Mississippi River Rambler

Day 1 : Arrive in St. Louis

Begin the adventure with a flight to St. Louis and check in to our centrally-located hotel for a two-night stay.

Day 2 : The Gateway Arch

Spend the morning at Gateway Arch National Park with a guided tram tour and time observing the city from the arch’s observation deck. Browse galleries that celebrate America’s pioneering spirit and learn about the incredible Lewis & Clark expedition that began in this city. Midday we find a tasty bite for lunch at Union Station, then enjoy our second tram ride of the day at the lovely Missouri Botanical Garden learning about the gorgeous displays filled with flowers and lush greenery while viewing famous buildings and sculptures along the way. Tonight we get to know our fellow traveling companions at a Holiday Vacations Welcome Dinner in St. Louis.

Day 3 : Arrive in Hannibal

We are en route to Hannibal, Missouri this morning, the boyhood home of classic American author Mark Twain. We tour the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum located on the west banks of the Mississippi, and consider his creative inspirations as we explore properties, artifacts, and exhibits that keep his literary legacy alive. On our Mark Twain Riverboat Cruise we will appreciate the Mississippi River’s beauty and recall the wonder of Twain’s storytelling as we observe the backdrop of many of his tales from the water. Enjoy lunch and time at leisure in downtown Hannibal before touring Rockcliffe Mansion. Built in 1898, this Colonial-Revival style home was built by lumber baron John J. Cruikshank, Jr. and sits on a rocky perch above the historic downtown district. Later we check in to our Hannibal hotel for a two-night stay and enjoy a scrumptious included dinner.

Day 4 : Mark Twain's Hannibal

Before we continue our celebration of Twain, this morning explore the Karlock’s Cars & Pop Culture “must-see” collection. One of Hannibal’s newest attractions, this massive facility houses hundreds of artifacts for reliving your favorite pop culture moments. Stop for photos at Lover’s Leap Bluff before touring the Mark Twain Cave. This network of caves was discovered in 1819 and Twain played in them throughout much of his childhood and were made famous through his writing. After, enjoy Mark Twain Live, a delightful one-man performance that captures the essence of “The Wild Humorist of The West.” The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 5 : Mississippi River Dinner Cruise

We arrive in Nauvoo, Illinois for a motorcoach tour of this little Mississippi Valley city rich in history from indigenous Americans and early European explorers. In 1839 the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, led by Joseph Smith's prolific influence, produced a city that rivaled Chicago in its day until religious persecution compelled them to flee westward. This evening we arrive in Moline, Illinois and check in to our hotel before embarking on an enchanting Mississippi River dinner cruise aboard the Celebration Belle, the largest riverboat of its kind in the Upper Mississippi. Look forward to a joyful evening of music and dancing while savoring fine dining on the water.

Day 6 : Springfield: The Land of Lincoln

Start the day with a visit to the John Deere Pavilion where you can experience the famed manufacturer’s machines firsthand. Climb into a cab to test your abilities with state-of-the-art simulators plus witness some of John Deere's largest machines. Continuing our pleasant drive along the Mississippi we stop for lunch in Peoria along the Illinois River before arriving in Illinois’ capital, Springfield. Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum which documents our 16th president’s life and the American Civil War. With its life-sized dioramas, traditional scholarship, and cutting-edge technology, it ranks among the most frequented U.S. presidential libraries. Later, check in to our Springfield hotel for a two-night stay.

Day 7 : Illinois State Fair

Begin the day witnessing The Lincoln Tomb, his final resting place, followed by a visit to the Veterans Memorials at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Spend the remainder of the day at the Illinois State Fair! Enjoy agriculture, arts, crafts, entertainment, and track down your favorite fair food. Enjoy a relaxing evening.

Day 8 : St. Louis at Leisure

We return to St. Louis for an afternoon of independent exploration. Your Tour Director will help find places you may want to visit such as the world-famous Anheuser-Busch Brewery, St. Louis Aquarium, St. Louis Zoo, Citygarden urban park & sculpture garden, Busch Stadium, and the Bottle District, once home to thousands of 19th-century Irish immigrants and now a mixed residential / entertainment district. Tonight our group gathers to celebrate our memorable Mississippi getaway in traditional Holiday Vacations style with a warm farewell dinner. For your convenience tonight’s hotel is near the St. Louis airport.

Day 9 : Arrive Home

Fly home with terrific memories from our marvelous Mississippi vacation.