Printable Newsletter
Newsletter, May 15, 2026Trips & Events
Summer Mystery Trip, June 7-10, 2026Norwegian Fjords & Arctic Circle, July 8-23, 2026
Shipshewana, August 24-27, 2026
Branson, November 30 - December 5, 2026
Treasure Island, February 5-16, 2027
Treasure Island Signup Form
Mediterranean Cruise, May 27 - June 8, 2027
Mediterranean Cruise Signup Form
Gallery
Photo AlbumsEmail us:
jill@classictravelsllc.com
Welcome! I’m Jill Kirkpatrick, owner of Classic Travels, L.L.C. located in Bettendorf, Iowa. I have been actively involved with group travel for over 30 years and have escorted tours to all seven continents. This site will be updated with our current travel plans and late breaking news. We offer one-day trips to dinner theaters, shopping venues, Broadway shows in Chicago, mystery trips and more, as well as attending some local events. Also, several multi-day trips and international destinations are offered, and you may download these brochures from this website when available. Call today at (563) 332-0014 with any questions you may have. Consider this your personal invitation to join us.
Newsletter
There are some good shows coming at the Barn in Goodfield, IL, “Elvis Has Left the Building,” on Sunday, October 18, and “The Christmas Around the World” on Sunday, November 15.
List of shows coming to the Fireside Dinner Theatre in Ft. Atkinson, WI, “Disney’s Frozen,” on Thursday, August 6, “Come from Away,” on Thursday, September 24, and “A Christmas Story,” on Thursday, November 5.
You will notice there is another trip scheduled for Shipshewana for August 24 – 27. It’s a great trip. We see a lot of the Amish people going about their businesses and it includes a meal in an Amish home and the famous “haystack dinner.” A brochure is available.
We are returning to Delavan, WI again. This is everything you always wanted to find out about the husband and wife artists and having a delicious meal to boot.
Another popular trip is to go to Branson. The dates this year are, November 30-December 5, 2026. We are going to Cassandra, the Hughes Brothers, Presley’s Country Jubilee, Hot Rods and High Heels, Frankie Valley and the Four Seasons, Duttons, Doug Gabriel Show, #1 Hits of the 60’s, Legends in Concert featuring Kenny Chesney, Johnny Cash, Elvis, and the Blues Brothers, and a new show, Melody Hart and the All-Star Band, Clay Cooper’s Country Express and the highlight is “The Miracle of Christmas.” A brochure is now available.
Remember Treasure Island? We will be going again in February of 2027. There is an opportunity that we can see the Florida Manatees. A brochure is now available.
A Mediterranean Cruise is scheduled for May 27 – June 8, 2027 featuring a pre-night in Barcelona, Spain. It includes Malta, Greece and Turkey as well. It’s on the Celebrity Equinox. Read all about it in this newsletter. A brochure is now available.
If you are not on our mailing list, give us your name and address or email address and check out our website at your convenience.
Happy 4th of July to all of you. We will see you soon. God bless you and your family and God Bless America.
--Jill Kirkpatrick
Sunday, June 7-10, 2026
Summer Mystery Trip
It is a lot of fun and a surprise lunch stop. Leave at 6:00 a.m., back at 9:00 p.m. Price is double $1,199 and $1,399 single.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
“Million Dollar Quartet” at the Fireside Dinner Theatre in Ft. Atkinson, WI
On December 4, 1956, an extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of all time. Leave at 7:00 a.m., back at 8:00 p.m. Price is $160. Call if we can purchase more seats
Thursday, July 9-23, 2026
Norway Cruise and the Arctic Circle
Leave from Southampton, England on Celebrity Cruises Apex; sail through Bruges, Belgium; Flam, Norway; Arctic Circle (cruise); Tromso, Norway; Honningsvag, Norway; Arctic Circle (cruise); Alesund, Norway; Olden, Norway; Rotterdam, Netherlands; and back to Southampton, England. In addition, we’ll have an overnight to London, Price is $8,599 dbl. with balcony, $7,699 dbl. inside cabin.
