Dear Free Spirit Guest,

I hope you all are having a wonderful New Year full of health, happiness, and the fulfillment of your dreams. And I hope that Free Spirit Vacations and Events can be part of your 2008.

As all of you know, Free Spirit Vacations and Events used to be in the travel business. We now are in the dream business. We have added life-enhancing components to many of our packages and will be adding more in the future. These include educational, health and fitness, and experiential programs.

We are featuring several tours every month. However, we offer many additional destinations. At Free Spirit Vacations and Events, we believe it’s all about CHOICES. Visit our website – www.freespiritvacations.com for a complete listing. There are so many stars in the sky, and one of them has your name on it. Reach for the stars, dream, believe, and achieve YOUR personal favorite vacation.

Again, Happy New Years and I look forward to seeing all of you in the near future.

Sincerely,


Sue Arko



Plan now for Oberammergau in 2010

The quaint European village of Oberammergau is world famous for the spectacular Passion Play performed by its residents just once every decade. Keeping a pledge made nearly 400 years ago, this reenactment of the crucifixion of Christ preserves the health and well-being if its residents to this day. Through our partners, Globus, we are offering four different packages, all of which will have hotel accommodations in the town of Oberammergau as well as a local operations office in town during this huge event.

These packages will sell out by the end of 2008. A $200 non-refundable deposit is due May 1, 2008 to hold your space. A second $200 deposit is due September 1, 2008. Don’t wait – BOOK NOW!

Choose from the following dates and itineraries:

The Heart of Europe & Oberammergau June 9-21, 2010 or September 18-30, 2010 London, Paris, Lucerne, Munich/Oberammergau For more information: click here

Imperial Splendors & Oberammergau May 22 – June 3, 2010 or August 28 – September 9, 2010 Munich, Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, Munich/Oberammergau For more information: click here

Munich, Salzburg, Vienna & Oberammergau June 9-19, 2010 or September 1-11, 2010 For more information: click here

German Highlights & Oberammergau June 6-16, 2010 or August 31 – September 10, 2010 Frankfurt, Cologne, Berlin, Nuremberg, Munich/Oberammergau, Black Forest For more information: click here

Back by Popular Demand Palm Springs New Years and Carnival Cruise December 30, 2008 – January 5, 2009 Once again, we will be bringing in 2009 in Palm Springs, California’s premier Desert Oasis! Palm Springs is the jewel among desert cities, rich in history, blessed with glorious weather, and loaded with attractions. On New Years Day, we will board the Carnival Elation and travel to Cabo San Lucas, a paradise at Land’s End where you can dive among huge rock formations, sun-worship on great beaches, and golf on the greenest greens in Mexico. Check out all the following options on this New Years Extravaganza. Palm Springs New Years and Cruise December 30, 2008 – January 5, 2009 Price: $1325 pp/double inside; $1925 pp/single inside $1375 pp/double outside; $1975 pp/single outside Includes: motorcoach transportation from Phoenix or Tucson OR airport transfers in Palm Springs, two nights accommodations at the Palm Mountain Resort, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Palm Springs Follies, New Years Eve Dinner, New Years Brunch, four night cruise featuring all meals and entertainment on the ship. For more information: click here

New Years in Palm Springs December 30, 2008 – January 2, 2009 Price: $750 pp/double; $950 pp/single Day One: Travel to Palm Springs. Enjoy a city highlight tour upon arrival. Check into Palm Mountain Resort. Dinner is on your own this evening. Day Two: Breakfast is included this morning at the hotel. This morning, take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of the mountain for an incredible view of where the mountains and deserts meet. Then enjoy a matinee performance of the Palm Springs Follies (platinum seats) followed by a delicious dinner and a New Years Eve Party at our hotel. Day Three: A fabulous New Years Brunch is included today. The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy Palm Springs. Day Four: Breakfast is included this morning at the hotel. Then depart for home. For more information: click here

Palm Springs and Rose Bowl Parade December 30, 2008 – January 2, 2009 Price: $850 pp/double; $1050 pp/single Day One: Travel to Palm Springs. Enjoy a city highlight tour upon arrival. Check into Palm Mountain Resort. Dinner is on your own this evening. Day Two: Breakfast is included this morning at the hotel. This morning, take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of the mountain for an incredible view of where the mountains and deserts meet. Then enjoy a matinee performance of the Palm Springs Follies (platinum seats) followed by a delicious dinner and a New Years Eve Party at our hotel. Day Three: Depart early this morning for the Rose Bowl Parade. Reserved seats, a box breakfast and a box lunch are included. Return to Palm Springs in time to watch the football games or relax at the hotel. Day Four: Breakfast is included this morning at the hotel. Then depart for home. For more information: click here

