As fall arrives, the majestic reds, oranges and yellows of the leaves begin to ripple across the rolling hills of the Midwest. Experience autumn among the trees in magical Great River Bluffs State Park in Winona. Be sure to ask the locals for the perfect wine and cheese pairing in Prairie du Chien. Visit Mark Twain's modest boyhood home in Hannibal, admire the striking public art along the river in Dubuque, and take in the panoramic view from the top of the Davenport Skybridge.
Highlights
Visit Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, Missouri
Enjoy the public art scene in Dubuque, Iowa
Explore the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, Minnesota
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in St. Paul and check in to your deluxe hotel, which is adjacent to the city’s attractions. Admire the Cathedral of St. Paul, a beaux-arts wonder that replicates St. Peter's in Rome, and soak in the arts at the city's world-class museums, including the Walker Art Center. Detour to Minnehaha Falls, best known for Longfellow's Song of Hiawatha.
Your fare includes breakfast this morning at your hotel as well as a transfer to the Louisiane and all porterage. Settle into your stateroom or suite, head to The Veranda for a light snack, and then bid St. Paul farewell as the Louisiane departs and you immerse yourself in the joys of life on the river. Bon voyage!
Be awed by lofty Sugar Loaf, one of the most recognizable topographical landmarks along Minnesota's bluff country. Find further inspiration at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, which features one of the two original versions of Leutze's Washington Crossing the Delaware.
Contemplate 10,000 years of Native American history at this once bustling fur-trading center, now host to five National Historic Landmarks, including the Victorian stunner Villa Louis. Locals insist you stop by Valley Fish and Cheese for their mouthwatering victuals.
Build up your knowledge of early river commerce much as the lumber barons built countless landmarks at this confluence of three states. Ride the Fenelon Place Elevator Co., a historic funicular that affords an unmatched view from atop the bluffs.
Appreciate the exploding cultural scene at this city founded on the site of the 1832 Black Hawk purchase, host to the yearly festival held in honor of local Bix Biederbecke, the "giant of cornetists", and the excellent Figge Art Museum.
Pay tribute to Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, at his Boyhood Home and Museum in this welcoming town. Reenact Tom and Huck's exploits if you're feeling mischievous, as Hannibal provided the setting for their quintessentially American adventures.
Day 8: St. Louis, Missouri | Disembarkation
1 Breakfast
Bid adieu to the Louisiane and explore St. Louis. Wonder at the St. Louis Arch, an unequaled architectural statement that defines this storied town, then continue your architectural tour at the imposing Cathedral of St. Louis. Indulge in a less lofty American pastime at the Anheuser-Busch brewery, an American classic.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,799
Notes
All fares, including land and hotel, are capacity controlled, subject to change at anytime without notice, and do not guarantee availability.
- A Single Supplement of 50% is available only for the Deluxe, French Balcony, Promenade, and Veranda Staterooms.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.