collette tour manager

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Guided Travel

What to Know When Booking

Ever wanted to travel the world but were not sure how? Piecing together a comprehensive journey can be an overwhelming task given all the details with airlines, accommodations, transportation, meals, sightseeing and more. Leave behind the stress of planning and let Collette’s innovative tours make your travel dreams come true.

Your Collette tour includes your sightseeing, entertainment, admissions to museums and other venues, hotels, many meals featuring local specialties, and the services of a professional tour manager. From choosing the right hotels, to finding the perfect blend of must-see’s and off-the-beaten path inclusions, so many pieces come together to create an extraordinary travel experience. We seamlessly handle all the details – all you have to do is enjoy the adventure.

Sure, by using up a lot of your time and effort you would be able to put together what looks like a good trip. But do you really want to return home and discover that you missed something because you didn't know about it ahead of time? We encourage you to treat yourself to the freedom of touring. We plan ahead so you don’t have to worry about the details. 

Throughout its 98 years as a family-run operation, Collette has built a team of experts who are passionate about making travel a part of everyone’s life.

• Creating . Collette’s Product Managers circle the globe, designing every element of your travel experience. They do it all, so you can simply enjoy the adventure.
• Planning . The Collette team is always available to assist you. Whether it’s a request for more information, making a reservation, or finding ways to personalize your trip, we are waiting to help.
• Leading . Part tour guide, part confidant, part concierge, Collette’s Tour Managers are with you throughout your travel experience. It’s like traveling with a trusted friend.

Decisions about travel shouldn’t be taken lightly. So we have put together a short guide to point you in the right direction of experiencing the benefits of touring. Sometimes, it’s just great to be able to ask yourself a few questions in order to arrive at your destination. Of course, feel free to call us anytime with questions.

Start by making a list of factors that might help to weed out certain locations. Here are some questions to get you started:

• What is the first place that pops into your mind?
• Have you ever created a bucket list?
• Are there specific regions you enjoy frequenting because of weather?
• Are architecture and history more important than beaches and sun?
• What types of cuisine do you enjoy?

Have you considered what type of tour you’re looking for? Collette offers a variety of product lines and tour types.

Do you have only a few days, or do you have the opportunity to travel for months at a time? You might consider a trip closer to home if you only have a few days. Traveling to Australia and New Zealand takes a bit longer to get there, so you’ll want to take this into account.

Consider what dates work best in your schedule. Also think about the best time of year to visit a particular location. 

We look forward to showing you the world!

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$1,619 — 16,549

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It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...

we had an absolute wonderful time

My wife & I just returned from your National Parks tour and we had an absolute wonderful time. Great itinerary, tour director (Merrin) and driver (John). First c...

The best. I've worked with many travel companies, but now I only book my groups through Collette.

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Had a river cruise booked for May 2020 on the Danube but unfortunately because of Covid 19 it was cancelled. I had no issues in getting a full refund for my vacation...

our dream trip to Italy was canceled due to covid-19

Recently, our dream trip to Italy was canceled due to covid-19. Collette's superior customer service responded to my inquiry by message and phone call literally with...

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Editoral Review of Collette

With a history that goes back to 1918, their experience speaks for itself. They provide comprehensive, well-managed guided tours for travelers seeking an exploratory, comfortable travel experience.

Collette - Quick Facts

Founded in 1918

Group size: It varies. Collette offers private and customizable tours, as well as small groups of between 14-24 guests

Typical age range: 45+  

Average tour price: $2,996

Accommodation style: 4 star and above hotels and unique locations

Top regions: USA & Canada, Europe & UK

Commonly compared with Tauck and Trafalgar 

What Makes Collette Tours Stand Out?

• Flexibility & personalization
• Expert tour managers
• Easy booking process
• Private & Customizable tours
• Balances iconic must-sees with immersive cultural experiences

A long history in guided tourism means Collette knows every inch of guided travel. Take care of all the details like it’s second nature, and even though it's old hat every traveler is new and they dig into that. Collette recognizes that no two traveler is the same and approach each planning experience from a perspective of flexibility and personalization.

Their goal is to ease the hardship of planning and organizing for the traveler so you can fully enjoy the experience without worry or stress. At Collette, they know guided travel and have been successfully leading tours around the world to a growing, devoted customer base for nearly 100 years.

Collette tours are about letting you, the traveler, experience unbelievable, classic, and unique moments around the world.  

Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Collette?

• Travelers aged 45+
• Moderately active travelers
• Upper budget range

Do you love the ease of mind that comes with having every detail taken care of when you travel? Details that allow you to relax and enjoy the special little moments of discovering the world; learning about new cultures, awe inspiring wildlife encounters, and leisurely meals highlighting local cuisine? Then you are ideally suited to Collette tours.

The Collette traveler is typically older, in the 50+ range. Travelers who enjoy the finer things, value a premium to luxury style of accommodation and transportation, yet have an adventurous spirit will love traveling with Collette.

Recent retirees and active seniors who are game for anything are the kind of traveler who relish a tour with Collette - check out this group in Costa Rica - taking part in Costa Rica's famous ziplines!

If you don't want to be encouraged to jump in and push your comfort zone a bit, you may find yourself out of step on a majority of Collette tours. They have several offerings though, so don't let that discourage you. 

