EXPERIENCE

“Thanks for the Memories”

OCTOBER 14-19, 2012

A Charity Tribute to the USO
· “The Sinatra Legacy” with the

Tommy Dorsey

Orchestra
· Bob Hope’s USO Show with

Andrews Sisters
· A tribute to the Glenn Miller

AAF Band

This is a world of entertainment at its best.  Return to yesteryear

with top musicians, famed orchestras, the comedy

of Bob Hope, the harmony of the Andrew Sisters, and the

Glenn Miller Air Force Band.  This is truly one tour you

don’t want to miss! The Bob Hope Spectacular USO

Experience.

This exclusive tour features the Bob Hope USO Show in

Virginia Beach. 2012’s most unique tour!  There will be

daytime sightseeing and three huge dinner events plus

much more!

Day 1 – Our tour departs from Birmingham, Al. with overnight accommodations along the way.

Day 2 – Enjoy an included breakfast at the hotel and depart for Virginia Beach, Va.

Check into our Oceanfront hotel for the next  four nights.

At 6PM we enjoy a candlelight seafood buffet featuring Steamed Seasoned Shrimp, “Catch of the Day” Baked Fish, and Southern Fried Fish Filets, Sliced Sirloin, Hush Puppies, Potatoes, salads, vegetables, drinks and desserts.

After a delicious meal, it’s time to sit back and listen to the Big Band sound of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra as they get the audience ready for the headline event:

“The Sinatra Legacy,” a special tribute to the music of Frank Sinatra.  The Ballroom Dance Floor is Open for your dancing pleasure, as our tribute artist performs “Come Fly Away With Me”, “The Lady is a Tramp,”  “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “My Way,”

The Frank Sinatra Act was chosen because of his musical fame during the 40’s and 50’s,

and because he had his own lyrics for our theme song, “Thanks For the Memories”.

Day3 – Today we get a close-up tour of the US Navy’s Master Jet Base, NAS Oceana.  Its home to almost 300 F/A 18 Hornet and Super Hornet strikefighter jets. Watch the awesome power of our military as these jets streak across the sky!  We’ll also have the unique opportunity to tour the Aviation Historical Park.

Next, we visit the National Maritime Center and tour the USS Wisconsin.  The largest battleship built by the US Navy.  Before leaving Norfolk, we visit the MacArthur Memorial.

Tonight a festive Dinner Buffet featuring Farm to Table traditional Foods from Virginia.

Pork Chops, Virginia ham, Pecan Crusted Free Range Chicken and all the sides.  You’ll not go hungry.

After dinner, this evening’s music tribute “New Jersey Nights”, “The Story of the Jersey Boys:  Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.  The lead singer plays a Frankie Valli in his 20’s and performs wonderful versions of “Sherry,” Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” “My Eyes Adore You,” and, of course, “Let’s Hang On” and “Oh What a Night”.

Day 4 –This morning, the Virginia Beach Military Aviation Museum to visit 65 military aircraft from WW1 and WW11.  Then we take our bleacher seats for “Swingtime in the Skies.”

But wait, there is a surprise before the show can start. An open-air antique, English Double Decker Bus sporting a banner for the Glen Miller AAF Band drives up with Bob Hope, The Andrew Sisters and the entire Glen Miller Band in WW11 uniform waving from the top of the bus.  Our celebrities and musicians join us for the “Swingtime in the Skies” Air-Show, featuring historic plans and music of the era with flyovers both Tri-planes and Bi-planes.

After the air show, we enjoy a Southern Style Cookout in the Hanger.

Time now to leave for the Sandler Center for the King Neptune’s USO Show.  This event begins with a  Welcome and a Ceremonial Big check Presentation by Bob Hope, travel partners and The Virginia Beach Convention Bureau to the Virginia Beach Area USO.  With ceremony completed our entertainers take over and we enjoy a nostalgic “Thanks for the Memories” evening with the comedy of Bob Hope, he Andrew Sisters, and a 14-piece orchestra that is a tribute to the greatest military band of all times; The Glenn Miller AAF Band.  The song list will include: “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “In the Mood,”

“Moonlight Serenade,” ‘The Army Air Corps Song” and many more. The show is a tribute to these performers who, more than any others entertained America’s Troops while they served overseas.

This afternoon, is yours at leisure.  Stroll the boardwalk, do a little shopping or just relax.

