The Mall of America & Chicago 26

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Travel in comfort aboard our deluxe motor coach as we begin our journey to the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, the largest shopping, and entertainment complex in the United States, attracting over 40 million visitors each year. Before checking into our hotel for the night in Maumee, Ohio, we will enjoy a delicious dinner at The Spaghetti Warehouse in Toledo, Ohio, a family-friendly American Italian restaurant known for its hearty meals and welcoming atmosphere.

Day 2

After breakfast sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic drive to Chicago, Illinois, also known as the "Windy City". Upon our arrival, we will visit the historic Navy Pier, located along Chicago's beautiful lakefront. This vibrant destination offers more than 50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops, restaurants, and attractions. You will have free time to explore and enjoy the exciting atmosphere of this Lake Michigan landmark, known for hosting a wide variety of family-friendly events and entertainment. Following lunch on your own, we will meet our step-on guide for a comprehensive city tour of Chicago. Highlights include the iconic "Magnificent Mile" on Michigan Avenue, the historic Wrigley Building, the bustling downtown Loop, the scenic lakefront, and a guided walking tour of Millennium Park. After the tour, we will take a short drive to our hotel in Schaumburg, Illinois, where we will spend the night. Once checked in, take some time to relax and unwind in the comfort of your spacious room. This evening, we will head out for a delicious family-style dinner at Maggiano's Little Italy.

Day 3

After breakfast we depart for Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Upon our arrival, we will explore the historic downtown district, nestled along the sparkling waters of the Wisconsin River and surrounded by ancient sandstone formations carved by long-receded glaciers. This picturesque town offers a charming blend of old-world appeal and natural beauty. Stroll down idyllic Broadway and along the scenic River Walk, where you will find a quaint hometown atmosphere, eclectic shops, unique restaurants, and attractions, including a Bavarian village complete with a glockenspiel. Lunch is on your own in downtown Wisconsin Dells. In the afternoon, we will board a scenic boat cruise through the Upper Dells. Enjoy breathtaking views of towering cliffs and dramatic rock formations as we navigate the winding waterways, including the legendary Devil's Elbow. We will make two exclusive shore landings: Witches Gulch, a narrow, winding canyon with mysterious passageways and Stand Rock, where you will witness the famous dog leap across the towering sandstone bluff. After the cruise, we will continue on to Tomah, Wisconsin for our overnight stay. Upon our arrival, we will check into our hotel. Dinner is included.

Day 4

After breakfast we travel northwest through the scenic farmlands of Wisconsin to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, where we will visit the famous Mall of America. Upon our arrival, you will enjoy a guided walking orientation tour that covers the Mall's history, highlights, and major attractions. Each guest will receive a Mall of America coupon book, map, and directory to help you make the most of your visit. If you have heard amazing things about the West Edmonton Mall in Alberta, Canada - just wait! The Mall of America is even more incredible. After enjoying dinner on your own, we will check into our accommodations for the next two nights at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Day 5

After breakfast we are off to continue our exploration of the Mall of America. With over 520 stores and 60 restaurants, the Mall offers an incredible variety of shopping and dining options. It also features four nationally recognized anchor stores - Macy's, Nordstrom, L.L. Bean, and Crayola Experience, all under one roof for the first time. The Mall of America is a unique blend of retail and entertainment, where you can shop your favorite brands, catch a movie, ride a roller coaster, or explore the Underwater Adventures Aquarium. Visitors from around the world flock here not just for the attractions, but also to take advantage of no sales tax on clothing! After enjoying dinner on your own, we will return to the hotel for a restful night.

Day 6

After breakfast sit back and relax in the comfort of our deluxe motor coach as we travel across Minnesota and cross the upper Mississippi River into Wisconsin, known as "The Badger State". Our destination is Spring Green, Wisconsin, where we will visit the remarkable House on the Rock. Designed and built by Alex Jordan of Madison, this architectural wonder is perched atop a 60-foot chimney of rock. Construction began in the early 1940s, and the house offers breathtaking views of the Wyoming Valley. The original 14-room house, sculpted atop Deer Shelter Rock, has grown into an extraordinary complex spanning over 200 acres. On your self-guided tour, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the world's most unique and eclectic collections, including: the world's largest carousel, a 200-foot sea creature, fascinating automated music machines, a million-piece miniature circus, an old-fashioned American small-town street, a peaceful Japanese garden, and much more! Do not miss the unforgettable Infinity Room, which extends an unsupported 218 feet into space, with 3,264 windows forming its walls, a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Lunch will be on your own at the on-site café. Later in the afternoon, we will check into our hotel accommodations in Dodgeville, Wisconsin for the night. After check-in, you will have time to relax and freshen up before heading out to enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 7