Collette is ideal for active travelers who enjoy a comprehensive guided tour, with a lot of activity, and local experiences. These tours can involve extensive walking, sometimes over uneven surfaces, so a certain basic level of physical fitness is required.

Tours with Collette are classified by 5 basic physical levels, to help you find one best suited to you:

Level 1 - Mostly flat services and minimal walking. You should be comfortabe with climbing a few stairs, plus getting in and out of the coach 

Level 2 - Average physical ability is required such as long stairs and walks of a few hours. Some walks may be over uneven ground.

Level 3 - Slightly longer distances and more frequent walks can be expected. Expect stairs and some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones or nature trails.

Level 4 - Expect to be on your feet longer, including periods of standing and more extensive walking periods. These tours may also feature nighttime activities, so you'll be active for a longer period of time.

Level 5 - Very active travel. Expect adventure experiences and activities, early mornings and late nights. You can also expect to experience the elements so be ready for rain, wind, dust, what have you.

Free days are included in most Collette tours, giving travelers time to relax, take walks on the beach, or maybe do some shopping.

If you’re the kind of traveler for whom the a glass of champagne out in the blazing sun of the Australian outback, gazing at Uluru, sounds idyllic - then Collette would be perfect for you.

Top Destinations

Collette tours travel all around the world, to all 7 continents including Antarctica . They are well known for Central and South America, Australia, and Africa. They also offer an impressive variety of North America tours including several in the United States and Canada.

Travel styles include everything from river cruises to family tours to faith based tours.

Collette Travel Style

Collette promises the “trip of a lifetime” through exclusive outings, luxury touches, and appreciating the moments of anticipation before the world reveals itself. Their travel style is about discovering new cultures, embracing the explorer within -- in time for a cocktail at the end of the day.

They have 6 broad classifications for travel style: Classic, Explorations, Spotlights, River Cruise, Faith, and Impact Travel:

1. Classic Collette Tours - This is what they call their Flagship collection, group tours that make the postcard come to life. Visit all the must see sites, enjoy cultural experiences, all with a professional and knowledgeable guide, there to help make your travel as seamless as possible. Groups are on the larger side

2. Explorations - These tours are about going deeper, meeting locals, and getting off the beaten path. “Authenticity” is a big word for Collette Explorations. You’ll experience the destination in a smaller group, an average of 18 people, allowing for access to more local experiences not available to larger groups. Classic sites will also be included in your itinerary, but the focus is mostly on unique experiences.

3. Spotlights - Have a shorter amount of time and don’t want to miss anything? Collette Spotlight tours are designed to maximize your city stay or short getaway experience. These are primarily walking tours, packed with sightseeing, historical and cultural information, but with some downtime as well. Typically these tours are between 5-9 days.

4. River Cruise - A very popular mode of travel, particularly for 50+ travelers, river cruising is ideal for those seeking a leisurely vacation, unpacking only once, enjoying gliding by beautiful sites and participating in various guided shore excursions. Collette river cruises go around the world, including China, Egypt, and Europe.

5. Faith - For those travelers interested in visiting religious sites, Collette has a group of tours dedicated to faith based travel. Visit world famous icons and learn their ancient histories.

Collette Faith tours visit everything from grand churches to the humble beginnings of the three major world religions in the Holy Land. Tours are history based with an emphasis on finding deeper spiritual significance and meaning. They also have trips to the Oberammergau Passion Play .

6. Impact Travel - Being a responsible traveler is an important component on all Collette tours, however if you’re seeking to do more to give back, their Impact Tours are a great way to do so. Sightsee with a purpose as you assist with local initiatives, volunteering among the community, helping in classrooms, and protecting local wildlife.

Why Choose a Tour with Collette?

• Flexibility in planning
• Extensions available pre or post tour date
• Private airport transfer
• Expert planners 

If you are looking for an entertaining, fully escorted, active tour to explore new cultures, and enjoy unique experiences, Collette could be for you. They provide a dedicated guide, and handle all the details throughout the tour.

Free time is available on some days, but for the most part expect fairly full itineraries and a good amount of walking on their group tours. Some optional excursions are offered during the tour, so you can tailor your experience to a certain extent.

This is a great opportunity for meeting fellow travelers in a similar age range. Collette tours are open to everyone, but the majority of people on your tour will be older - in the 50+ range. Collette tours are ideal for travelers who want to have fun, enjoy the outdoors, and are open to new experiences.

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Solo friendly.

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About the company.

True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.

Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.

Everyone at Collette believes travel is vital to a life well-lived and our executive team sets the tone. Drawing on a diverse set of skills that includes operations, sales, information technology, law and financial planning, they work across three offices to bring you the best experience possible.

There are so many benefits to letting someone else take on all the details that come with having The Perfect Trip. See why more and more travelers choose to Go Guided — and why they never go back.

5 Reasons to Go Guided:

Go Tour Managers!

On Day 1 of your trip, you’ll meet a friendly person who sure does know a lot about your tour and the destinations you’re visiting. This highly skilled professional is your tour manage and from the moment you meet this key player on your tour, you’ll know you’re in good hands. With their rich travel backgrounds, as well as their useful information about language, currency, and all things local, you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Go Culture!

