Day 1 – St. Louis to Central Iowa 

Morning departure from St. Louis, traveling northbound into Iowa’s Amish Country. Enjoy shopping and browsing at Dutchman's Store in Van Buren County. This massive, old-school general store is run by the Amish and Mennonite communities. It stocks everything from handmade quilts and bulk foods to cast-iron cookware. We will also enjoy an included Amish-style buffet luncheon. Following west along the Des Moines River for dinner, and three nights in central Iowa. (L)

Day 2 – A day celebrating Dutch History 

Enjoy breakfast at our hotel each morning. Our short journey will lead us to the Dutch village of Pella, Iowa - home to the iconic Pella Tulip Time Festival - wowing visitors for over 90 years with thousands of blooming flowers and an authentic Dutch experience. Founded in 1847, Pella was settled by Dutch immigrants bringing with them a strong work ethic and agricultural knowledge. We begin our day exploring with our local guide, showcasing Pella’s Dutch history, culture, and traditions. We will visit the beautiful Scholte Gardens of Pella featuring more than 35,000 tulips of all colors. Here, you will also have a chance to purchase tulip bulbs for your own garden. We will have time to see the Historical Village which features Vermill Windmill - one of the tallest working windmills in North America. Enjoy free time for lunch and browsing along the festival parkway prior to the festival’s Grandstand Show featuring Dutch dancing and singing, Dutch Costume Culture Show, and presentation of the Tulip Queen and her Court. The Festival Volks Parade is filled with colorful displays of tulips, traditional Dutch costumes, dancing and music. Later, stroll the Festival’s Dutch Marketplace - with over 100 booths filled with a wide variety of shopping delights including craft, food, and beverage stands! Try the Dutch poffertjes and kroketten—they are delicious! After a fun day of sightseeing, we will return to our hotel for the evening. (B, L)

Day 3 – Travel home

Get ready for a fun day of sightseeing along the Mississippi River Valley in Hannibal, Missouri, best known as the boyhood home of author Mark Twain and as the inspiration for the adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Enjoy lunch and free time in the historic and charming downtown district that celebrates the town’s literary heritage and riverfront history. We will return to St. Louis by late afternoon. (B)