Tonight it’s a 1960’s Beach Party” with live music from a beautiful outdoor stage,

Hors d’ oeuvres, a dance floor and a cash bar. The theme is the movies and the music of Frankie & Annette, Elvis and the Beach Boys.  What a day!!

Day 5 – Today we travel across Virginia towards the Blue Ridge Mountains to Appomattox Courthouse.  We’ll see a 15-minute documentary at the Park Visitors Center.  Then enjoy a tour that will discuss the events surrounding the surrender of Robert E. Lee and the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia.

Across the mountain we travel to the National D-day Memorial at Bedford, VA.  This town suffered the largest per capita losses on D-Day of any American community.  The Memorial is an emotional experience, honoring the Allied forces that participated in the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.  Starting with an English Garden, then a haunting invasion tableau and a striking Victory Plaza, the Memorial stands as a very powerful and permanent tribute to the valor, fidelity and sacrifice of our Soldiers on D-Day.

We begin our journey home with an overnight stay along the way.

Day 6 – Return to Birmingham, Al. with many memories of our exciting, fun-filled, moving tour to Virginia Beach for the “USO Show Bob Hope Spectacular Tribute.”

Welcome Home!

Tour Includes:

5 Nights first class Lodging

6 Breakfasts

3 Huge Dinner Events

Seafood Festival Buffet

“The Sinatra Legacy” Tribute with the

Tommy Dorsey Orchestra

Andrew Sisters

Oceana Air Base Tour

Nautilus & USS Wisconsin

MacArthur Memorial

Welcome Dinner

“New Jersey Nights Music Show

Virginia Military Aviation Museum

“Swingtime in the Skies” Air-Show

Southern Style Cookout in Aircraft Hangar

King Neptune’s USO Show

Charitable Contribution to the USA

1960’s Beach Party

Appomattox Courthouse

National D-Day Memorial

Reserved Seats included

All taxes, tips & luggage handling

Roundtrip motor coach transportation

COST: $1,299 per person double

For Single rate add: $250

DEPOSIT:  $350 per person

Due with Reservations

FINAL PAYMENT DUE: July 12, 2012

For Reservations Call:

Connection Tours @ 205-822-7323

“America’s Great National Parks”

July 24 – 31, 2012

$1,460 per person double

ITINERARY:

Day 1: ARRIVE SALT LAKE CITY

Welcome to Salt Lake City, home of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.  Upon arrival meet your Tour Director and enjoy a Guided Sightseeing Tour, followed by a special Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant before checking into your overnight hotel.  (D)

Day 2: YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Leave the Wasatch Mountains behind as you travel north to Yellowstone National Park (A UNESCO World Heritage Site). A wonderland of natural beauty and geologic oddities are around each bend, from the steaming geysers and fumaroles to bubbling mud pots. Our explorations today will include thermal features of the geyser basins including Midway Geyser Basin and Fountain Paint Pots. Then witness an eruption of Old Faithful, the centerpiece of the park. After some free time to explore Old Faithful Village on your own, travel along the beautiful Madison River as you return to West Yellowstone and check in for an overnight stay.  (B)

DAY 3: YELLOWSTONE & TETON NATIONAL PARKS

Return to Yellowstone National Park and visit the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone this morning, a perfect picture stop with water cascading down and carving ever deeper into the canyon walls.  Next, enter scenic Hayden Valley and then travel south along Yellowstone Lake, where you will see an abundance of wildflowers and wildlife, elk, moose, deer, and maybe even a bear!  Soon you will be in Grand Teton National Park where you’ll see America’s youngest and most rugged mountains piercing the clouds in majestic splendor.  Stop for postcard photos of Jackson Lake, Mt. Moran, lovely Jenny Lake and more.  In the late afternoon, arrive in Jackson after an amazing day in the Tetons!  The evening is at leisure to explore this fun western town.   (B)

DAY 4: SNAKE RIVER – UTAH OLYMPIC LEGACY

This morning return to Grand Teton National Park for an unforgettable Scenic Float Trip on the Snake River. Your river guide will point out wildlife, explain the geology of the area and tell stories about local history and folklore.  Depart the rugged Tetons and travel south with a stop for lunch on own along the way.  Next arrive at Utah Olympic Park near Park City for touring the amazing facility that hosted events for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and continues to host World Cup events.  We will see the Nordic Jumps along with the Bobsled and Luge Track, which is the fastest ice on earth.  Continue to Utah’s second largest city, Provo, for overnight.  (B,D)

