7 Days/6 Nights

Spirit of Peoria & the Land of Lincoln

Ride along America’s first "superhighways:" Route 66, the Illinois and the Mississippi Rivers! Along the way you’ll get to know Abraham Lincoln’s beloved city of Springfield, Illinois, discover St. Louis from the top of the Gateway Arch and cruise aboard the nostalgic paddlewheeler Spirit of Peoria. You’re sure to enjoy this uniquely American journey!

Tour Highlights

• Relax on a 3-day cruise aboard the paddlewheel riverboat Spirit of Peoria.
• Explore the sights and sounds of St. Louis, including a ride to the top of the Gateway Arch.
• Ramble along portions of Route 66, America's "Mother Road."
• Walk in Abe Lincoln's footsteps on a tour of Springfield, Illinois.

Itinerary

Day 1—St. Louis: Our midwest adventure begins in the "Gateway to the West"—St. Louis, Missouri. Meet your fellow travelers this evening at our welcome reception. Welcome Reception included.

Day 2—Alton/Springfield: Today you’ll cross the state line to visit the National Great Rivers Museum near Alton, Illinois. This interactive museum tells the history of the Mississippi River, from its cultural and ecological importance to its role in the nation’s transportation network.

Later you’ll travel along Route 66 ­towards Springfield, home of Abraham Lincoln and the capital of Illinois. Thousands of visitors from around the globe travel America’s Main Street each year to experience the legend of U.S. Route 66. We’ll stop and chat with Bill Shea, owner of Shea’s Gas Station and enjoy a bite to eat at the legendary Cozy Dog Drive-In. You’ll delight in the diner’s famous "hot dog on a stick" and other tasty treats. Plus, admire the Waldmire family’s collection of colorful Route 66 memorabilia. Meals included: B, L, D.

Day 3—Springfield/Peoria: Today is devoted to the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. We’ll begin with a visit to the world-class Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. You’ll marvel at the world’s largest collection of documentary material and life-size dioramas related to the life of our 16th President.

After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of the Old State Capitol State Historic Site. Here, in the Hall of Representatives, Lincoln uttered some of his most famous words: "A house divided against itself cannot stand." President Lincoln’s body lay in state here in May of 1856 as some 75,000 mourners came to pay their final respects.

Our last stop for the day is the impressive Lincoln Tomb, the final resting site of Lincoln, his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their four sons.

We’ll travel to Peoria to our hotel where you can enjoy dinner on your own. Meals included: B, L.

Day 4—Illinois River/Jacksonville: This morning we’ll board Spirit of ­Peoria for our three-day excursion. Our journey along the Illinois River begins with a buffet breakfast on the Main Deck. Within minutes of departure, the Captain will maneuver the Spirit of Peoria through Peoria Lock and Dam, the first of several locks along our route.

Professional entertainers will treat us to river lore, stories and ragtime music throughout the day. Enjoy a lunch buffet on the Main Deck or the open-air Boiler Deck or Texas Deck.

Keep your camera ready! This part of the river offers frequent sightings of great blue herons, American bald eagles, white pelicans and other magnificent waterfowl.

This afternoon, take some time to get to know the Spirit of Peoria and its 22-foot paddle wheel. Be sure to take a look at the boat's decorative features; many come from much older steamboats and were purchased at auction.

Tonight you’ll savor a scrumptious prime rib dinner on board before docking in Meredosia and proceeding on to our Jacksonville hotel for the night. Meals included: B, L, D.

Day 5—Illinois River/Grafton: We’ll enjoy another day of relaxing ­river cruising, featuring more live music and entertainment, gorgeous river scenery and two delicious meals on board.

This evening we’ll dock at Grafton, Illinois, and head over to Pere Marquette State Park. Set in the rolling bluffs along the Illinois River, this gorgeous park is a treasure trove of nature and beauty.

Tonight you’ll stay at the massive park lodge, an architectural marvel that is the park’s proud centerpiece. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1933-1939, the lodge features gigantic timbers, some up to three feet in diameter, as roof and wall supports. You’ll stand in awe of the 700-ton limestone fireplace! Meals included: B, L, D.

Day 6—Mississippi River/St. Louis: On your final day of river cruising, the Spirit of Peoria’s Captain will guide you through Melvin Price Lock and Dam and Lock No. 27. After three restful and relaxing days, you’ll dock in St. Louis.

Then marvel at the engineering of the world-renowned Gateway Arch—and gaze in awe at the view from the very top! If you prefer not to ascend to the top of the arch, you may take in the movie, "Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West." You’ll also have time to visit the Museum of Western Expansion, featuring rare artifacts from their western journey.

Tonight enjoy some free time on your own or share an enjoyable dinner with your friendly traveling companions. Meals included: B, L.

Day 7—St Louis: We’ll share a farewell breakfast this morning then you’re free to return home with fond memories of your historic midwest adventure. Meal included: B.

Accommodations

• Day 1: Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel, St. Louis
• Day 2: State House Inn, Springfield
• Day 3: Hotel Pere Marquette, Peoria
• Day 4: Comfort Inn, Jacksonville
• Day 5: Pere Marquette Lodge, Grafton
• Day 6: Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel, St. Louis