Come travel with us to some of the most beautiful places in America!
June
& the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium
Friday -
Tour of Arrowhead Stadium
Check into Westin Crown Center Hotel
Free time at Crown Center & Union Station
Saturday -
Money Museum at Federal Reserve Bank
Hallmark Card Museum
Shuttle to the Plaza & Elsewhere
Free time at Crown Center & Union Station
Sunday -
Kansas City Chiefs vs Denver Broncos
Tailgate Party at Arrowhead Stadium
Game Time - Noon
“Celebrate the Victory”
3rd night at Westin Crown Center
Monday -
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library
Head for Home after KC BBQ lunch
Price includes - Hotel, hotel breakfasts, tailgate party, Monday lunch, game tickets, all venues shown and transportation from Rolla, Jeff City, and Columbia with free parking at each location. Football seats are in section 346 or 134. You may skip the football game and save $400.
No shuttle service will be available from your house on this trip.
7 days cruising, 2 days motorcoach, 1 day train to Denali National Park
12 days / 11 nights
Saturday, Sept 6th - Fly to Vancouver, BC
Free time in Vancouver, BC & check into hotel
Overnight at a hotel in Vancouver, BC
Sunday, Sept 7th - Board Holland America
Overnight on the ship while cruising
Monday, Sept 8th - Scenic Cruising
Full day of cruising the Scenic Inside Passage
Overnight on the ship while cruising
Tuesday, Sept 9th - Ketchikan, AK
Full day of exploring Ketchikan, AK
Overnight on the ship while cruising
Wednesday, Sept 10th - Juneau, AK
Full day of exploring Juneau, AK
Overnight on the ship while cruising
Thursday, Sept 11th - Skagway, AK
Full day of exploring Skagway, AK
Overnight on the ship while cruising
Sept 6 to Sept 17, 2025
Friday, Sept 12th - Scenic Day of Cruising
Full day of cruising in Glacier Bay
Overnight on the ship while cruising
Saturday, Sept 13th - Scenic Day of Cruising
Full day of cruising through College Fjord
Overnight on the ship while cruising
Sunday, Sept 14th - Denali National Park, AK
Travel by rail through beautiful Denali Nat’l Park
Overnight at the McKinley Chalet Resort
Monday, Sept 15th - Talkeetna, AK
Travel by motorcoach to tour this historic little town
Overnight at a hotel in Talkeetna
Tuesday, Sept 16th - Anchorage, AK
Travel by motorcoach to Anchorage where you can shop, dine and watch for a moose roaming the street
Overnight at a hotel in Anchorage, AK
Wednesday, Sept 17th - Fly back to Missouri
Price includes cost of cruise, port fees, all shipboard meals, gratuities for ship employees, hotels, motorcoach and train travel. Price does not include any drink packages or add-on excursions.
Price does not include air fare however, we will purchase tickets for you & provide transportation to and from Rolla to the St. Louis Airport. There is no pick-up from your home on this trip.
Must be booked and paid by April 5, 2025
Inside Stateroom - $3300
Outside Stateroom w/ Balcony - $4300
All prices are per person / double occupancy Passport Required
Please go to hollandamerica.com to get information about the ship and additional details of the cruise.
June 7 - June 14, 2025
$3950 / Per Person
8 Days / 7 Nights
5 Nights at the Ranch
Rock Climbing
White Water Rafting (extra)
Trail Breakfast
Dance Lessons
Horseback Riding
Team Sports
Shooting
Bow & Arrow
Fishing
Dining Room
THEMAIDENVOYAGETOSYLVANDALEGUESTRANCH
To the left are pictures of some of the events that went on during our week at the ranch. Each morning you made a choice as to how busy you wanted to be that day or if you wanted to just relax, swim in the pool, play cards or watch others on their adventure. Whatever you did, you for sure made it back for lunch and supper, always a treat.
This story is about the 14 people that came on the motorcoach and the other 19 guests we met at the ranch. It was a fun mix of people, each group with a different story.
Starting with myself (Nick) and my wife, Charlotte. We celebrated our 41st anniversary while at the ranch except I got the day wrong…not very smart. Sandra came with her 16-year-old grandson, Kaden, and Glenda brought her 16-year-old grandson Tristen. The boys did not know each other beforehand but became pretty good friends during the week. They all rode every day, even the grandmas. Anita also rode every day, but her husband Gary tried once and said that was enough. Ernie and his sister Bessie did not intend to ride but enjoyed all the other activities. RaeDeane and Lesa signed up independently and later realized they had been on another trip together. They shared a 2-bedroom cabin overlooking one of the horse pastures. Gail and Vickie were high school friends and had recently traveled together several times. They had never been to a Dude Ranch before, same as the rest of us and they rode every day. They were assigned a 2-bedroom cabin on the river… I was jealous. That was everyone that came on the bus; all of us retirement age except the two grandsons.
Now the others we spent the week with on the ranch each had a different story. There was a grandma, grandpa, son, daughter and two granddaughters from Chicago. The grandma, grandpa, son, and daughter had spent a week at the ranch 20 years ago when the son was under 10. It was pretty exciting when they found their picture in a scrapbook in the library. The two little girls, about 8 & 10, learned to barrel race and beat the boys at the rodeo on the last day.
There was a mom, dad, college age son and daughter, and 3 friends that came along. They did everything you could do, same as the teenage boys that came with us. Mom and Dad were the only ones over 40 who went on the 4-hour ride to camp out on the top of the mountain. Not once did I consider doing that, so I have to commend their moxie. They were from New Orleans, and we visited with them a lot.
There was a young couple from Texas who had been married there at the ranch about 10 years ago. There was a man and his daughter from England, and they talked really funny. They were only there for three days so we did not get to know them very well.
And finally, there were 2 sisters from Washington DC, recently graduated from college. They were both about 6-2 and we just called them “the tall girls”. I never did know their names…shame on me. The little girl’s kind of gravitated to “the tall girls” at meals, probably because their mom was also tall.
So why did I write this biography? I did it so you will know that no matter what your age or your situation is, a week on a horse and cattle ranch with lots of other activities can be very enjoyable and uplifting as you conquer some of the challenges. It can also be a great opportunity to create a forever memory with one or more of your grandkids. And do not expect to lose weight on this trip even though you may be getting a lot of exercise.
Happy trails to all!!
Grand Canyon & Durango & Silverton
11 Days / 10 Nights
$3250 Per Person
Day 1 - Wizard of Oz Museum
We’re off to see the wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz Museum. You’ll see all things Oz including the first edition of the books and movie mementos. We’ll travel a little further tonight staying in Salina, KS.
Day 2 - Limon Heritage Museum
This morning we’ll visit the beautiful Cathedral of the Plains. This afternoon, we’ll take a step back in time and visit the Limon Heritage Museum & Railroad Park built in 1910, you’ll learn about the Rock Island Railroad. Before arriving at our hotel in Colorado Springs, CO, we’ll drive through Garden of the Gods. This beautiful park is home to a plethora of geological rarities.
