In America's Heartland, in the lush Iowa River Valley, are the hamlets of the famed Amana Colonies, settled by German immigrants in the 19th Century and filled with quaint villages, historic buildings, fabulous handicrafts and woolens and wonderful food, including homemade bread, sauerbraten, over baked ham and steins of ice cold beer. It is doubtful that any part of the midwest surpasses the Amana Colonies for sheer charm, rustic beauty and appeal. However, a short ride away sits stunning Galena, Illinois, a small-town jewel of 19th Century America with hundreds of restored Victorian homes, 85% of which are on the National Register of Historic Places, antique stores and rich history, Galena is a showcase, in a setting of remarkable natural beauty. This pair of magical places are just two of the highlights on our exclusive Fall Holiday to America's Heartland by train and riverboat. We invite you to join us.
Our journey begins in Chicago aboard the California Zephyr for a speedy ride west over the Burlington Northern Railroad to Iowa, bound for the Amana Colonies and Galena where excellent hotels, fine dining and superb comprehensive sightseeing are featured. Best of all, in addition to the intelligently planned sightseeing that is included, we have left plenty of free time for you to enjoy things are your own pace, as you like, when you like, whether it be shopping for handmade woolens in the Amana Colonies or touring the home of US Grant in Galena.
Saving the best for last, after our visits to the Amana Colonies and Galena we board an authentic Mississippi riverboat for a scenic and fascinating voyage south on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers to St. Louis. By day, tasty meals, glorious sightseeing (including multiple locks!) and a historian/naturalist to point out passing sights and Dixieland Jazz are served up and at night, we enjoy nice hotel stays ashore for a good night's sleep. In fact, the second night of our voyage is spent at the wonderful and historic Pere Marquette Lodge in Grafton, at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. This is a rare chance to sail down the Mississippi in the wake of Mark Twain when Fall Colors are at their peak, a visual and historic feast. Upon arrival in St. Louis, a two-night First Class hotel stay awaits at the Drury Plaza Hotel, just a five-minute walk from the famed Arch, in the heart of downtown. In St. Louis, we have included a comprehensive city tour by noted historian Nini Harris that includes such sights as Forest Park, the amazing Cathedral of St. Louis and much more. Naturally, a special farewell dinner is included before guests return to Chicago or other Midwest points by train. We invite you to joins us.
All Aboard!
