Old Man River

Explore the Mighty Mississippi from St. Louis to St. Paul at the height of the fall color season

Quick Information

Drive the most scenic stretch of the Great River Road between Missouri and Minnesota
Experience the Mississippi River
from the Quad Cities to Dubuque by
sternwheeler
2-night stays in Hannibal, Rock Island, Dubuque and St. Paul
20 meals: 6 breakfasts, 3 expanded continentals, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
Round trip airfare to St. Louis/from Minneapolis-St. Paul
Door-to-door limousine service
Tour Director: Clayton Whitehead
2800/3200 Gold Passport Point

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 and 2

Fly to St. Louis, then drive to Hannibal, birthplace of both Samuel Clemens and the “unsinkable” Molly Brown. Explore Hannibal from top to bottom, visit the Mark Twain Boyhood
Home & Museum complex, and sleep downtown at river’s edge. Best Western on the River – 2 nights (ECB,2D)
Day 3

Head north along the Great River Road, visiting historic steamboat ports along the way to the Quad Cities. Rock Island is the location of your hotel home, which includes the largest casino in the region, and it’s completely smoke-free! ‘Feeling lucky tonight? Jumer’s Casino & Hotel – 2 nights (ECB,L)
Day 4

Welcome to the Quad Cities, four unique communities located on both sides of the river, two in Iowa, two in Illinois. Founded in 1862 and infamous as a Confederate prison camp during the Civil War, today Rock Island offers you historic sites and a fine museum. John Deere also called this community home, and you’ll visit his company’s international headquarters. How about a tractor for the perfect souvenir? (B,D)
Day 5

Hop aboard the Celebration Belle, an authentic sternwheeler, for the all-day cruise upriver to Dubuque, arriving 100 miles and 11 hours later. Along the way, enjoy three meals, entertainment, games and at least one very special visitor. Your hotel, Dubuque’s oldest, has been lavishly restored for your pleasure. Hotel Julien – 2 nights (B,L,D)
Day 6

Dawdle at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, a multi-building and boat complex offering all you’ve ever wanted to know about the Mississippi, past, present and future. In the late afternoon, a progressive dinner and city tour will introduce you to four of Dubuque’s oldest homes, as well as a number of tall tales and interesting personalities. (B,D)
Day 7

Depart for nearby Dyersville to see “The Field of Dreams” movie site. Lunch is served back on the Great River Road at Breitbach’s, Iowa’s oldest eatery. Effigy Mounds National Monument offers you the nation’s largest collection of these unique Indian mounds, some up to 2500 years old. Head a bit inland for tonight’s hotel home, the gem of historic Decorah. Hotel Winnesheik (B,L)
Day 8

Decorah is the seat of Iowa’s huge Norwegian community, boasting the nation’s largest museum devoted to a single immigrant group where you’ll explore their culture, art and food. Your day ends in Minnesota’s stunning capital city, St. Paul. Hilton Garden Inn – 2 nights (ECB,L)
Day 9

Visit the state capitol and St. Paul’s Cathedral, along with scenic and historical sites in both the Twin Cities. Relive the memories of a great vacation at a Farewell Dinner featuring entertainment that is strictly Minnesotan. (B,D)
Day 10

Your local touring ends with lunch, followed by an afternoon flight home. (B,L)