Notch Above Tours Vacation Guide

Welcome to our exciting roster of single-day and multi-day vacations for and beyond.

We are proud to be a Partner of Travel Alliance Partners, LLC. Thirty-seven of North America's premier tour providers have developed joint marketing opportunities. Each is a regional expert with new and unique itineraries. Each Partner operates under the highest standards for business ethics and product quality. Partners purchase products in a profitable fashion and pass the savings on to the consumers.

TAP partners have GUARANTEED the departures of 250 tours thoroughout the world. No longer will you have to have to worry about a trip cancelling. If a group falls a little short of their goal, no problem -- our partners will guarantee that the tour will operate. See all the tours listed below or request a printed catalog.

For all of Notch Above's scheduled tours, click on the by-the-month listings to the right, or simply scroll down through all the tours below.

All of the tours listed include round-trip luxury motor coach transportation unless the tour is via air service.
Vermont Discovery CruisesNotch Above Tours is the official sales agent for Vermont Discovery Cruises aboard the Moonlight Lady. Click here for schedule and cruise information or call: 802-863-3350.
All New Western SkyAdventure
Departs daily in 2012! Nine Day Vacation!

This Western SkyAdventure vacation promises freedom from the hassles of travel to insure a completely unique experience. By destination hopping via private planes through private airports, you have time to see and do more all at a price that is the same or lower than the average coach tour or independent fly/drive package. Priced from only 2,659.00 per person double occupancy!

Click a month [Mar] [Apr] [May] [Jun] [Jul] [Aug] [Sep] [Oct] for details, then call Notch Above Tours to make your reservation. All departures are guaranteed.

 
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January 2012

"Shrek The Musical"
Proctor Theatre, Schenectady, NY

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Shrek The Musical

Join us as we travel to a land far, far away! In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre - not a handsome prince - shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Throw in a donkey who won't shut up, a villain with a SHORT temper, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand and his name is Shrek. Enjoy a hilarious fun-filled musical as Shrek comes to the life on stage!

Details

Jan 29

"Shrek The Musical"
Proctor Theatre, Schenectady, NY

  • When: Sunday, January 29, 2012
  • Your Package Includes:
    • Reserved Orchestra ticket for the 2:00 pm show
    • Lunch before the performance
    • Fully Escorted
    • Round trip transportation on a luxury motor coach
    • Taxes
    • Per person: 185.00 cash or check/190.00 credit card
    • Special price for children 12 and under: 175.00 cash or check
  • Depart: South Burlington 8:00 am, Charlotte 8:45 am, Vergennes 9:10 am, Middlebury 9:30 am, Rutland 10:30 am
  • Return: Rutland 7:00 pm, Middlebury, 8:00 pm, Vergennes 8:20 pm, Charlotte 8:55 pm, South Burlington 9:45 pm

February 2012

The Addams Family:
A New Musical Comedy
The Shubert Theater, Boston

Sunday, February 19, 2012

The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy

The Addams Family is a smash-hit musical comedy that brings the darkly delirious world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and, of course, Lurch to spooky spectacular life. The Addams Family features an original story and every parent’s nightmare. Your little girl has suddenly become a young woman, and what’s worse, has fallen deliriously in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. Yes, Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has a “normal” boyfriend and for parents Gomez and Morticia, this shocking development will turn the Addams house downside up. Come meet the family. We’ll leave the lights on for you.

Details

Feb 19

The Addams Family:
A New Musical Comedy
The Shubert Theater, Boston

  • When: Sunday, February 19, 2012
  • Your Package Includes:
    • Reserved front mezzanine ticket for the 1:00 pm performance
    • Free time to have lunch on your own or shop at Quincy Market
    • Notch Above Tour Manager
    • Round trip transportation on a luxury motor coach
    • Per person: 199.00 cash/ 204.00 credit card
  • Depart: South Burlington 6:30 am, Berlin 7:15 am,
    White River Junction 8:30 am
  • Return: White River Junction 6:30 pm, Berlin 7:45 pm,
    South Burlington 8:30 pm

March 2012

NASCAR Tour
Subway Fresh Fit 500~ Phoenix International Speedway

Friday, March 2 to Monday, March 5, 2012

Phoenix International Raceway is, literally, like the mythical phoenix. The race track located just west of downtown in Arizona’s capital city rose from the ashes of a fire, started by a lightning strike, that burned down most of its main grandstand in 1987. The next year, however, Phoenix International Raceway came back from that sad day to begin a new era in racing in the Southwest. NASCAR’s Winston Cup Series, now known as Sprint Cup, made its first visit to the 1-mile oval in 1988 and Phoenix has been flying high ever since.

Phoenix International Raceway sits in the foothills of the Estrealla Mountains. Built in 1964, it first served as a desert oasis for American open-wheel racing. Indy Cars made 58 visits to Phoenix International Raceway, with great drivers like Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt and the Unsers gracing its Victory Lane.

While most NASCAR race names include either the distance in miles or the number of laps, the Subway Fresh Fit 500 is a little different. The 500 is actually for kilometers, one of only four NASCAR events measured in such a way. Last year’s race featured 100 kilometers more than it was run for its first five years, but who really cares about the exact distance anyway?

NASCAR Race Track

In its relatively short history since debuting in ’05, the Subway Fresh Fit 500 has produced some memorable finishes with victories by Ryan Newman, Mark Martin, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch. Phoenix International Raceway has a relatively small seating capacity for a NASCAR track – only about 77,000 .

Phoenix International Raceway's Fan Hospitality Package, The Budweiser Roll Bar, includes live entertainment, driver appearances, catered meals and snacks, beverage coupons (beer and wine), a custom beer garden area with appearances by the Budweiser girls, and games and prizes throughout the day.

Details

Mar 2

NASCAR Tour
Subway Fresh Fit 500~ Phoenix International Speedway

  • When: Friday, March 2 to Monday, March 5, 2012
  • Your Package Includes:
    • 3 Nights at the Chaparral Suites in Scottsdale- extra nights may be added see options
    • 3 full breakfasts
    • Allison Grandstand Tickets for the Nationwide and Sprint Cup races
    • Hotel/Track transfers in a chartered motorcoach both race days
    • Ticket Lanyard
    • All taxes and hotel fees
    • Per Person: 625.00 (Double Occupancy)
  • Options and Upgrades:
    • Weekend Pit Passes- 61.00 per person
    • Budweiser Roll Bar Nationwide day hospitality- 109.00 per person
    • Budweiser Roll Bar Sprint Cup day hospitality- 171.00 per person
    • Sprint Cup race day Half Mile Club hospitality- 200.00 per person
    • Weekend Scanner and headset rental – 39.00, second headset – 12.00
    • Weekend Fan View and headset rental – 61.00, second headset – 12.00
    • Extra nights at Chaparral Suites in Scottsdale – 94.00 per person, per night (Double Occupancy, includes a full breakfast)

Airfare:
Notch Above Tours will gladly arrange your air travel to and from Phoenix, Arizona and your hotel/airport transfers.

NASCAR Tour Kobalt Tools 400 ~ Las Vegas Speedway

Thursday, March 8 to Monday, March 12, 2012

Attend the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup stock car racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the most famous oasis in the desert. Las Vegas Motor Speedway located 15 miles north of Las Vegas. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series first ran there in 1996. The first NASCAR Nextel Cup series race was run in 1998 and won by Mark Martin. The Las Vegas Motor Speedway property also has a paved short track called The Bullring, a 1/2 mile clay oval dirt track and a drag strip on site.

