Included Highlights:
Featured Hotel:
Holiday Inn – Des Moines, IA
Day One – Join us for a thrill of a lifetime when you get the chance to ride in a hot air balloon with Fun Tours. It will be an incredible experience. But, more about that later. Your first stop is the National Balloon Museum which dedicates itself to providing a comprehensive understanding of ballooning and its history through its many exhibitions and collections. It will be a great way to start your National Balloon Classic tour.
Then, visit Summerset Winery to get a tour and sample some of their fine wines. Opening in 1997, Ron Mark began with an acre of grapes and has expanded to over 100 acres today. The beautiful tasting facility will set the mood for your wine tasting. Take a short drive through the Indianola area and make a stop at beautiful Lake Ahquabi and Buxton Park with its beautiful floral displays. Then, head back to the winery for a delicious dinner before your thrilling evening ahead.
This evening, get ready for the thrill of a lifetime when you take a ride in a hot air balloon and soar into the clear, blue Iowa sky. The unmistakable roar of the fan will capture your attention as the balloon begins to inflate. Then the unmistakable “whoosh” of the propane burner will live in your memory as the balloon starts to right itself and inflate. Then, step into the gondola and slowly lift off. The feeling is beyond description. As you float across the Iowa farmland, your senses will first notice how quiet and serene this experience is. The silence will only be broken by the “whoosh” of the propane burner as you rise and fall with the thermals. It’s an experience that will be etched in your mind for years to come. After landing, board the chase vehicle and head back to the balloon field where you’ll board the coach and travel to Des Moines for the evening’s hotel stay. (D)
Day Two – If, for some reason the balloons were not able to launch last evening, we’ve reserved this morning for a second attempt at your balloon ride. Otherwise, you will venture on a mystery tour of Des Moines and be surprised with the many interesting stops we have planned that you would not ordinarily think about when visiting the capital of Iowa. We’ll guarantee you a great morning of sightseeing. Then, after lunch, it’s time to head home after an incredible hot air ballooning trip with Fun Tours. (B, L)
COST PER PERSON: $489 (double occupancy)
Single add $56
Save $25 if booked by 3/31/09
A $100 per person deposit is required with your reservation. Final payment will be due June 19, 2009. A minimum of 30 is required to operate this tour.
YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:
Tour Features: Pre-departure documentation to include name tags, departure information, travel tips and hotel list will be sent approximately two weeks prior to departure. Also included in your documents will be a comprehensive tour itinerary explaining all meal stops, breaks, sightseeing and activities.
Not Included: Meals not indicated in the itinerary and items of personal nature.
Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to June 19, 2009.
Cancellations from June 20 to July 8 - 20% p.p. fee.
Cancellationf from July 9 to July 23 - 40% p.p. fee.
July 24 to day of departure - no refund.
Tour prices are effective as of March 1, 2009, and subject to change due to fluctuation in energy rates. Our best effort has been made to publish this information as accurately as possible.