Benedict's, L.L.C. 2166 Charleston Road, Wellsboro, PA 16901   Ph : 570-724-5867                    Fax : 570-724-5693

California Coast: A Collette Tour Sunday-Monday, June 22-30, 2008     $2,499 pp/dbl

June 22: San Francisco, California - Tour begins
Welcome on your scenic journey along California's amazing coast. Your tour begins in "the City by the Bay," San Francisco.  (D)

June 23: San Francisco
Join a local guide for a captivating tour featuring the popular landmarks of this dynamic city. Highlights include the TWIN PEAKS, SEAL ROCKS, the GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE and CHINATOWN. Upon completion of the tour, the remainder of your day is at leisure to explore Fisherman's Wharf, shop in Union Square, or ride the famed cable cars up and down San Francisco's thrilling hills.

June 24: San Francisco - Yosemite National Park
Today you wind through the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains en route to one of Mother Nature's greatest masterpieces, YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK. Yosemite's amazing waterfalls, unique rock formations, deep valleys, Alpine meadows and groves of giant sequoias will leave you awestruck. Upon arrival, join your fellow travelers on an open-air tram to view sites such as YOSEMITE FALLS, HALF DOME, and EL CAPITAN, as well as learn about the park's history, geology and wildlife.

June 25: Yosemite National Park - Monterey
Prior to your arrival into Monterey, you will drive along one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world, the incredible 17 MILE DRIVE. You will pass through the DEL MONTE FOREST and see such famous sights as the LONE CYPRESS, SEAL ROCK and the PEBBLE BEACH GOLF COURSE. Next, travel to the MONTEREY PENINSULA, often called the greatest meeting of land, sea and sky. Monterey, the first capital of California, is filled with lovingly restored historic buildings and Spanish adobes. An afternoon arrival will allow you time to independently explore charming OLD MONTEREY and shop at CANNERY ROW.  (B,D)

June 26: Monterey - Solvang
A wonderful day of sightseeing is in store as you journey along the BIG SUR COAST, which is flanked by the SANTA LUCIA MOUNTAINS and the sea-sprayed, rocky Pacific. This 90-mile journey will surely take your breath away. Upon arrival in SAN SIMEON, you will visit one of the world's greatest showplaces, the mountaintop retreat of HEARST CASTLE. During this tour, you will explore some of its 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways. Later, arrive at the quaint Danish village of SOLVANG, known for its old-world architecture & flower-lined streets.  (B,D)

June 27: Solvang - Santa Barbara - Solvang
This morning, take some time to stroll through Solvang's flower-lined streets and European shops and bakeries before departing for SANTA BARBARA. Famous for its breathtaking setting, natural beauty beams from the dramatic mix of mountains, valleys, beaches, islands and the sea. Upon arrival, you will have time to independently explore the downtown area laced with pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and paseos. Or, perhaps you would prefer to grab a pedicab (Santa Barbara's answer to the rickshaw) or hop aboard an eco-friendly electric shuttle to the waterfront area.  (B)

June 28: Solvang - Los Angeles - San Diego
This morning, continue on your coastal journey to Los Angeles, the "City of Angels." During your TOUR OF LOS ANGELES, visit Graumann's Chinese Theatre, where nearly 200 movie stars have left their hand and foot prints and see the popular HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME. Tonight, arrive in the city of SAN DIEGO known for its ideal climate, 70 miles of pristine beaches, and world-class attractions which make it possible for visitors to have a pleasant stay no matter what the season.  (B)

June 29: San Diego
This morning, join a LOCAL GUIDE for a comprehensive tour including downtown, the GASLAMP QUARTER, BALBOA PARK, CORONADO ISLAND and OLD TOWN SAN DIEGO. The afternoon is yours to experience San Diego at your leisure. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for DINNER at one of San Diego's best known architectural landmarks. Tom Ham's Lighthouse was built incorporating an actual functioning lighthouse, known as Beacon #9, into the design. While dining, you'll enjoy vistas of San Diego Bay and the San Diego skyline.  (B,D)

June 30: San Diego - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today, but the memories will stay with you forever.