Day 3 - Royal Gorge Bridge
Today, we will head to Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. You’ll be able to walk on one of the highest suspension bridges in the country. We will have a picnic lunch and then travel to Durango, CO. Along the way, we will cross the Continental Divide at Wolf Creek Pass.
Railroad
Day 4 - Durango & Silverton Railroad
This morning we will drive to Silverton, CO which is nestled between two rugged San Juan Mountain passes. This secluded mining town is a National Historic Landmark with a combination of natural beauty and Victorian charm. You will have time for lunch and shopping before boarding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Steam Railroad for an adventurous ride through some of the most beautiful mountain regions in Colorado. We’ll spend another night in Durango, CO.
Day 5 - Four Corners
We start the day with a drive to Four Corners National Monument where you can stand in four states at one time and shop in the Native American booths. After that, we’ll drive through portions of Monument Valley where there are dozens of giant monoliths and unique rock formations. We’ll stop for the night near Grand Canyon, AZ.
Day 6 - Grand Canyon
Today we will spend most of our time at the aweinspiring Grand Canyon National Park, which is layered with bands of red rock revealing millions of years of geological history. We’ll also see a movie about the park at the Grand Canyon Imax Theatre. We’ll spend a second night near Grand Canyon, AZ.
Day 7 - Sedona, AZ
We’ll spend the morning driving through amazing countryside on our way to the beautiful Sedona, AZ where you’ll see amazing rock formations and landscapes and some unique shopping opportunities. This evening we’ll try “Standing on the Corner” in Winslow, AZ.
Day 8 - Petrified Forest & Painted Desert
Our first stop for the day is the Petrified Forest National Park. You’ll experience the world’s largest and most vibrant colored assemblages of petrified wood in the world. Next, we drive through the Painted Desert and take in a landscape of color where nothing grows but rocks. Our hotel tonight is in Albuquerque, NM.
Day 9 - Old Route 66
Today, we spend most of the day on Old Route 66. We’ll see several relics of the era and stop at a couple Cadillac Ranch on
National Cowboy Museum
Along the way we’ll stop National Cowboy and Western Heritage s premier institution of western history, art and culture. On Day 11, we head home with in Claremore, OK.
Colorado & Utah National Park Tour
$3150 Per Person
11 Days / 10 Nights
Day 1 - Hays, KS
We begin our journey by heading west into Kansas. While driving through the Flint Hills, we’ll see several windfarms and hundreds of miles of prairie and crop land. This afternoon we’ll visit the Dwight Eisenhower Library and Museum. There is a vast amount of history in this world-class library. We’ll end today in Hays, KS.
Day 2 - Forney Transportation Museum
We’ll tour the Forney Transportation Museum with over 500 exhibits relating to the history of transportation in the United States. We’ll have dinner before we settle into our hotel near Golden, CO. Make sure to rest up for the great days ahead.
Day 3 - Colorado National Monument
This morning we’ll drive west to the Colorado National Monument where you’ll see sheer-walled red rock canyons, towering monoliths and maybe some big horn sheep. Along the way we’ll drive through the famous Eisenhower Tunnel. We’ll spend tonight in Grand Junction, CO.
Day 4 - Arches National Park
This morning we head to Canyonlands National Park where we’ll explore some of the towering buttes and deep canyons carved out by the Colorado River. In the afternoon we’re off to see the arches at Arches National Park. We’ll see a few of the 2,000 natural stone arches and bridges. Tonight we end up in Green River, UT.
Day 5 - Bryce Canyon National Park
This morning we will travel to Capitol Reef National Park, a hidden treasure of cliffs, canyons and beautiful color contrasts. After lunch, we continue our drive on scenic Highway 12 as we make our way to Bryce Canyon National Park, which is known for its most unique and amazing geology. Tonight we will stay in Bryce, UT.
Day 6 - Zion National Park
Today, we visit Zion National Park. You’ll see sandstone cliffs of cream, pink and red. This park is one of the most magnificent natural wonders in the world. This afternoon we will see Glen Canyon Dam, which is located on beautiful Lake Powell. Our hotel is in Page, AZ.
Day 7 - Antelope Canyon
This morning we depart for Antelope Canyon. It’s a spectacular, yet not well known attraction with the most unusual rock formations and colors that you’ll ever see. This afternoon we’ll make our way to Durango, CO for the night. We might have enough time to do a little shopping and visit the Four Corners Monument.
Please note: It is a strenuous walk with steep narrow stairs to get into the canyon. Not everyone will be able to see this venue.
Day 8 - Great Sand Dunes National Park
This morning we’ll cross the famous Wolf Creek Pass and Continental Divide on our way to Pueblo, CO Along the way we’ll stop at the Great Sand Dunes National Park where you’ll wonder“how’d that get there?” The dunes rise to about 750 ft., the highest dunes in North America.
Day 9 - Bents Fort National Historic Site
Today we travel through the flatlands as we make our way to Dodge City, KS. We’ll stop to visit Bents Fort National Historic Site where traders, trappers and tribes peacefully came together for trading. We should get into Dodge CIty early enough to spend a little time at the casino.
Day 10 - Strataca Salt Mine
On day 10, our first stop is Greensburg, KS where we’ll visit the Big Well and then off to Hutchinson, KS to tour the Strataca Salt Mine. After a busy day, we’ll stay in El Dorado, KS.
Day 11 - Fort Scott
We head to Missouri with a short stop at Fort Scott National Historic Site. You’ll arrive home this evening with memories to last a lifetime.
Northwest National Park Tour
$3150 Per Person
Day 1 - Kansas State Capitol
Today is primarily a driving day, but along the way we drive past the Giant Wind Farms and through the Flint Hills of Kansas. We’ll also stop at the Kansas State Capitol, known as one of the most iconic buildings in the state for its stunning architecture. We’ll spend our first night out in Hays, KS.
Day 2 - Wings Over the Rockies Museum
Today we head west to Denver. Our first stop for the day is the Old Town Museum in Burlington, CO, where you’ll see authentic artifacts from the turn of the century. This afternoon, we stop at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, where you can unlock your dreams of flying. You’ll see a hangar full of iconic aircraft and military memorabilia. We’ll spend tonight in Firestone, CO.
Day 3 - Rocky Mountain National Park
We’ll drive through Rocky Mountain National Park, and cruise the Continental Divide. We’ll travel over
11 Days / 10 Nights
Day 4 - Dinosaur National Monument
This afternoon, we’ll visit Dinosaur National Monument, where paleontologists all over the country have come to uncover thousands of bones. After a visit here, you’ll have no doubt that dinosaurs did exist. You’ll also see beautiful rock formations, mountains and canyons. On our way to Pinedale, WY, we’ll drive through Flaming Gorge, and see the largest reservoir in Wyoming.
Day 5 - Grand Tetons National Park
This morning we drive through Grand Tetons National Park, with its beautiful mountains and lake areas. We will arrive in Yellowstone National Park this afternoon where we’ll see Old Faithful Geyser and the Old Faithful Inn. This Inn is an architectural feat for a log structure. Tonight, we stay in West Yellowstone, MT.
