Europe Without a Passport

Itinerary Summary

Explore Iowa’s rich diversity on this four day itinerary throughout the state with a fresh take on an old favorite.

DAY 1

Morning- Start your trip out in Dubuque with a tour of the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Explore the aquariums filled with river creatures and learn about Julien Dubuque, the first European to settle in what would become the state of Iowa.
Afternoon-Take a river ride on one of the world’s most famous rivers! Enjoy lunch while you cruise with the Celebration Belle, Dubuque River Rides or Riverboat Twilight Cruises. Next, travel to Dyersville to tour a facility that is only one of 75 in the country. Your group will marvel at its unique gothic architecture. Following the tour, take a drive to Waterloo for a unique dining experience at the Galleria de Paco, the Sistine chapel of spray paint, restaurant, lounge and art gallery.

DAY 2

Morning- Travel to the historic Czech Village in Cedar Rapids. Tour the National Czech & Slovak Museum and get a hands-on demonstration of koláce-making! Following the tour, enjoy lunch in one of the many group friendly restaurants in the heart of Czech Village. After lunch, enjoy a historic step-on guide tour of the area.
Afternoon-The Old Creamery Theatre Co. in Amana is proud to be the oldest professional theatre company in Iowa. Take in the German-style restaurants and shops while in the area. To see horse racing at its best, visit Prairie Meadows in Altoona. Try your hand at table games or slots and spend the night in their new hotel!

DAY 3

Morning- Travel to Pella and tour the Pella Historical Village Museum. Experience Wyatt Earp’s home, the wooden shoe shop and an authentic 1850′s Windmill. Dine at one of Pella’s local bistros before or after you enjoy a tour of The Pella Opera House. Following the tour, your group can take in a short organ concert before heading off to your next site.
Afternoon- Like Europe, Iowa is surrounded by beautiful scenery. Take in the sites by traveling on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad for an adventurous excursion. Next, for an evening activity, sign up for a special behind-the-curtain tour to meet the cast and take in a show at one of the top 20 theater venues worldwide- the Des Moines Performing Arts. DMPA productions include Broadway’s Million Dollar Quartet, Wicked and Jersey Boys.

DAY 4

Morning- Start off in Winterset, visit the Birthplace of John Wayne and learn more about this American icon. Follow the path to a historic agricultural stop in western Iowa at the Manning Hausbarn-Heritage Park. You will be welcomed by a costumed tour guide to see the 1660 German Hausbarn, a 1917 farmstead and a century-old church. Following the tour and before you get ready to head back home, your group will enjoy lunch at the Hausbarn prepared by the “church ladies”. They’ll make sure that everyone gets a share and that the food never runs out.

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