America by Rail

 

Branson Holiday Express - Michigan - Details

Day 1: EN ROUTE/ ST. LOUIS

Most Michigan participants will depart this morning on Amtrak’s Wolverine from Dearborn, Ann Arbor, Jackson, Battle Creek or Kalamazoo.

The Tour Director will meet those departing from Dearborn and be on board the Wolverine when it arrives at the other stops. Arrival into Chicago is scheduled for 11:59 a.m.

Port Huron, Lapeer, Flint, Durand and Lansing-area tour members will travel on the Blue Water to Chicago where they’ll arrive at 11:14 a.m. Participants from Sarnia, Ontario, can depart from Port Huron. An America by Rail representative will greet them upon arrival in Chicago.

Muskegon and Grand Rapids travelers will depart on the Pere Marquette from Grand Rapids and Holland this morning and arrive in Chicago at 10:30 a.m. An America by Rail representative will greet them upon arrival in Chicago.

Relax in your comfortable reclining coach seat. Stroll to the lounge car for beverages, sandwiches and snacks. Watch the picturesque southwest Michigan landscape pass by your wide train window. There will be time for an “on-your-own” lunch in Chicago.

At 1:30 p.m. we’ll board the famous Texas Eagle for St. Louis. Departure is at 2:00 p.m The Eagle features the spacious double-decker Superliner equipment. Relax in a comfortable reclining coach seat with leg rest. Plan on spending time in the glass-walled Sightseer Lounge car. A full-course dining car dinner is included.

Our arrival into St. Louis is scheduled for 7:21 p.m. We'll transfer the short distance to the Holiday Inn Southwest.

Meal(s): D

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Day 2: BRANSON

A full-course breakfast in our hotel is included. We’ll board our deluxe motor coach and travel southwest through the foothills of the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

“Duck! Oh; it’s just another three-inch missile whizzing by your left ear.” Today’s “on-your-own” lunch site is Lambert’s Cafe, the only home of the throwed rolls. The food is great and there’s plenty of it. This Ozark, Missouri, eatery is one of America’s “funnest” restaurants.

At mid afternoon we’ll arrive at the attractive Lodge of the Ozarks, our comfortable accommodations for the next three nights in Branson. The Lodge is convenient to many shows and attractions.

Count on an exquisite dining experience this evening at our hotel’s Club Vegas.

Following dinner, our Branson travelers will enjoy a performance by one of America’s favorite songsmiths, Bobby Vinton. The “Polish Prince” will perform many of his number one hits, including seasonal favorites.

Meal(s): B D

Day 3: Branson

A full buffet breakfast in our hotel is included each morning in Branson.

At 9:00 we'll embark on a three-hour sightseeing tour of Branson and the awesomely scenic Ozark countryside. You'll have time for an “on-your-own” lunch in downtown Branson. Be sure to visit Dick’s old-fashioned 5 and 10 cent store.

Following lunch, we’ll transfer to the Sight and Sound Theater for the Noah spectacle. After God reveals to the righteous Noah that a flood will extinguish all life on earth, He charges Noah to construct an ark massive enough to shelter his family, other true believers, and pairs of every species of living creatures. You’ll be captivated as this powerful Biblical story unfolds before you on the extraordinary, towering wrap-around stage.

Tonight we’re off to McFarlain’s Family Restaurant and Pie Shop. “Homestyle cookin’ like it’s supposed to be!” The pie is served first.

This evening we’re off to the Tri-Lakes Center for one of the most memorable performances of your life. You’ll be enthralled by the personable, charming Daniel O’Donnell. The rags to riches success story of the “Boy from Donegal” couldn’t have happened to a more popular and talented performer. Daniel O’Donnell has become one of Ireland’s greatest exports, performing to over 500,000 people every year from Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House to London’s Royal Albert Hall, and, of course, Branson. B & D

Meal(s): B D

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Day 4: Branson

This morning you’ll have the option of shopping or relaxing in your hotel. Attending a show or visiting the Landmark Titanic Museum / Attraction are other options. We’ll have an “on-your-own” lunch at a Branson restaurant. This afternoon we’ll transfer to the Shoji Tabuchi Theater where you'll be entertained by the renowned Shoji Tabuchi. For a number of years, the Japanese violinist has headlined Branson's most popular show.

Dinner this evening is at the popular Grand Country Buffet. Following dinner, we’ll travel to the Moon River Theater for an evening with Andy Williams. You'll be delighted by Andy’s full orchestra as he performs all his greatest hits as well as songs from the Big Band era, Broadway, and Nashville.

Meal(s): B D

Day 5: En Route

Following breakfast, we’ll board our deluxe motor coach and depart Branson for St. Louis. An “on-your-own” luncheon stop is scheduled.

At 1:45 p.m. we’ll arrive at the world famous 630-foot high Gateway Arch in St. Louis. A visit to the Museum is included. Options include: a trip to the top of the Arch and a 45-minute film chronicling the history of the Old West.

We’ll continue north 100 miles to Springfield, Illinois, where we’ll spend the night at the attractive Drury Inn and Suites. There are a number of dining options.

Meal(s): B

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Day 6: En Route

Following a Continental breakfast (included), we'll transfer to the Springfield Amtrak station where, at 6:32 a.m. we'll board the State House for Chicago. Snacks and beverages are available in the lounge car. Our arrival into Chicago's Union Station is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.

At 12:15 p.m. most Michigan tour members will depart on Amtrak’s Wolverine and arrive at Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Jackson, Ann Arbor and Dearborn throughout the afternoon and early evening.

Lansing, Durand, Flint, Bay City, Saginaw, Midland, Lapeer, Port Huron, and Sarnia travelers will depart on the Blue Water at 3:00 p.m. and arrive home throughout the evening.

Those bound for Holland, Grand Rapids and Muskegon will depart from Chicago on the Pere Marquette at 5:20 p.m. They will arrive home throughout the evening.

Meal(s): CB

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