Community Education Travel Extended Tours
June - December 2025
Are you ready to take the vacation of a lifetime?
Join Community Education Travel on one of our overnight trips! Ranging from shorter domestic trips and vacation destinations throughout North America to multi-week tours around the world, we promise that you’ll be taken care of every step of the way when you book your next trip through CET. We make lifelong learning through travel a reality while having great fun and making memories to last a lifetime!
For more information about our CET extended tours including pricing and to make a reservation, call us at 847-718-7709, or email us at cetravel@d214.org.
Alaska
June 3 - 16, 2025
Join American Classic Tours as we embark on this special journey to America's last frontier - Alaska. The first part of this trip will be by land as we fly into Fairbanks and travel to Denali and Anchorage. The second part of this trip will be by sea as we cruise on Holland America's MS Westerdam through Alaska’s Inside Passage. Download the brochure here.
Mississippi River Cruise
June 18 - 20, 2025
July 16 - 18, 2025
Delight in the beauty of the Mississippi River Valley on a full day, 100-mile cruise aboard the Celebration Belle. Cruise from Dubuque to Moline while enjoying a full breakfast, lunch & prime rib dinner as well as narration by the captain, live entertainment, activities, travel through locks & dams and views of majestic bluffs. Other tour highlights include: free time in Galena and the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Step back in time in charming Bishop Hill Colony. Don’t miss the boat as we cruise the mighty Mississippi! Download the brochure here.
Pacific Northwest
July 12 - 20, 2025
August 10 - 18, 2025
Cool off next summer with a visit to America’s Pacific Northwest featuring Washington, Oregon and northern California. Mountain vistas, scenic river gorges, cascading waterfalls, giant redwood forests and the Pacific Ocean coastline await you on this magnificent trip. Visit Seattle, Portland and San Francisco. Highlights: Mt. St. Helens, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Rogue River hydroplane jet boat ride, Sonoma Valley wine country, world-famous Avenue of the Giants (Redwoods), San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge and more! Download the brochure here.
Amish Country Traditions
July 10 - 12, 2025
Journey back to a simpler time in the heart of Amish Country. View beautiful floral gardens planted in Amish quilt patterns. Relax at the charming Essenhaus Country Inn, Middlebury, Indiana. At the Menno-Hof Interpretive Center learn the history of the Amish, Mennonites and Hutterites and their journey from Europe to the New World. Tour the peaceful rolling countryside of the Crystal Valley with its small Amish country schools, neat Amish farmsteads, Amish folk in plain dress and black buggies. Shopping stops will feature Amish cheese, bakery, noodles, jams & jellies, quilts and more. Top it all off with a hearty, homemade meal in an Amish home. Download the brochure here.
Michigan Shores
July 28 - August 1, 2025
Escape next summer on this refreshing trip to the Michigan shores. Sparkling blue waters, gigantic ancient dunes, quaint lakeside villages and abundant summer sunshine combine to make this trip a quintessential Great Lake getaway. Set sail with us as we cross Lake Michigan on the S.S. Badger from Manitowoc, Wisconsin to Ludington, Michigan. Highlights include: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Traverse City, charming Stafford’s Perry Hotel in Petoskey’s historic Gaslight District, Charlevoix, Castle Farms, the “Mushroom Houses,” Gerald Ford Presidential Museum, DeGrandchamps Blueberry Farm, Saugatuck Dune Buggy Ride and more! Download the brochure here.
Summertime Mystery Tour
July 15 - 19, 2025
July 22 - 26, 2025
Get ready for the most creative, fun trip ever - the Summertime Mystery Tour - where you won't know where you will be going from one event to another. Not only will you be visiting interesting places, but you'll be doing so amidst a special theme complete with witty clues, giveaways, games, & more! This tour is of the first class quality you've come to expect from and trust in American Classic Tours, Inc. Excellent dining, deluxe hotel accommodations, fascinating attractions, fine services of a professional American Classic Tour Director, and all the added themed mystery extras make this tour a great value. Download the brochure here.
National Parks Yellowstone, Grand Tetons & Glacier
August 24 - 31, 2025
September 9 - 16, 2025
September 11 - 18, 2025
Marvel at the rugged beauty of America's majestic national parks: Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Glacier. View snow-capped mountains, wildlife, dramatic waterfalls, and landscape sculpted with canyons, cirques, craggy peaks, clear alpine lakes, winding rivers and virgin forests. Ride the Rendezvous Mountain Aerial Tramway, cruise the Snake River and Gates of the Mountains, and see the famous geyser, Old Faithful. Take one of the most magnificent drives in the world along "Going to the Sun Road." Join us on this unforgettable trip! Download the brochure here.
Oktoberfest In Frankenmuth
September 17 - 20, 2025
Willkommen to Frankenmuth - Michigan's Little Bavaria. This charming village is known for its well tended flowers, lush greenery, Bavarian architecture and its annual Oktoberfest. Celebrate German culture with German food, German dancing, live bands playing German music and of course, plenty of beer! Other highlights: Guided tour of Frankenmuth, strudel making demonstration, riverboat cruise, Bronner's Christmas Wonderland-the world's largest Christmas store and more. Download the brochure here.
