The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Travel Service has planned a variety of tours just for you.
To receive a free brochure on a trip that interests you, or for more information, please call Travel
Specialist Sharon Dosen at (260) 427-6017 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Gallery
Photo highlights from the Mackinac Island Trip!
Thanks to Scott Short for providing these wonderful photos.
2019 Extended Trips and Tours
To request a brochure or for more information about extended trips and tours, please call Travel Specialist Sharon Dosen at (260) 427-6017 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
2019
October 11 – 16.................................................................Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Featuring Albuquerque and Sante Fe – 6 Days; 7 Meals ($2,769 Double includes air fare).
October 13-15............................................................................Mackinac Island & the Grand Hotel
Features 2 nights at the beautiful Grank Hotel, gourmet meals, a carriage tour of the island, afternoon tea and daily activities. Single $860; Double $710; Triple $660 Deposit $250
Trip Code
October 23 – November 1...........................................................Iconic Israel
Highlights: Tel Aviv, Jaffa, Caesarea, Tiberias, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Jericho, Qumran, Dead Sea, Bethlehem,. 10 Days; 15 Meals ($4899 Double includes air fare)
December 29-January 2 ...............................................................California New Year’s Getaway
Featuring the Tournament of Roses Parade. 5 Days; 5 Meals ($2,899 Double includes air fare).
2020 Trips
February 20-29 Hawaiian Adventure
Oahu, Kauai and Maui with optional 2-night Big Island post tour extension; 10 days, 13 meals ($5,799 double w/airfare until August 20, 2019)
March 23-31 Tropical Costa Rica
Optional 3 night Jungle Adventure post tour extension; 9 days, 14 meals ($2,899 double w/air fare until September 23, 2019)
March 25-April 3 Reflections of Italy
Rome, Colosseum, Assisi, Perugia, Siena, Florence, Venice, Milan and more; 10 days, 13 meals ($4,249 double w/air fare until September 26, 2019)
April 5-18 Cultural Treasures of Japan
Tokyo, Hakone, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyota and more; 14 days, 21 meals ($6,999 double 2/air fare until October 6, 2019)
May 2-14 Exploring the Alpine Countries
Austria, Germany and Switzerland; 13 days, 17 meals, ($4649 Double w/air fare until November 4, 2019)
May 24 – June 1 Painted Canyons of the West
Featuring Utah’s Five National Parks; 9 days, 11 meals, ($3,599 double w/air fare until November 25, 2019)
July 31-August 7 Islands of New England
Providence, Newport, Martha’s Vineyard and more; 8 days, 11 meals ($3,149 double w/air fare until January 31, 2020)
August 4-15 Alpine Explorer & Glacier Express Train With Oberammergau Passion Play
The Oberammergau Passion Play is produced only once every ten years! Don’t miss this opportunity! 12 days, 17 meals ($7,099 w/airfare and tickets to play)
August 18-29 Croatia & Its Islands
Small Ship Cruising on the Adriatic Coast (7-day Cruise), Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik and more; 12 days, 19 meals ($4,999 double w/air fare until July 12, 2019)
October 3-14 National Parks of America
Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon and more; 12 days, 17 meals, ($4649 double w/air fare until April 3, 2020)
October 3-15 Spain & Morocco
Madrid, Cordoba, Granada, Seville, Morocco and more; 13 days, 18 meals ($4,499 double w/air fare until April 3, 2020)
October 11-18 Colors of New England
Featuring Coastal Maine; 8 days, 10 meals, ($3,599 double w/air fare)
Some of the 2018 New York City Travelers enjoying their "Girls Trip". Pictured, from left to right are Laurene Benelli, Carrie Edwards, Tina Wells, Thelma Retz, Terrie Mays and Laurie Muzzillo. Check out the information below on the 2019 trip!!
New York City
September 16-20, 2019
Four days in the Big Apple begins with a ferry trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty followed by Times Square, Macy’s, the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Guggenheim, Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, Soho, Little Italy, Chinatown, Battery Park, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Two evenings at the theatre, 5 breakfasts and 2 dinners are also included
Code #: 475105-M1
Single $1,950; Double $1,550; Deposit $500
View the New York City Brochure
Thanks to our travelers who visited New York City with us and supplied these photos.