NASCAR Race Track

Add a few extra nights to your stay to give you time to enjoy all that the Las Vegas Strip has to offer. Las Vegas is the ultimate American rags-to-riches story, filled with unusual heroes and foes. This 103-year-old saga follows the city through its incredible ups and downs, and highlights how and where some of the United State’s most monumental moments occurred. The largest American city founded in the 20th century took shape as a railroad watering hole before turning into the "Gateway to the Hoover Dam." From there, the town was known by its seedy mob label as "Sin City," before finally transforming into the corporately-financed adult playground called the "Entertainment Capital of the World." There are over 300 restaurants and 50 shows on the Las Vegas Strip alone.

Details

Mar 8

NASCAR Tour Kobalt Tools 400 ~ Las Vegas Speedwayy

  • When: Thursday, March 8 to Monday, March 12, 2012
  • Your Package Includes:
    • 4 Nights at New York, New York Hotel and Casino- extra nights can be added see options
    • Reserved section 1 or 3 Blue tickets for Friday's Pole Day, Saturday's Nationwide Race and Sunday's Sprint Cup Race in. Ticket upgrades are available see options
    • Hotel/Race Track transfers on an exclusive route through Nellis Air Force Base in private chartered motorcoaches for Nationwide and Sprint Cup races (Pole Day Transfers are on own) - The buses park for the day and are open and attended for your convenience up until about 1/2 hour prior to race time. Shop 'til you drop at the trailers and bring your purchases back to your bus before you go into the track.
    • Ticket lanyard
    • All taxes and resort fees
    • Per Person: 807.00 (Double Occupancy)
  • Options and Upgrades:
    • Section 2 Blue seats for all 3 days – 39.00 per person
    • Petty or Earnhardt Terrace seats for 3 days – 72.00 per person
    • Weekend Scanner & headset rental – 39.00, second headset – 12.00
    • Weekend Fan View & headset rental – 61.00, second headset – 12.00
    • Neon Garage Weekend Pass, includes pre-race pit access - 208 .00 per person
    • Saturday Only Neon Garage Pass – 120.00 per person
    • Sunday Only Neon Garage Pass – 142.00 per person
    • Extra Nights at the New York, New York- 61.00 per person, per night

Airfare:
Notch Above Tours will gladly arrange for your air travel to and from Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Philadelphia Flower Show
and Longwood Gardens

Friday, March 9 – Sunday, March 11, 2012
3-Days/2-Nights

The Philadelphia Flower Show and Longwood Gardens

Join us as we travel to Pennsylvania for the spectacular Philadelphia International Flower Show. View the amazing garden displays where exhibitors undertake the art of forcing trees, shrubs and perennials into bloom just in time for the show. This show is considered the premier gardening event of its kind in the world, due in part to the exceptional talent of designers and their ability to exhibit a great variety of exceptional plants. This year’s theme is Hawaii, The Islands of Aloha!

Day One:
Depart Vermont and being your outing to Philadelphia. Along the way we stop in Poughkeepsie, NY, where we pause for lunch served at the River Station Restaurant. After lunch we tour the Samuel Morse Historic Site. This 180-acre estate, designed for inventor of the telegraph, Samuel Morse, includes an Italianate villa designed in 1851 stately trees, rolling hills, picturesque views and gardens, situated on the highest bluff above the Hudson River. Enjoy a guided tour of the house that is furnished with extensive collections of American and European furniture and paintings. After the tour you are welcome to stroll through the property. Mid afternoon we continue on to Philadelphia where we arrive at our hotel early evening. Relax over a leisurely delicious served in the hotel.

Day Two:
After breakfast in the hotel, get ready to immerse yourself in bright blooms and sweet scents at the Philadelphia Flower Show. With towering waterfalls, waves of orchids, glowing volcanoes and dramatic landscapes, you will be carried away into the Islands. Explore the show at your leisure as you stroll among the exhibits, gardening presentations, spectacular flower sculptures and carousel topiaries.  With over 180 vendors of garden supplies, cut flowers, garden tools and more, the shopping is sure to be grand! Enjoy lunch on your own at the show’s concessions or take a break and have lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Return to the hotel late afternoon for a chance to relax and refresh before dinner. This evening savor the flavors of the “Old Country” when you step into this charming Italian restaurant. The selections and service are second to none!

Day Three:
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and prepare to check out of the hotel. Before we make our way back home we’ll complete our floral foray with a visit to Longwood Gardens. Explore the many varieties in the Conservatory and talk a walk outside to observe all the new shoots and leaves just waiting to burst into color. Have a snack or early lunch on your own at the Café in the Gardens.

Late morning we depart Longwood Gardens and travel toward Vermont with dinner and comfort stops along the way.

Details

Dec 30

The Philadelphia Flower Show
and Longwood Gardens

  • When: Friday, March 9 – Sunday, March 11, 2012
  • Your Package Includes:
    • 2 Nights accommodation
    • 2 Breakfasts
    • 1 Lunch
    • 2 Dinners
    • Admission to Morse Historic Site with guided tour of the mansion
    • Admission to the Philadelphia Flower Show
    • Admission to Longwood Gardens
    • Fully escorted
    • Baggage handling for one piece of luggage per person
    • Round-trip transportation in a luxury motor coach
    • Taxes
  • Pricing:
    • Per person cash or check:
      509.00 double occupancy / 469.00 triple occupancy / 452.00 quad occupancy / 654.00 single occupancy
    • Per person credit card:
      514.00 double occupancy / 474.00 triple occupancy / 457.00 quad occupancy / 659.00 single occupancy
  • Depart: South Burlington 7:30 am, Vergennes 8:15 am, Middlebury 8:30 am, Rutland 9:45 am
  • Return: Rutland 7:00 pm, Middlebury 8:00 pm, Vergennes 8:45 pm, South Burlington 9:30 pm

Disney on Ice Presents "Dare to Dream"
Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Disney on Ice Presents - Dare to Dream

Gather the family and join us for a spectacular experience as your favorite Disney characters come to life in Disney’s On Ice "Dare to Dream." Get tangled up as characters from the hit show Tangled Rapunzel and her unlikely companions, Flynn and Maximus, embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths! Boogie to the beat of the bayou with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen from The Princess and the Frog and see fanciful dreams that become reality as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming. All your favorite princesses take to the ice in a spectacular finale at the ultimate Disney Princess event of a lifetime!

Details

Mar 11

Disney on Ice Presents "Dare to Dream"
Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec

  • When: Sunday, March 11, 2012
  • Your Package Includes:
    • Reserved ticket in the Red Section for the 3:00 pm performance
    • Free time on your own to shop or have lunch in Montreal
    • Fully Escorted
    • Taxes
    • Round trip transportation on a luxury motor coach
    • Per Person: 121.00 cash or check/126.00 credit card/Child 12 and under 103.00
  • Depart: South Burlington 9:15 am, St. Albans 10:00 am
  • Return: St. Albans 7:30 pm, South Burlington 8:15 pm

NASCAR Tour Food City 500 ~ Bristol Motor Speedway

Friday, March 16 to Monday, March 19, 2012

Every NASCAR fan should experience a race at the "world's fastest half mile!" Bristol Motor Speedway always provides some of the best action of the NASCAR season.

Bristol Motor Speedway is the biggest little track in racing. The most popular venue in all of NASCAR, which was recently named one of the World's 30 Most Important Sports Venues by ProSport Magazine, has approximately 160,000 seats around the .533-mile concrete marvel and features an atmosphere that is completely unique to Thunder Valley. It is a race fans' track – they choose it every year over any other as their favorite – where there's not a bad seat in the house. At BMS, fans see all of the action all of the time. And there's plenty of action.

