River Ramblings (2021)

Ride on four different paddle wheelers on two great rivers, the Mississippi and the Ohio River. If you like riverboatin’ then this is the tour for you! The past comes to life as we hear the whistles blow and the calliopes play, and watch the paddle wheels churn!

Day 1

NASHVILLE OR LOUISVILLE • DINNER CRUISE:

This morning we board our Prevost motorcoach and travel through western North Carolina and Tennessee, en route to our overnight city of Nashville or Louisville. After we check into our hotel, this evening we board our ship for a delightful evening cruise. The June 12th and October 9th departures will overnight in Nashville and enjoy dinner and cruise aboard the General Jackson. The July 9th and September 10th departures overnight in Louisville and cruise on the Mary Miller Riverboat with dinner on the Ohio River. (D)

Day 2

ST. LOUIS • GATEWAY ARCH:

We cross the fertile southern tip of Illinois this morning en route to St. Louis. This afternoon you’ll find yourself standing beneath the incredible Gateway Arch, a memorial to all the men and women who began their journey into the unknown West from this very spot. Climb aboard these special capsules for a ride to the top. From here you’ll get a breathtaking view of the city of St. Louis and the meandering Mississippi. We overnight in St. Louis.

Day 3

HANNIBAL • MARK TWAIN BOYHOOD HOME AND MUSEUM • BECKY THATCHER’S HOUSE • MISSISSIPPI RIVERBOAT CRUISE • DINNER AND ENTERTAINMENT:

Today we travel north to Hannibal, Missouri, located on the Mississippi River. We visit Mark Twain’s boyhood home and museum, and see the house of his sweetheart, Becky Thatcher. We’ll take a relaxing riverboat cruise aboard the Mark Twain, an authentic Mississippi River paddle wheeler. Dinner is included this evening followed by local entertainment. (D)

Day 4

MOLINE • JOHN DEERE FACTORY TOUR OR CINNAMON RIDGE FARMS • JOHN DEERE PAVILION • DINNER– MACHINE SHED • DAVENPORT:

Our travels continue to the north today along the Mississippi River Valley. We go behind the scenes for a John Deere Factory tour (must be 13 & over). Our guide takes us through the manufacturing process, explaining how all the pieces come together to create a massive green machine. Next, we visit the John Deere Pavilion, an impressive showcase of vintage and modern-day farm equipment. We have a chance to see where agriculture, construction, and forestry are heading in America and around the world. (If the factory tour is unavailable, we will visit Cinnamon Ridge Farms, to tour their robotic dairy farm.) This evening we enjoy a special feast at the Machine Shed Restaurant, a unique restaurant with great home cooked food that is operated as if it were run by a bunch of farmers. We overnight in Davenport for the next two nights. (D)

Day 5

MISSISSIPPI RIVER CRUISE TO DUBUQUE:

This morning we depart for an all day cruise on the Mississippi River! A paddle wheeler from bygone days will take us leisurely up the river as we enjoy live entertainment and delicious food. Sit back, relax, and watch the unfolding panorama as the largest luxury excursion vessel on the upper Mississippi River sails past wild and remote islands, high bluffs, and picturesque 19th century towns. Enjoy entertainment throughout the day. Take a spin on the dance floor or just relax on one of the observation decks enjoying the weather and scenic views. Enjoy three meals (breakfast buffet, luncheon buffet and the famous “prime rib dinner buffet”) while on this cruise. We travel back to Davenport for overnight. (The October 9th departure will be a round trip Fall Foliage day cruise including narration, live entertainment, lunch and dinner.) (B, L, D)

Day 6

CINCINNATI • DINNER CRUISE:

Today we travel to Cincinnati for our last overnight. We enjoy a dinner cruise together tonight on the waters of the Ohio River. What better way to bring to an end our wonderful River Rambling tour. (D)

Day 7