Visiting a destination gives you a taste of the local culture. But imagine actually becoming part of that culture. Staying overnight in an Irish castle like Old-World royalty…feeling the cool waters of the Great Barrier Reef envelop you as you snorkel in its turquoise paradise…or rolling dough with an Italian chef to make the perfect pizza. It’s not just about all the iconic spots that will make for the best photos, it’s about diving into another world that makes for the best memories.

Go Product Team!

Our product experts are probably on the road right now — scoping out the best of our worldwide destinations. They go, take it all in, and find the moments they love best. Those are the moments they create for you. Those experiences and sights comprise each itinerary and make each one extra-special. Best of all, you don’t have to plan a thing. You just need to choose which itinerary best suits you.

Travel is social by nature. Guided travel is extra social. Meet a cast of characters: your fellow travelers, tour manager, driver, local guides and more. The social aspect of guided travel is one of the best parts! Many travelers on our tours have forged lasting friendships. Think of all the wonderful people waiting to meet you out in the world.

Go Worry-Free!

Your peace of mind is the most important thing to us. And that starts with our roundtrip home to airport sedan service. Forget taxis, airport fees, or public transportation. We will get you there...and back. And if for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so — right up until the day before departure — and receive a full refund (thanks to our travel protection plan).

There are many ways to experience the world:

Among Collette’s worldwide collection of tours we offer a variety of guided travel choices. No matter where (or how) you want to go, Collette can take you there.

Small Groups, Big Experiences

From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.

Amazing Family Moments Included

Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.

Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan

The Traveling Well Experience

Our commitment to your well-being and enjoyment.

There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.  

From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is  The Traveling Well Experience .

• Travel Protection Plan  – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
• More Physical Space  – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
• Wellness Protocols  – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
• Enhanced Tour Manager Training  ­– our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies

Before Your Tour

Cancel for Any Reason Waiver

Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here

Pre-Tour Health Screenings

We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.

Private Sedan Service

Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.

Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.

On Your Tour

Smaller Groups

Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.

Your Tour Manager

We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.

Use of Face Coverings

Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.

Motor Coach

All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.

On-Tour Experiences

We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.

On-Tour Insurance Coverages

When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here

Self-Screening

We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.

Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.

After Your Tour

Post-Tour Survey

After you get home, you’ll be able to share your opinions of your tour experience, allowing us to constantly improve for the benefit of future guests.

Collette Trips & Specials

Combine two tours and save $300 per person

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Top Collette Trip Categories

Collette company ranking by category, similar companies, associations, united states tour operators association.

USTOA is a nonprofit professional association representing the tour operator industry.Its members are made up of companies who provide services worldwide but who conduct business in the U.S.

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It is always recommended, and usually required, to have travel insurance. There are many different options available! Collette offers a specialized protection plan that offers you a full refund of your money in case you have to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure.

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About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip, travel confidently.

• 135 View All Tours
• 8 Africa Tours
• 8 Asia Tours
• 6 Australia Tours
• 81 Europe Tours
• 35 North America Tours
• 3 South America Tours

Our Destinations

• Middle East
• North America
• South America

Tour Styles

Enjoy a refined take on the art of group travel.

Experience true adventures on these Collette small group tours.

Set out on inspiring journey on these faith-based travel experiences.

Explore the world's most beautiful waterways.

Come to know your destination during a single-hotel stay.

Why Guided Travel

Sit back, relax, and let us handle all the details. You won't miss a thing.

Enhance your tour with this easy to use mobile companion.

Combine two tours into one grand adventure.

Making the travel experience a force for good.

No worries, we're with you every step of the way.

Going guided gets you more for your money.

Find travel tips, travel advice, and answers to some of the most commonly asked travel questions here.

Meet the Tour Managers that enhance your travel experience at every turn.

Travel Planning

Current tour and destination information based on world events.

Current travel requirements by country including entry and exit information.

Your questions regarding travel requirements, trip interruptions, payments and refunds.

Get Your Money Back. Any Reason, Every Tour. No Blackout Dates or Restrictions.

• To book, call Interval Travel at 877.273.7737

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We have answers.

While our goal is to answer all of your questions before you even have them, inevitably there are a few things that most of our guests still wonder about. If you don’t see your question answered here, feel free to reach out to us. Our Client Care team is standing by to make sure you’re in the know on all things regarding your tour.

Accommodations

What size is a triple room, can my children travel on tour, are single and triple rooms always available, extending your stay, can i extend my tour to see more of a region, what is not included in the tour price, late bookings, do you accept late bookings, revisions/changes, would my tour date ever be changed, can i make changes to my reservation, tour pacing, how can i be best prepared for the pacing and physical requirements on a collette tour, passport club, what is the collette passport club, can collette book our airline reservations, can collette get advanced seat assignments on the airplane, attractions & sightseeing, are attractions always available, is there a lot of walking on tour, how can i plan for shore landings, are all theater performances suitable for children, documentation, do i need a passport, do you provide visa processing for all applicable destinations, are airport and hotel transfers available, are airport transfers available for pre/post hotel stays, on-tour experience, what is roundtrip home to airport sedan service, can i prepurchase optional excursions/activities, accommodations, what is the difference between a twin room and a double room.

In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.

A triple room is the same size as a twin-bedded room and beds will accommodate three people, but we cannot guarantee that there will be three separate beds. If there are only two beds, a rollaway may be requested but cannot be guaranteed due to size of room and fire codes. Please inquire at time of reservation.

Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults.

On many tours, triple and single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. Be advised that single rooms are often smaller.

When can I check into my hotel?

Normal check-in time is late afternoon in most locations. Due to early arrival times into some cities, rooms may not always be available for immediate check-in.

Collette is happy to assist you in accommodating your flight needs. Due to tour scheduling and limited availability, you are strongly encouraged to take advantage of Collette's air packages. We are not responsible for air arrangements you have made on your own. On occasion, it is necessary to change tour dates. In this case, we can only protect air reservations booked through Collette. For all air reservations, it is strongly recommended to reconfirm flights before departure, in the event that the airline has an unexpected schedule change. We cannot assume responsibility for schedule changes, routings or flight cancellations involving the airlines. Not all airlines offer pre-assigned seats. Some charge a fee for seats which will be at the guests' expense. Where pre-assigned seats are not offered, the guests must contact the airline directly to arrange seat assignments.

Many airlines do not provide advance seat assignments until check-in at the airport. Advance seating is subject to the airline's terms and conditions.

attractions

& sightseeing.

Access to some attractions or Collette Foundation sites may be affected by the observance of holidays, weather conditions or other circumstances. As a result, the days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour. Boat rides are weather permitting. Some attractions may not be available during the "off-season" months. When attractions are unavailable, other similar attractions will be substituted. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.

Special clothing is required for the shore landings (Antarctica, Galapagos); please refer to your predeparture documents for important details.

Some theater performances may be unsuitable for children - consult your tour manager.

documentation

Government-issued identification is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates.

If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination.

Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.

Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.

extending your stay

Yes! You may enhance your tour by purchasing either an extension or pre/post hotel stays, offered on select tours. Extensions may be "hosted" rather than escorted. When hosted, passengers will be greeted upon arrival by a local tour manager who will provide all included services and be available on-call during the duration of the extension. A minimum number of passengers may be required to operate some extensions. Extensions not purchased at time of deposit are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request.

Collette also offers pre- and post-hotel nights before and/or after a tour so you may explore the destination independently. Should you purchase additional nights, please be advised that your tour manager will not be available during this time.

The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.

late bookings

Tour sales normally close 7 days prior to departure. All late bookings are on request and must be guaranteed with a credit card if within 60 days of departure date.

on-tour experiences

Where do i meet my tour manager.

Your tour will begin at your first hotel. The Tour Manager will make contact with you at the hotel and will provide details relating to your tour. The hotel's address and phone number will be included in your documents.

Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full.

So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.

revisions/changes

While it is unlikely, Collette does reserve the right to cancel a tour prior to departure. Should this happen, Collette will make every effort to put you on another departure date. If an alternate cannot be found, a full refund will be made. Air booked through Collette will be protected. We cannot be held responsible for penalties incurred if you have secured your own air.

Should you decide to change your reservation after initial booking, a handling fee of $25 per transaction will be charged. A change of tour date, tour itinerary or passenger name, within the guidelines of the cancellation policy, will be treated as a cancellation and regular cancellation fees may apply.

Revisions to air tickets are subject to the rules and regulations of the airline. See our Cancellation Policy for more details.

tour pacing

Tour pacing varies by itinerary, and each destination's sightseeing and activities are unique. Pacing is subject to personal interpretation. At Collette, we do include the best a destination has to offer, enhancing your overall tour experience. For overnight pacing of a tour, please refer to the "Accommodations" section on each tour page and on the tour map. These describe the number of nights you will stay in each hotel during your tour. The day-by-day descriptions will provide additional detail about the number of activities included in each day.

The Tour Activity Level Ranking is featured on each tour itinerary in a circle. The definition of each activity level is listed here. If you have additional questions regarding a specific tour, please inquire at time of reservation. For your comfort, we recommend packing comfortable walking shoes so you can fully enjoy every aspect of your tour.

Level 1: At a very leisurely pace, this tour involves minimal physical activity, such as climbing some stairs, boarding a motorcoach, and walking from the hotel reception area to hotel rooms and dining areas.

Level 2: This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets.

Level 3: This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.

Level 4: To truly experience the program and destination, you need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs and periods of standing. Some of the touring days may be longer, with select included activities occurring later in the evening.

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Black Keys Split With Management After Canceled Tour Debacle

By Jem Aswad

Executive Editor, Music

• Tom Verlaine’s Brilliant Final Three Records Finally Come to Streaming Services: Album Reviews 17 hours ago
• Black Keys Split With Management After Canceled Tour Debacle 18 hours ago
• Charli XCX Launches an Exhilarating New Chapter of Pop With the Innovative ‘Brat’: Album Review 19 hours ago

The Black Keys and managers Irving Azoff and Steve Moir have parted ways after the sudden and thoroughly publicized cancellation of the band’s North American arena tour previously scheduled for the fall.

A rep for Azoff confirmed the split to Variety late Thursday, calling it an “amicable parting”; a rep for the group did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The news was first reported by the New York Times.

