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First Community Bank Travel Club Announces 2027 Tours to New Zealand, Spain, London and More

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Snow-capped Aoraki/Mount Cook rises above Lake Pukaki and a winding road in New Zealand
Snow-capped Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, rises above Lake Pukaki on the country’s South Island. The First Community Bank Travel Club’s “Exploring New Zealand’s Wonders” tour is set for Feb. 25 to March 15, 2027.

The First Community Bank Travel Club is now taking reservations for its 2027 tours, a lineup that stretches from the glaciers and fjords of New Zealand to the Christmas markets of London, Germany, Switzerland and France.

The trips are offered through the bank’s Adventure First Travel Club programs, which are based in its Batesville and Conway markets. First Community Bank announced the schedule Thursday and said space is limited on every trip.

Travel Club members will also benefit in 2027 from Explorations, a new small-group tour concept developed by international tour company Collette. Explorations tours are limited to about 20 guests, compared with 40 to 50 guests on larger tours. According to the bank, the smaller groups offer deeper cultural immersion, more off-the-beaten-path experiences and access to places larger groups cannot reach.

Batesville Market Trips

The Batesville-based Travel Club is inviting qualifying members and guests to join these 2027 trips:

“To Whitney, with Love” – Feb. 13, 2027

The Travel Club’s calendar opens with a celebration of the great ladies of soul by American Idol finalist LaKisha Jones, featuring the music of Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin. The event also includes a special tribute concert by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra saluting the music of Whitney Houston.

“Exploring New Zealand’s Wonders” – Feb. 25 to March 15, 2027

From geothermal springs and glaciers to stunning fjords and Maori culture, this tour shows travelers New Zealand at its best. The trip spans both of the country’s main islands, a land the tour description says was born of fire and ice, with dramatic landscapes, deep-rooted traditions and wildlife. An optional 4-day, 3-night post-tour to Fiji is also available.

Details: See the full New Zealand itinerary

“The Islands of New England” – July 30 to Aug. 8, 2027

Travelers will explore the New England coast from Rhode Island to Cape Cod, including Providence and the Gilded Age mansions of Newport. The tour also visits the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket and wraps up with a traditional seafood and lobster feast.

Details: See the full New England itinerary

“Journey through Spain: Madrid to Barcelona” – Oct. 2-12, 2027

This Spanish adventure blends medieval architecture, scenic landscapes and unforgettable flavors, set against Mediterranean shores and towering mountain ranges. Highlights include the Prado Museum, the Cathedral of Seville and the Alhambra Palace. An optional 5-day, 4-night post-tour of Barcelona and the Spanish Riviera is available.

Details: See the full Spain itinerary

Hanging houses with wooden balconies perched on a cliff in Cuenca, Spain
The Casas Colgadas, or hanging houses, of Cuenca, Spain, perch on the edge of a cliff above the Huecar River gorge. The Travel Club’s “Journey through Spain: Madrid to Barcelona” tour runs Oct. 2-12, 2027.

“VIP Tour of Nashville” – Oct. 4-7, 2027

The bank says this is not your average trip to Nashville. Travelers from the Batesville and Conway markets will share the bus tour, with departures from both cities. The trip includes a private concert by a Grand Ole Opry member, 3 shows (the Grand Ole Opry, the Time Jumpers and a Hit Songwriter Round) and a VIP backstage guided tour of the Grand Ole Opry. Travelers will even join an artist for a private recording session, adding background vocals and sound effects to a recording that will be uploaded to Spotify. An information meeting will be scheduled soon.

“Christmas in London” – Dec. 2-10, 2027

Travelers will experience the Christmas season in London, exploring colorful Christmas markets, Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the festive lights of Buckingham Palace. The tour also includes a trip to the Christmastime display at Blenheim Palace and a festive afternoon tea, along with a taste of the history and royal pageantry found only across the pond.

Details: See the full London itinerary

Red double-decker bus beneath glittering holiday light orbs in London
A red double-decker bus passes beneath glittering orbs of holiday lights in London. The Travel Club’s “Christmas in London” tour runs Dec. 2-10, 2027.
Christmas tree glowing with blue lights near Tower Bridge in London
A Christmas tree glowing with blue lights stands near London’s Tower Bridge. Christmas in London travelers will visit the city’s Christmas markets, Trafalgar Square and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Angel-shaped holiday lights above Regent Street in London
Angel-shaped holiday lights stretch above Regent Street in London as shoppers and traffic fill the street below. The Christmas in London tour also includes a visit to the Christmastime display at Blenheim Palace and a festive afternoon tea.

Conway Market Trips

The bank’s Conway travel program offers additional trips, including tours of Alaska and Hawaii:

“Alaska’s Northern Lights” – March 13-19, 2027

Reservations are being accepted now, and only 6 seats remain, according to the bank. Highlights include Northern Lights excursions, a winter glacier cruise, Prince William Sound, the Alaska Railroad and dog mushing.

Details: See the full Alaska itinerary

“Aloha Hawaii” – June 16-24, 2027

The bank expects this trip to sell out. Travelers will journey through the lush landscapes and vibrant culture of Kauai and Maui, from the iconic Iao Needle to the lore of the hula, with a blend of natural beauty, cultural connections and relaxation.

Details: See the full Hawaii itinerary

“VIP Tour of Nashville” – Oct. 4-7, 2027

Conway travelers will join the Batesville group for the VIP Nashville bus tour, with departures from both cities.

“Christmas Markets of Germany, Switzerland and France” – Dec. 2-10, 2027

This festive 9-day journey celebrates a 600-year-old tradition with stops at iconic Christmas markets across Germany, France and Switzerland. The bank expects this trip to sell out as well.

Details: See the full Christmas markets itinerary

How to Reserve a Spot

For reservations or more information about Travel Club itineraries, including specific details and pricing, contact Chuck Jones in the Batesville market at 870-612-3419 or Chuck.Jones@firstcommunity.net, or Lori Melton in the Conway market at 501-764-9640 or Lori.Melton@firstcommunity.net.

About First Community Bank

First Community Bank is locally owned and managed. It opened Aug. 4, 1997, in Batesville and now operates 35 locations across Arkansas and Missouri. The bank employs 680 professional bankers and reported $3.6 billion in assets as of June 30, 2026. For more information, call 870-612-3400 or visit www.firstcommunity.net.

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