Mississippi River Fall Colors Cruise
Five Day Motorcoach Tour
October 2-6, 2008
Activity Level: Three

We’ll be taking a “step back in time” on this colorful southeastern Minnesota tour. Capturing the spirit of a bygone era, we’ll experience the sounds and excitement of an authentic steamboat cruise on the legendary Mississippi River. As you close your eyes, listen to the churning of the paddlewheel and the rhythmic hiss of the vintage steam engines, you’ll feel you’ve been transported back into the 1800’s.

We’ll be surrounded by historical charm and the miracles of nature when we visit some of the oldest river towns on the upper Mississippi.
Join us on this unique tour that offers some of the most scenic and historic areas of Minnesota and the upper Midwest – at one of the most colorful times of the year!

Day 1 Starting at Kearney, we’ll be traveling I-80 east with pickups enroute, and enjoy a Brown Bag Breakfast. As we cross the rich farmlands of Iowa, we reach our destination of Historic Galena, IL late afternoon. Our beautiful, historic hotel is located right on main street in downtown Galena, just steps away from some of the most enjoyable shopping you’ll find anywhere in the Midwest. You’ll have ample free time to discover the intriguing history of Galena and see faded memories of a bygone era come to life. After checking into your hotel room, we will enjoy a delicious “welcome dinner”.
*Brown Bag Breakfast & Dinner included
*DeSoto House Hotel, Galena, IL

Day 2 This morning you free time and will have several choices: our motorcoach will transport anyone wishing to visit the new National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque, or you can spend your morning “shopping” the many varieties of galleries and boutiques in downtown Galena, or you can “explore” this interesting, historic town. After lunch we will depart for southeastern Minnesota. We will stop at Winona, known as the “stained glass capital” of the U.S. After a tour of this beautiful river town, we head for Wabasha, where we will be spending the next 3 nights.
Wabasha is one of the oldest towns on the upper Mississippi and also the movie site of “Grumpy Old Men”.
*Breakfast & Dinner included
*AmericInn Lodge & Suites, Wabasha, MN

Day 3 Today we take that “step back in time” aboard the Julia Belle Swain Steamboat, cruising the mighty Mississippi. The Julia Belle Swain is only one of 5 authentic steam-powered passenger vessels still in operation on the Mississippi River system. Relax and watch the river from Mark Twain’s viewpoint, walk the decks, soak up the flavor of the past, enjoy the beautiful fall foliage along the steep cliffs. Always a highlight, the Julia Swain will be “locking-through” several Upper Mississippi locks.
Great food, great entertainment and the beautiful scenery all combine to make your cruising experience one that you will treasure forever.
*Breakfast, lunch & dinner included

Day 4 Today we “explore” this unique and beautiful area of southeastern Minnesota, visiting the new National Eagle Center in Wabasha, and touring the charming, historic town of Red Wing, renowned for its exquisite pottery and stoneware, antique and specialty shops and unparalleled scenery. Its location on the bluffs along the Mississippi River creates a rustic setting which beckons and relaxes.
*Breakfast & Lunch included

Day 5 Today we head back to Nebraska, with wonderful memories of our “colorful” trip and a “bygone era” of one of the most historic and scenic areas of the Midwest. We will enjoy a “farewell lunch” at the Amana Colonies on our way home.
*Breakfast & Lunch included

For more information write to: tconcepts@hamilton.net or call 402-694-5731 or 800-759-1006.

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