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However, they are hardly the only act dealing with the harsh realities of touring in 2024. While live-entertainment companies have reported record revenues in the two years since pandemic restrictions fully lifted and top tours continue to do extremely well, that rush has clearly cooled off for artists below the very top tiers. 2023 may come to be regarded as a watershed year, with Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Drake, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen and others thundering across North America. But ticket prices have also reached a new peak, and combined with the bad press the industry has received amid the Justice Department’s recently filed but long-expected antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster owner Live Nation, many fans have apparently decided to be more selective with their spending.

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Jennifer lopez grimaces during outing without ben affleck amid marital woes.

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She’s “Real.”

Jennifer Lopez put her feelings on display while going for a drive with her longtime manager, Benny Medina, in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

The “Selena” star pursed her lips while riding in the passenger seat as paparazzi caught a glimpse of the duo driving in Medina’s BMW convertible.

Lopez, 54, attempted to conceal her facial expressions with a pair of oversize sunglasses, but the lenses still captured her displeased look.

It’s unclear where the pair were headed, but Lopez’s husband, Ben Affleck, did not join them for the jaunt.

The sighting comes about a week after the “heartsick” multi-hyphenate canceled her tour , which was turning out to be a flop , to spend more time with her “children, family and close friends.”

“Please know that I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t feel that it was absolutely necessary,” she wrote to fans in her “On the JLo” newsletter.

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The “Jenny From the Block” singer and “Argo” star, 51, have been the subject of divorce rumors for the past month in light of Affleck’s decision not to attend the Met Gala with Lopez, who served as one of the event’s co-chairs.

Sources then told us the Oscar winner had temporarily rented a house in Brentwood, Calif., while house-hunting for a new place. We also heard that Lopez was looking into purchasing a new house, but a source close to the pop star said she was merely interested in acquiring an investment property.

Eventually, a source told us Affleck came “to his senses” about his apparently failing marriage to Lopez.

“If there was a way to divorce on grounds of temporary insanity, he would,” our insider shared. “He feels like the  last two years  was just a fever dream, and he’s come to his senses now and understands there is just no way this is going to work.”

Neither Affleck nor Lopez has publicly commented on the speculation, though the latter shut down a reporter who dared to ask her about it.

Although the “Good Will Hunting” actor skipped all of Lopez’s “Atlas” promotional events, Bennifer 2.0 put on a united front for their blended family to celebrate Affleck’s daughter Violet’s graduation.

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Injury-hit Richmond Tigers down Adelaide Crows by eight points in thrilling AFL upset

Sport Injury-hit Richmond Tigers down Adelaide Crows by eight points in thrilling AFL upset

Richmond has produced a third-term blitz in an eight-point upset win over Adelaide which snaps an eight-game AFL losing streak. 

The Tigers defied a lengthy injury list and the absence of rested megastar Dustin Martin to triumph 12.7 (79) to 10.11 (71) at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.

Richmond produced six-goals on end in the penultimate quarter to heap more misery on the Crows - touted as potential finalists pre-season, they have just four wins, two more than the Tigers.

Tiger coach Adem Yze snapped an eight-game losing streak despite having 14 players unavailable because of injury.

Richmond's Justin Koschitzke faces match review scrutiny for a behind-play elbow to the body of Mark Keane which felled the Irish-born defender.

The blow came during Richmond's third-term onslaught when the visitors turned a one-point halftime deficit into a 22-point three quarter-time lead - the Tigers kicked 6.1 to 2.2 for the term.

The advantage should have been greater: minutes after Koschitzke's contact on Keane, the recalled forward took a mark and lined up for a shot at goal.

But a fracas developed and the ball was given to Adelaide when Cumberland aggressively pushed Keane over.

Cumberland's act took some gloss of his polished display while teammates Kamdyn McIntosh, Seth Campbell and Rhyan Mansell booted two goals each.

Tiger stalwart Jayden Short (31 disposals), Tim Taranto (26) and Liam Baker (24, one goal) were also productive.

On a bleak night for the Crows, Darcy Fogarty kicked three goals, captain Jordan Dawson (32 disposals) was superb and Josh Rachele scored two majors.

Look back at how the action unfolded in our live blog.

• 12:06 PM 12:06 PM Thu 6 Jun 2024 at 12:06pm FT: Richmond complete an upset eight-point win over Adelaide
• 12:00 PM 12:00 PM Thu 6 Jun 2024 at 12:00pm Less than five minutes to go!
• 11:53 AM 11:53 AM Thu 6 Jun 2024 at 11:53am Ten minutes left to play

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Richmond def adelaide by eight points.

By Dean Bilton

That's it from the blog tonight!

Richmond's night it is then, as the Tigers grab their second win of the year and distance themselves further from North Melbourne at the bottom of the ladder.

Adelaide are now only two wins and a draw clear of the Tigers, a position that members and fans are unlikely to accept. What happens at the Crows between now and the end of the year will be one to watch.

From Daniel Miles and myself, thanks for your company and we look forward to seeing you back here tomorrow night for a bit more footy and a bit more blog. Until then, have a great Friday.

No one's safe...

By Daniel Miles

Spare a thought for Richmond's poor social media staffer.

Maybe it was their first win with the club as well...?

Matthew Nicks will have questions to answer

This is not how Adelaide's season was meant to be going. The Crows really should have played finals last year and seemed to be primed to take that step this year. Instead it has proven to be a sizable step back, with finals well and truly out of the equation and hope for seasons ahead dwindling too.