Yellowstone National Park
Today we will drive through the center of Yellowstone the nation’s first national park. We’ll see the steaming springs, paint pots, waterfalls and many other very unusual phenomena. We’ll also see lots of wildlife on our way to Cody, WY.
Yellowstone Falls
Day 7 - Buffalo Bill Historical Center
This morning, we spend some time in Cody, WY at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, open since 1927. Besides telling the real story of Buffalo Bill, this museum houses thousands of vintage weapons that will impress even the most cynical. This afternoon, we’ll take a scenic drive over the Big Horn Mountain Range to Gillette, WY.
Day 8 - Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse
This morning, we’ll see Crazy Horse Monument, a tribute to the American Indian. After lunch, we’ll have some free time for shopping in Keystone or Hill City, SD before visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a tribute to four presidents, symbolizing freedom and democracy. We’ll retire for the night in Keystone, SD.
Day 9 - Badlands National Park
After breakfast, we’re off to what could just be the biggest tourist trap ever, Wall Drug, in Wall, SD. We’ll then drive through Badlands National Park where rhinos, horses and saber toothed cats once roamed. We’ll end the day in Chamberlain, SD.
Day 10 & 11 - Corn Palace & Pony Express
Our first stop of the day is the Corn Palace, a tribute to South Dakota’s agricultural heritage. On our way to Council Bluffs, IA, we will stop to see the scenic waterfalls at Sioux Falls, SD and, weather permitting, have a picnic. On day 11, we head home to Missouri with a stop at the Pony Express Museum in St. Joseph, MO. You’ll have new friends, pictures to share and memories to last a lifetime!
$3790 Per Person
Day 1 – Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
This morning we start our trek north and west. We’ll have lunch on the road before our stop at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. Inside the park you’ll find the summer home of Joy Morton, the founder of Morton Salt. Our final destination is our hotel near Lincoln, NE.
Day 2 – Great Union Pacific Golden Spike Tower
Have you ever wondered what the world’s largest rail yard looks like? Imagine as many trains as you can all in one place. You’ll get to see just this at Union Pacific’s Golden Spike Tower. We’ll travel on to Valentine, NE to spend tonight.
Day 3 – Minuteman Missile Nat’l Historic Site
Today we will get the chance to learn about the history of the Cold War, the arms race and intercontinental ballistic missile development when we visit the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. This afternoon we’ll visit the City of Presidents, Rapid City, SD. Located downtown, we will find over forty life-size, bronze statues of former US Presidents. After our visit we’ll head to our hotel near Deadwood, SD.
12 Days / 11 Nights
Day 4 – Little Bighorn Nat’l Monument
This morning we’ll continue our journey westward with a stop at Kings Saddlery and Museum. You’ll see a significant collection of artifacts from the Old West and tools of the modern cowboy. After lunch, we’ll visit the site of a famous 1876 battle at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. The area memorializes the US Army’s 7th Cavalry and is an effort to preserve the way of life of the Lakota and Cheyenne Indians. We’ll travel a bit further to our hotel in Billings, MT.
Day 5 – Montana
Today is a travel day across Montana, but it is such a pretty state. We’ll find something interesting to do along the way. This evening we arrive in Butte, MT.
Day 6 – Butte Trolley Tour
This morning we’ll ride the Butte Chamber of Commerce Trolley Tour. You will have an onboard guide to tell you about the rich mining and cultural history of the town. On our way to Kalispell, MT we’ll see the Anaconda Smelter Stack which is the tallest surviving masonry structure in the world.
July 29 - Aug 9, 2025 Aug 5 - Aug 16, 2025 Aug 13 - Aug 24, 2025
Day 7 – Glacier National Park
We’ll arrive and spend the day at the beautiful Glacier National Park. We’ll travel the famous Going to the Sun Road carved peaks and valleys in the Rocky Mountains. We ll depart the park and head to our hotel in
Day 8 – Museum of the Rockies
Today will be a travel day continuing east across Montana. We’ll enjoy the unobstructed skyline that seems to overwhelm the landscape, usually described as Big Sky Country. This afternoon we’ll visit the Museum of the Rockies, where we’ll see an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils including a fully mounted T-Rex. Our final destination is near Miles City, MT.
Day 9 – Theodore Roosevelt Nat’l Park
We’ll depart this morning and travel to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We will watch for bison herds, prairie dog towns and other wildlife along the Little Missouri River. Tonight we stay in Jamestown, ND.
Day 10 – Mall of America
Today we’ll learn some Norwegian and Viking history with a stop at the Hjemkomst Interpretive Center to see the Viking ship and the Hopperstad Stave Church Replica. We’ll finish our day at Mall of America where you can shop and dine. Our hotel tonight will be near Bloomington, MN.
Day 11 – Field of Dreams
You’ve seen the movie, now see the actual Field of Dreams and the house! We’ll visit the century old farm where the movie was filmed over 30 years ago and the baseball diamond carved from a cornfield. We’ll also visit the National Toy Tractor Museum filled with scaled models and replicas of farm-based equipment. It’s a small scale adventure into agricultural history. We’ll spend one more night out on the road in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Field of Dreams
Day 12 – Amana Colonies
On our way home we’ll visit Amana Colonies, You’ll have some time to shop old-fashioned stores and see artists' workshops. You’ll arrive home this evening with beautiful photos to share.
Southern Atlantic States Tour
Charleston, SC Savannah, GA Jacksonville Beach, FL
$2980 Per Person
Day 1 - Superman Museum & Gift Shop
We start our travels with a drive through Illinois, stopping at Metropolis, the hometown of Superman. We will see the “bigger than life” Superman statue and visit the Superman Museum & Gift Shop. We will go through Kentucky to Nashville, TN for the first night.
Day 2 - Belle Meade Plantation
We’ll spend much of our day at the Belle Meade Plantation with its beautiful grounds and architecturally significant buildings. We will hear the history told through the eyes of those who worked to make the Plantation America’s premier thoroughbred horse farm. The day will end at our hotel in Hendersonville, NC.
Day 3 - Patriots Point Naval Museum
Today, we will make our way to Charleston, SC with our afternoon stop at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. You’ll find one million square feet of history including the USS Yorktown as the centerpiece, along with the USS Laffey, Cold War Memorial, the Vietnam Experience and more.
10 Days / 9 Nights
Day 4 - Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Charleston City Market will offer us a morning of shopping in one of the nation's oldest public markets in the cultural heart of Charleston. We will then go to visit the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. It is the oldest public tourist site in the Low Country, and the oldest public gardens in America. We will view the beautiful flowers and plants and learn the rich history of the family home. Then, on to Savannah, GA for tonight.
Day 5 - Savannah, GA
We will start the day with a view from Tybee Island Lighthouse, Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse. You might even want to climb the 178 steps to the top for an even better view. We will then see the best of Savannah, called “Georgia’s First City”, from the Old Town Trolley. You can hop-off and hop-on at 15 different locations as you wander through this city packed with Southern charm and elegance of a rich architectural legacy. We will be ready for a second night at our hotel in Savannah, GA.
Day 6 - Jacksonville Beach, FL
Early to rise, we leave Georgia for the beautiful beaches of Jacksonville Beach, FL. This coastal resort city offers sun, sand and surf, along with sightseeing attractions and shopping. We will take time to relax and enjoy this part of the “sunshine” state.
Day 7 - St. Augustine, FL
Day 8 - National Infantry Museum
Today, we will travel to Columbus, GA and tour the National Infantry Museum. This museum emphasizes the values the define the Infantryman and the nation he protects. You will find some of the greatest collections of military artifacts here.
Day 9 - Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
The first destination today is the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum which holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest motorcycle collection. We will also see an assortment of rare, celebrated antique automobiles. After lunch, we will travel to Memphis, TN. There our evening will be spent on Beale Street, a national landmark because of the impact Memphis has had on American blues. We will have dinner and catch some “blues” after checking into our hotel.
This will be the day to step back into the past as we delight in the European flavor of St. Augustine with its brick-lined streets and centuries-old buildings. You will have the entire afternoon to see and explore the nation’s oldest city via the narrated hop-on hop-off trolley We will spend a second night in Jacksonville Beach, FL.
Before leaving Memphis, we will stop at the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. This exhibition, about the birth of rock and soul music, was created by the Smithsonian Institution. It tells the story of musical pioneers who, for the love of music, overcame racial and socioeconomic barriers to create the music that shook the entire world. From there, we are bound for home. May 27 - June 5, 2025
Day 10 - Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
$2790 Per Person
Day 1 - Louisville Slugger Museum
Leaving Missouri and heading east, we will spend the night in Louisville, KY. We’ll tour the Louisville Slugger Museum and see how the famous bats are made. We should arrive at the hotel in time to go to bed early, rest well and adjust to the time change.
Day 2 - Kentucky Derby Museum
This morning, we’ll see the Kentucky Derby Museum located at the historic Churchill Downs. Our guide will take us to the track and tell us a bit about horse racing. The rest of the day is spent on a leisurely drive through the countryside to our hotel near Clarksburg, WV.
Day 3 - Gettysburg, PA
This morning, we’ll spend the day visiting Gettysburg National Military Park. We’ll start by touring the grounds where the battles took place and stopping at significant sites along the way. We’ll stop at the Visitors Center where we’ll learn in depth history of the horrific battle and view the amazing Cyclorama. This evening, we’ll travel to Washington , DC.
10 Days / 9 Nights
Day 4 - Washington, DC
Today we start our visit of Washington, DC, spending most of three days here. The first place on our agenda is Arlington National Cemetery where you’ll get to see the Changing of the Guard and, if interested, several historic gravesites. Afterwards, we’ll visit Iwo Jima and the Air Force Memorial.
Day 5 & 6 - Washington, DC
These two days we’ll get to visit the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, FDR Memorial and three War Memorials. We will also get a good view of the White House and Capitol Building. On top of all that, we’ll visit the Smithsonian where you’ll have most of a day to browse and look closely at the hundreds of outstanding exhibits at the museums of your choice. We’ll spend tonight in Fredericksburg, VA.
July 16 - July 25, 2025
Day 7 - Jefferson’s Monticello
After waking up in Fredericksburg, we’ll drive to Charlottesville, VA. Here we’ll see Jefferson’s Monticello, the mountaintop home of Thomas Jefferson that’s been called an architectural masterpiece. There’s also beautiful gardens and interesting stories about life in that era. We’ll spend the night in Johnson City, TN.
Day 9 & 10 - The Historic Ryman Theatre
Day 8 - Biltmore Estate & Pigeon Forge
Today, we tour another national historic landmark, the unbelievable Biltmore House. We’ll experience how they lived and worked in America’s largest home and explore the spectacular floral gardens and reflecting pools. We’ll then travel through the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. Tonight, we will check out the night life and stay in Pigeon Forge, TN.
On day 9, we travel to Nashville, TN, Music City USA, where we’ll tour the historic Ryman Theatre. On day 10, we head back to Missouri with a short stop on the way home. You'll end your trip with new friends and memories!
Rolla, MO
Nashville, TN
Pigeon Forge, TN
Johnson City, TN
Fredericksburg, VA Washington, DC
Clarksburg, WV
Louisville, KY
Niagara Falls & Mackinac Island
$3290 Per Person
Day 1 - Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
We begin our journey by heading east. The first stop on our trip will be at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, IL. We’ll learn about our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, and the difficult road he traveled as president. Our hotel tonight is in Pontiac, IL.
Day 2 - Shipshewana, IN
We travel today to Shipshewana, IN, a quaint little Amish town, where we will explore some of their really neat shops. You can visit Menno-Hof, where you can learn a little history of the Amish religion. You can also go on a carriage ride with an Amish entrepreneur.
Day 3 - RV Hall of Fame Museum
Bright and early we will stop at the Heritage Ridge Creamery and sample a few of their outstanding cheese selections. Next, we’ll travel to Elkhart, IN where we’ll visit the RV Hall of Fame Museum and learn the history of RVing in this country since 1913. This afternoon, we should arrive at our hotel in Houghton Lake, MI early enough to enjoy a little time on the beach.
10 Days / 9 Nights
Day 4 - Mackinac Island
We are off for a Ferry Ride to Mackinac Island and then a carriage ride to the Grand Hotel. You’ll get to tour the hotel and sit on the largest porch in America. Afterwards, you’ll be able to ride bikes or just relax at our hotel on Mackinac Island, MI.
Day 5 - Old Mackinac & McGulpin Lighthouse
This morning we take a ferry ride back to the mainland for a quick photo-op of the Old Mackinac Lighthouse. We will also see the McGulpin Point Lighthouse. This afternoon we’ll arrive in Frankenmuth, MI , where we’ll have time to experience some neat German heritage.
*Must have a passport to get into Canada*
Day 6 - Niagara Falls - Canadian Side
This afternoon, we’ll arrive at Niagara Falls and see the majestic waterfall, some for the first time. This evening, you’re free to do some tourist stuff and for sure there’s a lot of stuff to do.
Day 7 - Niagara Falls - Canadian Side
First thing this morning, we’ll take a ride to the bottom of the falls on the Hornblower where you’ll enjoy the cool mist and wind up close to the falls and maybe get drenched. We’ll also visit the Floral Clock and much more. We spend a second night on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.
Day 8 - Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Museum
This morning, we’ll go to the American side of Niagara Falls and spend some time on Goat Island. After a picnic lunch, we’ll travel to the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Museum, which documents history of all aspects of rock music and the people who influenced its development. We stay in Cleveland, OH tonight.
Day 9 - Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
This morning we break away from the great lakes region and start heading south. This afternoon, we will visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum to see some really cool cars. We may even get to ride around the track if there’s no time trials going on. We spend tonight near Indianapolis, IN.
Day 10 - Home
Today, we head home to Missouri with a short stop at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. You’ll be sad the trip is over, but glad to be home.
$3240 Per Person
Day 1 - Travel to Indianapolis
Our first stop today is the front of the Illinois State House to see the first of two “Madonna of the Plains” Statues on our tour. There’s a neat story that goes along with these statues that stretch across the entire country. We will check into our hotel near Indianapolis, IN.
Day 2 - National Museum of the Air Force
This morning, you’ll tour the National Museum of the Air Force, the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world! In addition to military planes, the museum houses Presidential aircraft used by Roosevelt, Truman and Eisenhower. The centerpiece of this collection is an aircraft that was used by Presidents Kennedy, Nixon and Johnson. We’ll travel a little further, spending the night in Wheeling, WV.
Day 3 - Flight 93 Memorial
Today, we will visit the Flight 93 National Memorial. You’ll learn how the passengers and flight crew of Flight 93 fought back. After we leave the memorial we’ll make our way north to our hotel near Hershey, PA.
Day 4 - Hershey Chocolate World
This morning we’ll visit the sweetest place on earth, Hershey Chocolate World. You will have the chance to browse endless Hershey brands and get some gifts for the grandkids. You’ll also get to make your own chocolate bar! We’ll spend tonight in Binghamton, NY.
Days / 10 Nights
Day 5 - Baseball Hall of Fame Museum
Located in Cooperstown, NY, the National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum is rich with baseball history of years gone by. Its mission is preserving America’s pastime and celebrating legendary players, managers and team officials. This afternoon we take the back roads to Concord, NH. Along the way we’ll visit some real neat country stores and get to see a couple of covered bridges. If the weather is good it will be a great day for a picnic.
Day 6 – Nubble Lighthouse
This morning we’ll arrive at the Nubble Lighthouse. This is the most photographed lighthouse in the country and you’ll see why when you get there. After we leave the light house we’ll stop at the beach for a bit and then head up the “Franconian Notch”, a beautiful narrow valley through the White Mountains. The trek through the valley will eventually lead us to our hotel in Littleton, NH.
Day 7 - Ferry Ride & Adirondack Mtns.
This morning, the motorcoach drives up on the Ferry like any other car. You can take in the views from the coach or hanging over the rail of the Ferry as we cross Lake Champlain from Vermont to New York. This afternoon we will have a beautiful drive through the Adirondack Mountains filled with vibrant colors of the fall season. Tonight we stay near Watertown, NY.
Day 8 - Beautiful Niagara Falls
Today we travel to the beautiful Niagara Falls.* We will first stop at Goat Island on the American side of the falls and then cross over to the Canadian side. We will spend the night on the Canadian side of the falls.
Day 9 - Henry Ford Museum
We’ll be traveling this morning to Dearborn, MI, where we visit the Henry Ford Museum and discover America - its culture, inventions, people and can-do spirit of the early 20th century. It’s an amazing place. This afternoon we will also check out Frankenmuth, MI a neat little German town where we will have time to shop and maybe eat some German food.
*Must have a passport*
Day 10 - Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
Welcome to the “world’s largest Christmas store!” Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland will bring out the spirit in everyone with over 7 acres of Christmas décor, cards, advent calendars and more. Our hotel for tonight is near Hammond, IN.
Day 11 - Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum
This morning, we’ll stop at the Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum which is filled with nostalgic relics from the Mother Road along with hundreds of military uniforms and other artifacts. As we head to Missouri, you’ll be sad the trip is over, but glad to be on the way home.
California, Yosemite & Sequoia National Parks
San Francisco • 17-Mile Drive • Monterey • Yosemite National Park •
Kings Canyon National Park • Sequoia National Park • Pismo Beach •
Santa Maria • Santa Barbara • Los Angeles
Fly to San Francisco
Fly back from Los Angeles
Day 1 - Arrive San Francisco
Welcome to San Francisco! Spend the day at your leisure in one of California’s most beautiful and culturally rich cities. Enjoy diverse cuisine, incredible museums, parks, and dazzling architecture. The city is also home to historical landmarks including the colorful Victorian Painted Ladies, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the island prison of Alcatraz.
Day 2 - San Francisco
Discover the bustling “City by the Bay” during a morning panoramic tour. Tour of at Alcatraz, see Nob Hill, and catch a glimpse of Lombard Street along with many more exciting sights! Spend the evening relaxing in San Francisco. (B)
Day 3 - San Francisco to Monterey via 17-Mile Drive
This morning, head down the breathtaking 17-Mile Drive. Enjoy views of Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, taking the opportunity to snap a picture of the Lone Cypress on a quick stop before arriving in Monterey. Enjoy a city tour of the once-gritty waterfront town immortalized by John Steinbeck’s classic novel, Cannery Row. (B)
Day 4 - Monterey to Oakhurst
Make your way to Oakhurst, a three-hour drive from Monterey. With scenic views of rolling hills, verdant forests and the rugged coastline, this promises to be an enjoyable drive. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
•Drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and visit Pier 39 in San Francisco
•Tour of world famous Alcatraz Island
•See the massive sequoias and redwoods of Sequoia National Park
•Visit the Giant Forest, home to General Sherman, the world’s largest tree
•Explore Yosemite National Park and the magnificent waterfalls
•Visit Hollywood and Santa Monica
Day 5 - Yosemite National Park
Visit the awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park. This magnificent and diverse land with elevations ranging from 2,000 to over 13,000 feet abounds with spectacular granite cliffs, thundering waterfalls, lush meadows, and towering trees. Discover Yosemite Valley, where you will find Half Dome, the park’s most recognizable feature. The iconic granite formation rises more than 4,700 feet above the valley floor. (B)
Day 6 - Kings Canyon National Park & Sequoia National Park
Continue to Kings Canyon, where you will find ancient sequoias and giant redwoods in Grant Grove. At its center is the General Grant Tree, the second largest in the world. This 3,000-year-old wonder stands almost 270 feet tall with a base circumference of 107 feet. Look out for gray foxes, bobcats and marmots, as well as eagles and bears. Next, head to Sequoia National Park, adjacent to Kings Canyon and just as magnificent. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sequoia is home to the largest living single-stem tree in the world. General Sherman stands 275 feet tall with a diameter of 25 feet. The Giant Forest, where you’ll find General Sherman, contains five of the ten largest trees on Earth. (B)
Day 7 – Pismo Beach & Santa Maria
Head west to the coast, stopping in Pismo Beach for lunch on your own. Spend the afternoon in Santa Maria, a city famous for its distinctive redoak smoked barbecue! (B)
INCLUDES
•9 Nights Hotels
•Meals - 9 breakfasts and 1 dinner
•Service - A professionally trained English-speaking local tour director who is knowledgeable about the area will provide you with a wealth of information
•Baggage handling to and from your hotel room throughout your land tour
Day 8 – Santa Barbara & Los Angeles
Visit Santa Barbara the American Riviera and enjoy its Spanish mission style architecture, mild Mediterranean climate, and stunning ocean views.
Take a self-guided tour of the lovely Santa Barbara Mission, where you can enjoy some of the best views in town. The “Queen of the Missions” is known for its magnificent twin bell towers, sprawling gardens, and the ocean views it enjoys from its position on a hill overlooking downtown Santa Barbara.