Autumn In The Adirondacks
October 1 - 9, 2025
October 7 - 15, 2025
Come see the autumn majesty in the Adirondack Mountains and the scenic Hudson River Valley of upstate New York. Marvel at stunning mountain vistas draped in autumn color in the Adirondacks. Be refreshed on two boat rides on the pristine waters of both Lake Placid and Lake George. Join us for the best of the Empire State of New York. Download the brochure here.
Classic New England
October 4 - 12, 2025
October 11 - 19, 2025
Quaint little villages with white-steepled churches, colonial houses, village greens, rock fences and great American historic sites – this is the perfect getaway to Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. From scenic mountain drives to endless ocean views, the natural landscape of New England refreshes and inspires. A special feature is a 2-night stay at the beautiful Mt. Washington Hotel with its traditional porch offering stunning views of the White Mountains. Join us on this amazing trip to the birthplace of American Liberty. Download the brochure here.
Rocky Coast Of Maine
October 9 - 16, 2025
October 11 - 18, 2025
Autumn sweeps like wildfire across the beautiful state of Maine. The landscape lights up with garnet-red maples turning forests into sparkling treasure chests of color. Along the rocky Atlantic coast from Portland to Bar Harbor are charming New England scenes of seaside villages, lighthouses and lobster fisherman. Download the brochure here.
French Lick
October 21 - 23, 2025
Embrace elegance on this autumnal getaway to one of America’s most beautiful, historic landmark resorts – the West Baden Springs Hotel in the quiet village of French Lick in southern Indiana. Lavish guest rooms, grand ballrooms, superb cuisine, fine amenities, afternoon tea, artfully designed landscaped grounds and the awe-inspiring, domed grand atrium await you. Pamper yourself in the lap of luxury! Download the brochure here.
San Antonio Christmas
December 1 - 5, 2025
Merry Christmas – Southwestern style! San Antonio celebrates its Spanish colonial heritage through historic architecture, delicious cuisine, lively music, lore & legend. Savor the sites along the world famous Riverwalk – home to lush vegetation, fine restaurants and charming foot bridges all along the winding San Antonio River. During the holiday season the Riverwalk is adorned with colorful Christmas lights. Feliz Navidad! Download the brochure here.
Smoky Mountain Christmas
December 1 - 7, 2025
Experience a Smoky Mountain Christmas as Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg transform into a festive wonderland of twinkling lights during the Winterfest Lights Festival. Celebrate Christmas - Dolly Parton style - at her DreamMore Resort! Marvel at her Dollywood theme park - rated America’s #1 theme park - featuring holiday lights & decorations, music shows, mountain craftsmen, and more. Celebrate Christmases past in elegant style at the Biltmore Estate of Asheville, North Carolina. This 250-room mansion is adorned with incredible Yuletide decorations and hundreds of colorful poinsettias. Visit Music City USA - Nashville Tennessee - including a 2-night stay at the amazing Opryland Hotel. Merry Christmas! Download the brochure here.
Christmas In Newport, Boston & NYC
December 3 - 9, 2025
Celebrate Christmas like the Vanderbilts and Astors in toney Newport, Rhode Island - legendary haven for the rich and famous, fabulous seaside estates, world-class yachting and breathtaking views on Atlantic Ocean Drive. This tour will also visit Boston’s historic Freedom Trail, Lexington, Concord and the Boston Pops Orchestra Holiday Concert. For the Grand Finale, arrive in New York City for a Broadway Show and the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes! ‘Tis the season to be jolly. Merry Christmas Everyone! Download the brochure here.
Rose Parade & Los Angeles
December 28, 2025 - January 6, 2026
California: it’s full of sunshine, movie stars and the annual Tournament of Roses Parade! An American New Year’s Day tradition, the Tournament of Roses Parade has all the bells and whistles – magnificent floral floats, high-stepping equestrians, spirited marching bands, celebrities and more! The day before the parade you will visit the pavilions to witness how each rose is put into place and how other natural elements are assembled to make the intricate floats. Then experience all the excitement of the parade from reserved seating. Other highlights: guided tour of Los Angeles & Hollywood, Catalina Island, Warner Brothers Studio Tour, Santa Monica Pier, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum and more. So take a break from our cold winter by joining us in sunny, warm Southern California! Download the brochure here.
Mr. Lincoln’s Hometown
August 4 - 6, 2025
Amidst the grand prairielands of central Illinois is a treasure-trove of American historic sites…Springfield – Mr. Lincoln’s Hometown. Highlights: Old State Capitol, New State Capitol, Governor’s Mansion, Lincoln’s Tomb and Lincoln’s Home. Special feature will be a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. This state of the art museum will carry visitors on twin journeys from a crude Indiana cabin to Ford’s Theatre and a reproduction of the House Chamber in the Old State Capitol where Lincoln’s casket lies in state. Step back in time at Mr. Lincoln’s Hometown. Download the brochure here.