Discover Navajo Cultural Kaleidoscope March 7-10, 2008 Price: $599pp/double; $750 pp/single Space is still available on Discover Navajo Field Trip, featuring Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, and Canyon de Chelly. Your guide will be Mae Peshlakai, a traditional Navajo weaver. She will share her culture and stories throughout the trip and give you an inside look into life on the reservation. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, often called the eighth wonder of the world, is located deep within the Navajo Reservation. The Navajo live in the company of spectacular free standing, red rock buttes, towering pillars, spires, and sand dunes. Mammoth monoliths and immense rock spires stretch heavenward from the desert floor. Fine examples of Indian cliff dwellings and ruins can be found in Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Antelope Canyon is the most photographed slot canyon in the world – truly a photographers dream. These Canyons have sheltered Anasazi culture for centuries and served as an ancestral stronghold for the Navajos. Small vehicles will take you on in-depth tours of these natural wonderlands that are featured in this kaleidoscope of color vacation. Includes: transportation, accommodations at the Quality Inn in Page, Quality Inn in Tuba City, Quality Inn in Window Rock, in-depth tours of Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, and Canyon de Chelly, Hubbel’s Trading Post, breakfast daily, one dinner. For more information: click here

Curtain Call for all Performers over 50 $1099 per person/double; $1275 per person/single If you are a performer, and would like to appear on the stages in Branson, join us for Summer Break in Branson, May 5-9, 2008. This five day escorted tour takes you to “America’s Music Show Capital”, Branson with more live entertainment than anywhere in the country! What makes this tour of Branson special is a private welcome reception with several of the stars from the shows that you will be seeing. In addition, Free Spirit Star Performers will be the opening act for several of the show. Come see our talented entertainers perform. For more information: click here

Pacific Coastal Cruise aboard the Princess Sapphire Free Spirit Vacations and Events is proud to offer the following cruises with added educational and life-enhancing components only available through Free Spirit. Pacific Coastal Cruise aboard the Princess Sapphire September 19-27, 2008 Price: $1650 pp/double (inside); $1795 pp/double (outside); $1895 pp/double (veranda) Discover the charm of the Pacific Coast from Vancouver to Los Angeles. Your luxurious floating hotel each night, the Sapphire Princess features delicious food and wonderful entertainment each evening. You’ll visit the ports of Vancouver, Victoria, San Francisco, Catalina Island and San Diego before arriving in Los Angeles to return home. Includes: airfare to Phoenix or Tucson to Seattle, motorcoach transportation from Los Angeles to Phoenix or Tucson, one night accommodations in Vancouver, seven night cruise aboard the Princess Sapphire, entertainment and meals on the ship, port taxes and fees. For more information: click here

Western Caribbean aboard the Costa Fortuna January 25-February 1, 2009 Price: $1495 pp/double inside; $1675 pp/double outside; $1795 pp/double balcony Includes: roundtrip airfare from Phoenix to Fort Lauderdale, pre-night hotel in Fort Lauderdale, transfers in Florida, seven night cruise, all fees and taxes, all meals and entertainment onboard the ship. For more information: click here

Catalina Island and Ensenada Fitness Cruise aboard Carnival Paradise January 26-30, 2009 or February 23-27, 2009 Price: $495 pp/double inside; $550 pp/double outside Includes: motorcoach transportation from Phoenix or Tucson to Long Beach, four night cruise, exercise classes daily, fitness walks in port, all meals and entertainment on ship, all taxes and fees. For more information: click here

Wine-tasting Cruise aboard the Carnival Elation February 12-16, 2009 or March 12-16, 2009 $700 per person/double inside; $750 per person/double outside Includes: transportation from Phoenix or Tucson to San Diego, four night cruise aboard Carnival Elation , wine-tastings and wine with dinner, all meals and entertainment on the ship, all taxes and fees. For more information: click here

San Francisco and Wine Country March 25-28, 2008 Price: $1095 pp/double; $1325 pp/single Fly from Phoenix to the “City by the Bay” for four days of adventure. San Francisco is California’s Casablanca, a bubbling bouillabaisse of exotic ingredients. Discover the diversity of this bustling cosmopolitan city with an intriguing ethnic mix as well as the quiet, natural vineyards of Napa Valley. Sip and swirl to your hearts content as you enjoy two winery tours and tastings. Highlights in San Francisco include Fisherman’s Wharf, Twin Peaks, Alcatraz, a ride on the cable cars, and more. Includes: roundtrip airfare from Phoenix to San Francisco, ground transportation, 3 nights accommodations at the Holiday Inn Express-Fisherman’s Wharf, city tour, Cable Cars, Bay Cruise, Fisherman’s Wharf, Wine Tour, Alcatraz Tour. For more information: click here

