Trip Itinerary
Day One - En Route / St. Louis
Milwaukee members will board a Chicago bound train at 11:00 a.m. and arrive in the Windy City at 12:29 p.m. where they will join the Tour Director and Michigan tour members.
At 1:15 p.m. we’ll board the Texas Eagle for the 280-mile journey to St. Louis. Departure is at 1:45. Sandwiches, snacks and beverages are available in the lounge car. A full-course dining car dinner is included this evening.
Our arrival into St. Louis is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. We’ll transfer to the Holiday Inn Southwest.
Meal(s): D
Day Two - Branson
Breakfast is included in our hotel this morning before departing on our deluxe motorcoach.
At noon we’ll arrive at Missouri’s major attraction, the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Springfield. It’s the world’s largest sporting goods store. There are options for an “on-your-own” lunch.
At mid afternoon we’ll arrive at the attractive, full service Radisson Hotel, our comfortable accommodations for the next three nights in Branson. The Radisson is convenient to many shows and attractions.
Dinner is included this evening in our hotel’s dining room.
Following dinner, we’ll travel to the Moon River Theater for an evening with Andy Williams. You’ll be delighted by Andy’s orchestra as they perform traditional Christmas music.
Meal(s): B & D
Day Three - Branson
A full plated or buffet breakfast in our hotel is included each morning in Branson.
At 9:00 a.m. we’ll embark on a three-hour sightseeing tour of Branson and the awesomely scenic Ozark countryside. Be sure to visit Dick’s old-fashioned 5 and 10 cent store in Downtown Branson.
We’ll have an “on-your-own” lunch at a Branson restaurant.
Following lunch, we’ll enjoy an incredible Christmas Celebration! The Lennon Sisters sing harmony from their hearts with musical memories from over 50 years as America’s Sweethearts of Song.
Dinner this evening is at the popular Grand Country Buffet.
Following dinner our Branson travelers will enjoy a performance by one of America’s most popular groups, the Oak Ridge Boys. The Oak Ridge Boys, one of the longest-running groups in country music, are back on America by Rail’s Branson schedule and bringing a lot of country and a little bit of rock, blues and gospel.
The Boys have ten Gold Albums, two Platinum, and one Double Platinum Album as well as 25 No. 1 hits including: “Elvira”, “American Made”, “Bobbie Sue”, “Thank God for Kids”, and “Y’all Come Back Saloon”.
Meal(s): B & D
Day Four - Branson
This morning you’ll have the option of shopping, relaxing in your hotel, attending a show, or visiting the Landmark Titanic Museum/Attraction.
After an “on-your-own” lunch we’ll continue on to the Tri-Lakes Center for one of the most memorable performances of your life. You’ll be enthralled by the charming Daniel O’Donnell. Daniel has become one of Ireland’s greatest exports, performing to over 500,000 people every year from Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House to London’s Royal Albert Hall, and, of course, Branson.
Tonight we’re off to McFarlain’s Family Restaurant and Pie Shop. “Homestyle cookin’ like it’s supposed to be!” The pie is served first.
Following dinner we’ll will be entertained by the legendary Johnny Mathis. He broke through in 1957 with his debut album, “Wonderful Wonderful”, which spawned the number one hit “Chances Are”. He has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame twice -- once for “Chances Are” and for “Misty”. He’s also known for his top hit “It’s Not For Me To Say”.
Meal(s): B & D
Day Five - En Route
Following breakfast, we’ll board our deluxe motorcoach and depart Branson for Springfield, Illinois. An “on-your-own” luncheon stop is scheduled for the St. Louis Union Station food court.
At 1:45 p.m. we’ll arrive at the world famous 630-foot high Gateway Arch in St. Louis. A visit to the Museum is included. Options include: a trip to the top of the Arch and a 45-minute film chronicling the history of the Old West.
We’ll continue northeast 100 miles to Springfield, Illinois, where we’ll spend the night at the Ramada Limited.
Meal(s): B
Day Six - En Route
Following a Continental breakfast (included), we’ll transfer to the Springfield Amtrak station where, at 6:33 a.m., we’ll board a Lincoln Service Train for Chicago. Snacks and beverages are available in the lounge car. Our arrival into Chicago’s Union Station is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.
Milwaukee members will depart Chicago at 1:05 p.m. and arrive home at 2:43 p.m
Meal(s): CB