NASCAR Race Track

Race cars might go a bit faster at larger tracks, but there's not a driver in the sport who won't tell you the sense of speed during a 15-second lap at Bristol is as great as is at any track in the sport. There's one thing that's absolutely certain about the World's Fastest Half-Mile. When it comes to excitement, there's no other place like it. Put 43 cars in a bowl, add the intensity of thousands of excited fans and mix at high - extremely high - speeds. That's the recipe for a day, or night, of racing at Bristol. It is incomparable.

Enhance your race weekend experience with the Half Mile Club hospitality package, which includes entrance into Bristol Motor Speedway's exclusive Hospitality Village on Sprint Cup race day. Meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included along with a cash bar, Sprint Cup day track tour, NASCAR driver/celebrity appearances, gift pack with a souvenir program, entertainment, prizes and music.

Details

Mar 16

NASCAR Tour Food City 500 ~ Bristol Motor Speedwayy

  • When: Friday, March 16 to Monday, March 19, 2012
  • Your Package Includes:
    • 3 Nights at the Days Inn, Wytheville, VA- extra nights may be added see options
    • Continental breakfast daily at hotel
    • Ticket and track transfers in a chartered motorcoach for the Nationwide and Sprint Cup Races with preferred bus parking at the racetrack
    • Private Tailgate Party at the track on Sunday before the Sprint Cup race
    • All taxes and hotel fees
    • Per Person: 560.00 (Double Occupancy)
  • Options and Upgrades:
    • Sprint Cup race day Half Mile Club hospitality- 200.00 per person
    • Weekend Scanner and headset rental – 39.00, second headset – 12.00
    • Weekend Fan View and headset rental – 61.00, second headset – 12.00
    • Extra nights at the Days Inn, Wytheville, VA – 64.00 per person, per night (Double Occupancy)

Airfare:
Notch Above Tours will gladly arrange your air travel and rental car to and from the Bristol, Tennessee area.

"Jersey Boys"
It’s Time to Rock-n-Roll
Proctor Theatre, Schenectady, NY

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Jersey Boys - It’s Time to Rock-n-Roll

The 2006 Tony Award Winner for Best Musical continues as Broadway’s biggest success story. Follow the rags-to-rock-to-riches tale of four blue-collar kids, Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi, as they work their way from the streets of Newark to the heights of stardom. According to The New York Times, "the crowd goes wild listening to hits such as "Sherry," "Big Girls Don’t Cry," "Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, " "Oh, What a Night" and more.

Details

Mar 18

"Jersey Boys"
It’s Time to Rock-n-Roll
Proctor Theatre, Schenectady, NY

  • When: Sunday, March 18, 2012
  • Your Package Includes:
    • Reserved Orchestra seating for the 2:00 pm show
    • Lunch included at the Golden Corral before the performance
    • Fully Escorted
    • Taxes
    • Round trip transportation on a luxury motor coach
    • Per person: 203.00 cash or check/208.00 credit card
  • Depart: South Burlington 8:00 am, Charlotte 8:45 am, Vergennes 9:10 am, Middlebury 9:30 am, Rutland 10:30 am
  • Return: Rutland 7:00 pm, Middlebury, 8:00 pm, Vergennes 8:20 pm, Charlotte 8:55 pm, South Burlington 9:45 pm

Sugarin’ Time in Quebec
Sucrerie de la Montague

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Sugaring in Quebec

Join us as we welcome the sweet taste of spring with fresh-made maple syrup served in the ambience of a French Canadian Maple Grove. This sugarin’ time outing takes you to La Sucrerie de la Montagne, settled on top of Mont-Rigaud on 120 acres of a natural maple grove. In the essence of Quebecois heritage, enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride and watch the sap be boiled into maple syrup over wood fires.

Luncheon will be served in their 100-year old restored barns that recreate the atmosphere of a traditional family dining room. The luncheon menu features traditional, hearty Quebecois fare made like it was for decades and prepared in wood-burning ovens. Following luncheon, visit their country-style general store filled with artisan crafts and maple syrup products.

Details

Mar 31

Sugarin´ Time in Quebec
Sucrerie de la Montague

  • When: Saturday, March 31, 2012
  • Your Package Includes:
    • Admission to Sucrerie de la Montagne
    • Hearty luncheon
    • Horse-drawn sleigh ride
    • Time on your own to explore the farm and general store
    • Fully-Escorted
    • Taxes
    • Per Person: 109.00 cash or check/119.00 credit card
  • Depart: South Burlington 8:00 am, St. Albans 8:40 am
  • Return: St. Albans 3:50 pm, South Burlington 4:30 pm

April 2012

Nantucket Daffodil Festival
Friday, April 27 – Monday, April 30, 2012
4-Days/3-Nights

Nantucket Daffodil Festival

From early April to mid-May, over three million daffodils of every color, shape and size bloom on Nantucket. This blossoming is the focal point of the Annual Daffodil Festival. The Festival is a full-scale celebration of winter thaw; joyous for both islanders and visitors alike. Daffodils grace the island roadsides, gardens and shop windows with blooms of yellow, orange, white and even pink. Witness over 3 million blooming daffodils, an antique car parade, daffodil dog parade, daffy hat pageant, crafts and entertainment. So come along and enjoy spring!

Day One -Depart Vermont and begin your outing to Massachusetts. Along the way we stop at Faneuil Hall Marketplace to enjoy the many unique shops and street vendor’s carts and have lunch on own in one of the many eateries. Travel to Falmouth, MA for a guided tour of Spohr Gardens. This beautiful six-acre Cape Cod woodland garden is located on Oyster Pond and offers a magnificent display of thousands of daffodils and azaleas along with many woodland plants. This evening enjoy a traditional New England Clam Bake while overlooking Hyannis Harbor.

DogKids

Day 2 – After a continental breakfast at the hotel, embark on the high-speed ferry from Hyannisport to Nantucket, where you celebrate the beginning of spring at the Nantucket Daffodil Festival. Enjoy a guided tour of historic lighthouses, charming homes, cobblestone streets and meeting houses all bordered by daffodil-lined streets. There is time at leisure to explore Nantucket, take part in the festivities and have lunch on your own. Dinner will be in the quaint seaside town of Hyannis.

Day 3 - Following a continental breakfast at the hotel, take a morning tour of the John F. Kennedy Museum, a multimedia exhibit designed to open a window on the days JFK spent on Cape Cod. Next depart on a 2-hour Scenic brunch ride aboard the Cape Cod Central Railroad. This vintage train will take you past the many cranberry bogs, marshes and bridges along the Cape Cod Canal. Savor the flavors of a sumptuous brunch during your trip. Tour the Sandwich Glass Museum and watch molten glass, drawn from the furnace, blown and pressed into exquisite shapes. Your farewell dinner is served in one of Yarmouth’s finest dining establishments.

Day 4 - Enjoy a continental breakfast at the hotel before you check out and head home with spring fever. On the way stop, at the Christmas Tree Shops. Since the early 70’s these shops have been a must-see for bargain hunters. Lunch is on your own.