Thursday, August 6, 2026
“Disney’s Frozen” at the Fireside Dinner Theatre in Ft. Atkinson, WI
Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s 1844 fairy tale “The Snow Queen,” FROZEN tells the story of sisters Anna and Elsa. When Elsa uses her magical powers to trap their kingdom in perpetual winter, Anna joins forces with Kristoff and his reindeer sidekick to find Elsa and break her ice spell. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and THE LION KING, FROZEN captured the hearts of theatregoers from all corners of the world, playing to sold out houses with its touching story of family and love. Now The Fireside will bring all that magic to our stage with beautiful costumes, great dancing, and sweeping music including the unforgettable hit song “Let It Go.” The menu is our Signature Salad with watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, kiwi, and strawberries over fresh garden greens, sprinkled with sesame croutons and our famous Papaya chutney dressing. Entrée is Pretzel Pork Ribeye, a succulent boneless pork loin chop rolled in our seasoned breadcrumbs and pretzel pieces, seared until tender and resting on a delicate stone ground mustard and cream sauce, served with au gratin sweet potatoes and roasted squash. Dessert is a flourless chocolate cake, a decadent cake made from espresso powder, semi-sweet chocolate, cream and egg. Accompanied by a raspberry coulis. Leave at 7:00 a.m., back at 8:00 p.m. Price is $160.
Final payment due Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
Monday, August 24 – 27, 2026
Shipshewana, Indiana
It’s an interesting trip to see how the Amish live and work. Hot breakfast every morning at the hotel, lunch stop for a pretzel and 7 other meals. Stay at the beautiful Das Dutch Essenhaus Inn, Yoder’s Front Porch, and Shipshe Casuals, Yoder’s Department Store where the locals shop, the E & S Bulk Foods, Red Bud Tea Store, Teaberry Wood Products, Ben’s Pretzels, Carolyn’s Kitchen, Yoder’s Rug Weavers, Yoder’s Popcorn Shop, Katie’s Noodles, Silver Star Leather, Rise-n-Roll Bakery, several hours at the flea market or downtown, Yoder’s Meat and Cheese, The Red Barn, and Linton’s Enchanted Gardens in Elkhart. We leave at 6:00 a.m. and get back at 8:00 p.m. Price is $819 dbl. and $1,099 sgl. Only $50.00 is due at time of reservation.
Final payment is due no later than Thursday, July 23, 2026.
Thursday, September 10, 2026
Fall Mystery Trip
Come chug along with me for a nostalgic time. Lunch is included and a mysterious visit at a place that brings back memories. Your choice of lunch is Homemade chicken salad, served on white or whole wheat bread with French fries; two pieces of broasted chicken served with French fries; or Homemade BBQ pulled pork sandwich served with French fries. All are served with a dill pickle and a dish of seasonal ice cream for dessert. Lunch also includes a non-alcoholic beverage. Your choice of lunch is due at the time of your reservation. Price is $169. Leave at 7:00 a.m., back at 7:30 p.m.
Final payment due Friday, August 14, 2026.
Thursday, September 24, 2026
"Come From Away", at the Fireside Dinner Theatre in Ft. Atkinson, WI
Tony Award winning musical that was born out of the tragedy of September 11, 2001. In the remarkable true story of Come from Away, what started as an average morning in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland turned into an international sleepover, when 38 planes carrying 7,000 people from around the globe were diverted to their airstrip. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar and the recognition that we are all part of a global family. Experience this joyous story with a dynamic score and a vibrant, fast paced narrative. Menu is roasted sweet corn chowder, flavored with Jones Cherrywood Smoked Bacon and topped with a Parmesan Crostini, Entrée is Chicken Piccata, a supreme cut chicken breast, lightly breaded and sauteed to a golden brown, resting on a lemon cream velouté sauce, garnished with caper buds and French-fried parsley. Served with tri-color fingerling potatoes and roasted broccoli and cauliflower. Dessert is blueberry crisp, fresh blueberries baked with port wine and brown sugar streusel, served warm with our homemade vanilla frozen custard. Leave at 7:00 a.m., back at 8:00 p.m. Price is $160.