• A stay in Yosemite National Park offers firsthand experiences of its towering waterfalls and unique rock formations.
• Travel 17 Mile Drive to see the Lone Cypress, Pebble Beach and other notable sights.
• Explore the quaint village of Solvang, known for its Danish architecture, bakeries, windmills and shops.
• A 2-night stay in San Diego is the perfect end to your trip.

West Virginia Trains, Mountains and Country Music! Friday-Sunday, August 15-17, 2008   $435 pp/dbl

Join the fun on the wonderful 3-day tour that includes the Durbin Rockey and Cheat Mountain Salamander Trains! You will enjoy an adventure in the wild and wonderful Mountains of West Virginia where you will see the Cheat Mountain Wilderness, a rugged region that consists of the deep forest, wildlife and whitewater. Your overnight stay will be at the Holiday Inn Express in Elkins.

Friday, August 15
Today, we will travel into the lovely Cheat Mountains of the Alleghenies. While en route, a stop will be made at the SMALLEST CHURCH AND POST OFFICE IN THE REGION. We will then continue to BACKBONE MOUNTAIN where you will see the WINDMILL FARM. Upon arrival in Elkins, the group will check in to the HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS. This property offers a BREAKFAST each morning. This evening, we will have DINNER at the GRACELAND MANSION.

Saturday, August 16
This morning the group will enjoy BREAKFAST at the hotel in Elkins and then head out to board the CHEAT MOUNTAIN SALAMANDER. The railroad makes a sweeping 33-degree curve as we travel the 21 miles through the heart of the Cheat Mountain Wilderness, where bear, bobcats and other exotic wildlife are regularly seen. This car is a replica of the 1922 Edwards Railway Motor Car Company "Doodlebug" and was specially built for the tight curves on this ex-logging line. Arrive at the lonely outpost of Cheat Bridge. Here, the coach will be waiting to take us on the 7 mile ride to the mountain village of Durbin, WV where we will have time to explore the RAIL & TRAIL STORE just across the street from the Depot.

Later, it's "ALL ABOARD" the DURBIN ROCKET for a 2 hour, 10 mile round trip along the upper Greenbrier River. This ride transports you into another remote area with numerous scenic and wildlife viewing opportunities. Upon returning to the station, we will return to Elkins. Dinner this evening will be at the Elkins Station where you will enjoy a HOME COOKED DINNER followed by a live 2-hour music and comedy stage show, which features country, gospel, forties, fifties and bluegrass at the AMERICAN MOUNTAIN THEATRE.

Sunday, August 17
Start the day with BREAKFAST and then say farewell to new friends you have met. But before leaving the area, we have one more stop at THE NATIONAL RADIO OBSERVATORY. This is home to the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, the largest fully steerable dish in the world. Scientists from around the world use the telescope to study virtually all types of astronimical objects from planets and comets in our own Solar System to quasars and galaxies billions of light-years away. Exhibits in the CATCH THE WAVE SCIENCE CENTER allow you to learn more about the far-flung universe. A stop will be made for lunch at BLACKWATER FALLS STATE PARK.
 