Details

Apr 27

Nantucket Daffodil Festival

  • When:
    • Friday, April 27 – Monday, April 30, 2012
      4-Days/3-Nights
  • Your Package Includes:
    • 3 Nights accommodation
    • 3 Continental breakfasts
    • 1 Brunch
    • 3 Dinners
    • Time to visit Faneuil Hall Marketplace
    • Guided tour of Spohr Gardens
    • High-speed ferry to Nantucket
    • 1-Hour locally guided tour of Nantucket
    • Visit the Nantucket Daffodil Festival
    • Admission to the John F. Kennedy Museum
    • Free time to explore Hyannis
    • Cape Cod Canal train ride with brunch
    • Admission to Sandwich Glass Museum
    • Time to shop at Christmas Tree Shops
    • Baggage service for one piece of luggage per traveler
    • Full-time escort
    • Round trip transportation on a luxury motor coach
    • Taxes (Note: Gratuities for full-time escort and driver are not included and are left at your discretion based on service.)
  • Pricing:
    • Per person cash: Double Occupancy 937.00/Triple Occupancy 874.00.00/Quad Occupancy 842.00/Single Occupancy 1213.00
    • Per person credit card: Double Occupancy 947.00/Triple Occupancy 884.00/Quad Occupancy 852.00/Single Occupancy 1223.00
  • Depart:
  • Return:
    • White River Junction 6:00 pm, Berlin 7:00 pm,
      South Burlington 7:45 pm

May 2012

The Pinnacle of Flower Shows:
The Netherlands’s Floriade 2012 and Britain’s Chelsea
Flower Show
Amsterdam, Venlo, Paris and London

Sunday, May 13-Wednesday, May 23, 2012
10 Days-9 Nights

Flower Show

Join us on a 10-day tour that includes Floriade 2012, the World Horticultural Expo. Held every 10 years in the Netherlands, Floriade presents the opportunity to enjoy the world's most exquisite and exceptional flowers, plants, trees, fruits and vegetables. This amazing trip also includes the Chelsea Flower Show, London and Claude Monet’s garden in Giverny.

Day 1: Departure
Board your overnight flight to Amsterdam.

Day 2: Amsterdam
Upon arriving in Amsterdam, meet your tour manager at the airport and transfer to your city center hotel. Relax and refresh before seeing the highlights of Amsterdam on a canal cruise and a visit to Anne Frank's house. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your co-travelers.

Day 3: Venlo
After breakfast in the hotel board your private coach and travel through the Netherlands to the Floriade. Your first stop is near Amersfoort, where you will visit a private garden. Then continue on to the Gardens of Appeltern, featuring more than 200 model gardens and the largest collection of plants in the Netherlands. In the late afternoon, arrive in Venlo, your home for the next three nights.

Lush Green

Day 4: Venlo
Enjoy the entire day to visit Floriade 2012, witness a cultural program of music, dance, literature, theatre and visual art from all over the world. Sustainable and pioneering architectural eye-catchers will be featured at Floriade 2012. Using all of your senses you can experience firsthand the influence horticulture has on the quality of our daily lives.

Day 5: Venlo
After breakfast, take an excursion to Belgium. Your first stop will be at Margraten to visit the American Military Cemetery. You and your co-travelers will place a floral wreath at the grave of the Unknown Soldier. Continue on to the private garden "de Heerenhof" in Maastricht. Also visit the Giardino garden sculpture gallery. This afternoon a local guide will take you on a tour of Maastricht, the oldest city in the Netherlands.

Day 6: Paris
Depart Holland and travel through Brussels and on to Paris. Upon arrival, meet a local guide and embark on a city tour. See the landmarks of Paris including the Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, the Eiffel Tower and the Cathedral of Notre Dame.

Day 7: Paris
This morning arrive in Giverny to view the gardens that the impressionist painter, Claude Monet, believed to be his greatest artistic achievement. See the inspiration for many of Monet’s paintings, particularly the lily pond and the Japanese bridge. In the afternoon return to Paris, where you will have free time to explore. This evening see the lights of Paris from a cruise on the Seine.

Day 8: Paris
Your day begins with a visit to the Musée d’Orsay known for having the best general collection of impressionist art in the world. View extraordinary paintings by Degas, Van Gogh, Gauguin and numerous other impressionist luminaries. A tour of a stunning variety of artisan gardens including the romantic Parc Monceau, the ultramodern arc André Citroen and Jardin d’Atlantique that is located on the roof of a train station! The rest of the day and evening are at your leisure to explore Paris’ many treasures.

House and Garden

Day 9: London
After breakfast this morning, travel on the Eurostar from Paris to Waterloo Station in London. The Eurostar speeds you through the Channel Tunnel ("Chunnel"), one of Europe's biggest infrastructure projects and an amazing feat of engineering. The 15-billion dollar Chunnel makes the age-old dream of a ground link between Great Britain and continental Europe a reality for the first time since the Ice Ages. Its length is 31 miles, of which 23 miles are underwater. After free time for lunch, join a local guide for a city tour. Highlights include Big Ben, Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Piccadilly Circus and the Tower of London, including the Crown Jewels.

Day 10: London
Today you have the opportunity to visit the best of the Royal Horticultural Society’s shows, the Chelsea Flower Show. A catwalk of color and creativity, the brightest new ideas, the latest trends and the pinnacle of design makes this show the one the world wants to see. This evening reflect on your garden wonderland at a farewell dinner.

Day 11: Return
Your trip comes to an end today as you board your return flight home.

Details

May 13

The Pinnacle of Flower Shows:
The Netherlands’s Floriade 2012 and Britain’s Chelsea
Flower Show
Amsterdam, Venlo, Paris and London

  • When: Sunday, May 13-Wednesday, May 23, 2012
    10 Days-9 Nights
  • Your Package Includes:
    • 9 Nights accommodation
    • 9 Breakfasts
    • 3 Lunches
    • 5 Dinners
    • Admission to attractions listed above as included
    • Local step-on guides for city tours and major attractions
    • Services of a full-time tour manager
    • Baggage handling for one piece of luggage per person
    • Intra-tour transportation on a luxury motor coach
    • Taxes and gratuities (Tour Manager and Coach Driver gratuity is not included and is at your discretion based on service)
    • Per Person: 2,999.00/double occupancy, 3,774.00/single occupancy

Notch Above Tours will gladly arrange air transportation for you. Please call for itineraries and prices.

June 2012

Beauty and the Beast
Boston Opera House

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Beauty and the Beast, Boston Opera House

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he will be doomed for all eternity.

Details

Jun 3

Beauty and the Beast
Boston Opera House

  • When: Sunday, June 3, 2012
  • Your Package Includes:
    • Reserved ticket for the 1:00 pm performance
    • Free time to have lunch on your own or shop at Quincy Market
    • Notch Above Tour Manager
    • Round trip transportation on a luxury motor coach
    • Taxes and gratuities
    • Per person: 198.00 cash/ 203.00 credit card
  • Depart: South Burlington 6:30 am, Berlin 7:15 am,
    White River Junction 8:30 am
  • Return: White River Junction 6:30 pm, Berlin 7:45 pm,
    South Burlington 8:30 pm

Neil Diamond
"Forever in Blue Jeans", Forever Tour
Bell Centre, Montreal, QC

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Neil Diamond - Forever in Blue Jeans", Forever Tour

If you like Neil Diamond’s music, you'll love seeing him perform live in Montreal. The Grammy Award-winning artist and rock icon takes his greatest hits on the road on a much-anticipated North American tour. Neil Diamond’s career spans decades. He is an all-around musician and performer that will entertain you with non-stop talent. Gather your friends and family and join us as we rock the night away with Neil Diamond.

Details

Jun 21

Neil Diamond
"Forever in Blue Jeans", Forever Tour
Bell Centre, Montreal, QC

  • When: Thursday, June 21, 2012
  • Your Package Includes:
    • Reserved ticket in the Red Section for the 8:00 pm performance
    • Free time to shop or have dinner on your own
    • Fully escorted
    • Taxes
    • Round trip transportation on a luxury motor coach
    • Per Person: 217.00 cash or check/227.00 credit card
  • Depart: South Burlington 4:00 pm, St. Albans 4:45 pm
  • Return: St. Albans 12:00 am, South Burlington 12:45 am

Mama Mia!
Boston Opera House

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Mama Mia!, Boston Opera House

A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you will never forget!