After breakfast we take a short ride to Taliesin, the home, studio, and school of legendary American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Our guided tour includes the exteriors, courtyards, gardens, and interior spaces of the home. As we travel along scenic rural roads, enjoy lively and informative commentary from a professional, knowledgeable guide. A box lunch is included today. After lunch, we will explore the Hillside School, offering an intimate look at over 60 years in the life and work of one of America's greatest architects. Following our tour, we continue eastward across Wisconsin to our overnight accommodations in Milwaukee. Before checking into our hotel, we will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 8

After breakfast we meet our step-on guide and depart for a tour of Milwaukee. We will explore the unique architecture and streetscapes of downtown, and learn how Milwaukee's three founders utilized Lake Michigan, the three rivers, and the harbor to build the thriving city we see today. Next, we depart Milwaukee and head to Chicago's historic Navy Pier, where you will have time for lunch on your own. After lunch, we board a Shoreline Sightseeing boat for a narrated architecture river cruise. As we travel along the beautiful Chicago River, our guide will share stories about more than forty of Chicago's iconic modern American landmark buildings. Following the cruise, we depart for Indiana's Amish Country and check into our hotel in Middlebury, Indiana for the night. This evening, we will enjoy a delicious family-style dinner at Das Dutchman Essenhaus.

Day 9

After breakfast we will visit Linton's Enchanted Gardens, Indiana's largest home, and garden center and the number one attraction on TripAdvisor! Our visit includes a fun and relaxing narrated ride on the Enchanted Gardens Express Train, offering a scenic tour through beautifully designed display gardens sure to inspire your green thumb. You will explore the largest selection in the country of rare and unusual plants, trees, and shrubs, all grown locally at the on-site nursery. The magnificent nine-acre facility is a feast for the senses, filled with the soothing sights and sounds of fountains, wind chimes, and whimsical garden art. Highlights include: a petting zoo featuring miniature animals, an exotic bird aviary, a tranquil stroll along Pine Creek, which winds through century-old trees, and opportunities to feed Japanese Koi in a serene pond. Before we depart, enjoy browsing the expansive gift shop, offering: unique gifts and home décor, handcrafted jewelry, women's fashion and accessories, and the area's largest selection of Vera Bradley. A box lunch will be served in the beautiful conservatory, providing a peaceful and scenic dining experience. Later, we travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where we will enjoy a delicious dinner at the Grand Concourse Restaurant, located in the beautifully preserved Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Station at Station Square. This historic venue is a true testament to Gilded Age elegance, featuring: Cathedral-style stained-glass vaulted ceilings, marble columns, and a dramatic grand staircase. The Grand Concourse offers a refined and memorable dining experience with a modern, savory menu in an unforgettable setting. After dinner, we will check into our hotel in Pittsburgh for a good night's rest.

Day 10

After breakfast we depart for the National Aviary, located on the historic North Side of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Here, you will enjoy up-close encounters with exotic, rare, and endangered birds as you are transported through diverse habitats, from rocky coastlines and tropical rainforests to serene grasslands. Explore a variety of flight atriums, bird-themed exhibits, and live demonstrations. In the free-flight, walk-through exhibits, birds may perch at arm's length to greet you, while more elusive species can be spotted with a careful eye among the treetops and groundcover. This immersive experience offers a memorable adventure and a stunning display of nature's beauty. A half-hour bird show is also included in your visit. A box lunch will be provided today. Following our time at the aviary, we begin our journey home carrying with us wonderful memories of shopping at the world's premier retail and entertainment destination, the Mall of America; exploring the vibrant city of Chicago; and discovering the unexpected and astonishing treasures of Wisconsin, the great "Badger State".

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner