Mississippi River Rambler

Day 1 : Arrive in St. Louis

Begin the adventure with a flight to St. Louis and check in at 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 for 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. Later we come together for a riverfront cruise featuring amazing views of the iconic Gateway Arch and the St. Louis skyline with fascinating narration by a National Park Service ranger. Tonight enjoy getting to know your fellow traveling companions at a Holiday Vacations Welcome Dinner.

Day 3 : Mark Twain's 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 appreciate the Mississippi River’s beauty and recall the wonder of Twain’s storytelling as we observe the backdrop 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 home was built by lumber baron John J. Cruikshank, Jr. and sits above historic downtown. Later we check in at our Hannibal hotel for the night.

Day 4 : Mississippi River Dinner Cruise

We arrive in Nauvoo, Illinois for a motorcoach tour of this riverside town. 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 at our hotel for a two-night stay 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 boat.

Day 5 : Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Spend a day in Dubuque, Iowa, beginning with a visit to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium featuring more than 35 exhibits including the Flooded Forest, Backwater Marsh, Raptor Roost, and the Otter Habitat! In the afternoon we stop at ‘The World’s Shortest & Steepest Railroad!’ with a funicular ride that takes us up to Fenelon Place for magnificent views of downtown Dubuque. We also stop at the 164-acre Eagle Point Park, one of the Midwest’s most outstanding parks, for panoramic views of the Mississippi River, Dam No. 11, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Day 6 : Springfield: The Land of Lincoln

Start the day with a pleasant drive en route to Springfield, the capital of Illinois. First pay a visit to the Lincoln Tomb, the final resting place of President Abraham Lincoln, his wife, and three of their sons. After lunch we visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum which tells the epic story of our 16th president’s life and his role in the American Civil War. Enjoy an exclusive “Lincoln & Leadership” program with time to explore the museum at leisure. Life-sized dioramas, traditional scholarship, and cutting-edge technology all come together as you see why it ranks among the most popular U.S. presidential libraries. This evening we return to St. Louis for a Farewell Dinner with fellow travelers and accommodations close to the airport.

Day 7 : Fly Home

Fly home with terrific memories from our marvelous Mississippi vacation.