Over 45 million people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make Mamma Mia! the ultimate feel-good show! Writer Catherine Johnson’s sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek Island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propel this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship. With more productions playing internationally than any other musical, Mamma Mia! is the World’s Number 1 Show!

Details

Jun 24

Mama Mia!
Boston Opera House

  • When: Sunday, June 24, 2012
  • Your Package Includes:
    • Reserved ticket for the 1:00 pm performance
    • Free time to have lunch on your own or shop at Quincy Market
    • Notch Above Tour Manager
    • Round trip transportation on a luxury motor coach
    • Taxes and gratuities
    • Per person: 198.00 cash/ 203.00 credit card
  • Depart: South Burlington 6:30 am, Berlin 7:15 am,
    White River Junction 8:30 am
  • Return: White River Junction 6:30 pm, Berlin 7:45 pm,
    South Burlington 8:30 pm

Cirque 2012
Under the Grand Chapiteau in Old Montreal

Sunday, June 24, 201

Cirque 2012 Under the Grand Chapiteau in Old Montreal

Brace yourselves for Cirque 2012! The premier performance of the 2012 touring season! Nominated for Best Director Tony Award and Artistic Director of the American Repertory Theater (ART) at Harvard University, Diane Paulus will be collaborating with Cirque du Soleil to produce this fabulous show. People have long been fascinated by human evolution, its myths and legends and the search for balance. This performance is guaranteed to add to your intrigue!

Details

June 24

Cirque 2012
Under the Grand Chapiteau in Old Montreal

  • When: Sunday, June 24, 2012
  • Your Package Includes:
    • Reserved category 2 seat for the 1:00 pm show under the Grand Chapiteau
    • Free time in Montreal to have lunch, shop or explore
    • Notch Above Tour Manager
    • Round trip transportation on a luxury motor coach
    • Per person: 161.00 Cash or Check/ 166.00 Credit Card
  • Depart: South Burlington 9:00 am, St. Albans 9:40 am
  • Return: St. Albans 5:15 pm, South Burlington 6:00 pm

July 2012

Montana and Glacier National Park
Saturday, July 21 – Saturday, July 28, 2012
8-Days/7-Nights

Montana and Glacier National Park

Discover the awesome landscape first seen by Lewis and Clark during their famous expedition. Take an exciting journey through time, from ravines formed by ice-age glaciers to the once-burgeoning mining towns of the Old West.

Day One – Arrive in Spokane, Washington’s second largest city but retains a "small town" ambience. The downtown area is especially attractive with Riverfront Park and Spokane Falls. Once you have arrived at your hotel your tour manager will be available for suggestions for places to dine this evening.

Day Two – After breakfast served in the hotel we head to Wallace, Idaho, an old mining town and is one of the few places where the entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has one of the best collections of turn-of-the-century architecture in the Pacific Northwest. While here you are free to explore all this town has to offer including several interesting museums that offer a glimpse into the fascinating history of the area. Enjoy lunch on own in one of the quaint eateries. Next we travel along the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, Flathead Lake. More then 28 miles long, it occupies a trough dredged out by a great glacier about 12,000 years ago. We arrive in Kalispell, Montana our home for the next two nights. Enjoy time on your own this evening to explore the town and to have dinner.

Day Three – Enjoy breakfast in the hotel. Our day begins with a visit to Conrad Mansion. This Norman-style mansion is an example of luxurious 19th-century living, from its exquisitely landscaped gardens to its collection of original furniture, toys and clothing. We end the day in the picturesque town of Big Fork. Chosen as “One of the 50 Great Towns of the West,” Big Fork features a collection of unique shops and galleries in a Western mountain setting. Join your fellow travelers this evening for a western style dinner.

Day Four – Enjoy breakfast in the hotel as today we depart for Glacier, Montana our destination for the next two nights. Our first stop is Glacier National Park, founded in 1910 the park is a land of mountain ranges carved in by prehistoric ice rivers. The vistas seen from Going-to-the-Sun road are breathtaking and a photographers paradise. The best way to travel is via the Red Buses whose drivers are known as “Jammers.” The antique red buses are both a symbol of the park and a reminder of a time when adventurous travel was done with style. The name “jammer” is carried over from the days when the buses had standard transmissions and the drivers could be heard “jamming” the gears as they drove up and down the rugged mountainous highway. We journey from Lake McDonald to Rising Sun, named one of the top 100 most scenic drives. Dinner this evening will be at a local’s favorite restaurant.

Day Five – Today we travel north into Canada to Waterton Lakes National Park. Embark on a boat cruise of Waterton Lakes, with its deep scenic bays, sheer vertical mountains and beautiful wilderness surroundings. In the afternoon, we visit the Prince of Wales Hotel, one of the most photographed hotels in the world and the setting for our included lunch.

Day Six – Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before we depart for Great Falls, Montana our home for the night. Along the way we stop in Browning the headquarters for the Blackfeet Indians and it is here that we visit the Museum of the Plains Indian. This museum is a comprehensive collection of cultural artifacts and exhibits. We then travel to Great Falls, the area that held great significance for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Here we visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. The explorers were forced to spend nearly a month around the falls in June 1805. Much of the Missouri River in this area remains as it was when Lewis and Clark first viewed it over 200 years ago. This evening enjoy time on your own to explore Great Falls, Montana.

Day Seven – Following breakfast this morning in the hotel we set of to journey through the footsteps of Lewis and Clark to the Gates of the Mountains. This historical boat trip takes you along the Missouri River, through spectacular cliffs towering 1200 feet on either side. Later, we arrive in Helena where we can enjoy some free time and lunch on own in the Last Chance Gulch area before we continue on to Bozeman. Your farewell dinner this evening will be at a local’s favorite restaurant.

Day Eight – After breakfast in the hotel depart with “mountains” of memories as you are transferred to the Billings airport for your flight home.

Details

Jul 21

Montana and Glacier National Park

  • When:
    • Saturday, July 21 – Saturday, July 28, 2012
      8-Days/7-Night
  • Your Package Includes:
    • 7 Nights accommodations
    • 6 Breakfasts
    • 1 Lunch
    • 3 Dinners
    • Visit to the "Silver Capital of the World"
    • Admission to the Conrad Mansion Museum
    • Free time in Big Fork
    • Tour of Glacier National Park in a "Jammer" Red Bus
    • Cruise on Waterton Lake in Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park
    • Admission to the Museum of the Plains Indian
    • Admission to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
    • Historical boat cruise on the Missouri River to the Gates of the Mountain
    • Fully Escorted
    • Round trip airport transfers
    • Luxury motorcoach transportation
    • Taxes and gratuities (Note: Gratuities for full-time escort, local guide and driver are not included and are left at your discretion based on service.
  • Pricing:
    • Per person double occupancy – 1,899.00
    • Per person triple occupancy – 1,885.00
    • Per person single occupancy – 2,748.00

Note: Notch Above Tours will gladly arrange air transportation to Spokane, Washington and from Billings, Montana and also arrange pre and post night stays.

Canadian Rockies
Saturday, July 14 – Friday, July 20, 2012
7-Days/6-Nights

Canadian Rockies

The majesty of the Canadian Rockies unfolds as you travel through the natural wonders -- Jasper and Banff National Parks, the Columbia Icefields, the Athabasca Glacier and so much more.

Day One – Arrive in Calgary, Alberta, one of America’s most rugged and beautiful cities! Known for its cowboys and spectacular beauty, Calgary was brought to the world’s attention during the 1988 Winter Olympics. This evening, relax at the hotel and enjoy time on your own to explore this beautiful city. Meet your Tour Manager in the hotel lobby for dining suggestions.

