In Conjunction With

USA COAST TO COAST FARM TOUR

28 DAYS DEP: 14 AUGUST 2014

DAY 1:

Thu 14 Aug

MELBOURNE/SYDNEY FLY TO PHOENIX

(-)

Meet your tour escort and begin check-in and customs procedures for your flight bound for Phoenix, Arizona the United States sixth largest city. On arrival transfer from the airport to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure and dinner is at own expense this evening. Overnight: Phoenix

DAY 2:

Fri 15 Aug

PHOENIX GRAND CANYON

(BD)

Leaving Phoenix we drive north to Sedona, a desert oasis nestled amongst buttes and pinnacles of red rock. Many artists live in Sedona which is a testament to the spectacular setting. Lunch at own expense with free time for browsing in the many shops and galleries in Sedona. Continue driving through beautiful Oak Creek Canyon - a 16 mile narrow canyon known for its white, yellow and red cliffs covered in cypress, pine, and juniper to Flagstaff, a year-round Mecca for sporting enthusiasts: skiing in winter months; hiking, wilderness backpacking and river rafting in the summer. Travelling north arrive at Tusayan at the south entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. Enjoy an IMAX film presentation that will serve as an exciting introduction to the Grand Canyon. Later arrive at one of the worlds most spectacular sights where the earths history from 2 billion to 250 million years ago is displayed in the stratum of the rocks. The canyon is 277 miles long and 5,700 feet deep. The remainder of the day enjoy the spectacular views from the canyons edge, particularly at sunset. Dine locally this evening. Overnight: Grand Canyon

DAY 3:

Sat 16 Aug

GRAND CANYON LAS VEGAS

(B)

Sadly leave the solitude and majesty of the Grand Canyon for the high energy and excitement of Las Vegas, a desert memorial to glittery affluence and one of the greatest gambling and entertainment centres anywhere in the world. We stop for lunch along Historic Route 66 at the Road Kill Caf. Youll definitely get your kicks out o f this place. Our travels today take us through several eco-systems from a subalpine system at 6753 above sea level to the desert floor at 3334. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a division of the US Department of the Interior, leases some range land to cattle ranchers however the area is so vast we arent likely to see the cattle. Cross the recently opened and spectacular Colorado River Bridge that connects Arizona and Nevada at Hoover Dam. The bridge is nearly 2,000 feet long and is suspended 900 feet above the Colorado River. Overnight: Las Vegas Casino

DAY 4:

Sun 17 Aug

LAS VEGAS BAKERSFIELD

(B)

Depart Las Vegas and drive across the Mojave Desert, a very dry place which receives only 2-4 inches of rainfall a year but supports a large variety of plant, animal and bird life. Stop in Barstow for lunch (own expense) and as we travel toward Bakersfield a range of mountains will appear which separate the Los Angeles basin, the vast farmlands of the Great Central Valley and the desert from each other. Bakersfield is situated in Kern County, at the far southern region of the San Joaquin Valley, and is a centre for agriculture, petroleum extraction and refining. Enjoy dinner at a popular Basque Restaurant which serves food prepared in the style of southern France and northern Spain. During the gold rush of 1849 many Basque people came to California in search of riches. Instead they found excellent country around Bakersfield for raising sheep. Whilst raising sheep is no longer, the Basque traditions of cooking live on today. Overnight: Bakersfield

DAY 5:

Mon 18 Aug

BAKERSFIELD

(BD)

Depart for a day of farm visits to see a variety of commodities grown/raised in Kern County, which ranks 3rd in agriculture production in California. The visits include a modern dairy, a family farm pick-your-own centre, a potato packing facility plus citrus, almond, pistachio, cotton and melon growing areas. This evening enjoy dinner and country music at Buck Owens Crystal Palace next to the hotel. Overnight: As Above

DAY 6:

Tue 19 Aug

BAKERSFIELD SAN LUIS OBISPO SAN FRANCISCO

(BL)

We depart Bakersfield and travel north along the Interstate highway to Harris Ranch, just one of a number of Harris Farms enterprises. Harris Farms have been in business since 1937 and is one of the nations largest family-owned and vertically integrated agribusinesses which include the farms, the feeding company, a meat company, an inn & restaurant and thoroughbred racehorses. A member of the staff will give a film presentation to see the operation. After lunch drive west toward the Pacific Ocean where one of the finest dairy operations in the state is on the campus of the California Polytechnic State University. Drive north through the Salinas Valley, commonly referred to as the salad bowl of the nation. Our guide will talk about the history and the old founding families and how the complexities of modern marketing, machinery and global economies affect the producers. Dine out this evening (own expense). Overnight: San Francisco

DAY 7

Wed 20 Aug

SAN FRANCISCO - DENVER

(BD)

Depart early this morning for a tour of San Francisco, a city built on over 43 different hills facing the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a tour including views of Fishermans Wharf, cruise and self-guided tour of Alcatraz, the famous cable cars, and the Golden Gate Bridge to name a few. Transfer to the airport for a late afternoon flight to Denver - a city built in the beginning of the Gold Rush boom. Overnight: Denver

DAY 8

Thu 21 Aug

DENVER

(B)

Experience different activities today including a visit to the privately run saleyards complex at Fort Collins for a talk on the selling process that is so different from our systems. Afterwards visit two properties, one with large scale beef production and another with a specialised boutique feedlot of mixed sheep and beef cattle production. End the day with a unique tour of the Budweiser Brewery. Overnight: As Above

DAY 9

Fri 22 Aug

DENVER - HAYS

(BD)

Enjoy a travel morning to see open flat plains that are home to a vast open crop country. Visit a large granary distribution centre to learn about the logistics of the grain and legume crops grown in the region. Afterwards visit two more large scale grain operations specialising in wheat, barley and canola crops and meet with the farmers for a discussion on growing methods, machinery and marketing techniques. Continue on to arrive in Hays, Kansas for an overnight stay. Overnight: Hays

DAY 10

Sat 23 Aug

HAYS WICHITA

(B)

This morning visit a hay/fodder farming operation enroute to the city of Wichita to explore the area known as there is no place like home, a one time cattle town turned modern city where the spirit of the Old West lives on. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city and a stroll along the Arkansas River. Afterwards visit the Indian Centre Museum to see feature works by Plains Indian artists. A free evening to dine out this evening (own expense). Overnight: Wichita

DAY 11

Sun 24 Aug

WICHITA SEDAN WICHITA

(BD)

Travel south this morning to near the Oklahoma border for a day visiting cattle ranches in this undulating hilly countryside. Visit 2 or 3 cattle ranches where horses are used extensively to muster, draft and work the cattle. Our host today will take us to the properties and join us this evening for dinner and a show at the Old Cowboy Museum theatre restaurant. Overnight: As Above

DAY 12

Mon 25 Aug

WICHITA KANSAS CITY - ST JOSEPH

(B)

Travel through the rural landscape to Kansas City in the state of Missouri known to have more fountains than Rome plus music enthusiasts are drawn to the jazz clubs and old haunts of famous musicians such as Charlie Parker and Count Basie. Time for a tour of the main attractions before making our way north out of the city. Enroute this afternoon visit the Poll Hereford Society stud and commercial breeding property. Overnight: St Joseph or similar

DAY 13

Tue 26 Aug

ST JOSEPH MARYVILLE BOONE

(BD)

Travel north this morning to visit two large scale commercial farming properties - a large scale grain operation using GPS and a no till operation and the other is a prime beef breeding and fattening property. Later in the afternoon near Boone, visit a custom feedlot then free time in town to end the day. Enjoy dinner in the motel dining room this evening. Overnight: Boone

DAY 14

Wed 27 Aug

PROGRESS FARM FIELD DAYS

(B)

Spend today at the largest agricultural field day in the United States. A day for participants to go their own way and view/visit/talk to exhibitors of your choice. Alternative fuel technologies will no doubt be on your agenda today at some stage. The show is reputably much larger than any field day that we have in Australia. Overnight: As Above

DAY 15

Thu 28 Aug

BOONE MOLINE - CHICAGO

(BD)

Early rise this morning departing Boone travelling to Moline on the Mississippi River for a guided tour of the John Deere combine factory. Travel through the vast corn fields of Illinois, past De Kalb home of barb wire before entering the busy windy city that is Chicago. Chicago is the 3rd most populated city in the United States as it sits on the shore of Lake Michigan. Tonight enjoy a highlight dinner at the Tommy Guns Garage Gangster Dinner & Show. Overnight: Chicago

DAY 16

Fri 29 Aug

CHICAGO

(B)

Today a tour taking in the facets that mark the reason Chicagos history is so truly fascinating and mixed with the most extraordinary blend of ethnic races on earth. First stop this morning is the Chicago Mercantile Exchange for a guided tour of the largest futures trading grain exchange in the United States. Afterwards see sights including The Loop business district, the Chicago River, Millenium and Lincoln Parks, the John Hancock Centre, Buckingham Fountain and Lake Michigan. This afternoon travel along the shoreline of Lake Michigan to Racine for an inspection tour of the Case Puma range of tractors. Return to Chicago with a free evening to dine out at Navy Pier on the lake. Overnight: As Above

DAY 17

Sat 30 Aug

CHICAGO FREE DAY

(B)

A full day today for private sightseeing to enjoy the many delights this truly cosmopolitan city has to offer. Places of interest worth a visit are the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History or the Museum of Science and Industry. For sports fans one of either the Chicago White Sox or the Chicago Cubs may be playing at home. Enjoy dinner out this evening (own expense). Overnight: As Above

DAY 18

Sun 31 Aug

CHICAGO INDIANAPOLIS COLUMBUS

(BD)

Continue heading east today as we travel across the rolling countryside crossing the border into Indiana where we will visit a mixed arable/grazing property before continuing on the state of Ohio. Enroute today pass through Indianapolis and stop off to see the famous Indianapolis 500 race circuit. An orientation tour of Columbus will be conducted before settling into our accommodation for the night. Overnight: Columbus

DAY 19

Mon 01 Sep

COLUMBUS CHARM

(BD)

Once again travel east across Ohio to the largest Amish community in the United States located in Charm to enjoy the unique experience of a community displaying strong faith, strength, humility, family and beliefs in simple living which separate them from regular society because of their exclusions on the use of telephones, internet or electricity. This afternoon enjoy a buggy ride to see the different sights and sounds of the community including a large collection of historic Farmall tractors and a visit to a one-roomed schoolhouse. Enjoy a very rare and unique opportunity of a traditional Amish meal in an Amish home. Overnight: Charm

DAY 20

Tue 02 Sep

AMISH COMMUNITY

(B)

A full day to experience the Amish community of Charm. Begin with a tour of the Amish farming properties including an arable cropping farm, dairy farms, and a mixed cattle/fodder property to see firsthand how they defy modern day technology and see the results of their unique farming and ranching practices. Overnight: As Above

DAY 21

Wed 03 Sep

CHARM WASHINGTON DC

(B)

Leave the unique farming techniques of the Amish behind and travel through the largest concentration of dairy farming in the United States towards Washington, DC. Enroute stop and visit a large scale rotary dairy farm before an afternoon tour of a coal mining operation. Enjoy free time in the evening to explore this historical city. Overnight: Washington DC

DAY 22

Thu 04 Sep

WASHINGTON DC

(B)

This morning we will be joined by a local tour guide to take us on a sightseeing tour of Washington DC including stops at the White House and many of the capitals landmark monuments and memorials. Other visits of interest include the Jefferson & Lincoln Memorials, the Washington Monument and the WWII & Vietnam War memorials. Cross the Potomac to Arlington National Cemetery which is the resting place for more than 300,000 people and the site of the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Eternal Flame of the Kennedy grave. We will also include time to visit the Smithsonian Institute to see the amazing space exhibit. A free evening to dine out (own expense). Overnight: As Above

DAY 23

Fri 05 Sep

WASHINGTON GETTYSBURG PHILADELPHIA

(B)

After breakfast board the coach for a historic trip to Gettysburg where over 50,000 men lost their lives in a single day. Tour the National Park that explains the history of the turning point in the Civil war of the United States and rumours of past ghosts still haunt many of the buildings. Afterwards travel to the small settlement of New Holland for an inspection tour of the iconic fodder factory to view the production line of the round/square hay balers. We will continue traveling to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Philadelphia

DAY 24

Sat 06 Sep

PHILADELPHIA NEW YORK CITY

(BD)

This morning board the Amtrak train and travel to New York City - the most highly populated city in the United States and home to over 8.3 million people. This afternoon is free to explore the iconic Big Apple and enjoy many optional tours, shows and sightseeing such as the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge or Ground Zero. This evening enjoy a highlight dinner with a Broadway Show in Times Square. Overnight: New York City

DAY 25

Sun 07 Sep

NEW YORK CITY

(BD)

After breakfast board a double decker bus to see many New York City sights including Battery Park, Central Park, Times Square and Chinatown to name just a few also. The afternoon is at leisure to perhaps join other optional sight-seeing tours or watch a Broadway show or enjoy some downtime at the hotel. This evening we have a special farewell dinner to reminisce about the events of the past 25 days. Overnight: As Above

DAY 26

Mon 08 Sep

NEW YORK CITY COMMENCE FLIGHT HOME

(B)

Embark on a cruise this morning around the New York Harbour passing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Learn about how the Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States from the people of France in 1886. Afterwards, board the motor coach and transfer to the airport in time to check in for your flight to Melbourne or other capital city.

