Green Bay Botanical Garden where we’ll have a delicious gourmet deli lunch and a docent‐led tour, fol‐lowed by free me to wander the gardens on our own. Summer Shopping Adventure in Galena, IL Sat, Aug 11 ‐ $47 This summer’s shopping adventure will take us to the historic city of Galena, where you’ll love browsing through the 19th‐century down‐
town with more than 100 store‐fronts. Book a trolley tour if you’d like to learn more about the area’s history.
Brewers at Cubs Wrigley Field, Chicago Wed, Aug 15 ‐ $111 Cubs fan or Brewers fan, a trip to Wrigley is fun for everyone! Seats are in the Terrace Reserved Ou ield, sec ons 235+236.
Tootsie Oriental Theatre, Chicago Sat, Sep 29 ‐ $179 Yet another pre‐Broadway debut comes to Chicago! This deligh ul new musical comedy is based on the story by Don McGuire and Larry Gelbart and the Columbia Pictures movie. It is the story of Michael, a talented but difficult actor, who struggles to find work un l an auda‐cious, desperate stunt lands him the role of a life me. Charming, funny, and some mes heartbreaking, you’re sure to love this new musical interpreta on of the film!
For more informa on, call 800/556-9286 or 608/833-1525—Kelly ext 211, Kristen ext 252, Kathy ext 260, or Elaine ext 261.
Mama Won’t Fly Circa 21 Playhouse, Quad Ci es Wed, Oct 10 ‐ $115 (L) An outrageous race against the clock begins when Savannah Sprunt Fairchild Honeycu agrees to get her feisty mother all the way from Alabama to California in me for her brother’s wedding. The main prob‐lem: Mama won’t fly! Every conceiv‐able—and inconceivable—mishap than can occur does, in this madcap, four day journey.
Cedarburg Sweets & Treats Sat, Oct 20 ‐ $125 (L) Spend a lovely autumn day in this charming town with its historic buildings, quaint shops and restau‐rants. Enjoy a guided tour featuring wine and food tas ng. Wrap up your day with free me for shop‐ping!
Hamilton, An American Musical CIBC Theater, Chicago Wed, Nov 28 ‐ $270 This story of America’s Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton, has taken about all the awards Broad‐way can give, and changed it forev‐er! An immigrant from the West Indies, Hamilton became George Washington’s “right‐hand man” during the Revolu onary War and was the na on’s first Treasury Sec‐retary. Featuring a score that blends hip‐hop, rap, R&B and Broadway musical styles, this unique produc on has been hailed for being “highly inven ve and wildly entertaining.”
Holiday Bakery Tours Racine & Milwaukee Fri , Dec 14 & Sat, Dec 15 ‐ $120 (L) This tour of holiday treats was a huge success last year, so this year we’ve expanded to include a new tour of Racine’s ethnic bakeries as well. In addi on to stops to sample and shop for delectable desserts, you will also learn a li le bit about the history of these groups in Wis‐consin and their holiday tradi ons. A fun and tasty day out!
Hello Dolly! Oriental Theater, Chicago Sat, Nov 10 ‐ $180 This story of a scheming matchmak‐er took Broadway by storm last year, winning four Tony awards, including Best Revival of a Musical. Legendary actress Be y Buckley will play the lead role during the Chica‐go run.
Autumn Fes val Cra Fair Villa Park, IL Fri, Nov 16 ‐ $58 Year a er year, this cra fair is a hit with our travelers—you’ll get loads of great ideas for fall decora ng and holiday gi s! You’ll be amazed at the level of cra smanship displayed by ar sts from 30 states. You could meet a painter, po er, metal sculp‐tor, wood carver or jewelry‐maker as you stroll the displays. You’ll find a variety of styles, including tradi‐onal, country, contemporary and
B u r k h a l t e r T o u r s A t - A - G l a n c e
June 2018 Newsle er
Extended Tours Alaskan Adventure Jun 18‐Jul 01 closed Ci es/Castles of Bohemia Jun 22‐30 closed Geysers to Glaciers Jul 05‐14 request Cosmopolitan Europe Jul 12‐29 request Alaska’s Best Jul 14‐25 closed Best of Norway Jul 15‐22 request Alaska & The Yukon Jul 20‐Aug 01 closed Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer Jul 29‐Aug 05 sold out Alaska & The Yukon Aug 03‐15 closed Iceland: Fire & Ice Aug 08‐14 sold out Door County Gardens Aug 14‐16 request Normandy River Cruise Aug 16‐25 request Colorado Rockies, Rails & Parks Sep 09‐17 request Cape Cod & The Islands Sep 23‐29 sold out Balkans & Transylvania Oct 01‐14 request Essen al Britain Oct 05‐17 request New England Autumn Splendor Oct 06‐14 request South African Safari Oct 07‐18 request Argen na Highlights Oct 31‐Nov 09 request Branson Holiday Nov 14‐18 Natural Wonders of Costa Rica Feb 09‐19 ’19 new Australia/New Zealand Feb 26‐Mar 14 Peru: Incan Empire w/Amazon Mar 2‐18 new Tulip Time Cruise w/Olbrich Apr 11‐19 new Virginia Int’l Ta oo Apr 23‐30 new Kentucky Derby May 02‐05 new
A Week in Barcelona May 04‐11 new Gourmet Tuscany Jun 01‐09 new Portrait of Poland Jun 21‐30 new Oberammergau 2020 Sep 20‐29, 2020 new
One‐Day Tours Cubs at Brewers Jun 13 sold out Mystery Tour Jun 21 sold out Country Music River Cruise Jun 27 sold out The Cher Show Jul 07 sold out Oldies River Cruise Jul 18 sold out Hamilton Jul 18 sold out Shedd Aquarium Jul 21 sold out Arts & Gardens Aug 01 Summer Shopping‐Galena Aug 11 Brewers at Cubs Aug 15 Hamilton Sep 05 sold out Lake Geneva Lunch & Cruise Sep 14 sold out Tootsie Sep 29 Fall Foliage River Cruise Oct 03 sold out Mama Won’t Fly Oct 10 new Cedarburg Sweets & Treats Oct 20 Hello Dolly! Nov 10 Autumn Fes val Cra Fair Nov 16 Hamilton Nov 28 new Holiday Bakery Tour‐Racine Dec 14 new Holiday Bakery Tour‐Milw. Dec 15 new
