Following breakfast we will continue on to Branson for a few days of world-famous entertainment, thrilling attractions, outdoor beauty, and delicious cuisine! Lunch will be enjoyed at a local eatery before we make our way to the Titanic Museum housed in a half-scale model of the Titanic. The museum offers a peek into the world of the most famous luxury liner with galleries of artifacts from the ship and passengers and painstakingly re-created cabins and hallways. We’ll walk down the grand staircase, touch an iceberg, reach our hands into twenty-eight-degree water, and try to stand on the sloping decks! The remainder of the day is yours to stroll through Branson Landing, a must-see shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. Browse the specialty shops, grab dinner at one of the restaurants, and be sure to catch the famous water and fire performance choreographed to light and music on the shores of Lake Taneycomo! Our accommodations for the next three nights will be at the Thousand Hills Resort Hotel.

(Breakfast and lunch included)

Once we have fueled up for the day, we’ll make the drive to Poplar Bluff, MO, for the Total Eclipse of the Bluff event. Poplar Bluff is in the path of totality of today’s solar eclipse, making it one of the best spots in the world to see the eclipse. As the moon slowly begins to obscure more and more of the sun, the world around us will take on a strange tint with shadows becoming sharp and detailed. The total eclipse will last four minutes and eight seconds and will be the last total solar eclipse in Missouri until the year 2505! After this amazing experience, we will return to Branson with the rest of the day at your leisure to do as you wish.

(Breakfast included)

Today’s adventure will take us to the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail at Big Cedar Lodge. Designed by Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, the resort overlooking Table Rock Lake is a remote haven of natural beauty that brings conservation to life. We’ll discover the stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and views of Table Rock Lake during a trail ride and then explore the world-class Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum. Up next is historic downtown Branson, a place filled with classic, small-town nostalgia paired with wholesome, big-time fun. Take advantage of the free time to hop on the trolley for a relaxing ride, visit Dick’s 5 & 10, have a friendly board game competition at the Branson Board Game Café, or set out in search of the many murals painted downtown. Later we will gather for dinner and cap off our day with a performance by the Haygoods, one of Branson’s most beloved families. This Branson-raised brood has grown their success, fine-tuned their art, and brought modern entertainment to millions with countless musical styles. The show features a multitude of instruments each played by a member of this six-piece group. There’s also state-of-the-art light and sound, stunning visual elements, beautiful costumes, intricately woven harmonies, dancing, and tons of energy. It will be a night filled with excitement, sparkle, and laughter!

(Breakfast and dinner included)

We’ll begin our journey home after breakfast, traveling as far as Iowa City, IA, before settling into the Drury Inn & Suites Iowa City Coralville and freshening up for a lovely farewell dinner together.

(Breakfast and dinner included)

This morning we will explore a quieter way of life with a Countryside Tour to learn about the Amish who continue to live the simple, wholesome lives of the pioneers. We’ll see their homes, schools, and farms as we discover their fascinating traditions and customs. Our tour will highlight two destinations. The first is the Kalona Buggy Shop for an up-close look at the skill that goes into building a custom-crafted, horse-drawn buggy, which remains an important mode of transportation for the Amish today. The second is the Kalona Historical Village which offers a look at life in the 1800s. Twelve authentic buildings have been restored and filled with interesting artifacts and informative displays depicting the lifestyle of the early Iowa pioneer. There’s a church, log house, one-room schoolhouse, post office, general store, wash house, train depot, and more! We will then depart for home with stops for comfort and lunch on our own along the way.

(Breakfast included)