Opinions on Nicks's performance is split in Adelaide, and after a loss like this you can be sure that he will be one of the chief topics of conversation. Is he getting the most of the talent in this Adelaide list? Or is it the quality of the list that is the underlying issue?

This one meant a lot to the Tigers

Gatorade was flying in the Tigers change rooms after the match as some young Richmond players sang the song for the first time.

You get the sense this one was important to the Tigers, their first victory on the road under coach Adem Yze.

And now attention turns to the MCG next week for the Tigers, who will celebrate Dustin Martin's 300th AFL game in front of stand packed full of Richmond faithful.

The Tigers have recorded their first win since March

It's been a long-time coming and a tense final quarter, but the Tigers have outlasted the Crows to record a season-defining victory for the embattled Richmond outfit.

It was the Tiges' lesser-known names that shone in attack.

Cumberland kicked three, McIntosh two, and Noah Balta in defence was as solid as a rock.

It's Richmond's first win since they knocked over ladder-leaders Sydney in round three.

FT: Richmond complete an upset eight-point win over Adelaide

The Tigers have their second win of the season! They have flown into Adelaide and well and truly extinguished the flame on the Crows' finals plans — and who knows what comes next for Adelaide — holding on in a professional last quarter to complete the win.

It was a win built from forward pressure and a strong clearance performance, with the small forwards and nippy midfielders proving too damaging for the Crows to handle. Tim Taranto, Shai Bolton and Dion Prestia all came back in for this game and all had a big influence on the victory tonight.

Being honest, it wasn't the prettiest game and it became a battle of capitalising on errors. Adelaide were one-dimensional tonight and I thought their defence struggled again, perhaps with the exception of Mark Keane.

Boos from the Adelaide crowd greeted the final siren, which probably says it all. It's a successful Richmond ambush tonight.

The Tigers are going to hang on!

It's going to be a massive win for Adem Yze and his young side, and it's going to be a piercing defeat for Matthew Nicks and his team.

Siren seconds away.

Billy Dowling puts it out on the full!

The debutant had a chance to be a real hero, but his set shot from directly in front shanks out on the full.

Moments later Dowling gets another half-chance, but his quick snap falls short and is rushed through. Eight-point game, 2:13 to play.

The Crows dodge a bullet there!

The Tigers had bust out on the counter-attack and had Shai Bolton out with the whole 50 to himself. But the ball somehow evaded him, bouncing at right angles away from the silky Bolton.

The Tigers trap it inside their attacking end with another stoppage. Four minutes to play. Crows rapidly running out of time.

Less than five minutes to go!

This game has definitely gone up a notch.

The Adelaide crowd's on its feet.  

Do these young Tigers have the legs and experience to hold on?

Billy Dowling kicks a big goal on debut! Crows still alive!

The Tigers stopped for a second as a holding the ball decision was paid on the wing, and in that moment the Crows sprung forward and were gone.

Still stacks of work for Dowling to do, but from 45 out on the run he steadied and absolutely split the middle. It's a nine-point game, and still right up for grabs.

Ten minutes left to play

The Tigers are shutting the game down with repeat stoppages and making it hard for Adelaide to get any real run on. Still stacks of time with the margin only 15 points.

Richmond have made their sub now, with Tyler Sonsie coming off for Kane McAuliffe. Looks like a tactical one for some fresh legs. McAuliffe is a natural ball winner too and a really tough kid, just what these last few minutes are calling for.

SUB MADE: Crows bring McHenry in

An injury has forced Matthew Nicks's hand here.

Kieran Strachan - fresh off his first goal in AFL footy - has been given the red vest.

The Crows say he's injured his groin.

Ned McHenry is brought straight into the action.

Seth Campbell with a special finish! The Tigers do respond!

They've been running forward in waves all night tonight, and that is yet another flowing move and brilliant finish from a small Tigers forward.

Richmond forced two or three turnovers with big tackles in the lead up, with the ball eventually falling to Campbell running clear about 45 from goal on a tight angle. The drop punt faded back to perfection and reinstated a 15-point lead for Richmond.

Darcy Fogarty boots another one and the Crows are making a move

Two goals in as many minutes for Adelaide, who are very swiftly back in business here.

Balta just lost touch on Fogarty as another ball came in deep, and the Big Darcy is in too good a form to be allowed a clear run at the footy. What do the Tigers have now?

Is Kosi in trouble?

This isn't what Jacob Koschitzke needed on his return to AFL football.

Mark Keane took a while to get back to his feet after this, right before the three-quarter time siren.

Josh Rachele gives the Crows the hot start in the last

Just as they did in the third quarter, Adelaide come straight out of the first centre clearance and put a goal on the board.

Rachele made some space for himself in the marking contest with a little shove on Vlastuin and held on to the grab. He has two now, and it's back to 16.

3QT: Tigers burst out to a 22-point lead

It was a fantastic quarter for Richmond, but it could have been even better. In the last minute Jacob Koschitzke took a big pack mark, beating Mark Keane in the process. After their little run in moments before tempers were hot, and Noah Cumberland came in hot and shoved the Crows' defender to the ground, turning the ball over and costing Richmond a crucial chance.

It's a missed chance for the Tigers, but one of their few blemishes for the entire night so far. They have seriously outhunted Adelaide tonight and in Baker and Bolton boast the most lively and dangerous players on the field.