National Cherry Blossom Festival $1179 per person/double; $1479 per person/single (airfare is additional and will be confirmed at the time of booking) Never is our Nation’s Capital more splendid than in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. All of Washington celebrates the beauty of the season with visitors from across the nation and around the world. The highlight is the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and you will also visit the National monuments, buildings, attractions and great museums of DC. Includes: ground transportation in DC, four nights accommodations at the Marriott Tysons Corner, reserved seats for the Cherry Blossom Parade, Odyssey luncheon cruise, the “Newseum”, Mount Vernon, Smithsonian Museums, National Monuments and Buildings, four breakfasts, two lunches, and three dinners. For more information: click here

Southern Arizona Vacation April 13-16, 2008 Price: $675 per person/double; $825 pp/single Your journey south will begin with a tour of Kartchner Caverns State Park followed by a stop at Our Lady of the Sierras Shrine. Fort Huachuca, also included in the tour. The US Army Military Intelligence Museum traces the history of the intelligence profession within the U.S. Army and the Fort Huachuca Historical Museum has been described as once of the finest Army Museums in the Country. Spend the afternoon in Bisbee where lunch is included at the historic Copper Queen hotel followed by a tour of the Queen Mine. Discover the Chiracahua Mountains National Monument, stop for pie at the world famous Stout Apple Cider Mill, visit Tombstone, and tour the Amerind Foundation on this fun-filled vacation. Includes: transportation, three nights accommodations at the Fairfield in Sierra Vista, Kartchner Caverns, Our Lady of the Sierras Shrine, Fort Huachuca, lunch at the Copper Queen, Queen Mine tour, Chiracahua Mountains National Monument, stop at Stout Apple Cider Mill, Tombstone, Amerind Foundation, Rex Allen Museum. For more information: click here

Copper Canyon May 3-9, 2008 Price: $1300 per person/double; $1600 per person/single The largest canyon in North America, the Copper Canyon complex provides a destination unlike any other. For those who love the unusual and seek adventure, the Copper Canyon is the answer. At an altitude of 8000 feet, the mountain peaks are snow-capped in the winter while the canyon bottom remains at tropical climate. The Copper Canyon is home to the least accultured Native Americans in North America, the Tarahumara Indians, who are semi-nomadic cliff dwellers. The "Train Ride in the Sky" provides the only access this wilderness and is one of the most dramatic railway journey in the Western Hemisphere as it travels through 86 tunnels and over 37 trestles. Includes: Transportation (US Motorcoach), the beaches in San Carlos, visits to the colonial cities of Alamos and El Fuerte, deluxe train journey, Pancho Villa Trail, Paquime archeological site, all meals, best available accommodations For more information: click here

Bryce, Zion and Grand Canyon North Rim June 9-12, 2008 Price: $595 per person/double; $799 per person/single The wonders and beauty of the National Parks of the Southwest await your visit! Colorful scenery and spectacular formations abound in Zion, known for its narrow canyon, isolated buttes, and multicolored mesas. Up to 60 colors have been distinguished at Bryce Canyon in the limestone walls and spires. These colors change according to the time of day and the intensity of light. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is more primitive and serene, but every bit as beautiful than the more popular South Rim. Includes: transportation, one night accommodations at the Casa Blanca in Mesquite, the Best Western Red Hills in Kanab, the Quality Inn in Page, sightseeing in Bryce, Zion, and North Rim of the Grand Canyon, dinner each night, breakfast each day. For more information: click here

Grand Alaska June 27 – July 6, 2008 Price: $2285 per person/double; $3285 per person/single (airfare is additional and will be confirmed at the time of booking) Alaska! An expansive land framed by unparalleled scenery. A state where adventure flourishes in tranquil surroundings. Discover the backcountry of Denali National Park, over six million acres of pristine wilderness and home to North America’s highest peak, Mt. McKinley. Explore Anchorage and Fairbanks. Watch and listen as massive chunks of ice crumble from immense glaciers and fall into the crisp waters of Prince William Sound. See mountains and valleys, watch wildlife and sea life in their natural habitats and view majestic glaciers. Discover the mysteries of the last frontier! Includes: transportation in Alaska, , accommodations at the following: Anchorage (3 nights) , Valdez (2 nights), Fairbanks (2 nights), Denali , (2 nights), Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Worthington Glacier, Glacier and Wildlife Cruise, Prince William Sound, Columbia Glacier, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, University of Alaska Museum, Riverboat Discovery III Cruise, Athabaskan Indian Village, Denali National Park including the Tundra Wilderness Tour, Alaska Railroad , 2 dinners, 1 lunch, 8 breakfasts. For more information: click here

Sierra Nevada Journey July 26-30, 2008 Price: $775 per person/double; $975 per person/single Fly from Phoenix to Sacramento discover Old Town and the Railroad Museum in California’s Capital City before embarking on a scenic tour through the Sierra Nevadas via rail. Travel from Sacramento to Reno on Amtrak through Donner Pass and along the Truckee River. Visit Lake Tahoe a pristine 22-mile-long lake and enjoy the MS Dixie cruise on the crystal-blue lake. At an elevation of 6,226 feet above sea level, Lake Tahoe is 99.9% pure. Discover the colorful history of Carson City, the State Capital of Nevada nestled between the majestic rise of the Sierra Nevadas. And finally, visit Virginia City and experience a walk through time with the 1870’s boardwalks, saloons, museums, and unique mercantile. Includes: round-trip air – Phx to Sacramento and Reno to Phx, all ground transportation, Amtrak from Sacramento to Reno, Railroad Museum, MS Dixie Cruise, one night accommodations at the Vagabond Inn in Sacramento, three nights accommodations at Harrah’s in Reno, Lake Tahoe, Virginia City, and Carson City. For more information: click here

Planes and Trains of the Pacific Northwest August 9 – 14, 2008 Price: $2175 per person/double; $2475 per person/single Are you always listening for that lonely whistle off in the distance? Do you enjoy the restful, rocking motion of a train? Do you believe there’s nothing better than seeing the world by rail? If so, don’t miss this one-of-a-kind journey through the Pacific Northwest where you will bask in breathtaking scenery at every turn aboard five different trains. Includes: airfare from Phoenix or Tucson to Portland and return from Seattle, all ground transportation in the Pacific Northwest, lodging in Vancouver, WA, Everett WA (2 nights), Vancouver BC (2 nights), five rail journeys including Mount Hood Railroad, Amtrak’s Cascadia (twice), Spirit of Washington, and Whistler Mountaineer, admission to Boeing Plant and Future of Flight Aviation Center, Western Railway Heritage Park and Bellingham Railway Museum, brunch at Seattle’s famed Space Needle, two breakfasts, one brunch, four lunches, two dinners. click here

Atlantic Canada Maritimes August 29 – September 7, 2008 Price: $1957 per person/double; $2547 per person/single Airfare is additional and will be confirmed at the time of booking.. Gateway: Halifax Close your eyes and imagine fresh salt air, sandy beaches, rocky coves, cosmopolitan cities, remote lighthouses, rich history, warm hospitality, rustic fishing villages, succulent seafood, unspoiled nature, varied activities, first-rate facilities and travel routes. All of this and more make Canada’s Maritime Provinces one of the world’s most popular destinations. Get a taste of the Maritimes on this delightful tour of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Includes: nine nights accommodations, 13 meals, ground transportation, historic Halifax City tour, Peggy’s Cove, Champlain’s Habitation, Princess of Acadia cruise across the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, Fundy National Park, Hopewell Rocks, Charlottetown (Canada’s birthplace), Prince Edward Island National Park, Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Island, Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, Eagle Watching and whale watching boat tours (weather permitting), Cabot Trail, Louisbourg National Historic Site. For more information: click here

National Grandparent’s Day at Disney World September 7-11, 2008 Price: $1160 per person/double; $1425 per person/single; $1110 per person/triple; $1075 per person/quad There’s no better place to spend National Grandparents Day than at the Happiest Place on Earth, DisneyWorld! Fly to Orlando and spend three fun-filled days exploring Disney’s magical theme parks. You will make memories that will last a life time! In addition, Free Spirit Star Performers will be the opening act for several of the show. Come see our talented entertainers perform. If you are an entertainer over 50, please contact us about performing as well! Includes: roundtrip airfare from Phoenix or Tucson to Orlando, airport transfers and transportation to the Parks, four nights accommodations at a Disney Resort, three days admission to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studios, many extras. For more information: click here