Day Two – After breakfast in the hotel, board your motorcoach and travel along one of the world’s most spectacular mountain highways, the Icefields Parkway. Unsurpassed scenery paralleling the Great Divide in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the Columbia Icefields, Bow and Crowfoot Glaciers, Athabasca Falls and Peyto Lake, come into view. See snow-capped mountains reflected in the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake and watch for black beer, moose and caribou along the way. This evening join your co-travelers at a local’s favorite restaurant for dinner.

Day Three – Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before you depart for the day. In spite of its highways and railroad, Jasper National Park looks very much like it did when David Thompson, Canada’s great fur-trade-era explorer, first saw it. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Jasper National Park as you embark on a narrated cruise on Maligne Lake with its unparalleled vistas. Learn of the local history, geology, wildlife and glaciology of Maligne Lake and Jasper National Park, as some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rockies drifts past your window. Enjoy dinner this evening with your co-travelers.

Day Four – After breakfast in the hotel you are off to Banff, Canada’s first National Park. Located amid the rugged alpine beauty of the Rocky Mountains, Banff is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trade in the motorcoach for a "snocoach" and venture on to North America’s largest glacier, the Columbia Icefield’s Athabasca Glacier. You will travel in a specially designed vehicle to the middle of the glacier, as your driver points out interesting geological features. At the icefall below the glacier headwall, you will step out onto ice formed from snow that fell as long as 400 years ago. Savor magnificent views of the region as you continue along the parkway to the town of Banff, your home for the next three nights. Enjoy time at your leisure on your to explore this magnificent town and to have dinner on your own.

Day Five – After breakfast enjoy a tour of Banff, that includes Bow Falls and Tunnel Mountain. Take a gondola ride in enclosed cars to the peak of Sulphur Mountain for a spectacular panoramic view of the village and valley below. The remainder of your day is free to explore the quaint village of Banff, full a cosmopolitan collection of galleries, boutiques and cafés.

Day Six – After breakfast in the hotel, board the motorcoach and travel to the beautiful Chateau Lake Louise where majestic mountains soaring skyward are reflected in the vibrant blues of the glacier-fed Lake Louise. This evening, celebrate your Canadian adventure and say good-bye to new friends during a special farewell dinner at the glorious Banff Springs Hotel, offering casual elegance in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

Day Seven – After breakfast, depart for Calgary, Alberta for your return flight home.

Details

Jul 14

Canadian Rockies

  • When:
    • Saturday, July 14 – Friday, July 20, 2012
      7-Days/6-Nights
  • Your Package Includes:
    • 6 Nights accommodations
    • 6 Breakfasts
    • 3 Dinners
    • Travel the scenic Icefields Parkway through Jasper and Banff National Park
    • A Narrated cruise on Maligne Lake
    • Visit to Banff National Park
    • Snocoach excursion on the Columbia Icefield’s Athabasca Glacier
    • Gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain
    • Visit to Chateau Lake Louise
    • Fully Escorted
    • Round trip airport transfers
    • Luxury motorcoach transportation
    • Taxes and gratuities (Note: Gratuities for full-time escort, local guide’s and driver are not included and are left at your discretion based on service.)
  • Pricing:
    • Per person double occupancy – 2,199.00
    • Per person triple occupancy – 2,187.00
    • Per person single occupancy – 3,158.00

August 2012

Wicked
The Untold Stories of the Witches of OZ
Place Des Arts, Montreal, QC

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Wicked

The Grammy Award winning, Wicked is coming to Montreal! Declared "The Best Musical of the Decade" by "Entertainment Weekly" this is a must see musical! Witness the untold story of the Witches of OZ. One, born with emerald green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and popular. Wicked tells the story of how these two unlikely friends grow to be the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

Details

Aug 02

Wicked
The Untold Stories of the Witches of OZ
Place Des Arts, Montreal, QC

  • When: Thursday, August 2, 2012
  • Your Package Includes:
    • Reserved ticket in the Green Section for the 2:00 pm show
    • Free time to have lunch on your own and shop in Montreal
    • Fully Escorted
    • Round trip transportation on a luxury motor coach
    • Taxes
    • Per person: 169.00 Cash or Check/ 174.00 Credit Card/149.00 Child 12 and under
  • Depart: South Burlington 9:00 am, St. Albans 9:45 am
  • Return: St. Albans 6:15 pm, South Burlington 7:00 pm

Colorado’s Historic Trains
Friday, August 3 – Saturday, August 11, 2012
9-Days/8-Nights

Colorado’s Historic Trains

The excitement mounts as you make your way through the magnificent Rocky Mountains aboard five of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. Plus, see national parks, the U.S. Air Force Academy, Garden of the Gods and more!

Day One – Arrive in Denver, Colorado, the “Mile High City.” Transfer to your hotel and meet your co-travelers later this evening for a welcome dinner.

Day Two – After breakfast in the hotel we depart for our venture into the Rocky Mountain National Park, a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. With elevations ranging from 8,000 feet on the wet, grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the weather-ravaged top of Longs Peak, the park is filled with breathtaking scenery and experiences. Following the Trail Ridge Road, a stop at the Alpine Visitor Center offers an opportunity to learn more about this fascinating place. Lunch and dinner are on your own today.

Day Three – Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before we travel to historic Leadville to board the Leadville Colorado and Southern Railroad. Enjoy lunch onboard while you listen to the conductor’s fascinating history of the railroads, ghost stories and tales from the wild, while traveling north along the Arkansas River Valley. Rising up 1,000 feet from the valley floor you will be greeted by spectacular views of Fremont Pass and the two tallest peaks in Colorado, Mount Massive and Mount Elbert. Later, we travel through scenic Monarch Pass and Curecanti National Recreation Area while en route to Montrose. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening in Montrose, Colorado.

Day Four – Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before we visit the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park. Then it’s “full steam ahead” today as we board the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Voted one of the “Top Ten Most Exciting Train Journeys in the World” by the Society of American Travel Writers, this route winds through the spectacular and breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two million acre San Juan National Forest. The locomotives used today remain 100% coal-fired, steam-operated and are maintained in their original condition. Later, we check into the Sky Ute Casino Resort for the next two nights. Join your co-travelers for dinner this evening.

Day Five – Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before we visit the land of the ancient Pueblo Indians in Mesa Verde National Park. The fascinating cliff dwellings and culture of these people provide us with a look into a society that existed approximately 1,400 years ago. Building elaborate stone communities, the Pueblos developed their own society that existed for some 700 years, before disappearing. Archeologists called them Anasazi, from a Navajo word sometimes translating as “the ancient ones.” Enjoy lunch and dinner on your own this evening.

Day Six – Rise and shine and have breakfast in the hotel, then board the motorcoach and ride to the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, the original Rio Grande Line. This is America’s most spectacular narrow gauge steam railroad. Enjoy lunch onboard as you explore 50 miles of wild and rugged territory between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado, the highest point on the railroad. Dinner is on your own this evening.

Day Seven – Breakfast is served in the hotel. Today we enjoy another journey by train aboard the Royal Gorge Railway. The 12-mile route follows the most famous portion of the old Denver and Rio Grande Western train line. We ride through the “Grand Canyon of the Arkansas” on an unforgettable journey over the famous Hanging Bridge, which clings precariously to the steep granite walls of Royal Gorge. Enjoy lunch and dinner on your own.

Day Eight – Following breakfast in the hotel, depart for your last day of touring. This morning you will travel aboard the motorcoach to the U.S. Air Force Academy and its famous Cadet Chapel (when available). Next, it’s on to the stunning Garden of the Gods, a 1,300 acre park where flora and fauna reflect the rich diversity of the terrain, and red sandstone formations tell a unique geological story. The Garden lies at the base of Pike’s Peak, which is our next adventure. “Ride to the Clouds!” aboard the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, the highest cog railroad in the U.S. that stretches nine miles long as it vertically climbs to almost 14,000 feet. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your co- travelers and sharing memories of this unforgettable rail journey.

