Branson, Casey Jones & General Jackson

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Travel to the heartland of America - to the foothills of the Ozark Mountains - to one of America's top entertainment centers - Branson, Missouri for an entertaining, fun-filled motor coach vacation! After checking into our hotel in Dayton, Ohio for the night, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2

After breakfast settle back, relax and enjoy the scenery on our drive through Illinois and crossing over the Mississippi River, to reach the "Gateway to the West," St. Louis, Missouri. Upon our arrival we will have free time to explore Union Station. The first train pulled into Union Station on September 1, 1894, and in a few short years, the Station would become one of the largest and busiest passenger rail terminals in the world. Today a National Historical Landmark, Union Station is a mixture of nostalgia and renovation. The Station's fabulous lobby retains the original elegant 65-foot vaulted ceiling and décor, which serves as a backdrop for this amazing festive marketplace with shops, restaurants and hotel. Lunch is on your own. Following lunch, a photo-stop at the Gateway Arch, located on the banks of the Mississippi River is included. Later, we depart for our overnight accommodations at the Drury Plaza Hotel in St. Charles, Missouri. Relax and indulge yourself in your first-class accommodations and the exceptional amenities that surround you at the hotel. Our hotel is located in the vibrant and energetic Streets of St. Charles area, mixed-use development known for exceptional dining, shopping, and entertainment. Explore the unique shops and enjoy some of the best restaurants in the St. Louis area for dinner. Dinner is on your own.

Day 3

After breakfast we depart for the fun-loving town of Branson, Missouri. Branson is the home of thrilling attractions, exceptional outdoor beauty, delicious food, genuine Ozarks hospitality that will make you feel right at home, and exciting world-famous live entertainment. Upon our arrival we will have free time to explore over 100 specialty shops and enjoy lunch on your own at Branson Landing . . . where shopping, dining, and entertainment take center stage! Branson Landing is located on the waterfront of beautiful Lake Taneycomo in downtown Branson. After checking into the Radisson Hotel, our hotel for the next three nights, we are treated to a delicious dinner at Mel's Hard Luck Diner. This 1950's themed diner is home to talented, professional singers, songwriters and musicians, who entertain you while serving classic meals and delicious deserts. Following dinner, we take our reserved seats at one of Branson's top music shows, Clay Cooper's Country Music Express. Branson's King of Country, Clay Cooper, brings you an evening of singing, dancing, comedy, and a variety of music - country, rock, gospel, and patriotic, plus one very funny comedian!

Day 4

After breakfast we depart for The Ralph Foster Museum, on the campus of the College of the Ozarks. The museum grew from humble beginnings in the 1920's to become one of the Midwest's foremost institutions of historical preservation. The primary focus of the Ralph Foster Museum today is to collect, preserve, interpret and exhibit items relating to the Ozarks region. One of the more famous exhibits is the original vehicle used in the television series "The Beverly Hillbillies". Here you will find antiques, weapons, dolls, natural history items and other unique collectables from around the world, all of which have earned the museum the title of the "Smithsonian of the Ozarks!" Lunch is on your own. Later we climb on board the Showboat Branson Belle for America's most entertaining lake adventure! Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the waters of Table Rock Lake from one of the most unique vantage points in Branson. While cruising on board this majestic turn-of-the-century paddle wheeler we are treated to a delicious dinner, are entertained by an exciting show and see gorgeous views of the Lake and the lush Ozark Mountains. We conclude our day by attending another Branson show - The Haygoods Show. The Haygoods, 5 brothers and 1 sister, deliver their own sensational brand of world-class musical entertainment, performing on 20+ instruments, electrifying their audiences night after night with incredible harmonies, innovative, energetic choreography, mind-blowing special effects, and extremely unique arrangements of music from the 60's through today! Following the show, we return to our hotel for a good night's rest.

Day 5

After breakfast we enjoy one of Branson's morning shows - the Doug Gabriel Show. Enjoy being entertained by this multi-talented 7-time Branson male vocalist of the year, who is a perpetual favorite with audiences year after year. A phenomenal guitarist, Doug will impress you with his singing, and capture your heart with his sincerity. Sit back and enjoy a high energy, family show with a lot of variety consisting of a talented cast, rib-tickling comedy and a terrific ensemble of musicians. It is a show that will make your whole day! Later we return to our hotel for lunch on your own and some time to sit, relax and freshen up before going out for another show and dinner. We begin at the Legends in Concert Show. Known as the pioneer of live tribute shows, live tribute shows are known for their elaborate theatrical sets, magnificent costumes, full array of incredible special effects and state of the art lighting and sound systems, and each legendary performer not only looks like the star they portray, but use their own natural voices to pay homage to their music counterpart. The World's Greatest Impersonators will entertain you with live vocals, live band and real emotion! Before returning to our hotel for a restful night's sleep, we are treated to a delicious dinner with entertainment at the Uptown Café.

Day 6

After breakfast we depart for "The Volunteer State," Tennessee. Our destination is Jackson, Tennessee and the Casey Jones Village. First enjoy touring the Casey Jones Home, Railroad Museum & Train Store and later explore and do some shopping at the Shoppes at Casey Jones Village. Before checking into our hotel for the night, a delicious home-style buffet dinner is included at Brooks Shaw's Old Country Store Restaurant

Day 7

After breakfast we depart for Nashville, Tennessee. Upon our arrival, we climb aboard the General Jackson Showboat, an authentic paddle wheel riverboat, for a 2-hour lunch cruise down the Cumberland River that includes an entertaining country music show. Following our cruise, we depart for our overnight accommodations in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tonight, dinner is on your own at a local restaurant conveniently located within walking distance of the hotel.

Day 8

After breakfast settle back for a relaxing hand-clappin', toe-tappin' good time ride home! Today's lunch is included at Mrs. Rowe's Family Restaurant and Bakery in Staunton, Virginia. Enjoy a buffet lunch at this family owned Shenandoah Valley restaurant, serving up delicious Southern style cooking along with homemade breads, pies, and pastries baked fresh daily since 1947.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner