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***Trip Cancelled*** Let Freedom Ring! Philadelphia Tour & Adventure, Oct 3-8, 2021

We hope you’ll join us for a time of re-visiting our American Heritage and reflecting on our many blessings.  During our Let Freedom Ring tour, we’ll see our country’s history come alive as we view, learn about and experience our great land together.

It will be a fun adventure where life-long friendships are cultivated, and special days of learning are captured. We’ll also experience a variety of food, interesting people and places.

***Trip Cancelled*** Read on below, but to register: ***You will need to register on the Wufoo form located at: https://greatnewsradio.wufoo.com/forms/let-freedom-ring-philadelphia-tour-2021/

This six day trip (five nights in hotels) includes:

round-trip deluxe motor coach transportation, nice hotel accommodations, special attractions and tours, escort, 16 meals, parking fees, taxes, all gratuities, snacks on the motor coach and hosts to encourage and help you throughout the trip.

Price options:

$1,348 per person, (this price requires 2 people in a room)

$1,678 single room, (no roommate)

Departure will be from Champaign, Market Place Mall, (east side near Dick’s Sporting Goods). For more information, call Great News Media at: 217-367-7777.

Here is an overview of the adventure:

Let Freedom Ring!  Philadelphia Tour, October 3 – October 8, 2021

Sunday, October 3, Day 1

Leave Champaign early (about 6 am) and travel to Bedford, PA

Snacks on the bus, sharing & view movie, lunch along the way, testimony time, dinner at Hoss Steakhouse and overnight at The Fairfield Inn, Bedford, PA

Monday, October 4, Day 2
After a tasty hot breakfast, we’ll travel through the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains getting a glimpse of the colors of fall. Enjoy a jolly lunch at Black Powder Tavern, est. 1746.  Since 1746, this building has played a part in the establishment of our nation; first as a respite for stagecoach travelers expanding westward and later as a covert rendezvous point for George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette, and other leaders of the American Revolution. Afternoon tour of Valley Forge, the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army.

Boasting a new 5,760 square-foot Visitor Center, the 3,500-acres of monuments, meadows, and woodlands commemorate the sacrifices and perseverance of the Revolutionary War generation. The park honors and celebrates the ability of citizens to pull together and overcome adversity during extraordinary times.

Dine that evening at the Embers and hotel for 3 nights at The Crowne Plaza, Cherry Hill, NJ. 

Tuesday, October 5, Day 3

Following a full breakfast, it’s off to our private tour with Philadelphia Trolley Works in historical downtown Philly. Some of our highlights will be: the Betsy Ross House, Old City, an on/off stop at famous Christ Church where seven signers of the Declaration worshiped. We’ll enjoy lunch at the Reading Station; one of America’s largest and oldest public markets, housed since 1893 in a National Historic Landmark building (you’ll love the Philly Cheese steaks)!
  

After lunch we’ll visit Independence Hall and Congress Hall where our priceless Declaration of Independence was debated, drafted and signed. The State House bell, now known as the Liberty Bell, rang in the tower of the Pennsylvania State House or what’s now Independence Hall. The bell was first ordered for the bell tower in 1751 from the Whitechapel Foundry in London, where the bell cracked on the first test ring!

We are in for a treat with the new Faith and Liberty Discovery Center! The Faith and Liberty Discovery Center explores the relationship between faith and liberty in America from its founding to today, by illuminating the influence of the Bible on individuals in key historical and personal moments. Highly immersive and interactive, we’ll rediscover our Biblical roots.

We’ll close out our day with special dinning at the Red Owl Tavern in historical Old Town, before returning to The Crowne Plaza.

Wednesday, October 6, Day 4
With a warm breakfast in out bellies, our first stop of the day is the new Museum of the American Revolution, an extremely interactive experience. The stories told throughout offer a dynamic look at this nation’s founding era.  A rich collection of Revolutionary period weapons, personal items, letters, diaries and works of art, alongside engaging films, digital interactive, immersive galleries and recreated historical scenes, the events, people and ideals of the American Revolution are brought to life!

On to historical Elfreth’s Alley. Known as the oldest residential street in the country, stroll this alley which boasts over 30 houses dating from the early 18th century, with quaint shops.

Our lunch dining experience will at the Historical Bourse Center.

Double the pleasure with our combo package of the Independence Seaport Museum, located on Penns Landing and touring of the Cruiser Olympia.  Launched in 1892, the Cruiser Olympia is the oldest steel warship afloat in the world.  She is one of only two ships left from WWI. Inside the museum, the exhibition features curated objects rarely seen by the public. Once such exhibit Patriots and Pirates, stands a full size waterline model of the Diligence of 1797. This stationary 102 foot vessel, soars above a 62 foot deck.