DAY 5: BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Travel along the westernmost front of the Rocky Mountains as we make our way to Bryce Canyon National Park, one of the most amazing and fascinating sights on earth.  You will stand on the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, where before you lays a city of stone cathedral spires, delicately tinted in shades of pink, red, and orange. In the late afternoon, travel to the town of Kanab, also known as “Little Hollywood” due to the many movies, television shows and commercials filmed in the area, for a two night stay.  The evening is free for dinner on own.  (CB)

DAY 6: GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

This morning ascend into the Kaibab Forest.  You will soon arrive at Grand Canyon National Park North Rim (A UNESCO World Heritage Site) for sightseeing. The North Rim receives one tenth the number of visitors compared with the more developed South Rim and thus provides a much quieter and more natural Grand Canyon experience. Later this afternoon depart the park and return to Kanab.  This evening join the group for a fun western themed dinner.   (CB,D)

DAY 7: ZION NATIONAL PARK – LAS VEGAS

Today you will continue your journey through color country to Zion National Park, Utah’s oldest national park.  Zion contains some of the most colorful deep canyons, sheer rock walls, and unique formations in all Utah’s plateau country.  After a break for lunch, continue traveling south over the Nevada border to the “Entertainment Capitol of the World,” Las Vegas! After checking into a downtown hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure to explore all that Las Vegas has to offer.   (CB)

DAY 8: LAS VEGAS DEPARTURE – HOME

Our adventure comes to a close this morning as we transfer to the Las Vegas Airport for your homebound flight. The tour is over but the memories are yours to keep!   (B)

Tour Features:

• 7 Nights, 10 Meals
• Salt Lake City Tour
• Yellowstone National Park
• Grand Teton National Park
• Jackson, Wyoming
• Snake River Scenic Float Trip
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Zion National Park
• Las Vegas
• Utah Olympic Park
• Fully Escorted

Cost: $ 1,460.00 per person double occupancy

FOR RESERVATION PLEASE CALL: Connection Tours, Inc.

205-822-7323 or 1-888-287-7328

October 11, 2012

$2,995 per person double

Thursday, October 11, 2012 • Depart

Our journey begins today with our trans-Atlantic flight to Venice, Italy.

Friday, October 12, 2012 • Venice/Mestre

Upon our arrival in Venice, we meet our coach and driver and travel to Mu-rano–a cluster of small is-lands connected by bridges and the center of the Italian glassmaking industry since 1291. But our destination today is fabulous Venice–La Serenissima, the “Serene One.” Built upon 117 islands, Venice is a mosaic of canals, plazas, fascinating markets, and chaos! D

Saturday, October 13, 2012 • Venice/Mestre

We begin our day in Venice with an excursion to St. Mark’s Square, including a cruise along the serpen-tine Canale Grande. Here we see the Bell Tower and the impressive St. Mark’s Cathedral. There is time in the afternoon to explore and shop in the famous mar-ket area around the Rialto Bridge or to enjoy a coffee and some people-watching at St. Mark’s Square. B/D

Sunday, October 14, 2012 • Montecatini Terme

Departing Venice, we now journey southward into the region of Tuscany, often described as the “heart of Italy.” Our home for the next four nights is Montecatini Terme. Situated between Florence and Pisa, the city is one of the world’s most famous health spas. Our sight-seeing today includes the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and a lunch break in Lucca–a Roman-style city surrounded by massive red brick walls. The rest of the day is free to relax and explore Montecatini. B/D

Monday, October 15, 2012 • Montecatini Terme

Today we drive to the Ligurian Sea, where we have an excursion to the Cinque Terre, a series of fishing villages. We begin with a boat ride along the sea, and then return by train and on foot, with a lovely stroll down Lovers’ Lane, a spectacular walk along the sea. These villages have a special character, as we observe the life of the fishermen and the abodes to which they return. B/D

Tuesday, October 16, 2012 • Montecatini Terme

This morning we have time free to explore Montecatini on our own. Early in the afternoon, we drive into Chianti country and visit San Gimignano with its thirteen towers. The main item on our agenda today, however, is the lovely city of Siena. A locally-guided tour of this fabulous Gothic city acquaints us with its sunken Piazza del Campo and the Duomo–perhaps the finest Gothic cathedral in Italy! Before returning to Montecatini this evening, we enjoy a wine-tasting dinner in the gentle hills of the Chianti countryside. B/D

