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Mid America and Riverboatin’ On the Mighty Mississippi

Tour includes 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner

August 12 – 17

Join us for one of the greatest summer tours we’ve ever offered – we’re headed to the heartland of America to view some spectacular scenery, enjoy some great attractions, delicious meals and of course spend some time cruising on the Mississippi… “Old Man River just keeps on Rolling”…

DAY ONE: All aboard our deluxe motorcoach as we head west through the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina and through the “Volunteer State” of Tennessee (by way of Knoxville & Nashville) into Kentucky. We’ll turn north at Paducah and travel to Marion, Illinois for overnight.

DAY TWO: This morning we’ll continue Northwest through Kentucky to the “Gateway City” of St. Louis. We’ll enjoy a visit to the Pioneer Museum and then ride the capsule transporter to the top of the Gateway Arch. The 630 ft stainless steel arch symbolizes the starting point of the westward expansion of the United States and is truly an “Engineering Marvel”. We’ll also visit the Old Cathedral – built in 1831 as the “Basilica of St. Louis, King of France on the site of the first church built in St. Louis in 1770 and historic Union Station – the world’s busiest passenger terminal from 1905 to the late 1940’s. This beautiful old restored building now houses shops and restaurants. Another highlight today will be a visit to Grant’s Farm – home of the Clydesdales. Here we can see deer, buffalo, longhorn steer and other animals as well as visit the carriage house and see the magnificent Clydesdale horses of Anheuser – Busch fame.  Late this afternoon, we’ll board a replica of a 19th century riverboat for a sightseeing cruise on the Mississippi River, with a fantastic view of the St. Louis skyline.  Overnight will be in the St. Louis area.

DAY THREE: This morning we’ll continue northeast to Springfield, Illinois for a visit to the home of President Abraham Lincoln. We’ll tour the Lincoln Memorial Library & Museum, the Lincoln Homeplace and Oak Ridge Cemetery (where President and Mrs. Lincoln are buried) – this is the second most visited cemetery in the United States (Arlington is first). There is no way we can go into detail about all you’ll see and do today, but it will be one of the most interesting days on the entire tour. Late this afternoon we’ll travel to Bettendorf, Iowa – our home for the next two nights.

DAY FOUR: Now the day we’ve all been waiting for – we’re up early to board the “Celebration Belle” – an authentic paddlewheeler (the largest luxury excursion vessel on the upper Mississippi) for a 100 mile – all day cruise from Davenport to Dubuque, Iowa. We’ll enjoy a wonderful breakfast and lunch buffet, Prime Rib dinner buffet and a great afternoon snack, as well as games, live entertainment and narration by the captain. We pass 19th century  river towns, high bluffs and remote islands and learn of their fascinating history as we travel north on the river. You might even get to meet Mark Twain today! This evening we’ll dock in Dubuque and travel by motorcoach back to Bettendorf for overnight.

DAY FIVE: Nothing says “made in the USA” like John Deere! This morning we’ll tour the John Deere World Headquarters (we’ll be amazed by the elaborate murals) and the Pavilion – an impressive lineup on vintage and modern farm equipment as well as interactive displays. Lunch will be included today (and might be served by a bunch of “farmhands”)! This afternoon we’ll travel southeast by way of Indianapolis to Cincinnati, Ohio for overnight.

DAY SIX: This morning we’ll visit the new Ark Encounter in Northern Kentucky. At over 500 feet long, 80 feet wide and 50 feet high, this is an exact replica of Noah’s Ark according to Biblical specifications. It’s the largest wooden timber structure in the world! We’ll be amazed and inspired as the Bible comes to life for us. Following our visit, we’ll travel south through Lexington and Knoxville, arriving home with memories to last a lifetime!

Price Per Person: $789 Double | $769 Triple | $759 Quad | $1039 Single

 

 

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