Final payment due Friday, August 21, 2026.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
America’s Bandstand, Delavan, WI
Nothing sets the stage for popular culture of a generation more than the music of the 1950’s. America’s Bandstand takes you back to the sock hop, spotlighting Rockabilly, Doo-Wop and Motown artists, songs, and the history of early Rock & Roll. Songs by – Chuck Berry, Bill Haley and The Comets, Etta James, Elvis Presley, Chubby Checker, Platters, Roy Orbison, Five Satins, Buddy Holly, Dianna Ross and The Supremes, Neil Sedaka, Ronettes, Temptations, Shirelles, The Everly Brothers, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. The menu is battered cod, baked lemon butter herbed cod, roasted chicken and a relish bar and hand-cut French fries, potato pancakes, pastry creation, and coffee/tea/soft drink. Shop the gifts at Rosewood and another shop at the Wisconsin’s favorite fabric store. Leave at 8:30 a.m., back at 6:30 p.m. Price is $155.
Final payment due Monday, September 21, 2026.
Sunday, October 18, 2026
“Elvis Has Left the Building” at the Barn III in Goodfield, IL
It’s December 20, 1970, and Elvis Presley has – quite literally – left the building. The problem? Nobody knows where he went. In this fast-paced farce we are dropped into the chaos at Colonel Tom Parker’s office, just days before a major televised appearance that could make or break the King’s career. But when Elvis disappears without a trace, the Colonel must scramble to keep the press at bay, the Colonel’s sanity in check, and most importantly – the illusion that everything is fine. Enter Trudy, his determined secretary, and Roscoe, an out-of-work Elvis impersonator, and what follows is a madcap spiral of improvisation, and pure panic. With a side of historical mystery to boot! Packed with lightning-fast dialogue, outrageous schemes, and a not-so-subtle nod to the rock n’ roll hysteria of the 1970s, Elvis Has Left the Building is a crowd-pleasing comedy that will have audiences laughing from Graceland to Goodfield. Leave at 9:30 a.m., back at 6:00 p.m. Price is $129.
Final payment due Friday, September 18, 2026.
Thursday, November 5, 2026
“A Christmas Story” at the Fireside Dinner Theatre in Ft. Atkinson, WI
Ralphie wants only one thing for Christmas: An Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle. A CHRISTMAS STORY The Musical is the hilarious account of Ralphie’s desperate quest to ensure that this most perfect gift ends up under his tree. Based on the classic 1983 movie, the musical features a funny and heartfelt score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul who wrote music for the hit movies LA LA LAND and THE GREATEST SHOWMAN and the hit Broadway show DEAR EVEN HANSEN. A CHRISTMAS STORY The Musical captures holiday wonder with such deliciously wicked wit that it is sure to delight children and grown-ups alike! Menu is Cream of Lobster Soup, with crème fraiche and chives. Entrée is Sliced Roast Beef Tenderloin, chef carved medallions of roast beef tenderloin, seared, then slowly cooked, finished with a glorious chef-made Bearnaise sauce. Served with roasted butternut squash and Brussel Sprouts with Jones Cherrywood Smoked Bacon. Dessert is Black Forest cake, our version of the rich and decadent traditional black forest cake topped with our own made from scratch whipped cream. Leave at 7:00 a.m., back at 8:00 p.m. Price is $160.
Final payment due Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
Sunday, November 15, 2026
“Christmas Around the World” at the Barn III in Goodfield, IL
This Holiday Season, take a Trip you’ll never forget – without ever leaving the Barn! Let the Barn III whisk you off on a globe-trotting adventure with the most questionable qualified travel agents you’ve ever met. From the North Pole to the Nile, they’re on a mission to find the true spirit of Christmas – and let’s just say, their GPS is festive at best. Filled with music, mishaps, and a passport’s worth of laughs, this original Barn III holiday musical comedy reminds us that no matter how far you wander, the heart of Christmas is always waiting back home – with family, friends, and the beloved traditions we’ve come to hold dear. Perfect for families, friends, and coworkers who need a good laugh and a reminder of what really matters this holiday season! Bonus: Your boarding pass comes with Beer Cheese! Leave at 9:30 a.m., back at 6:00 p.m.
Final payment due Friday, October 16, 2026.
