Central Iowa Charm

Arriving at the Amana Colonies in mid-afternoon, our guided tour will include several stops explaining the history of the Amana Colonies. While you’re here, learn the history, visit the stores, sample their products and possibly see their craftsmen at work. Dinner tonight will be at the Ox Yoke Inn, a historic landmark built in 1856, where German and American food is served family style. Overnight will be in the nearby town of Coralville. (D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we journey on to Winterset, Iowa, birthplace of John Wayne. Following refreshments provided by the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, we begin touring the covered bridges made famous by the movie “Bridges of Madison County.” Madison County is the Covered Bridge Capital of Iowa and six of the original nineteen bridges remain. Lunch today will be provided by a local church and then we spend time at the John Wayne Museum and Birthplace. Overnight will be in West Des Moines. (B,L)

Following breakfast at the hotel, we will travel to Hannibal, MO, “America’s Hometown.” After lunch, we will visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home, Becky Thatcher House, Huck Finn House and Mark Twain Museum. Dinner will be at the Hannibal Country Club and afterwards, we will experience a unique performance of Mark Twain Himself with Richard Garey. The stage actor brings Mark Twain to life in the historic Planters Barn Theater with a show full of humor and irreverent wisdom. (B,D)

After breakfast, we visit the Mark Twain Cave. You will have the same exciting experience as Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher did exploring this remarkable cave so many years ago. A guide will escort you on the 55-minute circular tour. For those who do not wish to go into the cave, there are places to sit, a sandwich shop and a winery onsite. Next we’re off to Rockcliffe Mansion, a massive, historic house museum overlooking the Mississippi River, where Mark Twain addressed Hannibal’s society during his last visit in 1902. Before departing for home, enjoy a dockside lunch and then cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat to see this famous river town from the boat bearing this famous name. (B,L)