Myrtle Beach Vacation! Saturday-Thursday, August 23-28, 2008     $965 pp/dbl

• 5 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION (4 in Myrtle Beach at the CROWN REEF RESORT, located on the beach)
• 6 FULL BREAKFASTS
• 4 DINNERS (including the Dixie Stampede and Dinner Cruise)
• DIXIE STAMPEDE DINNER & SHOW...Dinner with galloping entertainment!! Enjoy the non-alcoholic saloon show, then take a seat in the arena-style theater to enjoy a fabulous four-course feast while watching magnificent horses and top-notch riders thrill you with daring feats of trick riding and competitions!
• ONE: THE SHOW at the Alabama Theatre...A dynamic mix of awesome vocals, fresh comedy and best-loved classic favorites. Add stunning costumes, special effects and dance for an evening of laughter, toe-tapping and hand-clapping fun that makes everything else second!
• LE GRANDE CIRQUE at the Palace Theatre...The Palace Theatre is proud to present this spell-binding production that stars world-champion acrobats, jugglers and performers from China, Russia, Monte Carlo and Europe. This show is quite simply out of this world and beyond belief!
• DINNER CRUISE...All aboard an authentic riverboat for a cruise on the intracoastal Waterway. Watch the scenery pass as you enjoy dinner, then dance all the way back to the docks to the live entertainment.
• BROADWAY AT THE BEACH...South Carolina's Best Travel Destination invites you to experience 350 acres on which you will find more than 100 shops, 20 restaurants, and 15 attractions.
• BAREFOOT LANDING...Located along the Intracoastal Waterway, Barefoot Landing naturally combines beauty and nature with fun and excitement for the entire family. Migratory waterfowl, exotic fish and wildlife make Barefoot Landing their home. A stroll along the boardwalk or the dock is reminiscent of an old fishing village. As gentl breezes blow across the 27-acre lake, the temptation to sit and relax is overwhelming. Shopping, dining and entertainment in a natural atmosphere is the essence of Barefoot Landing.

Hot Air Balloon Festival and  Pearl of Paradise Luau in Lake George Friday-Sunday, September 19-21, 2008     $395 pp/dbl

• First Flight of Colorful Hot Air Balloons
• Live musical entertainment of SPELLBOUND featuring Cyndie Wade
• Wild Center: "Stunning" is the word. The New York Times used to describe this brand new museum where the wild world of the Adirondacks opens before your eyes. There's an indoor waterfall and river, towering glacial ice wall, high-definition films, and wide-screen theater on 31-acre trail-filled campus. Indoors a marsh appears to flow into a real pond that laps at the outside of the building, and the calls of live owls and otters mix with the splashing cascade of a trout-filled indoor stream.
• Museum of the Adirondacks
• Pearl of Paradise - Luau: Before the delightful show begins, enjoy a wonderful luau meal (Huapala Beef, Waikiki Chicken, Tiki Vegetable Medley and King Khimani's Catch). Once dinner is finished, the show begins with an opening act complete with native pageantry and authentic hula dancers. The show will take you on a trip through the islands of Polynesia. This trip will be complete with a change of costumes to represent each island's native dress and dances. The highlight of the show is an exciting Fire Act and the show ends with a little audience participation, which is always full of laughter.
• Moonglow Event and Fireworks over the lake at Battlefield Park
• Paddlewheel Steamship Minni-Ha-Ha: This cruise on the crystal clear waters of Lake George explores the southern half of Lake George where large historic mansions line the shores below scenic mountains.
• Prospect Mountain ("100 mile view"): Enjoy a beautiful 5 1/2 mile drive to the 2,030 foor summit. Stop at three separate overlooks for spectacular views of Vermont's Green Mountains, New Hampshire's White Mountains, New York's Adirondacks High Peaks, and on a very clear day, the Laurentians of Canada.
• Guided Tour of Saratoga Springs: Discover the Historic City of Saratoga Springs. Be treated to a wide range of interesting facts dating from the area's earliest days to the present. On this tour, you will be following the routes of Presidents, Generals, Business Tycoons, Socialites and more. Taste the famous mineral waters, tour Greek Revival & Victorian architecture and enjoy the legends and lore of this fascinating city.

