Noel In The Ozarks: Branson's Best Holiday Stage

DAY 1

Christmas is right around the corner and what better way to usher in the holiday season than a trip to the Live Music Show Capital of the World, Branson, MO, for an outstanding variety of entertainment from heart-warming to high-energy and everything in between… there is something for everyone. Following meal and rest stops along the way, your first day's travel takes you as far as Indianapolis, Indiana for an overnight stay at the Drury Inn & Suites Indianapolis (317-849-8900). The hotel features an indoor/outdoor pool & whirlpool, 24-hour fitness center, guest laundry and 24-hour business center. In-room amenities include a mini refrigerator, microwave, iron/ironing board, hairdryer, flat screen TV and complimentary high-speed wireless internet. Dinner is on your own with the remainder of the evening to relax in your room or perhaps stretch out those stiff muscles in the fitness center or relax in the whirlpool.

DAY 2

A hearty breakfast is included at the hotel prior to check-out and departure for Branson, Missouri. Lunch is on your own and at your expense while enroute. Upon arrival in Branson, you check in at the Grand Country Resort (417-335-3535) for the next 4 nights. The resort is located in the heart of the entertainment district and is a destination in itself with an indoor/outdoor water park, arcade, laser tag, 3 miniature golf courses, 4 dining experiences, shopping and live shows at the Grand Country Music Hall. The resort hotel's standard rooms feature a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, hair dryer and iron/ironing board. Unpack and freshen up as you waste no time enjoying the food and music of the resort starting this evening with dinner included at the Grand Country Buffet. Enjoy the home-style food like grandma used to make at this on-site buffet restaurant. After dinner, you do not have to go far for a spectacular, award-winning show, the Grand Jubilee Evening Show is held right at the resort in the Grand Country Music Hall. Not only does this show feature the tight harmonies and dynamic performance of Branson's BEST Quartet, New South, the spectacular music is coupled with family comedy and Ozarks hospitality made famous by one of Branson's longest running shows. Heartwarming and joyous holiday classics are sprinkled throughout the show to help you get in the Christmas spirit and start your visit to Branson off on the right note. At the conclusion of the performance, you can return to your rooms or enjoy the resort amenities before turning in.

DAY 3

Wake to a delightful breakfast buffet included at the resort before you take to the sidewalks to view the 94th Annual Veterans Day Parade. The city is planning a special "Red, White, and Blue celebration" as part of America's 250th anniversary. The Veterans Day parade is one of the largest hometown parades in America honoring past and present military personnel. (Note: The is No seating arranged for the parade. You are welcome to bring a bag chair to sit on while watching the parade.) Following the parade, you have time for lunch on your own and shopping. Mid-afternoon, you will gather with fellow travelers and depart for a guided driving tour of Branson and the College of the Ozarks with a local character. Learn about Branson and what draws visitors to this area filled with scenic beauty and entertainment galore. You will also drive through the College of the Ozarks, known as Hard Work U, a Christian based college founded to offer continuing education to those who are found worthy, but suffering from the means ($) to obtain a college education. Instead of paying tuition, all full-time students are expected to work on campus to defray the cost of their education, thus staff is made up of students enrolled at the College. You will have a delicious farm-to-table dinner prepared for you to enjoy in the Keeter Center on campus. Your evening concludes with a high-energy blast of joy, laughter and music coming your way featuring the Presleys' Country Jubilee Christmas Show. Herkimer and Cecil give audiences the gift of laughter with their side-splitting comedy that will have you laughing out loud. Enjoy a mix of musical numbers from their regular season show topped off with your favorite Christmas music favorites and loads of festive, feel-good cheer that everyone needs. Following the show, you return to the hotel to turn in for the night.

DAY 4

Start you day with breakfast included at the resort before you depart for your first performance of the day, "Cassandre" The Voice of an Angel Morning Show. Featuring Cassandré and Timothy Haygood and The Stardust Band, this performance is a joyful blend of music including Country, Pop, Broadway, Gospel and more to begin the show and transitions into beautiful and inspiring Christmas Music in the second half. Dazzling costumes, high-energy, fun and laughs along the way make this show a great way to start the day. Following the performance, you will have lunch included at a local restaurant. Mid-afternoon, the 1960's come alive in this fun-filled, fast-paced, celebration of an entire decade of music that can simply be described as fun! fun! fun! The #1 Hits of the 60's touches on over 115 songs from the great artists of the 50's, 60's and 70's. Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys, The Supremes, The Beatles, Carole King, ABBA, The Carpenter's, The Bee Gees… the list goes on and on. Add over 100 costume changes, fun video, a talented cast of 7 and live band and you've got the recipe for the show dubbed "The Most Fun You'll Have in Branson!" At the conclusion of the show, you depart for dinner included at an area restaurant. Your day of entertainment comes to a close with a performance by Jimmy Fortune who is well known for performing with the Statler Brothers for 21 years. After joining the group as a temporary replacement for Lew DeWitt, he quickly lived up to his name "Fortune" by writing the group's second #1 hit, "Elizabeth" and following that up with two more #1 hits, "My Only Love" and "Too Much On My Heart". After the show, you return to the hotel for the night after a fun-filled day of entertainment and joy!

DAY 5

Breakfast is include at the hotel before you board the motorcoach and depart for Shepherd of the Hills Homestead for a tram tour and visit to the top of Inspiration Tower. Enjoy a 1-hour tram tour of the historic 160-acre farm featured in the Harold Bell Wright's novel. The tour includes stops at Old Matt's Cabin, Inspiration Point, the Morgan Chapel Church, and a behind-the-scenes look at the outdoor drama set. It is a narrated tour that guides visitors through the setting of the famous book, providing insights into the history and culture of the Ozarks. Then, take a glass elevator to the spacious, enclosed observation deck of the Inspiration Tower to experience the unparalleled, panoramic views from 230 feet above Branson. Afterwards, you depart for downtown Branson for lunch on your own and at your expense. Don't fill up too much, because early evening you board the majestic 1890s-style paddle wheeler, the Showboat Branson Belle for a VIP Christmas dinner and cruise on Table Rock Lake. Spectacular panoramic views are coupled with a Captain's Club, upscale dining experience followed by the special Christmas show with a dynamic cast of five-star entertainers featuring powerhouse vocals and tight harmonies backed by a four-piece band. It will be an unforgettable 2-hour dinner cruise aboard America's most entertaining lake adventure. Your final show of the trip is "Deep in the Heart of Christmas" with the Texas Tenors. A sensational show designed to bring out that feeling of a traditional family Christmas, the Texas Tenors incredible harmony sounds extra fabulous delivering a family holiday feel, visual elements and effects, as well as singers, dancers, and delightfully magical characters have been added to appeal to the youngest fans as well as the oldest! This performance ends your visit to Branson on the right note! You then return to the hotel to retire for the night.

DAY 6

Rise and shine, breakfast is included at the resort before you pack up and begin your journey toward home with the sounds of the season in your mind and the spirit of the holidays in your heart! Your travels today lead you to Indianapolis, IN where you once again check in at the Drury Inn & Suites Indianapolis (317-849-8900) for an overnight stay. Lunch and dinner are on your own and at your expense during the day.

DAY 7

Enjoy breakfast included at the hotel before you check out and board the motorcoach for home. Meal and rest stops at your expense will be made as needed along the way.

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ALL WOLF'S TOURS - TIMES AND ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE**

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, DS=Dinner Show