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 • Montecatini Terme

Our entire day is devoted to Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance. We begin with a stop at the American Cemetery of Florence. Here we see the graves of thousands of GI’s who fell while fighting their way “up the boot” of Italy. Florence is home to the Duomo with its famed Baptistry, Giotto’s Tower, the Pitti Palace, the Accademia with Michelangelo’s incomparable David, and the Uffizi Gallery with the finest collection of paint-ings in all of Italy. We take time for exploring the sprawling San Lorenzo Leather Market and the shops

along the Ponte Vecchio. We return to our hotel in time to relax before dinner. B/D

Thursday, October 18, 2012 • Rome

This morning we continue in a southerly direction and enter the region of Umbria, where we arrive at its most beautiful town, Assisi. Here a local guide acquaints us with the life of Saint Francis and shows us the magnifi-cent Basilica di San Francesco where he is buried. We

drive on to Rome for our overnight. B/D

Friday, October 19, 2012 • Rome

Today we drive through the beautiful Italian countryside to Pompeii. Mount Vesuvius is an archaeological treas-ure trove and an insight into the ancient world. A local guide will take us through the ruins of Pompeii with ex-planations of how the city was before being destroyed

by the volcano. B/D

Saturday, October 20, 2012 • Rome

This morning we visit the Vatican City and St. Peter’s Cathedral, home of the Roman Catholic Church and the largest building in Christianity. Also included is a visit to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. We have free time to visit the city center in the after-noon. Dinner tonight is on our own. B

Sunday, October 21, 2012 • Rome

After breakfast, we con-tinue sightseeing in the Eternal City of Rome and see the glories of the Caesars. We be-come acquainted with the city that was the the city that was the birthplace for much of our civilization as we visit the Capitoline Hill area, from which we view the Roman Forum. We also see the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and more. Tonight will be a very special fare-well dinner at a Rome restaurant. B/D

Monday, October 22, 2012 • Return

Unfortunately, it’s time to transfer to Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport for our return flight to the United States. We return with memories of rustic towns, walled cities, the grandeur of Rome, (as well as wonderful ice cream and pasta), and a wealth of new friends! Wel-come home!

Tour Includes:

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

• Land transportation via private, deluxe air conditioned motor coach

• Accommodations (double-occupancy) in superior, tourist and moderate first class hotels

• Meals as indicated in itinerary

• Services of a professional tour guide throughout the tour

• Local step-on guides for city tours and major attractions

• Admission to all activities listed on itinerary

• Luggage handling of one piece per person at hotels

• Luggage strap and tags, name badge and trip journal

• All taxes and tips except as indicated below

NOT INCLUDED:

• Airfare and related taxes and fees (call for air quote)

• Meals not indicated on itinerary

• Beverages except with breakfast

• End of tour gratuity for coach driver and tour guide

• Items of a personal nature such as passport fees.

Passport must be valid for six months beyond return date.

• Optional insurance for health, baggage and cancellation.

(This insurance is available and recommended.)

COST: $2,995 per person double

Plus airfare.  Call for air quote.

FOR RESERVATIONS PLEASE CALL;  Connection Tours, Inc.

205-822-7323 or 1-888-287-7328

April 12, 2012

Welcome to the pride of the Southland! Join us for a scenic cruise down the Tennessee River on the Southern Belle Riverboat.   Celebrate Spring in Chattanooga.  Join us for this special cruise on the SOUTHERN BELLE RIVERBOAT.   Remember an era gone by, as you relax while cruising down the

lazy Tennessee River. Take in the majestic mountains on the third deck with a narrative telling the history of the area.  Or listen to the toe-tappin’ musical entertainment in the climate controlled interior main deck.  If you feel like dancing, then grab your partner and hit the dance floor.  Today our delicious buffet lunch will be The Belle’s famous People’s Choice Award winning Prime Rib with all the trimmings. What a wonderful day we’ve experienced!  Time now to board our coach for home.

Tour Includes:

*Roundtrip motor coach transportation

*Cruise on the Southern Belle Riverboat

*Prime Rib Buffet lunch

*All taxes

*Connection Tour Escort.

COST: $89 per person

Full payment  due with reservations.

Please make checks payable to: Connection Tours

FOR RESERVATIONS PLEASE CALL:

Connection Tours, Inc.