This would be a damaging defeat for Adelaide, almost unfathomably so. They've got four goals to make up and a quarter to do it. The gauntlet has been thrown down.

Kamdyn McIntosh kicks his second for the Tigers!

He might not be in line for the votes anymore, but he's still having an influence! Bolton fed a quick handball out to McIntosh outside a stoppage and his drop punt split the middle.

Moments before that, Mark Keane was felled off the ball by a swinging Jacob Koschitzke elbow. It was a crude one and Keane was down in pain for quite some time.

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Local News | Could this be Julian Loscalzo’s final ballpark…

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Local news | could this be julian loscalzo’s final ballpark tour, the former stadium beer vendor, bike-taxi manager and lobbyist at the state capitol has been leading tours for 42 years.

And every year, Loscalzo — a former stadium beer vendor, sometime bike-taxi manager and lobbyist at the State Capitol for the St. Paul Saints , nonprofits and other groups — fails out of retirement. But at the age of 72, he may mean it this time.

An Alaska Bus Lines coach bus he’s rented for the occasion picked up 44 baseball fans at the Midway Target parking lot on Tuesday morning and took them to Beloit, Wis. — go Beloit Sky Carp! — for the Tuesday night game against the Lake County Captains.

Then it’s off to Chicago, where the White Sox meet the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Wednesday. And then it’s the Red Sox versus the White Sox on Thursday on Chicago’s south side, at Guaranteed Rate Field, the former home of Comiskey Park.

Then it’s back to Wisconsin on Friday to watch the Quad City River Bandits take on the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at Neuroscience Group Field in Appleton. Yes, there will be fireworks — literal ones.

A love of urban travel

Loscalzo, who has made his home in St. Paul since the mid-1970s, has promised his tour group they’ll roll back into St. Paul’s Midway next weekend. But his sights are already set on his next ballpark tour to Syracuse, Cooperstown and Utica, N.Y., in July.

“We seldom stay out in the suburbs unless we’re on a tight schedule,” said Loscalzo, who has turned his love of urban travel into a side gig across four decades of ballpark hopping, much but not all of it concentrated in the Midwest. “We stayed in downtown Wichita last year. Same with Tulsa. It’s as much a chance to explore the city as the baseball.”

Every other year, he goes big before he goes home, wrangling a few dozen tour-goers on an eight-day tour. About a third of his entourage are retired folks. Most are repeat customers. Sometimes they bring with them their kids or grandkids, who get to experience the family road trip with a baseball family writ large.

He recalls a tour that drew three generations of the same clan. He brought his own grandson with him two years ago to Cooperstown. Travel friendships form. Sometimes they last.

Rolling out for Beloit, Wis.

When Joel Hanson’s aunt died in February, a number of the friends he made over four years of ballpark tours attended the funeral. On Tuesday, he was scheduled to roll out for Benoit with his 73-year-old father and his 42-year-old brother, who would be joining him for the first time.

“My dad’s from Chicago and he used to skip school and go to opening day at Wrigley Field,” said Hanson, 34, of West St. Paul, one of the younger individuals on recent trips. “His mother would write him a note: ‘Please excuse Billy from class as he’s sick today.'”

Of course, not every ballpark is a Wrigley Field.

“We’re tending to see probably twice as many minor league ballparks as major leagues,” Loscalzo said. “They’re as fun. They’re more fun. They’re different, but I think we get more enjoyment out of it because it’s more like Americana. You get to hang out with the players, you get to meet people. They’re always intrigued by a bus load of Minnesotans. If you have a kid with you, the kid gets to throw out the first pitch. People kind of take you under their wing.”

John Reay has been going on Loscalzo’s ballpark tours almost annually since they launched in the early 1980s. He doesn’t consider himself a baseball super-fan as much as a fan of the community that forms on the road. What started out as a bit of a men’s outing has become almost equally co-ed.

“It’s the friendships. It’s the sitting on the bus for seven or eight hours to Chicago. These are friends I get to see every year,” said Reay, 79, of St. Paul. “You come back and you start up right where you left off.”

Why ballparks?

So why the fixation on ballparks?

Loscalzo, who grew up in working class Philadelphia, one of the only kids in his neighborhood to go to college, lost his father when he was just three months old. His mother poured her love of baseball into him from a young age, but it would take him 20 years or more to make the connection — America’s pastime was her link to her late husband, and an emblem of dad that she could pass on to her son.

He remembers trips to long-gone Connie Mack Stadium in old Shibe Park, and the nosedive the Philadelphia Phillies took in 1964, the year their 10-game losing streak cost them the pennant they had opened the season seemingly destined to win. His mother took him to Game One of that 10-game slide. Yes, baseball can be a game that breaks your heart.

“It does, it does, it does! But it’s a game of people,” Loscalzo said. “It’s a game of history.”

Some of those repeat customers on his ballpark tours are no longer with us. At 72, Loscalzo takes a close read when he learns that a celebrity or local notable his age has passed away. Nothing lasts forever, maybe not even America’s favorite pastime, which has lost ground in popular culture to football and basketball.

So after this summer, he’s hanging up his baseball tour hat for good.

Or maybe not.

“It’s been a tongue-and-cheek statement to people,” Loscalzo said. “It’s kind of a reminder that everyday could be your last.”