Continue to Los Angeles, where you will stop at the Getty Center. Enjoy amazing city views from this architecturally stunning art museum before a late afternoon arrival at your hotel. (B)
Day 9 – Los Angeles
Today we take a guided tour of Los Angeles and Hollywood, seeing many of the highlights of the City of Angels. See Beverly Hills, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the ornate TCL Chinese Theatre, and more. Enjoy a farewell dinner (included) on the Santa Monica Pier, which has endless views and its very own amusement park. (B, D)
Day 10 – Depart for Home (B)
Optional: Santa Maria Wine Tasting
Optional: Paramount Pictures Studio
June 1 - June 10, 2025 10 days / 9 Nights
$3,360 Per Person
$980 additional for single occupancy
Does not include airfare
Does include shuttle service to/from Rolla to St. Louis Airport
Land transportation is provided in a standard full size motorcoach
Maximum 30 people on this trip
Meals provided as shown
Tennessee Adventure
Chattanooga, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & the Smoky Mountains
May 15 - May 22, 2025
$2320 Per Person
Day 1 - Ft. Defiance Civil War Park
We’ll travel east today to Clarksville, TN where we'll visit the Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center, once the site of a Civil War fort.
Day 2 - Falcon Rest Mansion & Gardens
On our way to Chattanooga we’ll stop to see Falcon Rest Mansion & Garden. At one time this home was used as a hospital, but today its the home is filled with hundreds of Victorian antiques. This evening we’ll travel to Chattanooga, TN where we’ll embark on a beautiful dinner cruise along the Tennessee River.
Day 3 - Lookout Mountain & Trolley Tour
We start today visiting Rock City and then we’ll ride the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. This afternoon, we’ll take a city trolley tour exploring the town and we’ll take train ride and learn more about the transportation heritage of Chattanooga. We’ll settle in for a second night in Chattanooga, TN.
Day 4 - Ripley’s Aquarium
After a visit at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center, we’ll come face to face with sharks and sea turtles at Ripley’s Aquarium. Before checking into our hotel, we’ll spend a some quality time at the Sugarland Distillery in Pigeon Forge, TN.
Oct 22 - Oct 29, 2025
8 days / 7 nights
Day 5 - Hop-on/Hop-off in Gatlinburg
You’ll have free time this morning to explore the arts and crafts community, a two-laned loop filled with shops and galleries. There will be a hop-on/hop-off bus around Gatlinburg available throughout the day. This evening we’ll go to Dolly Parton’s Stampede. We’ll spend a second night in Pigeon Forge, TN.
Day 6 - Smoky Mountain National Park
We’ll spend the morning in the world renowned Smoky Mountain National Park, where we hope to see a bear or two. This is American’s most visited national park. After that, there will be a hop-on/hop-off bus around Pigeon Forge so you can explore around this tourist mecca. We’ll spend a third night in Pigeon Forge, TN.
Day 7 - James White Fort
We’ll start making our way home today. Along the way, we’ll visit James White Fort, the birthplace of Knoxville, TN, built in 1786. After our visit we’ll continue our travels westward. This evening we’ll stay in Clarksville, TN.
Day 8 - On our way home
We’ll arrive home this afternoon after a fun few days in the Smoky Mountains.
Colorado Adventure
Pikes Peak, Royal Gorge Train & Gold Mine Tour
June 17 - June 22, 2025
$2090 Per Person
Day 1 - US Cavalry Museum
Today we begin our westward adventure. Along the way we’ll make a short stop at the US Cavalry Museum. The museum highlights the history of the Cavalry Regiment from the Revolutionary War. We will travel on to our hotel in Hays, KS.
Day 2 - Manitou Springs Cliff Dwellings
We’ll travel to Manitou Springs to explore the fascinating architecture of the ancient cliff dwellers and browse through two museums featuring cultural displays at Manitou Springs Cliff Dwellings. We’ll spend the next three nights near Manitou Springs, CO.
Day 3 - Pikes Peak & the Cog Railway
Wait until you see the towering spires of red sandstone, the jagged pinnacles, mammoth needles, and precariously balanced rocks in Garden of the Gods to be awed by this amazing park. You will then have a little time to shop in this quaint little tourist town. This afternoon will be your chance to ride Pikes Peak Cog Railway to see “America’s Mountain”. We’ll spend our Manitou Springs, CO.
June 26 - July 1, 2025
6 days / 5 nights
Day 4 - Royal Gorge Train
Experience the life of a miner first hand at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine. While here you will descend 100 stories into this subterranean world where miners toiled for hours looking for shimmering veins of gold still visible today. Finish the day with a relaxing ride on the Royal Gorge Train. We’ll spend one final night near Manitou Springs, CO.
Day 5 - High Plains Museum
Today we turn towards home with a short stop at the High Plains Museum in Goodland, KS to discover the rich history that represents over one hundred years of Northwestern Kansas. We will also see the World’s Largest Easel before traveling to our hotel in Salina, KS.
Day 6 - Old Prairie Town
We will step back in time to the 1800s with a visit to Old Prairie Town/Ward-Meade Historic Site and Botanical Garden. We will stroll through the 1800s village featuring a 1854 log cabin and the Ward-Meade mansion. After lunch we will be homeward bound!
May
28 - June 2, 2025
$1790 Per Person
Day 1 - Winstar World Casino
Let’s play! This morning, we’ll depart home and head south. We will visit the Winstar World Casino and Resort where you can try your luck on some cards or slot machines or you can just relax at our hotel for tonight in near by Gainesville, TX.
Day 2 - Magnolia Market
On day 2, we stop in Waco, TX where you will have some time at the Magnolia Market at the Silos. There is something for everyone here. For lunch, we’ll picnic and then tour the Dr. Pepper Museum. This evening we’ll drive on to San Antonio, TX. You’ll have time to visit the Riverwalk and find a nice restaurant for dinner.
Day 3 - The Alamo & Riverwalk
We’ll visit the Alamo this morning and then you’re free to take the hop on-hop off Trolley around the town. We will stroll the Riverwalk and take a river cruise sometime during the day. There are many opportunities for shopping and dining before spending a second night in San Antonio.
6 days / 5 Nights
Day 4 - LBJ Presidential Library
This morning, we will visit the LBJ Presidential Library. You’ll learn more about our 36th president. After lunch, it’s off to the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. Texas Rangers are a legendary symbol of Texas and the American West. After that tour, we’ll travel to Dallas, TX where we’ll have dinner and check into our hotel.
Day 5 - JFK Sixth Floor Museum
This morning we will visit the JFK Sixth Floor Museum where you’ll get to explore the life and legacy of John F. Kennedy. We’ll stand where Lee Harvey Oswald changed the course of history in the United States. This evening we’ll arrive at our hotel near Tulsa, OK.
Day 6
On our way home, we’ll visit J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum, the largest privately held firearms collection in the world. You’ll end the tour with new memories and pictures to share.
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island Fall Colors at
Sept 22 - Sept 28, 2025
$2690 Per Person
Day 1 - Chicago’s Navy Pier
Today we’ll start an adventure by making our way to Chicago. We’ll arrive in time to visit the Navy Pier. Navy Pier is filled with shopping, eateries and entertainment. We’ll stay for dinner before meeting up to go check into our hotel.
