I Love Lucy

Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Television Show

May 31-June 6, 2026

 

     Step into the world of Lucy and Desi as we honor the 75th anniversary of television’s most iconic comedy duo.  From hometown highlights in New York State to immersive museum moments, this trip brings legacy to life. Join Laura and Gary Block, May 31- June 6, 2026. Seven days, six nights with 11 meals included in this fabulous getaway that includes a lake cruise luncheon on the Chautauqua Belle, a tour of Lucy’s hometown in Jamestown, New York, her childhood home and Lucy’s final resting place.  We will experience a VIP visit to the National Comedy Center, lunch at Ricky Ricardo’s Tropicana Club, a special guided tour of the Lucy Desi Museum where you can step onto “I Love Lucy” television sets and enjoy an exclusive photo with “Lucy” and “Ethel” tribute artists and a special evening Lucille “Ball” celebrating the 75th Anniversary with music, dancing, costumes, laughter and surprises, plus more.   

Day One – Sunday, May 31

     Our North Star Coach departs from Little Falls early in the morning.  You’ll get an itinerary in the mail before the trip! We’ll pick up in Royalton, Rice, St. Cloud, the Twin Cities or any other locations on our route.  Our destination is Skokie, Illinois where we’ll enjoy an included family style dinner at Maggiano’s Little Italy and following that, we check into the Hampton Inn Chicago North Shore, Illinois.     

Day Two – Monday, June 1

     The day begins with an included breakfast at the hotel. It’s a day of traveling as we arrive at a different time zone in the early evening at Jamestown, New York, Lucille Ball’s home town and check into the Doubletree by Hilton.  Dinner is included tonight. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day, so an evening of relaxation will be appreciated.   

Day Three – Tuesday, June 2

     We’ll start off the day with an included breakfast at the hotel.  This morning, we’ll see Jamestown, New York through the eyes of Lucy with a friendly and knowledgeable step-on guide, who will take us to places of significance to Lucille Ball.  You will see the house where she was born, the home where she grew up, the cemetery where she and the family are at rest, and much more, including the infamous Lucy statues.  After our tour of Jamestown, we’ll be on board for a historic lunch cruise.  Enjoy beautiful Lake Chautauqua on a cruise on the most notable vessel.  True to steam ships of the time, the Chautauqua departs from different docks during different times of the year.  No matter if you’re learning about million-dollar homes on “millionaire row” or sailing on the river getting up-close to nature you will have a nice two-hour luncheon cruise. Dinner is on our own tonight.  This evening we’ll experience a VIP visit to the National Comedy Center, the nation’s official cultural institution and museum dedicated to the art of comedy, founded on Lucille Ball’s vision for her hometown.  The Center showcases collections and artifacts from legendary artists including Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez, Johnny Carson, Carl Reiner, Joan Rivers, The Smothers Brothers, Betty White, Don Rickles, George Carlin and many more, plus iconic shows including Saturday Night Live, Laugh-In, The Tonight Show and beyond.  Enjoy light refreshments as you are entertained and enlightened by interactive exhibits and state-of-the-art technology dedicated to the art of comedy and those who make us laugh.

Day Four – Wednesday, June 3     

     Enjoy an included breakfast at the hotel. This morning, we’ll make a short visit to the Fenton History Center that will touch on some of the notable figures from the area including Rueben Fenton, who was New York’s 22nd governor and Lucille Ball. This noon, enjoy an included themed lunch in a re-creation of Ricky Ricardo’s Tropicana Club, his iconic nightclub from “I Love Lucy”.  Later, it’s a special guided tour of the Lucy Desi Museum, showcasing rare artifacts and immersive exhibits.  Step into iconic “I Love Lucy” sets including the Ricardo living room – and enjoy an exclusive photo with their beloved “Lucy” and “Ethel” tribute artists, Diane Vincent and Rhonda Medina.  Discover rare materials and artifacts during Lucy Desi Experiences presented throughout the exhibits. Return to the hotel to freshen up before the big Ball tonight.  Dance the night away at “An Evening Lucille “Ball””- celebrating the 75th anniversary, with dinner, music, dancing, costumes, laughter and surprises.  There will even by a costume contest.  

Day Five – Thursday, June 4

     Breakfast is at the hotel this morning and then it is back on the road as we depart for Illinois and our overnight stay at the Courtyard by Marriott, Oakbrook Terrace.  Dinner is on your own at the hotel or a nearby local restaurant.  

Day Six – Friday – June 5

    The day starts with a breakfast at the hotel as we prepare to head back home. What a fabulous trip this has been as we spend our last day on the road with a great group of people.    

 

This is a one-of-a-kind six day/five nights getaway at a great price that includes eleven meals, two lunches, four dinners and five breakfasts. We would love it if you joined us May 31 – June 6 for “I Love Lucy”.       

Cost:  $1899 Double Occupancy          $1769 Triple Occupancy 

           $1699 Quad Occupancy             $2319 Single Occupancy          

 

$500 non-refundable deposit per person will reserve your spot and must be mailed within 3 days of signing up, unless previous arrangements have been made. Deposit is refundable if tour is canceled or if a replacement is found when you cancel.  Balance is due April 15, 2026. An itinerary with all pertinent information and times, along with luggage tags and emergency forms will be mailed a couple of weeks before the trip!

 

Gary Block Tours

320-632-8632

mgaryblock@hotmail.com                www.garyblocktours.com

 

   

Ø Comfortable North Star Coaches motor coach transportation

Ø Experienced and friendly driver

Ø Eleven meals and lots of laughs are included  

Ø One night lodging at Hampton Inn & Suites, Skokie, Illinois

Ø Three nights lodging at Doubletree by Hilton, Jamestown, New York

Ø One night lodging at Courtyard by Marriott Chicago, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois

Ø Guided tour of Jamestown, NY – Lucy’s hometown with a visit to her final resting place

Ø Historic lunch cruise on the Chautauqua Belle on Lake Chautauqua

Ø VIP visit to the National Comedy Center

Ø Fenton History Center

Ø Lunch at Ricky Ricardo’s Tropicana Club

Ø Special guided tour of the Lucy Desi Museum with iconic show sets from I Love Lucy

Ø Exclusive photo with “Lucy” and “Ethel” tribute artists

Ø An evening Lucille “Ball” celebrating the 75th anniversary of I Love Lucy

Ø Shopping opportunities

Ø Luggage handling at most hotels

Ø Refreshments and snacks on the coach

Ø Fun - Games - Prizes

Ø Hosted by Laura & Gary Block

 

 

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Transportation and lodging hosted by Gary Block Tours is arranged with independent firms.  Bookings for entertainment are arranged through independent hotels, theatres and other entertainment venues.  We take great pride in our selection of reliable firms.  However, we do not control these independent firms.  Sometimes shows or celebrity appearances are changed or cancelled without notice.  We cannot be responsible for claims or losses arising out of injury, Covid, accident, death, loss of enjoyment, frustration or inconvenience that arises from the act or omission of any independent firm supplying services to Gary Block Tours, or for mechanical breakdowns, governmental actions, acts of God, strikes or acts of war beyond our control.  We cannot be responsible for the consequences of your failure to follow instructions, including but not limited to check in, check out and baggage handling.  If events or reservations are cancelled or changed, we will make every effort to provide a comparable substitute tour experience. 

Deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the tour is cancelled or we’re able to replace you. I have read and understand the Cancellation and Refund Policy notice. All participants of this trip must sign below.

 

Return with payment to:  Gary Block Tours, 112 SE 4th Street, Little Falls, MN  56345

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                                                                                    I Love Lucy