Day Nine – Following breakfast, say goodbye to Colorado with fond memories of your western railroads adventure. Arrive at the Denver airport for your flight home.

Details

Aug 3

Colorado’s Historic Trains

  • When:
    • Friday, August 3 – Saturday, August 11, 2012
      9-Days/8-Nights
  • Your Package Includes:
    • 9 Nights hotel accommodations
    • 8 Breakfasts
    • 2 Lunches
    • 3 Dinners
    • Travel north along the Arkansas River Valley aboard the Leadville Colorado and Southern Railroad
    • Travel on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
    • Admission to Mesa Verde National Park
    • Ride through the Rockies aboard the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
    • Ride the Royal Gorge Scenic Railway across the famous Hanging Bridge
    • Visit at the U.S. Air Force Academy and its famous Cadet Chapel (when available)
    • Admission to the Garden of Gods
    • Climb 7,539 feet on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway
    • Fully escorted
    • Round trip airport transfers
    • Luxury motorcoach transportation
    • Taxes and gratuities (Note: Gratuities for full-time escort, local guide’s and driver are not included and are left at your discretion based on service.)
  • Pricing:
    • Per person double occupancy – 1,939.00
    • Per person triple occupancy – 1,923.00
    • Per person single occupancy – 2,618.00

Note: Notch Above Tours will gladly arrange air transportation to and from Denver, Colorado, and also we can arrange pre and post night stays.

Billy Elliot
Boston Opera House

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Billy Elliot - Boston Opera House

Billy Elliot is called "the best show you’ll ever see" by the "New York Post." It is also the recipient of ten 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical.

Set in a small English town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class. He discovers a surprising talent for dance that changes his life forever. Based on the internationally acclaimed film, Billy Elliot is brought to life by a phenomenal cast of fifty performers along with music legend Elton John. It's your turn to experience this joyous celebration of one boy's journey, against all odds, to make his dreams come true.

Details

Aug 4

Billy Elliot
Boston Opera House

  • When: Saturday, August 4, 2012
  • Your Package Includes:
    • Reserved ticket for the 2:00 pm performance
    • Free time to have lunch on your own or shop at Quincy Market
    • Notch Above Tour Manager
    • Round trip transportation on a luxury motor coach
    • Taxes and gratuities
    • Per person: 214.00 cash/ 219.00 credit card
  • Depart: South Burlington 7:30 am, Berlin 8:15 am,
    White River Junction 9:00 am
  • Return: White River Junction 6:30 pm, Berlin 7:15 pm,
    South Burlington 8:00 pm

September 2012

Experience the Red Cliffs by Rail
Monday, September 24 – Sunday, September 30, 2012
7 Days - 6 Nights

The Mountains Of Utah

Witness the majestic Red Rocks as you travel by Amtrak to Moab, Utah. Visit the Dead Horse Point State Park, Arches National Park and Monument Valley, the most filmed area in the West. Live on the edge and take a 2-hour hummer ride on the famous Slick Rock! Come aboard and discover why they call Moab, Utah the "Adventure Capitol."

Day 1: Chicago, Illinois
Arrive in Chicago, Illinois and check into your suite hotel for the night. There will be time on your own to explore, shop and have dinner on your own.

Day 2: Chicago, Illinois
After breakfast in the hotel and lunch on your own board the Amtrak super liner for your overnight ride to Grand Junction, Colorado. You will enjoy time in the very large glass dome area viewing the panoramic scenery of the magnificent countryside. Seeing the country by train is a very unique experience that ranges from relaxing in the dome area to socializing in the café/lounge. Enjoy dinner on your own in the dining car.

Day 3: Moab, Utah
Enjoy breakfast and lunch on your own in the dining car as you travel to Grand Junction, Colorado. Arrive at approximately 4:00 pm where you will be met by your guide and transferred via motor coach to the beautiful Red Cliffs Lodge, your home for the next 4 nights. The Red Cliffs Lodge is nestled high on the magnificent Red Rock Cliffs, along the Colorado River. A prime rib dinner with wine is included this evening at the lodge.

Day 4: Moab, Utah
After breakfast in the lodge, travel to Dead Horse Point State Park for one of the most spectacular scenes in the southwest. You will see the expanse of Canyonlands National Park stretching to the south and the mighty Colorado River 2,000 feet below. A picnic lunch is included. Next, visit the Arches National Park for sightseeing and short hiking. The brand new 18,000 square foot visitor’s center will introduce you to the unique geologic forces that created the highest concentration of natural arches in the world, with over 2,000 named arches within its 73,000 acre boundary. Visit all the park’s highlights including Park Avenue, Balance Rock, The Windows and Delicate Arch. Tonight enjoy a cowboy cookout BBQ dinner at the lodge near the banks of the Colorado River.

Day 5: Moab, Utah
Following breakfast at the lodge, you may relax in the morning or opt for a 2-hour hummer tour on the Hell’s Revenge Trail. Experience the world-famous Slick Rock that brings thousands of 4 wheel drive enthusiasts from around the world to Moab. Hold on and have your camera ready for the amazing scenery. Later everyone heads into Moab where lunch is included before you depart on an afternoon Jet Boat Tour of Canyonlands National Park on the Colorado River. The red rock walls reach 2,000 feet above you as you wind through the canyons and learn about the geology and history of this mystical land. This evening enjoy dinner on your own at the lodge.

Day 6: Moab, Utah
After breakfast at the lodge, depart for another full-day of touring. Visit scenic Monument Valley, the most filmed area in the west. Visit Goulding’s Lodge and view a collection of Indian artifacts and a movie set from a John Wayne film. Later experience a Monument Valley scenic drive tour and learn about the Navajo culture and history as you travel through amazing scenery on a Navajo guided 4-wheel drive tour. Return to the lodge for a fabulous farewell dinner.

Day 7: Salt Lake City, Utah
Enjoy breakfast at the before you check out and board your coach for a 4-hour scenic ride into Salt Lake City for your return flight home.

Details

Sep 24

Experience the Red Cliffs by Rail

  • When: Monday, September 24 – Sunday, September 30, 2012
    7 Days - 6 Nights
  • Your Package Includes:
    • 1 Night accommodation in Chicago
    • Amtrak transportation from Chicago to Moab, Utah in coach seating *
    • 1 Night aboard Amtrak Train
    • 4 Nights accommodation in Moab, Utah
    • 5 Breakfasts
    • 3 Lunches
    • 3 Dinners
    • Dead Horse Point State Park
    • Arches National Park
    • Jet boat tour of Canyonlands National Park
    • Goulding’s Lodge
    • Navajo guided 4-wheel drive tour of Monument Valley
    • Step-on guide in Utah
    • Airport transfer to Salt Lake City Airport
    • Luxury motor coach transportation in Utah
    • Taxes and gratuities (Excluding gratuities for guides and coach driver)
    • Per person cash or check: 2114.00 double occupancy/2631.00 single occupancy
    • Per person credit card: 2124.00 double occupancy/2641.00 single occupancy
    • Notch Above Tours will gladly arrange air transportation to Chicago and from Salt Lake City. Call for rates and schedule.

Notch Above Tours will gladly arrange air transportation to Chicago and from Salt Lake City and additional night stays if desired.

Opitionals: * We highly encourage you to upgrade to a roomette aboard Amtrak. A roomette provides you with two reclining seats on either side of a big picture window that at night can be converted to a bed. The upgrade also includes all your meals aboard the train. The upgrade is $375 per person double occupancy and $485 single occupancy.

