Ozark Mountain Holiday

Day 1 – Welcome to Missouri!

Optional transfers from our departure points will have us at the Los Angeles International Airport for a flight arriving in St. Louis, Missouri this afternoon. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule to coordinate a flight arrival time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival in the “Gateway to the West,” we’ll board a deluxe motorcoach and continue to our downtown hotel. Enjoy the balance of the evening at leisure.

Day 2 – St. Louis

This morning we’ll walk two blocks to Gateway Arch National Park, one of our nation’s newest national parks and home to one of its most iconic landmarks. The 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch is our nation’s tallest man-made monument and the tallest arch in the world! We’ll visit the new Museum at the Gateway Arch which features six themed galleries that cover 201 years of history and commemorate America’s pioneering spirit and the impacts of westward expansion. We’ll take the Tram Ride to the Top of the Gateway Arch for stunning views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. Note that the tram ride is not fully accessible for guests with mobility impairments. There are 96 steps, divided into six flights to reach the top and return. Enjoy time at leisure for lunch on your own at the St. Louis Union Station, the National Historic Landmark that was the largest train station in the U.S. when it was completed in 1894. This afternoon we’ll join a local guide for a St. Louis city tour highlighting the city’s various neighborhoods and historic sites. See Busch Stadium, Millionaire’s Row and the Old Courthouse, site of first two trials of the pivotal Dred Scott Case. Visit Laclede’s Landing, a vibrant historic district located on the Mississippi riverfront. See The Old Cathedral – the first cathedral built west of the Mississippi River, it is a beautiful example of Greek Revival architecture and a National Historic Landmark. Visit The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, a beautiful Gothic-style cathedral that is better known as the “New Cathedral.” We’ll visit Forest Park to see the site of the 1904 World’s Fair and inspiration for the movie and song “Meet Me in St. Louis.” This evening we’ll visit the Missouri Botanical Garden and celebrate the holiday season at the annual Garden Glow, a magical spectacle featuring 1 million lights, dazzling installations, holiday music and festivities amongst the Garden’s most iconic locations. Enjoy an included dinner at a locals’ favorite. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3 – St. Louis to Branson

This morning we’ll journey south to Branson, the “Music and Entertainment Capital of the Midwest” tucked into Missouri’s scenic Ozark Mountains. From live holiday shows to festive light displays, there’s truly no better place to experience the magic of the holiday season than in “Missouri’s Christmas Capital.” Our time in Branson will feature seven of the most dazzling productions available (specific shows subject to change), while enjoying a three-night stay at a premier hotel located at Branson Landing. Late this afternoon we’ll board the Showboat Branson Belle for a cruise on the pristine waters of Table Rock Lake while enjoying a delicious three-course meal and an all-new Christmas show that features the Showboat Dancers, magic, comedy and music from the 1960s to today, with Christmas favorites sprinkled in. This evening we’ll take our seats at the King’s Castle Theatre for Branson’s Christmas Wonderland, a grand Christmas extravaganza that features a cast of over 100 sparkling singers and dancers in gorgeous production numbers, high-energy dance routines, elaborate costumes, beautiful scenery and the highest-kicking chorus girls this side of the North Pole! (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4 – Branson

This morning we’ll join a local guide for a Branson area tour including Table Rock Dam and a visit to the College of the Ozarks, known for providing its students with the opportunity to work on campus to pay for their education. This afternoon we’ll take our seats for #1 Hits of the 60’s and go back to the days of the British Invasion, Motown, California Surfin’ and the Age of Aquarius during this non-stop, high-energy party of phenomenal hit music! Following an included dinner at a locals’ favorite, we’ll take our seats for The Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, the holiday hit that been named ‘Best Christmas Show in Branson’ 15 times! Enter a Christmas winter wonderland filled with the season’s best vocal harmonies, exciting dance routines, inspiring instrumentals, and the enchantment and light-hearted humor that everyone loves about the Hughes Brothers Show. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5 – Branson

This morning we’ll take our seats for the Christmas-themed version of Doug Gabriel – The Ultimate Variety Show. Branson’s most popular morning show is a high energy production that features hilarious comedy, incredible music and stars Branson’s most awarded male vocalist, Doug Gabriel. This afternoon we’ll sit in amazement as illusionist Rick Thomas performs a seamless spectacle that features intriguing, innovative, and mind-blowing grand illusions along with stunning magic, extreme comedy, beautiful animals, and exquisite dancers. After an included dinner at a locals’ favorite, we’ll take our seats for Pierce Arrow’s hit new show, Decades, which will take us on a musical and comedy journey through the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6 – Independence, Kansas City

Following an included breakfast, we’ll travel north to Independence and re-live the eventful and triumphant life of America’s 33rd President at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum. The recently renovated and re-imagined museum features exhibits and artifacts related to the events surrounding Truman’s life and most difficult presidential decisions. This evening we’ll arrive in Kansas City with an opportunity to see Kansas City Plaza Lights. A tradition for more than 90 years, Plaza Lights is a 15-block holiday spectacle at the famed Country Club Plaza. (Breakfast)

Day 7 – Kansas City, Journey Home

This morning we’ll join a local guide for a Kansas City driving tour highlighting the art, architecture history and fountains of Missouri’s largest city. This afternoon we’ll arrive at the Kansas City International Airport for a return flight to Los Angeles arriving this evening. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule to coordinate a flight departure time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to the airport. Back in Los Angeles, those guests with pre-arranged transfers will be returned to their respective drop-offs. (Breakfast)

While we make every effort to operate our tours as outlined in the itinerary, we ask for your patience, understanding and flexibility and to retain a sense of adventure while traveling with us. Situations may arise that necessitate changes to the itinerary. Should we need to adjust the itinerary either prior to or while on tour, these changes will be communicated to you and only done when absolutely necessary.