Day 2 - Downtown Chicago Boat Tour
After breakfast we’ll experience Chicago from a different view. You will see the Chicago skyline and some of the neat architecture of the city while in a boat on the Chicago River. This afternoon we’ll travel to Houghton Lake, MI where we’ll spend the night.
Day 3 - The Grand Hotel
We’ll take a ferry ride to Mackinac Island and check into the Grand Hotel. You’ll have free time on the island to explore and lunch is on your own today. We’ll meet this evening for an elegant dinner in the main dining room at the Grand Hotel.
Oct 10 - Oct 16, 2025
7 Days / 6 nights
Day 4 - Carriage Tour of Mackinac Island
After a wonderful breakfast, we’ll have a carriage tour around the island. We’ll all get together for lunch at the Grand Hotel after your carriage tour. This afternoon you’ll be able to rent a bike or walk around the unique shops today. Dinner is on your own tonight. We spend our second night at the Grand Hotel.
Day 5 - Leisurely Travel Day
We’ll spend our last morning on Mackinac Island relaxing a bit. We’ll catch the ferry back to the mainland after lunch and have a leisurely drive across Michigan. We’ll spend tonight in Lansing, MI.
Day 6 - Covered Bridges of Indiana
Today, we’ll visit several covered bridges in Indiana. We’ll see some beautiful countryside along the way. We’ll spend tonight in Terre Haute, IN.
Day 7 - Home
We arrive home today from a relaxing trip with beautiful photos to share with friends.
*Includes 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 1 dinner at the Grand Hotel, Carriage Tour of Mackinac Island, Bicycles for the more adventurous & lots of leisure time. Includes breakfast & lunch all other days.
Please be mindful of the dress requirements of the Grand Hotel after 6:30 pm each day.
Shipshewana Flea Market & Mackinac Island
July 7 - July 12, 2025 July 14 - July 19, 2025
$1890 Per Person
Day 1 - Lincoln Home
This morning, we’ll depart Missouri and travel to Lincoln’s Home. You will see the home Abraham Lincoln lived in prior to becoming President of the United States. You will learn of his life and some history about Springfield, IL. We’ll spend tonight in Pontiac, IL.
Day 2 - Shipshewana Flea Market
This morning, we will travel to Shipshewana, IN, a pretty little town. You will have plenty of time to shop in the Shipshewana Trading Place. It’s the largest flea market in the Midwest and there’s room for quite a bit of stuff on the bus.
Day 3 - Mackinac Island
It’s a fairly long travel day but we should arrive at the ferry dock in the late afternoon for the ride to the beautiful Mackinac Island. You will have the evening free to roam around the island. You can rent a bicycle, visit local shops or enjoy a walk.
6 Days / 5 Nights
Day 4 - Mackinac Island Tour & Grand Hotel
We’ll start today with a tour of the island. The tour ends at the Grand Hotel where you can sit on the largest porch in America. You will have lots of free time today to explore the island or just relax before spending a second night on Mackinac Island.
Day 5 - R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
We say goodbye to Mackinac Island and ride the ferry back to the bus. We’ll travel to Muncie, IN today. Along the way, we’ll visit the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum. While here, you will see a collection of irreplaceable items along with over 65 vehicles that range from 1886 through 2003. The museum is dedicated to Ransom Olds, one of Lansing, Michigan’s most notable automotive leaders.
Day 6 - Big Things in a Small Town
Today, we will make our way back to Missouri. We’ll stop in Caseyville, IL at Big Things in a Small Town, where you can climb into the world’s largest mailbox and see several other items that are certified as the “world’s largest.” You will arrive home with photos and memories to share with friends.
April 21 - April 26, 2025
$1790 Per Person
July 28 - Aug 2, 2025
6 Days, 5 Nights
Day 1 - George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
We start traveling east today. We will visit George Rogers Clark National Historical Park. Located on the banks of the Wabash River, it’s believed to be the site of Fort Sackville. It is also the largest national monument outside of Washington, DC. We will spend tonight in Bloomington, IN.
Day 2 - Creation Museum
After breakfast, we depart for the Creation Museum in Petersburg, KY. Here we’ll venture through biblical history, explore the beautiful botanical gardens and amazing exhibits. If there’s time and you’re feeling adventurous, there’s even a zip line! We spend the night near Cincinnati, OH.
Day 3 - Ohio Riverboat Cruise
We will start the day with a tour of the beautiful St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption with gargoyles and flying buttresses; North America's largest hand-blown stained glass window; and mural-sized oil paintings. Lunch time will find us on the Queen City Riverboat for a trip down the Ohio River. We’ll spend a second night in Cincinnati, OH .
Day 4 - Ark Encounter
Rise and shine, today is the day! Late morning, we’ll arrive at the Ark Encounter! This this the full size replica of Noah’s Ark. At 510 ft. long, 85 ft. wide and 51 ft. high, this modern marvel will amaze you! You’ll be transported back in time to meet Noah and his seven other family members who lived aboard the Ark and cared for the animals during the flood. We’ll spend tonight in Dry Ridge, KY.
Day 5 & 6 - Unique Horse Farm
We’ll travel to Lexington, KY this morning and tour the Unique Horse Farm. Here you’ll see the inner workings of the horse industry, including an up close and personal encounter with a Clydesdale. We’ll have lunch on the way to the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, one of the most stunning homes in Old Louisville. We’ll spend tonight near Evansville, IN. On day 6, we arrive back in Missouri, having lunch in St. Louis before heading home.
New Orleans & More
Oct 2 - Oct 8, 2025
$2190 Per Person
Day 1 - Warmer Days Ahead
Today is mainly a travel day as we head south to Jackson, MS. We’ll find something to do along the way to break up the day.
Day 2 - Guided Tour of New Orleans
We arrive in the “Big Easy” just in time for lunch. After lunch, we’ll meet with our step-on guide for a tour of New Orleans. We’ll spend our first of four nights in New Orleans, LA
Day 3 - French Quarter & WWII Museum
This morning we’ll visit the French Quarter, the historic heart of New Orleans, famous for its night clubs, colorful buildings and cast-iron balconies. After lunch, you’ll tour the WWII Museum. While here you will see nearly 250,000 artifacts from the war that changed the world. We’ll spend a second night in New Orleans, LA.
7 days / 6 nights
Day 4 - Sugar Mill & Plantation Tour
We’ll start our day with a tour of a nearby sugar mill. It’s fascinating to see how you get from the sugar cane to the package of sugar. After lunch, we’ll take a plantation tour at one of the historic New Orleans area plantations. We’ll spend a third night in New Orleans.
Day 5 - Air Boat Ride
After a late start and lunch on the dock, we embark on our next outing with Airboat ll have to watch for the swamp wildlife, especially an New Orleans.
Day 6 - Museum of Mississippi History
New Orleans has been great, but it’s time to make our way north. After lunch we’ll visit the Museum of Mississippi History. You’ll be taken through the sweep of Mississippi’s history and the state’s role in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. We spend tonight in Batesville, MS.