Photos from a recent Mackinac Island Trip
Day Trips
Many popular Day Trips are planned throughout the year. To see a complete list or to register,
go to: Register now!
Like to see Day Trips planned for the entire year? NOW AVAILABLE a list of 2019 Day Trips
Recent travelers to Chicago include:Sharon Stout, Karen Wyss, Margaret DeMeritt, Donna Rensch, Dona Keiser and Becky Clifton
Broadway in Chicago presents “Cats”
Our motorcoach stops first on Michigan Avenue at Water Tower Place where we will gather at the Mity Nice Grill to enjoy American dishes, served family style for lunch (included). Then it’s a short ride to the Oriental Theatre in Chicago’s Loop for a matinee performance of “Cats.” Based on T.S. Elliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the show is set in larger than-life junkyard playground and is alive with our favorite feline characters. The Jellicle Cats come out to play on one special night of the year – the night of the Jellicle Ball. One by one they tell their stories for the amusement of Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, who must choose one of the cats to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life. A supper stop (on your own) will be made on the way home at Culver’s in Valparaiso, about 1½ hours after departure.
Code Date Day Fee
375202-S1 8/3 Sa $145
Departs: 8:00 a.m. from Bob Arnold Park, Parnell at E. State Blvd.
Returns: 10:30 p.m.
Chicago Cubs Baseball
Join us as we head to Chicago’s historic Wrigley Field for another exciting season of Chicago Cubs baseball! Lower terrace, infield seats are reserved for each game to watch all your favorite players in action as they battle for another World Series win. A box lunch and beverage (included) is provided en route to the ballpark. A fast food stop (on your own) will be made on the way home.
Code Date Day Fee
Cubs vs. Athletics
375000-W2 8/7 W $130
Departs: 8:30 a.m. from Bob Arnold Park, Parnell at E. State Blvd.
Returns: 10:30 p.m.
Chinatown and the Oriental Museum
Experience the sights, sounds and smell of China on our late summer trip to Chicago’s famous Chinatown. This bustling century- old neighborhood offers endless dining and shopping options; the Chinatown Marketplace, full of narrow alleys packed with shops and restaurants will make you feel like you have hopped a flight for a faraway destination. Lunch today is on your own, but no matter which spot you choose you will be sure to have a rich cultural experience. We’ll finish our day off with a stop at the Oriental Museum before we depart the Windy City. Continental breakfast will be served en route and a fast food stop (on your own) will be made on the way home.
Code Date Day Fee
375016-S1 8/10 Sa $60
Departs 8:00 a.m. from Bob Arnold Park, Parnell Ave. at E. State Blvd.
Returns: 9:30 p.m.
Lake Erie Island Hopping & Luncheon Cruise
This morning we are off to Sandusky where we will board the Goodtime I for a day of island hopping on beautiful Lake Erie. Our first stop will be Kelleys Island where we will spend the morning exploring all the island has to offer before we head to Put-in-Bay where we will explore the island with a 1-hour tram ride. A luncheon buffet is included on board as we move from island to island. A continental breakfast of rolls, juice and coffee will be served on the way and a supper stop will be made (on your own) on the way home.
Code Date Day Fee
475206-S1 8/17 Sa $115
Departs: 6:00 a.m. from Bob Arnold Park, Parnell Ave. at E. State Blvd.
Returns: 10:00 p.m.
Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village
Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan will take you back in time as you tour the 80 acre community of old buildings and memorabilia. You will be enchanted as the Village comes alive with the unforgettable sights, sounds and settings of America’s past. Try out one of the delicious restaurants for lunch. An all-day Ride Pass is included for use on the old-time transportation. A continental breakfast is served on the way up, and a fast food supper stop (on your own) will be taken on the way home.
Code Date Day Fee
375018-S1 9/7 Sa $99
Departs: 8:00 a.m. from Bob Arnold Park, Parnell at E. State Blvd.
Returns: 10:30 p.m.
Chihuly Glass
at the Franklin Conservatory
& Easton Town Mall
Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, OH will be awash in the vibrant colors of stunning glass artwork by Dale Chihuly. It has been nearly a decade since the Conservatory last featured a full-scale Chihuly exhibition and while select pieces have been on view since 2009, the Conservatory is thrilled to once again exhibit the largest Chihuly collection in a botanical garden. Chihuly: Celebrating Nature features bold, colorful, breathtaking pieces placed throughout the Conservatory’s botanical gardens and courtyards. A visit to Easton Town Mall will finish off our day.
