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Ken and Sherry Carter
CREATION/ARK sep 17-21, 2024
Experience Bible history at the life-size Noah’s Ark! Meet Noah, his family, and the animals. Also visit the zoo, zip lines, and more.
At the nearby Creation Museum visit a realistic Garden of Eden, the Planetarium, flood dioramas, stunning video displays, and much more.
itinerary
DAY 1
Bright and early, we'll catch our flight to the vibrant Cincinnati's Northern Kentucky Airport. Upon arrival, our friendly motorcoach and its driver will be there to greet us. Once we're all aboard and settled, we'll make our way to our charming hotel in Florence, KY. Nestled right in the heart of where all the Creation sites are, it's the perfect base for our adventure.
As we step into the hotel, expect to be swept off your feet by the epitome of Southern hospitality - they might even welcome us with their signature warm cookies. No need to worry about your bags; they'll be whisked away to your rooms as you get your first taste of local charm.
Our rooms? Oh, they're nothing short of cozy havens, stocked with everything you might need. From a fridge to keep your snacks chilled, a coffee maker for those morning brews, an iron to keep you looking sharp, to a hairdryer, ensuring you're ready to explore in style. And that’s not all - there’s an outdoor pool to dip your toes into, a fitness center for your workout routines, a handy snack shop, and even a laundry if you need a quick refresh. For those mixing pleasure with business, you’ll find the business center a handy spot.
Hungry? You're in luck! We're parked right next to a banquet of choices - Cracker Barrel, Applebee’s, and Rafferty’s, all just a stone's throw away. For dinner, you're free to choose your culinary adventure from several delightful restaurants mere steps from our hotel. It's all about savoring the flavors at your own pace.
OVERNIGHT HAMPTON INN, FLORENCE KY
DAY 2 CREATION MUSEUM
After we've had our fill of breakfast, we'll embark on an adventure to the captivating Creation Museum. This place is a treasure trove of narratives and ideas from the Bible, brought to life across more than 160 exhibits. Imagine strolling through a lush Garden of Eden, delving into the depths of a Cave of Sorrows, or getting up close with friendly creatures at the petting zoo. Marvel at the intricacy of life in "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made," and reflect on the profound story of "The Christ, Cross, Consummation." It's a journey that's as educational as it is enlightening.
Not to be missed are the mesmerizing shows like "The Last Adam" and the visuals in the 3D Special Effects Theatre. Plus, today we have a special treat - a show at the Stargazer's Planetarium, where the wonders of the cosmos come alive through cutting-edge, high-definition digital technology.
And there's more good news - lunch is on us today at Noah's Cafe, ensuring you're fueled for exploration.
After soaking up a day filled with awe, insights, and inspiration, we'll head back to our cozy hotel to refresh and relax.
Tonight, you're free to explore and enjoy dinner at one of the many inviting restaurants nearby. It's the perfect opportunity to savor the local flavors at your leisure.
OVERNIGHT HAMPTON INN, FLORENCE KY
Thursday, SEP 19, 2024 ARK ENCOUNTER
Kicking off another day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, just like every morning, we're all set for another adventure. Today, we board our coach and set off to witness the marvel that is the life-sized Noah’s Ark. Picture this: the largest timber structure in the world, constructed to the exact biblical dimensions. The Ark Encounter is not just a sight to behold; it's an immersive experience where the pages of Biblical history unfold before your eyes in a truly spectacular way.
Packed with scores of exhibits, each corner of the Ark offers insights into the story of the Flood, Noah, and the array of animals that journeyed in the Ark. Ever wondered about the nitty-gritty of how such a colossal structure could have been built? The "ARKitectural Tour" led by Harry Morton provides a fascinating glimpse into the construction challenges and innovative solutions. For those curious about the authenticity and the historical underpinning of the Bible's accounts, the "How Do We Know the Bible is True?" exhibit is a must-visit.
And there's more excitement outdoors – the Ararat Ridge Zoo is home to several live animal exhibits. Imagine strolling through the Kangaroo Walkabout, getting up close with kangaroos, or spotting zebras, alpacas, emus, ostriches, goats, lemurs, and even the unique zorse and zonkey—stars previously of the Creation Museum—a truly exotic ensemble.
With lunch taken care of, thanks to vouchers for Emzara’s Kitchen, you're free to roam and explore without a worry.
After a day filled to the brim with exploration and discovery, we make our way back to the comfort of our hotel to unwind.
For dinner, the world is your oyster—or at least, the area around our hotel is! With a variety of restaurants just a few steps away, you can enjoy the evening indulging in whatever cuisine piques your interest.
OVERNIGHT HAMPTON INN, FLORENCE KY
Friday, SEP 20, 2024 ARK ENCOUNTER
Right after we refuel with breakfast, we're off for another visit to the Ark Encounter, diving even deeper into its wonders. There's something new on the agenda today - the Answers Center has just unveiled a captivating new short film titled "New Beginning." Through the eyes of Shem’s Wife, this film takes a fresh look at the biblical narrative of Noah's flood, adding another layer of insight and perspective to the awe-inspiring story.
But wait, there's more! Today's special treat is a private interactive Zoo tour, offering an exclusive peek behind the scenes. This adventure will take us through the Animal Actor building, home to the herptiles, and the Small Mammal building—though we'll save meeting the lemurs for another time. We'll also explore the older section of the zoo, getting up close with the Camelid, Equine, and Ostrich habitats. This hour-long tour is sure to be a highlight, offering unique insights and connections with the animals.
Lunch is sorted, with vouchers ready for Emzara’s Kitchen, ensuring another delightful meal amidst our exploration.
The excitement doesn't stop there. Gear up for an extraordinary experience at the "Truth Traveler" virtual reality theatre. It's not just any theatre; it's a state-of-the-art virtual reality adventure that promises to be like stepping into a time machine. With special virtual reality headsets, you'll be transported into a vividly realistic world, where you'll see Noah himself directing the construction of the Ark and feel the anticipation as the epic voyage is about to commence. Although this world-class theater program comes with an upcharge, it promises an immersive experience that's truly unparalleled.
Filled with exploration, insights, and groundbreaking experiences, today at the Ark Encounter will be one for the books!
OVERNIGHT HAMPTON INN, FLORENCE KY
Saturday, SEP 21, 2024 CINCINNATI TOUR / BASILICA OF THE ASSUMPTION / RIVERBOAT CRUISE AND LUNCH / RETURN HOME.
We're embarking on a captivating ninety-minute drive around Cincinnati, delving into its transformation from the nickname "Porkopolis" to the esteemed "Queen City," perched elegantly along the mighty Ohio River. Marvel at sights like the majestic Music Hall, the sprawling Union Terminal, and Eden Park, where a seven-mile vista of Kentucky unfolds before your eyes.
At 9:45 am, en route to a delightful lunch on the Ohio River, we get to explore the Basilica of the Assumption, a breathtaking 1/3 scale homage to Paris's Notre Dame. It houses 82 stained glass windows, including the world's largest Rose window, eclipsing even Notre Dame's famed glasswork in size.
Then, at 10:45 am, we hop back on our bus, bound for a scenic Ohio River lunch cruise. Aboard our BB Riverboat, we'll unwind with a leisurely cruise, savoring a scrumptious buffet and reveling in the onboard entertainment.
Following this memorable day, we'll be whisked away to the Cincinnati airport, hearts full of the day's adventures, as we catch our flight home.