Mississippi River Road

Day 1 : Travel to the Quad Cities

We begin our joyful Mississippi motorcoach vacation with a journey to the river-swaddling Quad Cities region of Iowa and Illinois. First, we travel to La Crosse, stopping for an included welcome lunch with our road trip companions. Then arrive in Dubuque, Iowa to explore the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium’s aquatic exhibits and enjoy a short film. Later we arrive at our accommodations in Moline, Illinois and check in for a two-night stay.

Day 2 : Mississippi River Dinner Cruise

After breakfast, start the day with a visit to the John Deere Pavilion where you can experience the famed machines firsthand. When we arrive in LeClaire, Iowa, have time at leisure and find lunch in its quaint Cody Road Historic District. Then visit the Buffalo Bill Museum before our enchanting Mississippi River dinner cruise. Tonight, board the Celebration Belle, the largest riverboat of its kind in the Upper Mississippi River, and enjoy an evening of onboard music and dance over dinner.

Day 3 : Arrive in Hannibal

Arrive in Nauvoo, Illinois and acquaint yourself with the history of this little city rich with Mississippi Valley history from the indigenous American tribes to early European explorers and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We journey to Hannibal, Missouri, the boyhood home of classic American author Mark Twain. Begin with touring the 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. Tomorrow, we explore all-things-Twain.

Day 4 : Mark Twain's Hannibal

This morning, we tour the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum. Located on the west banks of the Mississippi River, explore the site and consider Twain’s creative inspirations as you explore various properties, artifacts, and exhibits that keep his literary legacy alive. Then, embark on a Mark Twain Riverboat Cruise for full immersion in Mississippi beauty, recalling the fun and wonder of Twain’s storytelling as we view the backdrop of his tales from the water. We 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 later 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.” Enjoy time at leisure in Hannibal tonight.

Day 5 : The Gateway Arch

We journey today to St. Louis, Missouri, gathering first at Gateway Arch National Park to view the famous monument, visit the observation deck, and enjoy a documentary screening. Find a tasty bite for lunch at Union Station, then go on a narrated tram ride around the lovely Missouri Botanical Garden, learning about its gorgeous displays filled with flowers and lush greenery and famous buildings and sculptures along the way.

Day 6 : St. Louis at Leisure

St. Louis is yours to explore today! You may visit the world-famous Anheuser-Busch Brewery, the St. Louis Aquarium, St. Louis Zoo, Citygarden urban park and sculpture garden, Busch Stadium, the Moto Museum, Laclede’s Landing, and the Bottle District, once home to thousands of Irish immigrants in the 1800s and now a mixed residential and entertainment district. Your Tour Director will help make your arrangements. Enjoy a hearty included dinner in St. Louis this evening.

Day 7 : Springfield: The Land of Lincoln

We arrive in Springfield, Illinois and visit The Lincoln Tomb, the final resting place of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. Then, we visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum which documents his life and the American Civil War, ranking among the most frequented U.S. presidential libraries. On our August 13 departure, spend the remainder of the day at the Illinois State Fair! Enjoy agriculture, arts, crafts, entertainment, and track down your favorite fair food. On our July 16 departure, tour the Dana Thomas House, a spectacular home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, America’s greatest architect, in his first “blank check” commission.

Day 8 : Return to Dubuque

Returning back north towards Dubuque, we stop along the way at the Caterpillar Visitors Center to marvel at massive Cat® 797F Mining Trucks and take virtual rides into mine sites. Stop for lunch in Peoria along the Illinois River waterfront. Upon arrival in Dubuque we’ll take photos at Eagle Point Park and gather for an exciting Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner with our new friends.

Day 9 : Arrive Home

We conclude our classic motorcoach vacation in La Crosse. Grab lunch in downtown and then gather at Riverview Park to board the La Crosse Queen for a leisurely afternoon Mississippi riverboat cruise. Later, transfer home with wonderful memories from our vacation along this great, storied river.