American Legends - 12 Day Tour
Celebrate the July 4 holiday with a vacation brimming with Americana. Beginning in Chicago, travel by private rail car to St. Louis, where you'll see the country's largest fireworks display and board the legendary American Queen steamboat for your leisurely cruise along the Mississippi River, stopping at iconic river cities including Hannibal, Dubuque, Winona, Red Wing, and St. Paul. Only one departure date makes this summer tour even more special!
Day 1 - Chicago, the Windy City
Arrive in Chicago and check in to your historic hotel. The balance of the day is at your leisure. Meet your fellow travelers at a special cocktail reception this evening. Overnight Palmer House Hilton. (R)
Day 2 - Chicago at Your Leisure
The entire day is free for you to indulge in Chicago's many offerings. Shop along the Magnificent Mile, stroll along the lakefront, visit one of the city's amazing museums, or go to the top of Willis Tower for panoramic views of the city and its outlying areas. Overnight Palmer House Hilton.
Day 3 - Steamboat Express to St. Louis
Happy Fourth of July! Depart the hotel this morning and board the Steamboat Express bound for St. Louis. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel, located just a block from the St. Louis Arch and a perfect location for viewing the spectacular fireworks show tonight! Overnight Hilton at the Ballpark. (CB, L)
Day 4 - St. Louis Sightseeing / American Queen Departure
We depart this morning on a sightseeing tour of this historic city. Highlights include Forest Park, the lovely Cathedral of St. Louis, and the Missouri Botanical Gardens. A special treat is a visit to nearby Meramac Caverns, a sprawling underground cave once used as a hideout by the infamous Jesse James. Later today, we board the steamboat American Queen, docked right under the Arch. At 7:00 pm, the calliope plays, the big red paddlewheel turns and the steamboat begins its voyage of discovery. Overnight onboard vessel. (D)
Day 5 - On the River
Today brings an entire day of steamboating, which gives you plenty of time to explore the ship. Enjoy lunch on the deck as you float past incredible scenery or relax with a cool libation in the Calliope Bar as the American Queen makes its way down the Mississippi River toward the junction where it meets the Ohio River. As the calliope plays, entire towns turn out along the riverbanks to see this legendary steamboat. This evening is the ship's welcome cocktail party as we steam down the mighty Mississippi. Overnight onboard vessel. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Hannibal
Was there ever a town more linked to steamboating than charming Hannibal, MO? Explore the town during today's visit, perhaps exploring the cave Mark Twain vividly described in his writings. Overnight onboard vessel. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - On the River
The day is spent steamboating past some of the prettiest scenery in America as the steam calliope toots and entire towns come out to the banks of the river to witness the ship's passing. Today is the famous "southern picnic" with platters of fried chicken, baked ham, gumbo, mud pie, and southern specialties. Overnight onboard vessel. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Dubuque
Dubuque, IA, with its antique stores and Victorian buildings, welcomes us today. We have also included a special excursion: a visit to Galena, IL. Overnight onboard vessel. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - La Crosse
Picturesque La Crosse. WI, with its great collection of Frank Lloyd Wright homes. lovely waterfront, and small shops, welcomes us today. Overnight onboard vessel. (B, L, D)
Day 10 - Winona
Winona is one of the most beautiful places in the country, nestled between the covered limestone river bluffs that rise 500 feet and the stunning Mississippi River. The historic architecture and cultural opportunities give Winona a soul that is living, breathing and growing. Overnight onboard vessel. (B, L, D)
Day 11 - Red Wing
Historic Red Wing, MN, with its quaint downtown center, 19th century storefronts and very busy railroad mainline, is our final port of call today. Later tonight, celebrate your Midwestern steamboat adventure at the Captain's Farewell Dinner. Overnight onboard vessel. (B, L, D)
Day 12 - St. Paul
Disembark in St. Paul, MN, where your rail-river cruise vacation comes to an end.
Prices are land-only, per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change. Port fees of $119 per person are not included in the above fares. It is recommended to plan for a daily gratuity of $14.50 per person, per day onboard the Steamboat American Queen,