Fall Foliage Trains of New England Sunday-Friday, October 5-10, 2008   $969 pp/dbl

Highlights of this fabulous Fall Foliage Excursion:

• BERKSHIRE SCENIC RAILWAY SCENIC TRAIN RIDE...The excursion takes you from Stockbridge to Lenox Station and is narrated by a uniformed conductor. Using a diesel locomotive from the 1950s and vintage standard gauge coaches from the 1920s, the ride provides a perfect introduction to the fun and history of railroading in Western Massachusetts and across the country. During the turn of the century, the locomotive was the means of transportation to transport wealthy and well-known families to Stockbridge and Lenox. Many arrive by rail to get to Stockbridge and to their summer residences for the social season. Families that came to the Berkshires, better known as the Inland Newport include Andrew Carnegie, Harley Proctor of Proctor & Gamble Co., George Westinghouse, the Vanderbilt's and many others who formed the American Aristocracy.
• Overnight at the JIMINY PEAK RESORT...this four-season resort is set in a beautiful country atmosphere. Every room in the Country Inn is a suite with a bedroom, living room, kitchen, bath and vanity area. The inn is described as "modern country" with a warm, welcoming ambiance and a relaxing atmosphere.
• TANGLEWOOD TOUR...Step back in time as you stroll the perfectly manicured grounds at the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. This tour explains the history of the BSO in the Berkshires and highlights the accomplishments of the Tanglewood Music Center educational program. The name Tanglewood was given by Nathaniel Hawthorne and you will see his inspiration. See the world-famous Tanglewood Music Shed, an indoor amphitheater, built to resemble a cow barn! It is known worldwide for its acoustical perfection and as one of the premier sites to enjoy classical music.
• NORMAN ROCKWELL MUSEUM...See many of the illustrator's works in the original oil paintings. There are gallery talks, Rockwell's studio, and a gift shop to explore.
• CAPE COD CENTRAL RAILROAD...Journey from Hyannis to Sandwich, where you will have lunch on your own
• FANUEIL HALL and QUINCY MARKET...For over 250 years, the marketplace has played an integral role in the life of the Boston's resident's. You will feel the cobblestones beneath your feet, see roaming performers and be able to taste the wonderfully diverse ethnic foods available. There are 100 shops, carts and artisans to offer treasures for you to take home.
• BOSTON TOUR...Learn about the different districts of the city including the Back Bay, where you will find so many beautiful brownstones, each with its own uniqu architectural design. You will also see Beacon Hill and the gold-domed state house, Boston Common, America's first public park and the Public Garden.
• OLD NORTH CHURCH...This is the site where sexton Robert Newman climbed the steeple to hang the two lanterns which were the signal to Paul Revere. It was the warning that the British were marching upon Lexington and Concord to seize the colonialist's military stores there. This led to the "shot heard around the world" in Concord and started the American Revolution on that fateful night of April 18, 1775.
• USS CONSTITUTION OLD IRONSIDES TOUR
• HARVARD YARD TOUR...Or "Hahvahd Yahd" as the locals say it! Cross the Charles River to the city of Cambridge and HARVARD UNIVERSITY. Your guide offers you insight about this Ivy League University and the students who go there.
• THE CONWAY SCENIC RAILWAY...Relive the golden days of railroading as yo utravel aboard the elegant Dining Car "Chocurua." The wonderful meals are prepared on board and are served to you with warm, friendly Yankee hospitality. A contemporary lunch menu from Crawford's Restaurant is served, including freshly made soup, a variety of Entree selections and dessert. The Dining Car "Chocura" is climate controlled, has a full liquor license, complete wine list, and is a smoke-free environment.
• WINE AND CHEESE TASTING SEMINAR...The dining room manager will conduct a tasting of three wines from the extensive wine cellar of the inn. He will also tell you about the history of cheese-making and you will taste some famous aged Vermont Cheddar Cheese.
• Visit to MR. TWITTERS, a gift and garden emporium with many unique items. Mr. Twitter's staff will give a DEMONSTRATION ON DECORATING THE HARVEST TABLE and some suggestions for fall decorating.
• CULINARY DEMONSTRATION on how to prepare a THANKSGINING DINNER...Internationally trained chefs show you the secrets of how they prepare this feast. LUNCHEON is then served featuring Vermont products. There will be recipes for traditional apple chestnut stuffing, cider braised turkey, maple-glaxed yarns, pumpkin soup, Yule log dessert and hot mulled cider.
• MENDON MOUNTAIN ORCHARD AND CIDER MILL

Smoky Mountain Entertainment Spectacular! Sunday-Friday, October 26-31, 2008     $985 pp/dbl

Tour the breathtaking Smoky Mountains in Eastern Tennessee, and fill your days and nights with music, dancing and comedy!

Spend a day at Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park, which features over 40 live performances along with crafts, exhibits and lots of tempting treats. Entertainment is at its best in the Smokies, where you’ll be treated to 9 exciting shows!  See the fascinating sea life at Ripley’s Aquarium, then try your hand at your favorite game of chance at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.

Your deluxe entertainment package includes:

• BLACKWOOD QUARTET SHOW
• AMERICAN JUKEBOX THEATRE … Take a trip back to one of America’s favorite times in history.  Relive the music of Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, Chubby Checker, The Everly Brothers and other great artists that were such a part of our Rock ‘n’ Roll heritage.  Back when we first saw the Hula Hoop, the Beehive, the Ducktale, and the Twist.
• “MAGIC BEYOND BELIEF” THEATER … Escape the ordinary with a visit to the Magic Beyond Belief Theater.  Witness stunning illusions, mind-boggling special effects and more!
• COMEDY BARN THEATRE … This show features magicians, fire-eaters, jugglers, ventriloquists, clean family comedy, live country and gospel music as well as fun barn-yard animals.
• COUNTRY TONITE … It’s the BIGGEST!  It’s the BEST!  It’s COUNTRY TONITE!  Every performance is packed with an extraordinary variety of talent and music that blends humor and dancing with everything from great country classics to the country hits of today, with an array of heartwarming gospel and patriotic melodies.
• SMITH FAMILY THEATRE … The Smokies’ best known, homegrown family of entertainers are back on the stage!  Charlie, Jim and Charlie Bob Smith  - three guys who have been fan favorites since they first appeared on the area music scene in the 1980’s are back in their very own venue, the brand new Smith Family Theater. Look forward to an eclectic blend of country, bluegrass, gospel and oldies rock-n-roll music, all presented with plenty of comedic banter along the way.  Any group that does hilarious impressions or performs a musical tribute to “the Andy Griffith Show” or challenges audience members to a Hula Hoop contest knows how to have fun on stage!
• 5 FULL DINNERS, including the DIXIE STAMPEDE DINNER SHOW,   BLACK BEAR JAMBOREE DINNER SHOW and FIDDLER’S FEAST
• HARRAH’S CHEROKEE CASINO
• Visit to CHRISTUS GARDENS
• SMOKY MOUNTAIN GUIDED TOUR
• ADMISSION to DOLLYWOOD THEME PARK
• RIPLEY’S AQUARIUM IN THE SMOKIES
• 5 CONTINENTAL BREAKFASTS, 1 FULL BREAKFAST
• 5 NIGHTS LODGING at the MUSIC ROAD HOTEL in Pigeon Forge, TN

South Pacific Wonders! Tuesday-Tuesday, February 17-March 3, 2009     $4949 pp/dbl

February 17-18: Depart from Wellsboro
Today, you board your flight and begin the adventure of a lifetime! Crossing the International Dateline, you lose a full day.

February 19: Arrive in Cairns, Australia - Tour Begins
Your tour begins today in Cairns, the gateway to the barrier reef. Don't forget to look up at the Southern Hemisphere's stars this evening after you join your mates for a welcome dinner.  (D)

February 20: Great Barrier Reef
Board a HIGH SPEED CATAMARAN for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. This is an immense series of 2,800 coral reefs which are home to amazingly diverse marine life. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef in many ways. Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride, a stroll on the walking trail to take in the rain forest, relax on the beaches, or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba diving, snorkeling and an outer reef tour are also available. Whichever way you choose, you'll see some of the world's most fascinating marine and plant life.  (B,L)

February 21: Cairns
Today, visit the TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL CENTER. You'll see traditional Aboriginal dances, learn about the Aboriginal lifestyle, and even throw a traditional instrument. Browse the renowned art gallery and visit the interpretation center which houses a collection of interesting artifacts. This afternoon, a great experience waits as you search for crocodiles in their natural habitat during a visit to HARTLEY'S CROC FARM! While visiting you also have the chance to meet some of the local koalas and kangaroos! Your evening is at leisure.  (B)

February 22: Cairns - Sydney
Fly today to the bustling city of Sydney. This evening, dine atop the city at Sydney's Revolving Restaurant enjoying the spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House at night!  (B,D)

February 23: Sydney
Enjoy a CITY TOUR OF SYDNEY where the English explorer James Cook first weighed anchor in 1770. Highlights of your exploration incude KINGS CROSS, the HARBOUR BRIDGE, CHINATOWN, the ROCKS, CIRCULAR QUAY, the BOTANIC GARDENS and the fashionable PADDINGTON SUBURB. Discover one of the world's most fascinating architectural wonders during a GUIDED TOUR OF THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE. Later, enjoy a unique opportunity to learn first-hand how raw opals are transformed from the dark mine shafts to beautiful works of art. This evening, you may enjoy Sydney at your leisure or take in an optional excursion.  (B)

February 24: Tonight, experience the best of Sydney. Chat with new friends and take in the sights during a delightful DINNER CRUISE OF SYDNEY HARBOUR during which you'll pass by two of Australia's most famous icons: the renowned Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. After the dinner cruise, return to the OPERA HOUSE, acclaimed for its architecture and accoustics, to enjoy a spectacular PERFORMANCE.  (D)

February 25: Sydney - Christchurch, NZ - Queenstown
You leave Australia behind and fly to New Zealand en route to beautiful Queenstown. Enjoy a GONDOLA RIDE TO DINNER AT THE SKYLINE RESTAURANT, which overlooks Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the mountains.  (D)

February 26: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
En route to Milford Sound, enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley. You'll travel through beach forest via the Homer Tunnel. During a cruise of the breathtakingly beautiful MILFORD SOUND, you'll see why this fjord is one of the most visited sites on the South Island. With rock faces that rise nearly 4,000 feet on either side, the scenery will take your breath away. Following your cruise, you return to Queenstown. You may choose to return via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand's Southern Alps.  (B,L)

February 27: Queenstown
A leisurely day in Queenstown offers several options to enhance your vacation. Shop or people watch in the village or perhaps take the optional "Safari of the Kings" which takes you through the majestic Remarkable Mountains and the breathtaking Queenstown countryside where the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed.  (B)

February 28: Queenstown - Mt. Cook - Christchurch
Traverse the spectacular countryside to New Zealand's most famous national park, Mt. Cook. En route, enjoy a stop at a local fruit stand to gain an inside look at the produce of New Zealand. Mt. Cook is one of the most impressive mountains in the world. You may choose to view the massice glaciers and extensive snow-covered, mountain-top terrain on an optional glacier flightseeing tour (weather permitting), or perhaps enjoy the park during a nature walk. This evening, arrive in Christchurch.  (B)

March 1: Christchurch
This morning, enjoy a short sightseeing tour of "the most English city outside of New England," Christchurch. Highlights include magnificent gardens, the Neo-Gothic Cathedral and the downtown park district. The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure. This evening you are invited to dine and make friends with a New Zealand family in their home. This is sure to be an unforgettable evening during which you will learn about the customs of the "Kiwi's" and enjoy a home cooked meal.  (B,D)

March 2: Christchurch
Visit a Canterbury farmyard to see the workings of the farm including a sheep shearing demonstration, herding, and learn first hand how this New Zealand family farm operates. This afternoon, you may choose to participate in an optional tour of the international Antarctic expeditions. Tonight, dine inside the RESTORED RICCARTON HOUSE MANSION and learn the history of the first family of Christchurch.  (B,D)

March 3: Christchurch - Tour Ends
Explore the city of Christchurch this morning. Your tour ends today.  (B)