Climb Aboard!  We are in for a treat that evening as we’ll get to experience the Wanamaker Grand Court Organ.  This is the largest fully functioning pipe organ in the world. The Wanamaker Organ, is located within a spacious seven story Grand Court at Macy’s Center City and played twice a day Monday through Saturday. The organ is featured at several special concerts held throughout the year, including events featuring the Friends of the Wanamaker Organ Festival Chorus and Brass Ensemble.

We’ll close out our day with dinning along the waterfront or a special place to be determined, before returning to The Crowne Plaza.

Thursday, October 7, Day 5

Breakfast is served and time to check out and depart. Next up, Kitchen Kettle Shops in Intercourse en-route to the Farmers Market in Bird-in-Hand. We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at the Bird-in-Hand Smorgasbord.
   
We are in for a treat with Queen Esther at the beautiful Sight and Sound Theater. This unique theater begins with a 2000 seat auditorium, a 300 ft. stage which surrounds the audience on three sides, a cast of 50 actors, state-of-the-art technology, and live animals.  Set in the opulent yet perilous Persian Empire, Queen Esther is a captivating tale of beauty and bravery.  Esther’s ordinary life changes when she was taken through the palace doors, entering a new world of royalty and risk.  With a crown on her head and a secret in her heart, can she find the courage to trust in Gods plan and believe she was made for such a time as this?

Fast food dinner plans as we look for the best options to nurture you along . . . then off to check-in to The Fairfield Inn, Bedford, PA

Friday, October 8, Day 6
Our last breakfast together, oh my! J

Check-out and depart for Champaign. SURPRISE visit to be announced

Lunch stop along the way . . .

Snacks on the bus with sharing and testimony time.

Arrive in Champaign around 6-7 pm

Other important trip information:

Payment plan: $100 Non-refundable deposit (but can be transferred to someone else going on the trip).

Price options:

$1,348 per person, (this price requires 2 people in a room)

$1,678 single room, (no roommate)

50% of balance due July 31, 2021

Final payment due August 31, 2021

***You will need to register on the Wufoo form located at: https://greatnewsradio.wufoo.com/forms/let-freedom-ring-philadelphia-tour-2021/

It’s IMPORTANT that you fill out the form completely and accurately. Each person in your party should fill out a form, even if married.

We expect this trip to fill quickly, so registrations with trip-deposit monies will be on a first come-first serve basis.  After that, we will begin a waiting list.

Tour Terms and Conditions

All registrations are subject to acceptance by Great News Media. Good health is required to manage long walks and stairs. Great News Media, Happy Trails and its affiliates, assignees, representatives and cooperative agents act only as agents for the travel provider, and in consequence, accept no responsibility for accidents, damage, baggage loss, delays due to strikes or to faults and defaults of any company used for the carrying out of this tour.

In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort, safety or well-being of our group, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to Great News Media.

Cancellation in writing must be received by Great News Media for appropriate refund minus the following fees: $100 non-refundable deposit for trip (which can be transferred to someone else going on the trip). Cancellation: Up to 30 days prior departure – full refund minus deposit within 30 days prior to departure. Individual reservation transferable only, minus deposit. Great News Media will do our very best to maximize all refunds to you, as we hope you’ll be able to join us on future tours.

If you are concerned about trip insurance, we suggest you purchase TravelGuard Travel Protection Plan. Call direct for a quote: 800-228-9792. Please refer to Happy Trails Travelex number 13-0447 when obtaining insurance through Travelex. Trip cancellation and medical expense coverage is available for about $75-$150.

Other things you should know:

• Consider bringing along some snacks.  We will be stopping at various restaurants, so meals will always be accessible, but you may like to snack from time-to-time. 

• Bring along a Bible, notebook, pen and camera.

• Dress comfortably and casually, as it will be a long ride there and back, and we’ll do a lot of walking.  Maybe layer your clothing (weather dependent); you can leave things on our locked bus.

• There may be occasions of sharing and testimony time on the bus (“no pressure”) for those who are willing.  Consider sharing something that the Lord has taught you lately. 🙂

• Group photos will be taken at various points.

• Never wander off on your own.  Always have one other person with you.  Important phone numbers of driver and host should be kept with you at all times.

***Trip Cancelled*** For more information stop by www.greatnewsradio.org or call 217-367-7777.