Code Date Day Fee
475006-S1 9/30 Mo $80
Departs: 8:00 a.m. from Bob Arnold Park, Parnell at E. State Blvd.
Returns: 10:30 p.m.
Broadway in Chicago presents “Hamilton”
Our motorcoach stops first on Michigan Avenue at Water Tower Place where we will gather at the Mity Nice Grill to enjoy American dishes served family style for lunch (included). Then it’s a short ride to the Private Bank Theatre for a matinee performance of “Hamilton.” This is the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton told on stage like you’ve never seen before, combining a historically accurate plot with hip-hop and R&B songs. The musical Hamilton was inspired by the 2004 book “Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow. The musical recounts the story of Hamilton’s life beginning as a child and all the way through to the tragic end. A supper stop (on your own) will be made on the way home
Code Date Day Fee
475026-W1 11/13 W $199
Departs: 7:30 a.m. from Bob Arnold Park, Parnell at E. State Blvd.
Returns: 10:30 p.m.
Chicago Shopping
Catch the Holiday Spirit! Join our “shop till you drop” trips to festively decorated stores in downtown Chicago, or attend any one of the number of special Christmas activities going on during the holiday season in the city. Don’t miss “The Christkindlemart” taking place throughout the Christmas Season on Daley Plaza or The “One of a Kind Show” at the Merchandise Mart on December 8. The coach will drop off and pick up at a central location between Grand Avenue and Illinois Street, near Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River. A continental breakfast will be served en route. Lunch in Chicago and a fast-food stop on the way home are on your own.
Code Date Day Fee
475005-W1 12/4 F $60
475005-S1 12/7 Sa $60
475005-S2 12/14 Sa $60
Departs: 8:00 a.m. from Bob Arnold Park, Parnell at E. State Blvd.
Returns: 10:30 p.m.
Purdue Christmas Show
Board our “sleigh” for a trip to West Lafayette and a matinee performance of Purdue University’s 84th Anniversary Christmas Show! This popular musical extravaganza with its innovative staging, choreography and costuming promises to put you in the holiday mood. As always the inspirational Cantata is a fitting tribute to the blessed season. An elegant supper will be served just for us at the historic Honeywell House in Wabash on the way home. A guided tour of this beautiful mansion, filled with unique furniture and objects of art, will precede our meal. In spirit, Mrs. Honeywell’s renowned reputation as a hostess continues. A continental breakfast of rolls, juice and coffee will be served on the way.
Code Date Day Fee
475003-S1 12/7 Sa $115
Departs: 9:00 a.m. from Bob Arnold Park, Parnell at E. State Blvd.
Returns: 7:30 p.m.
Cancellation Information
All Cancellations on day trips are subject to a $5 or 10% (whichever is greater) per person cancellation fee. Cancellations made within one week of departure will be refunded only if replacements can be found. There are no refunds for NO-SHOWS. All day trips include the service of a Travel Service escort, motorcoach transportation and all necessary gratuities, including those to the escort and motorcoach driver. All trips feature NO SMOKING on the motorcoaches.
My travel friends (Beckie, Tonda, and Leah) and I would like to say THANK YOU for such a wonderful Chicago Shopping Trip on Saturday, December 1st. Our group had a wonderful time. The price for the trip was unbeatable. The organization of the trip was flawless. Donna was a wonderful hostess who made sure everyone's needs were met. Bob, the bus driver from excursion travel, was the best driver we have ever had and we have been on quite a few bus trips in the past.
We will definitely recommend future bus trips sponsored by Parks and Recreation to our friends and families. We would certainly be interested in taking future bus trips through the Parks and Recreation. This was our first time and I sure it will not be our last.
Thanks again for such a wonderful time last Saturday.
Michelle V.
Traveler Testimonials:
I want to comment about the trip to Branson. It was a wonderful and well organized event.
Sue and the bus driver were outstanding. Thank you for your attention to all the details that
made up such a nice trip. - Sylvia C.
