Not many years ago America was captivated by an enchanting tale of romance set in a quiet little Iowa town and its six treasured little covered bridges. The ‘Bridges of Madison County’ became an instant American classic in book and film and introduced many travelers to the glorious and picturesque covered bridges, placed amidst the rural charm of America's Heartland.
Another part of Iowa we were enchanted by was 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 breads, candies, jams, steins of ice-cold beer, sauerbraten and savory oven baked ham. While just across the River from Iowa, another wonderful example of small town America is Galena, Illinois, famed for its Civil War era buildings, antiques, history and utter charm, all of these great sights near each other in natural settings of remarkable, unspoiled beauty.
Our journey begins on the California Zephyr for a fast ride over the Burlington Northern Railroad to central Iowa for a four day stay for visiting the iconic Bridges of Madison County with plenty of time for photography and wandering about before lunch at the Northside Café. After lunch there’s ample time to stroll round Winterset one of our favorite American towns. Our next excursion takes us into the Des Moines River Valley aboard the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad with 1920’s coach cars, a popular open-air car and even a real caboose. After two full days in the Des Moines area, we travel to the incredibly scenic Amana Colonies in the bucolic Iowa River Valley for a journey back in time with their quaint homes, handicrafts, bakeries, shops and most notably, some of the finest food in the country, with lunch at the Ox Yoke Inn, featuring local home-made Amana specialties. Overnight is spent in the beautifully preserved, historic 19th Century Galena Illinois with time relive history and souvenir shop.
Saving the best for last we continue to the secluded Starved Rock Lodge at Starved Rock State Park for a relaxing stay in the historic 1930’s stone and log masterpiece before our final day on the Peoria River aboard the authentic paddlewheelera. A full day of scenic cruising, great food and live entertainment aboard this authentic replica of a 19th Century riverboat delights even the most seasoned traveler. After a final night’s rest in Galesburg
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2009 Departure Dates:
May 14 - 20
June 11 - 17
July 16 - 22
August 13 - 19
September 17 - 23
October 1 - 7
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