205-822-7323

8 Days – Fully Escorted

June – October, 2012

Glacier National Park, Banff, Lake Louise, Maligne Lake, Jasper Park, Icefields, Calgary.  This is one of the most spectacular and beautiful areas in the US. You’ll ride the “Red Jammers” on the Going-to-the-Sun Highway; take a Gondola Ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in Banff; ride across the surface of Columbia Icefield’s on an all-terrian ice Explorer. Awesome tour!!!

Call Connection Tours, Inc. for detailed itineraries and available departure dates.

Tour Features:

• Motor coach transportation from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
• First Class hotel accommodations
• Complete Sightseeing
• All-inclusive activities per itinerary
• Eleven meals
• Bottle water on coach
• Shopping Freedom
• Fully Escorted

COST: from $1,534 Person Double occupancy

DEPOSIT: $300 per person with reservations.

DATES:  June 1 – October 3, 2012

NOT INCLUDED:

*Airfare from home city

*Transfers to hotel

*Travel Protection Plan

FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES, AVAILABLE DEPARTURE DATES AND RESERVATIONS CALL:

Connection Tours, Inc.

1-888-287-7328

New England

8-day- Fully Escorted

May 29-October 21, 2012

You’ll visit all six New England states! Your tour begins in Boston, the “Cradle of Liberty”.  Then on to Plymouth Rock, Martha’s Vineyard, into Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Portland, Maine with return to Boston.

Call Connection Tours, Inc. for detailed itinerary and available departure dates.  .

Tour Features:

• Motor coach transportation from Boston to Boston
• First Class hotel accommodations
• Complete Sightseeing
• All-inclusive activities per itinerary
• Ten meals
• Bottle water on coach
• Shopping Freedom
• Fully Escorted

COST: from $1,344 Person Double occupancy

DEPOSIT: $300 per person with reservations.

DATES:  May 29 – October 21, 2012

NOT INCLUDED:

*Airfare from home city

*Transfers to hotel

*Travel Protection Plan

FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES, AVAILABLE DEPARTURE DATES AND RESERVATIONS CALL:

Connection Tours, Inc.

1-888-287-7328

8 Days – Fully Escorted

May 23 – September 25, 2012

Your western adventures begin when you arrive in Rapid City, South Dakota.  You’ll visit, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse. Next, enter Montana, “Big Sky Country” and visit Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.  Your journey takes you to Yellowstone National Park and the spectacular Grand Tetons in Jackson Hole Wyoming. Outstanding tour!

Call Connection Tours, Inc. for detailed itineraries and available departure dates.

Tour Features:

• Motor coach transportation from Rapid City to Salt Lake City
• First Class hotel accommodations
• Complete Sightseeing
• All-inclusive activities per itinerary
• Eleven meals
• Bottle water on coach
• Shopping Freedom
• Fully Escorted

COST: from $1,374 Person Double Occupancy

DEPOSIT: $300 per person

DATES:  May 23 – September 25, 2012

NOT INCLUDED:

*Airfare from home city

*Transfers to hotel

*Travel Protection Plan

FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES, AVAILABLE DEPARTURE DATES AND RESERVATIONS CALL:

Connection Tours, Inc.

1-888-287-7328

8 Days – Fully Escorted

April 14 – October 23, 2012

Grand Canyon,  Bryce, Zion and Lake Powell.  Spend an entire day exploring the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon, one of the seven  wonders of the world.  Take a boat cruise on Lake Powell, a Monument Valley  Jeep  tour, see the “Hoodoos” in Bryce and the geological showplace of sandstone cliffs in Zion. Spectacular!!

Call Connection Tours, Inc. for detailed itineraries and available departure dates.

Tour Features:

• Motor coach transpiration from Phoenix, Arizona to Las Vegas
• First class hotel accommodations
• Complete sightseeing
• All-inclusive activities per itinerary
• Nine meals
• Bottled Water on coach
• Shopping Freedom
• Fully Escorted

COST: from $1,374 Person Double occupancy

DEPOSIT: $300 per person

DATES:   April 14 – October 23, 2012

NOT INCLUDED:

*Airfare from home city

*Transfers to hotel

*$99 Travel Protection Plan

FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES, AVAILABLE DEPARTURE DATES AND RESERVATIONS CALL:

Connection Tours, Inc.

1-888-287-7328