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Theater | Playhouse Square time-traveling with ‘Back to…

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Theater | playhouse square time-traveling with ‘back to the future: the musical’, assistant company manager, whose story goes from russia to cleveland, talks stage adaptation of beloved 1985 movie.

No, to enjoy the 1.21 gigawatts of entertainment that is “Back to the Future: The Musical” — based, of course, on the beloved 1985 movie starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd — we’ll need the larger, grander KeyBank State Theater at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, where the show is about to launch a nearly monthlong run consisting of 32 performances .

The stint also will serve as the tour’s official launch — following initial rehearsals in New York City and subsequent tech rehearsals and previews in Schenectady, New York — as well as a homecoming for its assistant company manager, Alena Efremova.

“I’m originally from Russia,” says Efremova, still in a rehearsal space looking over 42nd Street in the Big Apple at the time of this phone interview. “I grew up in Russia, (went to) high school and everything in Russia. But I visited the United States when I was, like, 11/12/13 and fell in love with the country.”

When she was still in high school, she says, she would make summertime visits to Cleveland, where her sister lived, having a great time taking part in summer camps and the like. So when she had the chance to move here after graduation, she took it and attended Cleveland State University.

Along the way to that point, a Broadway performance of “Aida” had blown her mind, and she believes she remembers taking in a theater piece at Cain Park in Cleveland Heights.

Perhaps more important, though, was a backstage tour at Playhouse Square, which opened her eyes to the fact the theater workforce was more than actors and directors.

“It was at one of those tours that I found out that the theater had, like, stage managers, lighting designers, sound designers, company managers, and that’s when I started (thinking) ‘OK, that’s maybe something I can do,’” she says. “And that’s how I ended up at Cleveland State and their theater program.”

Her parents and sister still live in Northeast Ohio, as does Efremova — who resides in Lyndhurst when she’s not off with a show.

Her credits include work with the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Des Moines Metro Opera and Theatre Aspen, and she served in a similar role to the one she has with “Back to the Future” with the national tour of the Aaron Sorkin-adapted revival of “To Kill a Mockingbird” after starting as the production’s COVID-19 safety manager. The latter had a stint at Playhouse Square in 2022.

“It was so surreal being back home and … seeing the stage from different points of view,” she says. “You don’t realize how small the stage at the (Connor Palace) is, and backstage (it takes) really cool choreography to figure out, “Where are we gonna put props? ‘Where are we gonna put the wig table?’ — everything like that.”

She got the “Back to the Future” gig, she says, because she’d previously worked with the company manager, Jack Stevens — who, she says, like at least one member of the company, is from Northeast Ohio.

“I was like, ‘Is (having a Cleveland-area connection) one of the prerequisites for the job?’” she jokes.

Her responsibilities run the gamut from travel-related arrangements to planning an opening-night party and selecting the opening-night gift the company receives — in other words, she says, things “they don’t have to worry about once they’re on stage. They have to worry about what’s happening ON stage.”

Talk to other folks who’ve had her job and you hear they’re the folks who others vent to and with whom they share secrets. You might say that person is the production’s amateur psychologist.

“I feel like I’m becoming one,” Efremova says. “Definitely, it is one of the jobs. It’s not in your job description, but it kind of ends up one of your jobs.”

Playhouse Square announces ‘A Beautiful Noise,’ ‘Life of Pi,’ ‘Kimberly Akimbo’ on the way

With this Cleveland stint, she’ll also be a person others come to for dining and entertainment recommendations to help fill up what free time company members have. She mentions the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and maybe a visit to Cedar Point in Sandusky on an off day.

“(When) people ask what to do in Cleveland, (I say), ‘Well, if you want to save money go to the (Cleveland Museum of Art), because it’s the greatest museum and it’s free,’” she says.

As for the show itself, “Back to the Future: The Musical” is lead-produced by Colin Ingram, with the movie’s creators, writer-director Robert Zemeckis and co-writer Bob Gale, also serving as producers, according to a news release from Playhouse Square. Both wrote the book for the show, which features songs from the movie — “The Power of Love” and “Johnny B. Goode” among them — and additional pieces by Grammy Award winners Alan Silvestri, who scored the movie, and Glen Ballard.

It is directed by Tony Award winner John Rando (“Urinetown: The Musical”).

“Back to the Future: The Musical” officially opened in London’s West End in September 2021, according to a Playhouse Square news release, and won the Best New Musical Olivier Award, with a Broadway production following about 10 months ago.

The Cleveland run is part of the 2023-24 KeyBank Broadway Series at Playhouse Square .

Based on the review snippets the news release includes, Cleveland audiences are in for a crowd-pleasing spectacle as the story of Marty McFly, Emmett “Doc” Brown and their time-traveling DeLorean is translated for another medium.

“I can say that everything that you love about the movie is going to be on stage,” Efremova says. “It’s such a cool adaptation.

“And I have no idea how half of the things are happening on stage, but they look so cool. And I’m just so excited for my friends to see it. Audiences all over the country are going to be blown away.”

‘Back to the Future: The Musical’

Where: Playhouse Square’s KeyBank State Theatre, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland.

When: June 11 through July 7.

Tickets: $39 to $129.

Info: PlayhouseSquare.org or 216-241-6000.

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