2-hour Hummer 4-wheel drive excursion on Slick Rock is available at $90 per person.

National Parks of the Southwest
Featuring the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Thursday, September 27 – Monday, October 8, 2012
12-Days/11-Nights

National Parks of the Southwest - Featuring the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Day One - Arrive in Salt Lake City, Utah. Join your tour manager and traveling companions at your hotel for a 6:00 pm welcome dinner.

Day Two - Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before departing for the day. Meet your local guide and explore Salt Lake City’s historic Temple Square and walk in the footsteps of the Mormon settlers who founded this city more than 150 years ago. Then, venture into Dead Horse Point State Park with its amazing views of the Colorado River as it snakes its way through the massive sandstone walls, colorful canyons, mesas and buttes of the area. Enjoy lunch on your own before you head out to Moab, Utah your home for the next two nights. Relax and enjoy dinner on your own at the hotel.

Day Three - Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before exploring Moab, Utah. Arches National Park contains the largest concentration of stone arches in the world. Your local guide shows you the massive sandstone arches and describes the culture of those that have occupied the region. Enjoy a picnic lunch before boarding a raft for a float trip on the Colorado River. During the leisurely ride your oarsman will tell tales of the area as you explore river passages with names like Fisher Towers and Professor Valley. Dinner is on your own this evening.

Day Four - Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before a morning scenic drive brings you to the impressive Capitol Reef National Park, where white sandstone "domes" cap massive reef-like cliffs. Then travel along Utah’s incredible Highway 12 Scenic Byway as you wind your way through spectacular Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument. Enjoy lunch and dinner on your own.

Day Five - After breakfast in the hotel join your local guide at the famed "Pink Cliffs" of Bryce Canyon National Park. The natural orange and red hues that color these formations called Hoodoos, are the result of iron oxidizing within the rock. Bryce Canyon National Park is truly one of the most spectacular scenic wonders in the world. Join your co-travelers for dinner this evening.

Day Six - After breakfast at the hotel, visit the awe-inspiring Zion National Park, where the Virgin River has cut a dramatic rugged gorge through multi-hued sandstone, shale and limestone. Look up at the towering rock walls surrounding you on all sides as you tour this incredible natural wonder aboard open-air sightseeing trams. Later, enjoy time for exploring on your own or shopping in picturesque Springdale. Have lunch and dinner on your own in one of the many local eateries.

Day Seven - After breakfast in the hotel, travel along Vermilion Cliffs National Monument that will bring you to the impressive Colorado River Gorge at Navajo Bridge. Near Page, we visit Glen Canyon Dam before our Antelope Canyon cruise on sky-blue Lake Powell. Dinner this evening will be in the Rainbow Room at the Lake Powell Resort.

Day Eight - Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before boarding the motorcoach as we head to the Grand Canyon. Entering through the east gate, we arrive at the Grand Canyon National Park’s amazing south rim. World-renowned for its remarkable beauty and diverse range of rock layers, the Grand Canyon offers visitors an unmatched display of scenic wonders and breathtaking views. Enjoy lunch and dinner on your own to day.

Day Nine - After breakfast, we travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico our home for the next three nights. Along the way we drive through one of the world’s largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood at Petrified Forest National Park. We also see the multi-hued badlands of the Painted Desert, in this surprising land of scenic wonders and fascinating science. Stop for a comfort stop and lunch on your own. Join your co- travelers for dinner this evening.

Day Ten - Rise early for breakfast in the hotel before we depart for the Fiesta Grounds and the Opening Ceremonies of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Founded in 1972, the Fiesta began with 13 balloons and has grown to more than 600 balloons from all over the world. View the "mass ascension" of these specially shaped balloons as they lift off at sunrise. Later we meet our local guide for a tour of Albuquerque to learn about the history of the area. Just before dusk, the burners of nearly 500 balloons are ignited and the evening sky fills with a kaleidoscope of brilliant, luminous color at the Balloon Glow, followed by a vivid fireworks display. Enjoy lunch and dinner on your own today.

Day Eleven - After breakfast, board your motorcoach for your last day of touring. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center was designed to preserve and perpetuate Pueblo culture and features original artwork, exhibits and theater presenting the accomplishments of the people of New Mexico. Later, take a thrilling ride aboard the world’s longest passenger aerial tramway, the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. You will be transported above the deep canyons and breathtaking terrains for an incredible view of the Rio Grande Valley. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner atop Sandia Peak at Sandiago’s Restaurant in the Cibola National Forest.

Day Twelve - After breakfast we transfer to Albuquerque’s Sunport Airport for our flights home.

Details

Sep 27

National Parks of the Southwest
Featuring the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

  • When:
    • Thursday, September 27 – Monday, October 8, 2012
      12-Days/11-Nights
  • Your Package Includes:
    • 11 Nights accommodations
    • 11 Breakfasts
    • 1 Lunch
    • 5 Dinners
    • Temple Square
    • Admission to Dead Horse Point State Park
    • Admission to Arches National Park
    • Rafting down the Colorado River
    • Capitol Reef National Park
    • Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument
    • "Pink Cliffs" Bryce Canyon National Park
    • Narrated tour of Zion National Park
    • Antelope Canyon cruise on Lake Powell
    • Tour of the Grand Canyon’s south rim
    • Opening ceremonies and moon glow at the Balloon Fiesta
    • Fireworks display
    • Pueblo Cultrual Center
    • Sandia Park Aerial Tram
    • Fully Escorted
    • Round trip airport transfers
    • Luxury motorcoach transportation
    • Taxes and gratuities (Note: Gratuities for full-time escort, local guide’s and driver are not included and are left at your discretion based on service.)
  • Pricing:
    • Per person double occupancy – 2,449.00
    • Per person triple occupancy – 2,427.00
    • Per person single occupancy – 3,448.00

Note: Notch Above Tours will gladly arrange air transportation to Salt Lake City and from Albuquerque, New Mexico. We can also arrange pre and post night stays.

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Tours By Date

Departure Locations

(vary according to tour)

The Fine Print

Our Traveling Partners


Testimonials

"Your staff and service were wonderful very pleasant, flexible and professional. Our guide was entertaining, knowledgeable and very friendly despite the rain!"

Betty O, Island Pond, VT

"This trip to Lake George is great for the 8th grade. They are always busy so we have very few issues. The driver, lodging, meals and itinerary were excellent. We'll definitely use you again."

Eileen T, Fairfield, VT

"Your entire staff was kind and patient—you made our trip!"

Michele A, Plattsburgh, NY

"Once again Notch Above gave us a great trip."

N. Fogg

"Great attitude, patience, flexible and generous personality" (re Tour Manager)

W.C.

"Wonderful trip! Keep them coming, please!"

Jan Grant, Hanover, NH

"I like the small groups and general arrangements."

Anne August, Shelburne, VT

"I have had wonderful experiences on all my trips. You do a great job!"

Deborah Kirby, Addison, VT

"Tour Manager was fun and had a great sense of humor."

anonymous

"Your service is excellent with considerate guides."

Rod & Jean Dolliver, Charlotte, VT

"Great tour manager – much attention to details and travelers’ comfort and safety. Always planning ahead."

Marcia & Winston Rose, Rutland, VT

"The driver and tour manager worked very hard to anticipate our needs and provide us with the best experience possible. They were very professional. Thanks."

Chris & Linda Reader, Highgate Center, VT

"The tour manager did everything she could do to make this trip enjoyable and it was a very enjoyable and fun trip. She is fun to be with, very knowledgeable and has a great personality!"

Bob & Bev Conners, Morrisonville, NY

"May our bags always have Notch Above tags!"

Art & Suzy C., Starksboro, VT