Pacific Coastal Cruise aboard the Princess Sapphire September 19-27, 2008 Price: $1650 pp/double (inside); $1795 pp/double (outside); $1895 pp/double (veranda) Discover the charm of the Pacific Coast from Vancouver to Los Angeles while only unpacking your suitcase once! Your luxurious floating hotel each night, the Sapphire Princess features delicious food and wonderful entertainment each evening. You’ll visit the ports of Vancouver, Victoria, San Francisco, Catalina Island and San Diego before arriving in Los Angeles to return home. Includes: airfare to Phoenix or Tucson to Seattle, motorcoach transportation from Los Angeles to Phoenix or Tucson, one night accommodations in Vancouver, seven night cruise aboard the Princess Sapphire, entertainment and meals on the ship, port taxes and fees. For more information: click here

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta October 6-10, 2008 Price: $875 per person double; $1175 per person single For nine days in October, the New Mexico skies are painted as hundreds of balloons lift off from Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta Park. Nothing rivals the power of mass ascension on a crisp early morning as these graceful giants leave the ground to take their place in the cerulean desert sky. View the mass ascension as over 800 balloon ascend at one time and the Special Shapes Glow. Additional highlights include a thrilling panoramic view of Albuquerque and the Rio Grande Valley on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, Old Town, San Felipe de Neri Church and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Then it's only a short drive to Santa Fe, the oldest seat of government in the United States, where you will visit the Palace of the Governors and Historic Square. Includes: transportation, 4 nights accommodations at the Hampton Inn, admission to the Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta including Mass Ascension and Special Shapes Glow, Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, Acoma, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, deluxe continental breakfast each morning, dinner each evening, sightseeing in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, Turquoise Trail. For more information: click here

Branson Holiday Delight November 28 – December 3, 2008 Price: $1350 per person/double; $1575 per person/double This five day escorted tour takes you to “America’s Music Show Capital”, Branson with more live entertainment than anywhere in the country! During December, all of the entertainers perform special renditions of holiday music and the Branson Area Festival of Lights displays a beautiful array of color and cheer. This is a perfect tour to begin the holiday season! Includes: roundtrip airfare from Phoenix to Kansas City, ground transportation in Missouri, five nights accommodations at the Scenic Hills Inn, continental breakfast daily, dinner each night, Festival Lights, shopping at Branson Landing, reserved seats for the following shows: The Duttons, Branson Brothers, Hamner Barber Variety Theaer, Shoji, Hughes Brothers, Dino’s Christmas Show, Tony Orlando, the Lennon Sisters For more information: click here

Arizona Holiday December 4-7, 2008 Price: $499 per person/double; $660 per person/single Travel the scenic roads of Arizona and enjoy the holiday festivities throughout the state. Begin in the Christmas City of Prescott where you will view the Gingerbread Village see all the lights surrounding the historical courthouse square. In Sedona, visit the Red Rock Fantasy where more than a million lights create a man-made marvel within the scenic natural beauty of Sedona. You will also see the lights in Flagstaff before traveling to Lake Havasu City for the Annual Parade of Lights. Enjoy dinner and viewing from a private area at the London Bridge Resort. There will be time to stroll along Bridgewater Channel under the majestic arches of the London Bridge, Arizona's most popular man made attraction. You will also enjoy a narrated cruise on Lake Havasu. Includes: transportation, accommodations at the Holiday Inn Express in Prescott, Holiday Inn Express in Flagstaff, Island Inn in Lake Havasu, Gingerbread Village, Red Rock Fantasy, Lake Havasu Parade of Lights, cruise on Lake Havasu, continental breakfast daily, one dinner. For more information: click here

Nashville’s Country Christmas December 5-8, 2008 Price: $1125 pp/double; $1425 pp/single The fabulous Opryland Hotel in Nashville will be your home for three luxurious, festive nights. Acres of lush plants and flowers in beautiful and comfortable 70 degree atriums that are eloquently decorated for the holidays set the stage for a wonderful vacation. You’ll also see the best of Nashville, as you tour the Ryman Auditorium, the new Country Music Hall of Fame, the Wild Horse Saloon, a performance at the Grand Ole Opry, and a dinner cruise on the General Jackson. Includes: round trip airfare, airport transfers, three nights accommodations at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, tickets to Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes, Ticket to ICE, Louise Mandrell Christmas Dinner Party. Reserved seats to the Grand Ole Opry, tour of Country Music Hall of Fame and Ryman Auditorium, lunch at the Wildhorse Saloon, ticket to Treasure for the Holidays and Hall of Trees. For more information: click here

Thank you for being a loyal Free Spirit customer. We will continue to provide you valuable savings opportunities as well as monthly newsletters.

Sincerely,
--The team at Free Spirit Vacations and Events