Monday, November 30 – December 5, 2026
Branson, Missouri
You’re going to get out of the cold for one week! The trip includes a stop at Redmon’s Candy Store, Lambert’s Café, Cassandre – the Voice of an Angel Christmas spectacular, the Hughes Brothers, Presley’s Country Jubilee, Hot Rods and High Heels, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Duttons, Doug Gabriel Show, #1 Hits of the 60’s, Legends in concert featuring Kenny Chesney, Johnny Cash, Elvis and the Blues Brothers, and a new show Melody Hart and the All-Star Band, Clay Cooper’s Country Express, and the highlight of the trip “The Miracle of Christmas.” The trip includes 15 meals. We leave at 6:00 a.m. and return at 9:00 p.m. Price is $1,519 dbl., and $1,719 sgl. Only $50.00 due at time of reservation.
Final payment is due no later than Friday, October 30, 2026.
Tuesday, December 8, 2026
Jim McDonough, Private Concert, Cedar Rapids, IA
It’s an afternoon concert on his personal Steinway piano exclusively for our group. During a late afternoon intermission, Jim will be serving some gourmet desserts with champagne and/or a non-alcoholic beverage for your pleasure. Note there will be no lunch stop, but you’re welcome to bring something with you to eat enroute to his home. We will be making a stop along the way. Price is $149 and includes bus, concert and intermission treats. Leave at 12 noon and return by 6:00 p.m.
Payment due Thursday, November 12, 2026.
Friday, February 5 - 16, 2027
Treasure Island, Florida
Escape the winter blues for 12 days on this fun-in-the sun trip to Treasure Island, Florida. Step aboard our deluxe motor coach to begin your journey. Stop by the colorful murals in Paducah, Kentucky. At only 5.3 square miles, this quaint seaside resort town boasts 3 miles of soft, white sandy beaches and pristine waters and beautiful sunsets. You’ll check into the Bilmar Beach Resort for 7 glorious nights. Our beautiful rooms are equipped with kitchenettes, private balconies, and stunning views of the Gulf of America. It is connected to the only beach-front restaurant and bar in Treasure Island, Sloppy Joe’s. Next, we’ll have a full day excursion to see the Manatees. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park where you can find the endangered Florida panthers, red wolves, whooping cranes, black bear and bobcats and of course alligators. We’ll make a stop at Shell Key Preserve better known as Shell Island. Then it’s on to the StarLite Sapphire Dining Yacht where you can have ten of your favorites, such as boneless ribeye, stuffed shrimp, and Chateaubriand. We will visit Kentucky Dam Village Resort on Kentucky Lake before having dinner at Patti’s 1880’s Settlement. Trip includes deluxe motor coach bus, eleven nights hotel accommodations, 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 kickback receptions, and 4 dinners. Please complete a reservation form and mail it along with your $100 per person by check and optional travel protection plan insurance if you would like. Dbl. $3,999, Sgl. $5,299 Please note that credit cards can be used for final payment and will incur a 3% service charge. Brochure available.
Balance due Friday, October 9, 2026.
Thursday, May 27 – June 8, 2027
Mediterranean Cruise
It’s going to be on the Celebrity Cruises Equinox featuring Barcelona, Spain, Malta, Greece and Turkey. After our overnight in Barcelona, Spain, we’ll see the Columbus Monument and La Rambla and Montjuic Hill, and the Passeig de Gracia, Gaudi’s Casa Batllo and Casa Mila and the famous Sagrada Familia Church. You’ll then see the Valletta, Malta’s fortified capital, UNESCO World Heritage City. You will see the Parthenon, which sits atop the Athenian Acropolis. You’ll see Santorini, Greece, known as a classic Greek seascape. You’ll see Kusadasi and the ancient city of Ephesus. Roman ruins like the magnificent Temple of Artemis which was one of the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World. Then it’s onto Mykonos, Greece, famous for its iconic whitewashed cubic houses, considered the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Next, we will travel to our final destination which is Olympia which has preserved both athletic and mythological monuments, many dating back to 776 BC. Included is your round-trip airfare, deluxe motor coach throughout your land package, baggage handling, 10-night cruise, all meals and entertainment on the ship, customary shipboard gratuities, classic beverage package on board, and unlimited wifi package on board, tour related taxes and gratuities, drivers, guides, bellmen and porters, port charges, taxes, and government fees. Please complete a reservation form and mail it along with $450 per person deposit plus your optional travel protection if you would like. Dbl. $8,299 with veranda state room, and Dbl. inside stateroom $7,699. Brochure available.