DAY 27 DAY 28

Tue 09 Sep Wed 10 Sep

IN FLIGHT ARRIVE AUSTRALIA

(inflight meals) (-)

Continue flying back to Australia across the International Date Line.

Arrive into Australia this morning, so ending a fantastic journey across the United States.

COST: $12,975.00 per person twin share*

*Tour cost is subject to air/tax increases plus currency fluctuations.
DEPOSIT REQUIRED: BALANCE REQUIRED NO LATER THAN: SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $1000.00 Per person 19 June 2014 TBA

CANCELLATION: In the event of cancellation, levies will apply, please see booking conditions for details.
Tour cost includes: Economy airfares and pre-payable taxes Australia to USA return, plus internal flight as indicated. 5 star air-conditioned vehicle throughout. Twin share 3-4 star accommodation throughout with en suite facilities. All meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). All activities, entry fees and sightseeing as per the itinerary. All farm visits and technical visits listed in the itinerary. Services of an experienced and knowledgeable English speaking tour guide. Standard Travel Insurance for those aged up to and including 70 years (surcharge applicable for passengers with an existing health condition or aged 71 or over). Gratuities for services included in the itinerary, including tips to the driver and tour manager.

Tour cost does NOT include: Items of a personal nature ie laundry/phone etc and any optional extras listed in the itinerary. Beverages & Meals not listed in the itinerary. Anything listed as optional. Cost of passport or ESTA application fee (currently USD $14.00) for Visa Waiver Program for entry into the USA. This Waiver Form is completed online and payment must be made via credit card. Cost of any medication required. MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS: Bakersfield * 2 Nights Boone * 2 Nights
Washington * 2 Nights

Denver Chicago
New York

* 2 Nights * 3 Nights
* 2 Nights

Wichita Charm

* 2 Nights * 2 Nights

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: * Grand Canyon * Las Vegas * Indian Centre Museum * Chicago sightseeing * Gettysburg National Park & Monument FARM VISITS: *Mixed Sheep/ Beef Cattle Ranch * Three large Scale grain properties * Two large Scale corn/soybean etc farms * Poll Hereford stud/commercial ranch * Simmental breeding/fattening ranch * Mixed arable/cattle ranch * Amish Community (3 farms- dairy,cattle,cropping) * Rotary Dairy Farm

* Route 66 * San Francisco city sights * Old Cowboy Museum theatre restaurant - Wichita * Washington DC including the White House * New York cruise Statue of Liberty TECHNICAL INSPECTIONS: *Harris Ranch Feedlot 100,000 + cattle * Saleyards complex Fort Collins * Budweiser Brewery - Denver * Header factory John Deere * Progress Farm Field Days * Case IH tractor factory * New Holland baler plant * Grain silos/distribution centre

Farm & Technical Visits: A fully furnished list of confirmed visits both to farming properties and technical stops will be given with your ticket wallets approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure. Changes and alterations may take place. IMPORTANT NOTES: The tour cost is subject to change due to currency fluctuations, airfare, fuel surcharges and/or tax increases. As this is a group package, all passengers must travel on the same outbound flight to the United States. Post touring options are available and will incur an amendment fee of $100 per person (plus extra touring and insurance costs). PASSPORTS AND VISAS All travellers will require a full valid passport, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have valid visas for all countries visited on your holiday, and/or sufficient blank pages for any visas and for entry/departure stamps. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your holiday. If you have more than one passport, we recommend that you use one passport only for the entire journey. This will save problems and potential delays at border crossings. Requirements differ depending on your nationality - check with the appropriate embassies for details. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas for your holiday and onward travel. Swagman Tours cannot accept responsibility for anyone who is refused entry to a country because they lack the correct documentation. Please check the actual requirements with the necessary embassy or your Travel Agent. Please also do not assume that any inaccuracies within your documentation will be detected or can be rectified - you must ensure, that your "paper-work" is in order. There will be times during the trip, when your passport will be collected e.g. by your tour leader, hotel reception staff, or police. HOLDERS OF FOREIGN PASSPORTS: Travellers holding non Australian passports must have the relevant re-entry permit to return to Australia and must check with their National Consulate of any visa requirements to your holiday destination country(s). NOTE: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT: Swagman Tours

16 Gheringhap St (PO Box 4232) GEELONG VIC 3220 PH: 1800 808 491 E: karen@swagmantours.com.au
LTA 31308

W: www.swagmantours.com.au