Gulf Coast Getaway

DAY 1: MEMPHIS, TN

Arrive in Memphis for a welcome dinner and overnight stay. D

DAY 2: ELVIS’ BIRTHPLACE

Journey toward the Gulf traveling through Mississippi with a stop in Tupelo to walk in the footsteps of a young Elvis Presley. Experience the humble beginnings of a man whose fame has grown to nearly mythical proportions. Arrive in Mobile, AL, and unpack for a 2-night stay. B, L, Hot Apps

DAY 3: CARNIVAL

Embrace Mobile’s vibrant spirit with a knowledgeable local expert who will bring the city’s stories and history to life. Step into the colorful Mobile Carnival Museum, housed in the historic Bernstein-Bush Mansion. The museum showcases over 300 years of Mardi Gras celebrations. Tonight, feast on top-notch BBQ and relax on the patio while cheering on the festive and lively parade marching by our seats. B, D

DAY 4: BELLINGRATH GARDENS, ORANGE BEACH

Step into a world of beauty at Bellingrath Gardens and Home. This tranquil 65-acre estate was built as an escape from the hectic work life of Walter Bellingrath, one of the first Coca-Cola bottlers in the South, while his wife, Bessie, possessed the green thumb that developed the surrounding gorgeous gardens. After lunch, board our boat for a fun and scenic coastal cruise. Keep your camera ready, as playful dolphins may emerge from the sparkling waters! Unpack for two nights at your beachside hotel, where all rooms feature views of the Gulf. B, L

DAY 5: FREE DAY

Today is yours to explore and enjoy! Choose your own adventure: relax by the beach, read a book, take an optional visit to the iconic Pensacola Lighthouse, stroll and shop along the lively boardwalk, or explore the fascinating National Naval Aviation Museum home to historic aircraft and engaging exhibits. B Note: The Lighthouse and Naval Museum are located on the Naval base in Pensacola. Visitors must have a REAL ID, Military ID, or valid US Passport for entry onto the base. Additional cost and registration may apply for optional activities.

DAY 6: JONESBORO, AR

Trade the sun-drenched shores of Orange Beach for a scenic journey north to Jonesboro, perfectly split by a flavorful lunch stop in Jackson, Mississippi. This captivating route weaves through the rolling landscapes of the deep South. B, L

DAY 7: RETURN

Arrive home with wonderful memories of coastal breezes, southern hospitality, and festive celebrations. B

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Night 1: Drury Memphis Southaven, Memphis, TN
Nights 2-3: Drury Plaza, Mobile, AL
Nights 4-5: Island House Hotel, Orange Beach, AL
Night 6: Hampton Inn, Jonesboro, AR

Departure Cities:

• Kansas City
• Springfield, MO

Depart: February 3, 2027
Return: February 9, 2027

Price per person:

• DB $1,999
• TP/QD $1,779
• SG $2,669

Mobility Note
Guests should be comfortable walking through Bellingrath Gardens, boarding a sightseeing boat and navigating occasional uneven pavement, curbs and crowded areas during the Mardi Gras parade. Most garden paths are paved, although portions of the Asian Garden are not fully wheelchair accessible.

Average Temps
Daytime: 55–65°F
Overnight: 40–50°F
Average Gulf water temperature: 57°F

Time Zone
Central Time throughout the tour.

Hotel Note
The Island House Hotel in Orange Beach offers direct beach access, an outdoor pool and private balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Its beachfront location makes it easy to enjoy the sand, coastal views and free time without additional transportation.

Packing Tips
Pack comfortable walking shoes, a light-to-medium jacket, removable layers and a compact raincoat. Sunglasses and sunscreen are helpful for the coastal cruise and beach time. Bring a small bag for the beads, MoonPies and other keepsakes you may catch during the Mardi Gras parade.

Beach Note
February is generally better suited for beach walks and enjoying the view than swimming. Lifeguards are typically not stationed on Gulf Shores and Orange Beach public beaches from October through February.

Notes on Highlights
Mobile’s Mardi Gras tradition began in 1703, making it the oldest organized Carnival celebration in the United States. Unlike many Mardi Gras experiences, Mobile’s celebration is known for a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.

Keep an eye out for flying MoonPies during the parade. Along with beads and trinkets, the marshmallow-filled treats are one of Mobile Mardi Gras’ most recognizable traditions.

February is camellia season at Bellingrath Gardens. Walter Bellingrath was especially fond of camellias, which typically bloom on the estate from November through March. Early azaleas may also begin appearing in late February, depending on the weather.

Alabama’s beaches are covered in exceptionally soft, bright sand composed of approximately 99% Appalachian quartz. The grains traveled south over thousands of years before being deposited along the Gulf Coast.

The dolphin cruise may also provide opportunities to see brown pelicans, ospreys, stingrays, sea turtles and other coastal wildlife, although all wildlife sightings are naturally unpredictable.

Other General Information
Tour Communications: You will receive three key communications leading up to your tour:

• Get Ready: Your email confirmation and initial tour information, sent after you register.
• Get Set: An email with additional tour details, sent approximately two months before departure.
• Go: Your final trip documents, mailed via USPS approximately three to four weeks before departure. This packet will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags, and final departure information.

Travel Protection: Travel Protection is optional but highly recommended and may be purchased until the day before departure. Sunrise Tours offers plans through battleface. Additional information will be included with your Get Ready email and can also be found HERE.

Inclusions: Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes:

• A professional Sunrise Tour Director
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Local step-on guides, including gratuities
• International tour guide gratuities when specified for the individual tour
• Deluxe motorcoach transportation with an onboard restroom
• Admission to activities and events as indicated
• Airfare from designated airports
• Transportation to and from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*
• Luggage handling at hotels when available

Gratuities: We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver is $6 to $10 per person, per day of the tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers also appreciate gratuities for excellent service, with a suggested amount of $5 per person. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or distribute gratuity envelopes.

Refreshments: We are happy to provide refreshments on most motorcoach travel days. We also recommend bringing a refillable water bottle to help you stay hydrated throughout your tour.

Pickup Points: If fewer than four travelers request a particular pickup point, we may ask those guests to select another available pickup location. Travelers are also welcome to join a tour from a city that is not listed as a departure point. Please contact our friendly reservations team to discuss available arrangements. For departure cities not listed, airfare is typically $100 more than the published fare for domestic tours and $200 more for international tours.

TSA PreCheck and Airline Rewards Numbers: TSA PreCheck, Known Traveler Numbers, and airline rewards numbers must be provided to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure. Numbers received after this deadline may not be applied to your reservation.

Airline Seating: Preferred seating may not be available with group airfare. In some cases, seats are not assigned until travelers arrive at the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy-class seat but does not include advance seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available for an additional cost.

Motorcoach Capacity and Seating: To provide one of the most comfortable motorcoach experiences in the industry, Sunrise Tours generally limits motorcoaches to 80% capacity. This allows for a maximum of 44 passengers on a motorcoach designed to accommodate 55. Sunrise Tours reserves the right to amend this practice. Your Tour Director will rotate motorcoach seating each day of the tour. Payment of a single-occupancy fare does not guarantee two motorcoach seats, and you may be seated beside another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.

Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.