Mark Twain’s River
Hannibal, MO & The Celebration Belle
5 Days | June-September
Starting At $Flexible Pricing
Come spend a day like Mark Twain, leisurely cruising the Mississippi with 100 miles of scenic shoreline and peaceful towns passing quietly behind your great paddlewheel. Then explore the town of Hannibal, home to Tom Sawyer & Becky Thatcher and their friend Huck. With your imagination you can travel to places in time, best described in literature.
Highlights
Tour Highlights
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Tour Inclusions
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YankeeTrailsGroups by US Tours Flexible Pricing:
- Customizable Comps
- Net Rates
- Luxury or First Class Hotels & Meals
- Motorcoach Transportation & Professional Tour Managers are available
Whatever you want, YankeeTrailsGroups by US Tours will be happy to structure tour prices to match your needs. Just let us know!
Itinerary
Day 1 – Dubuque, IA
Today, arrive in Dubuque, IA where you enjoy an overnight stay at a local hotel. Tonight, dinner is included at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 2 – Full Day Cruise on the Celebration Belle
Get an early start this morning to experience the magic of the Mark Twain’s Mighty Mississippi River with the rich history and scenic views in a way you will always remember… aboard the Celebration Belle. You will start in Dubuque, IA and cruise south to Moline, IL. Enjoy three full meals (breakfast, lunch, and prime rib dinner), fabulous entertainment, Captain’s narration, scenic views, wildlife, experience cruising through lock and dams, and so much more fun on your all-day cruise. There is plenty of outdoor seating and an elevator onboard.
You arrive in Moline, IL at 6:00pm where you are met by your motorcoach and are transported back to your Dubuque hotel for a second night. (B,L,D)
Day 3 – Field of Dreams – Hannibal, MO – Haunted Hannibal Ghost Tour
Today, stop in Dyersville, Iowa and the movie site of “The Field of Dreams.” At the century-old family farm with its quaint, and oh so recognizable house, baseball still ranks as a favorite pastime for all ages. “The Field of Dreams”, released in 1989, is a movie that has inspired millions and became an Academy Award nominee for “Best Picture of the Year.” Welcome to this home, this farm, this baseball field, this little piece of heaven on earth. Welcome to this place where reality mixes with fantasy and dreams can come true.
Continue travel this afternoon to Hannibal, MO for a two-night stay. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant followed by a Haunted Hannibal Ghost Tour. Enjoy a spine-tingling guided tour of many of Hannibal’s most notoriously haunted sites, both past and present. Each tour includes a guided exploration of the 170-year-old Old Baptist Cemetery where you’ll walk among the graves of slaves and Civil War soldiers to search for signs of paranormal activity. (B,D)
Day 4 – Hannibal Trolley Tour – Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum – Mark Twain Cave Tour – “Meet Mark Twain” – Mark Twain Riverboat Cruise
This morning, take an old-fashioned trolley ride. Step back in time and relive the adventures of Mark Twain’s days in Hannibal. On this guided tour, you will learn the history of Hannibal.
Next, visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum. Discover how a young boy growing up in the small village of Hannibal became one of the world’s most famous authors. Explore the Hannibal of Samuel Clemen’s childhood and experience the beloved stories he created through the power of his imagination. Explore the roots of Twain on this self-guided tour of eight museum buildings, including Mark Twain’s childhood residence. These unique Hannibal tours give you some of the best glimpses into the life of a literary legend.
Then tour Mark Twain Cave. Included in your tour, you’ll enjoy a 7-minute introductory video covering the cave’s formation and how the cave inspired the writings of Mark Twain. An experienced guide will escort you on a 60-minute tour of the cave where the walkways are smooth and there are no steps.
Also included today is a “Mark Twain” performance at the Planter’s Barn Theater. Audiences experience a special encounter with the man who made America laugh and inspired the world. It’s a great show full of hilarious comedy and compelling drama. You won’t want to miss this unique production of Mark Twain Himself!
End the day with a Dinner Cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat. See this famous river town from the boat that bears the name of its most famous citizen, Mark Twain. Cruise includes dinner and live entertainment. (B,D)
Day 5 – Rockcliffe Mansion Tour – Depart for home
After breakfast, check out of your hotel. Next, take a step back in time with a visit to the Rockcliffe Mansion. This amazing American castle, built to overlook the Mighty Mississippi, was built between 1898 and 1900, is listed on the National Register of Historic Homes.
Following your tour, depart Hannibal and travel home. (B)