MARK & DEBRA BALLARDS ELEVENTH ANNUAL NEW YORK CITY HOLIDAY TRIP

Thursday, December 5 - Monday, December 9, 2013

Experience the Magic of THE BIG APPLE at the most wonderful time of year. The greatest city in the world will be all decked out for the holidays and ready for you to explore!
Our flight from Atlanta to NYC will land early afternoon on December 5 where youll have time to get oriented to the Times Square area before checking into our home away from home and favorite hotel in Manhattan The Crowne Plaza. Located in the middle of Time Square, this hotel has great rooms and great service. The lobby features a wonderful restaurant, a bar and a reception area which will serve as our gathering place for embarking on all of our adventures.

The Crowne Plaza is within walking distance of Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, Central Park and great shopping, attractions, restaurants and Broadway theaters!

The Evening of Arrival Day

Brooklyn Christmas Lights and Cannoli Tour!
This 3 1/2 hour holiday tour highlights the festive homes of Dyker Heights, the Italian-American section of Brooklyn made famous in the PBS documentary "Dyker Lights" and seen on TLC's "Crazy Christmas Lights". You'll also visit the festive homes in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn.

Included is a stop for a delicious cannoli and hot chocolate from an authentic, Brooklyn neighborhood pastry shop! The multimedia presentation includes vintage Christmas variety specials like Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and more! This will be a relaxing and fun way to end our first day in NYC! http://www.asliceofbrooklyn.com/christmas.html

The Next Four Days will be a combination of group activities and free time for you to explore as you wish.
We are thrilled to offer the following package of activities. We will also have a pre-trip orientation and we offer assistance in planning your free time!

PRIME SEATING AT A FIRST RUN BROADWAY MUSICAL

Nominated for 12 Tony awards this year, Matilda is based on the childrens novel of the same name by Roald Dahl. The musical charts the journey of young, gifted Matilda Wormwood as she deals with less-then-perfect parents and a horrible headmistress at her school. Dreaming of a better life for herself, Matilda dares to take a stand against the oppressive forces and takes destiny into her own hands! Playing at the Shubert Theatre on west 44th Street, this play is sure to be a winner with all ages! http://us.matildathemusical.com Time Magazine declares Matilda to be the best musical since the Lion King. Prior to attending the theatre we will have a group dinner at one of the outstanding restaurants in the Times Square area!

CHELSEA ART GALLERY WALKING TOUR

On this 2-hour guided tour of Chelseas huge collection of art galleries, well visit 8 modern galleries in the worlds center of contemporary art! The tours director previews over 200 exhibits each month and selects the most fascinating and varied ones to explore. The very newest in painting, sculpture, electronic media and photography is featured. At each stop, our guide will explain the artwork and lead the group a discussion. We did an art gallery walking tour a few years ago and it proved to be a highlight of the trip. Because of this and since the artwork is ever changing, we decided to repeat this popular activity!

RADIO CITY STAGE DOOR TOUR

On this insiders tour, our group will be guided behind the scenes of one of New Yorks largest stages! Well see dressing rooms, the private suite of Roxy Rothafel (developer and manager of Radio City Music Hall), the behind and below stage workings of the hydraulic stage and have an opportunity to meet, talk with and have photos with a member of the world famous Rockettes!

Supplemental Performance Tickets

(For an additional group ticket cost) We are happy to secure additional tickets for group members to The Radio City Christmas Spectacular which this year is celebrating its 86th year of magic with the fabulous Rockettes. We will also offer an additional Broadway production. This play will be decided on and announced at a later time.

THE TRIP INCLUDES:

Pre-Trip Assistance and Orientation Reception (scheduled approximately one month in advance of trip) Roundtrip air fare between Atlanta and one of the New York area airports Private Coach transfers between airport and hotel Private Coach transportation as needed for group activities Four nights accommodations at The Crowne Plaza, Times Square Welcome Dinner at a restaurant to be announced Broadway Musical Matilda - Prime Seating Guided Tours as mentioned above. Services of a Tour Coordinator/Guide during our group activities All taxes and some tips and gratuities
Photo Credits: Sherry Logue Turner and Debra Ballard

One IMPORTANT NOTE: Although we do have coach transportation scheduled, we would like to advise
travelers that there is some walking on this trip.

Travel from Macon to the Atlanta Airport

A coach will be booked to transport travelers between Macon and the Atlanta airport at an additional cost that is less than driving and parking or riding Groome and the fun begins with the bus ride as Mark entertains and travelers begin to get acquainted.

Pricing PER PERSON is all inclusive of the above:

Single Occupancy (one person per room) Double Occupancy (two people per room) Triple Occupancy (three people per room) Quad Occupancy (four people per room) Reservation and Payment Schedule: Payment #1 with reservation Payment #2 Payment #3 Payment #4 Final Payment/Balance $500 $500 $500 $500 $ 3,699 $ 2,599 $ 2,299 $ 1,999 Now June 20 August 20 September 20 October 20