North Dakota
September 3 - 8, 2025
A sparsely populated land of big sky with wild horses and roaming bison, North Dakota celebrates its remoteness as one of America’s last frontiers. From Fargo and the rolling prairies of the East to Medora and the rugged terrain of the West, you will be amazed at the variety of attractions – some historic and traditional while others modern and zany! If you have never visited North Dakota, this is the perfect time to do so! This specialty trip has limited space available so early reservations are recommended. Download the brochure here.
Wisconsin Cranberry
September 30 - October 2, 2025
From the Thanksgiving feast to breads, sauces, coffees and teas, cranberries are one versatile fruit. Experience the annual autumn harvest of one of America’s native berries – the cranberry. See cranberry marshes ablaze in shades of scarlet with colorful fall foliage all around. Come join us on this beautiful autumn getaway to Cranberry Country – you’ll be “berry” glad you did! Download the brochure here.
Door County
October 1 - 3, 2025
October 7 - 9, 2025
Door County is known as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest" due to its picturesque lakeside villages, extensive shoreline and rolling woodland. Guided tour of Door County will highlight the charming communities of Sister Bay, Ephraim, Bailey's Harbor, Ellison Bay, Egg Harbor, Gills Rock, and Fish Creek. See such special places including: Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant, Bjorklünden Norwegian Chapel, Cave Point, Seaquist Farm Orchard, Door Peninsula Winery, Door County Maritime Museum and the legendary fish boil. Come see the colors of autumn on this 3-day getaway! Download the brochure here.
New Mexico
October 6 - 14, 2025
Wide open deserts and deep canyons. Rugged mountains and pine forests. Ancient cliff dwellings and picturesque adobe pueblos. Historic Spanish plazas and colorful southwestern art. Folklore and legend. Billy the Kid and Kit Carson. This southwestern getaway features the historic cities of Santa Fe, Taos & Albuquerque and the beautiful scenery of mountains and valleys which surround them. Special feature is the annual Balloon Fiesta - Up, up and away! Witness a spectacular display of hot air balloons ascending into the clear blue autumn skies of New Mexico. Join us for an experience of a lifetime in enchanting New Mexico. Download the brochure here.
Sedona & Grand Canyon
October 18 - 24, 2025
October 25 - 31, 2025
When you first see the stunning Red Rock Country mountain peaks appear on the horizon, you will remember it forever! This amazing trip features: 5 night stay at the Hilton Sedona Bell Rock Resort, Pink Jeep Tour through the Red Rocks, Chapel of the Holy Cross built into the side of a mountain, Grand Canyon, Montezuma Castle & Well National Monuments, and Crater Meteor and a Stargazing Program. Special feature: 2 scenic train excursions on the Grand Canyon Railroad & Tanque Verde Railroad. Download the brochure here.
Branson Christmas
November 13 - 17, 2025
Branson is America’s Music Showplace and is especially fun and festive during the holiday season. Highlights include Christmas shows: Sight and Sound Theater, Showboat Branson Belle, and more! This trip features a two-night stay at the Hilton located at the area’s Branson Landing Promenade – a festival marketplace complete with shops, eateries and a dazzling water, sound & light fountain show along scenic Lake Taneycomo. Also included: Ozark Mountain scenery and a ride to the top of the St. Louis Gateway Arch. Download the brochure here.
Nashville Christmas
December 1 - 5, 2025
Get in the holiday spirit as we visit the Music City-Nashville, Tennessee! A major highlight of this trip is a four-night stay in atrium view rooms at the Opryland Hotel. This trip will feature the Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame and more. Enjoy great entertainment including: Grand Ole Opry Show, General Jackson Showboat and Opryland Hotel Christmas Dinner Show! Marvel at the exciting Fantasy in Ice which is an incredible exhibit of carvings out of one million pounds of ice! Take some time out to experience the joy of the Christmas season on this festive American Classic Tour to Nashville! Download the brochure here.
Hallmark Christmas
December 2 - 6, 2025
Do you celebrate Christmas watching the Hallmark Channel? Come and enjoy the fun and merriment first-hand on American Classic Tours’ Hallmark Christmas and Kansas City Holiday Lights trip. Experience the heartwarming sentiments of Christmases past and present with a visit to the Hallmark Visitors Center and corporate headquarters which features exhibits about the company's history including historic greeting cards and postcards, Christmas ornaments, exhibits from the company's art collection, and displays about the Hallmark Hall of Fame programs. Download the brochure here.
Amish Country Christmas
December 4 - 6, 2025
Join us next holiday season as we visit the heart of Amish Country. View beautiful Christmas decorations throughout. Relax at the charming Blue Gate Inn of Shipshewana, Indiana. Marvel at the Shipshewana Lights of Joy featuring more than 2 million LED lights and specialty displays viewed from the comfort of the motorcoach. At the Menno-Hof Interpretive Center learn the history of the Amish, Mennonites and Hutterites and their journey from Europe to the New World. Shopping stops will feature Amish cheese, bakery, noodles, jams & jellies, quilts and more. In an Amish farm home enjoy a Christmas cookie making demonstration and a hearty dinner. Merry Christmas Everyone! Download the brochure here.