Day 7 - Home
We’ve been on several adventures the last few days and it’s time to head home. We’ll have lunch and find something to do along the way.
Nov 11 - Nov 17, 2025
$2690 Per Person
Day 1 - National Quilt Museum
We start our trip by heading southeast to Mt. Juliet, TN. On our way, we’ll stop in Historic Downtown Paducah where you will see beautiful quilts at the National Quilt Museum. We’ll then do a drive-by of the unique Floodwall Murals along the banks of the Ohio River.
Day 2 - Arrive at Pensacola Beach, FL
We will be driving south watching Tennessee and Alabama go past our window. We will be making a “sweet” stop at Priester's Pecans. They specialize in delicious southern delights like fresh nuts, candies, and more. Our late afternoon arrival at our hotel in Pensacola Beach, FL will be just in time for some sand and surf.
Day 3 - Checking Out the Town
We will check out some interesting places along the beach and have a picnic lunch before returning to the hotel for some afternoon relaxation. We will spend a second night on Pensacola Beach.
Day 4 - Naval Air Station Museum & Pensacola Lighthouse
A visit to Pensacola, FL is not complete without seeing the Naval Air Station Museum and the Pensacola Lighthouse. The view from the top is fabulous. It’s our last night on Pensacola Beach.
7 Days / 6 Nights
Day 5 - Last Morning on the Beach
We enjoy the morning on the beach before checking out of the hotel and heading west. We’ll surely find something to do along the way. Our hotel for tonight is in Vicksburg, MS.
Day 6 - Vicksburg National Military Park
At a time when the Nation was divided, Vicksburg was vital to victory. The Vicksburg National Military Park is home to over 1400 monuments and memorials. We’ll also see Vicksburg National Cemetery, the final resting place for over 17,000 veterans. After lunch we’ll travel to Memphis, TN. You’ll have the opportunity to listen to some blues and eat on Beale St
Day 7 - Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid
Once the home of the University of Memphis men’s basketball program, the Bass Pro Shop is a 32 story steel pyramid. Inside is more than just shopping. There’s restaurants, a hotel, aquariums, a cave and a cypress swamp. It’s really a unique place.
Opryland for Christmas
Oct 29 - Nov 2, 2025
$1850 Per Person
Day 1 - Evan Williams Distillery
Today, we will enjoy the sights during a leisurely drive across Illinois and Indiana ending our day in Louisville, KY. Along the way, we will visit Evan Williams Distillery, Kentucky’s first distillery, on the banks of the Ohio River. We will see how they still produce bourbon the right way, using the same time-honored methods.
Day 2 - National Corvette Museum
We’ll travel to Bowling Green, KY for a tour of the National Corvette Museum, a great place to make a pit stop to see many exotic and special Corvettes and other interesting exhibits. You will also get to see the newest Corvettes fresh off the assembly line. This afternoon we arrive in Nashville, TN where we’ll visit the Parthenon which features both the city art museum and Athena Parthenos. We’ll check into the Gaylord Opryland Resort for a three-night stay.
Nov 4 - Nov 8, 2025
5 Days / 4 Nights
Day 3 - Grand Ole Opry Music Show & Country Music Hall of Fame
This morning we will tour the Country Music Hall of Fame, home of over 2 million priceless artifacts from all eras of country music. You’ll have some free time this afternoon and after dinner we’ll head to the Grand Ole Opry for an evening show. Tonight, it’s back to the Gaylord Opryland Resort.
Day 4 - Nashville City Tour & RCA Studio B
We’ll start today with a Nashville City Tour through the heart of downtown passing many historic buildings including the Ryman Auditorium. One of the highlights is a tour of the historic RCA Studio B which is home to over 1,000 top 10 hits, and you’ll see where Elvis recorded over 200 songs. We’ll return to the Gaylord Opryland Resort to enjoy our last night in Nashville.
Day 5 - Back Home
Today we head for home with an interesting stop somewhere along the way. We can’t say where the stop will be, because the path home depends on where everyone lives.
22 People Per Trip for a Great Travel Experience
Price Includes: Custom Touring Coach - Lodging
Hotel Breakfasts - Home Cooked Lunches - All Venues
Transportation to and from your home within 130 miles of Rolla
THE CONCEPT: These cross country trips are designed so that you can see and do a lot of things in a relatively short time. We use custom built full size touring coaches which are designed to accommodate 22 passengers very comfortably with a lot of special amenities. Some of these amenities include card tables for the avid players, a kitchen, wi-fi, 110 volt outlets, and a couch in the back. Just being able to get up and walk around or lie down and take a nap is a great advantage. We also prepare hot lunches on board and carry our own tables and chairs so we can have picnics at some of the most beautiful places in America. The idea is to create a “family” atmosphere which is easy to do with so few people on each tour. These are not ordinary bus trips.
THE TRIP: On all the trips, except those with special exclusions, we have vans pick up passengers within 130 travel miles of Rolla and then meet up with the motorcoach to head out toward the destination (see next section for more details). Each day we will typically see or do one thing in the morning and then another in the afternoon. Since there is so much to see and do, we usually depart by 8:00 am and arrive at our destination city around 6:00 pm that evening. Dinner is on your own; however, we will drive to a neighborhood restaurant if there’s not one very near the hotel. On the last day, we arrive back in Missouri in the late afternoon. If we picked you up, we will take you back home, and everyone else will go to Rolla to get their car.
THE COST: The price of each trip includes the motorcoach, lodging, hotel breakfasts, lunches and the cost of all venues shown. It also includes the shuttle to and from your home if you live within 130 travel miles from Rolla (if there are several people at the same location, this 130 mile criteria will be extended). Everyone living outside the 130 miles receive a $100 discount. If you live inside 130 miles and choose to drive to Rolla, you will receive a $50 discount.
The price is based on two persons per room. If four people share a room, the price will be reduced by the cost of the saved room divided by four. If you would like your own room, please call our office for a quote. To reserve a seat, you must send a $200 deposit per person. The remainder is due 45 days prior to the trip. The price does not include gratuity for the driver and hostess.
CANCELLATION POLICY & WAIVER: If you cancel more than 45 days prior to the beginning of the trip, you will receive back all but a $50 per person processing fee and any credit card fees that may apply. If you cancel between 45 and 15 days prior, you will receive a 50% refund. If we are able to fill the spot you vacated, you will receive back all of your money except credit card and processing fees. If you have to cancel less than 15 days prior or have to leave during the trip, you will receive a refund of any hotel costs and venues we are able to cancel. If you want a cancellation waiver to cover the potential loss if you have to cancel inside of 45 days, the cost is $100 per person (or $75 for the 5/6 day tours). Our cancellation waiver provides no coverage once the trip begins. If you have previously been on 5 or more of our tours, you will receive the cancellation waiver at no cost.
**Itineraries and arranged sightseeing are subject to change at any time due to circumstances beyond our control. Every effort will be made to operate tours as planned, but alterations may occur after the itinerary has been published.**
