Fall Colors on the Mississippi River

Travel:: By Riverboat and Train
Duration:: 11 Days
Priced From:: $2,695 per person
Book Now:: And enjoy complimentary shore excursions in every port!

Fall Colors on the Mississippi River

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For over two decades, one of our most popular vacations has been a Fall passage up the mighty Mississippi during the height of Autumn colors aboard the legendary Steamboat American Queen. Re-entering service in 2012 after a complete refurbishment, we are extremely pleased to bring back this legendary Holiday. With stops in such American icons as Hannibal, Missouri and LaCrosse, Wisconsin this is the most comfortable and enjoyable way to see America's Heartland aboard a steamboat offering a 'Front Porch' view of America's most important waterway. We have combined this Fall cruise 'upriver' (through multiple locks) with two nights in Chicago at the start of the trip, travel aboard the Texas Eagle to St. Louis, and then a visit to Minneapolis/St. Paul after the cruise, before traveling back to Chicago aboard the Empire Builder. With a leisurely pace, nice hotels, historic and interesting stops along the way, and, last but not least, the joy of traveling through America aboard the American Queen, these departures are offered only twice and are certain to be popular.

The Grand American Queen
The largest steamboat ever built, the grand American Queen is a gracious and elegant triumph of American ingenuity. Although filled with today’s modern amenities, her rooms and accommodations display all the opulence of the American Victorian era. Glistening woodwork, fresh flowers and antiques adorn her interior spaces. Outside, lacy filigree evokes memories of the many stately river steamers that preceded her and so inspired her designers. While on board, you can select a volume from the vast collection in the Mark Twain Gallery, the boat’s library. Or enjoy a sing-along in the Main Deck Lounge, and then tap your toes to a lavish show in the two-deck-tall Grand Saloon, the most elegant showplace on the river. Combining the best of the old and the new, this beautiful lady of the river epitomizes the grace and grandeur that has made Steamboating a cherished American tradition for more than two centuries.

Highlights

• Free train travel from any Midwestern or Eastern city to Chicago and the start of our holiday! For guests living on the West Coast we offer special reduced train fares round-trip to Chicago. F eatures
• Two-night hotel stay in the heart of downtown at the Palmer House Hilton, in the heart of Chicago’s entertainment district.
• Train travel from Chicago to St. Louis over the Union Pacific Railroad, a pleasant change of pace from travel by air or freeway.
• Transfers and City sightseeing in St. Louis before embarking the American Queen.
• Seven-night American Queen cruise from St. Louis to St. Paul with stops en route in Hannibal, MO, Dubuque, IA, La Crosse, WI and Red Wing, MN. Naturally all meals & entertainment aboard the American Queen are included.
• Overnight hotel stay at the Westin Minneapolis upon arrival in St. Paul with a city sightseeing tour including Nicollet Island and a special Farewell Dinner.
• Travel from St. Paul to Chicago aboard the Empire Builder train.
• Fully hosted by a Professional Tour Manager.

Day 1: Chicago

Guests arrive in Chicago by train and transfer to the Palmer House Hilton in the heart of downtown to begin a two-night stay in the Windy City. All evening is at leisure tonight.

Day 2: Overnight Chicago

A special treat today with a sightseeing boat cruise around Chicago via the Chicago River, the best way to see some of the architecture that makes Chicago so impressive. We have left most of the day 'free' for you to spend as you like, sightseeing, shopping, exploring 'The Magnificent Mile' or one of Chicago’s great museums. Overnight at the Palmer House Hilton.

Day 3: All Aboard!

A morning train ride over the Union Pacific Railroad brings us to St. Louis where we enjoy a tour of this historic city is included today and later today, we board the American Queen, docked in the shadow of the famous Arch and this evening, the steam whistle blows and we set sail.

Day 4: Hannibel, MO

Hannibal, Missouri, made famous by Mark Twain as the home of Tom Sawyer greets us today and we have all day to enjoy this historic town with time to see the famous Cave visited by Tom Sawyer. Later tonight, is the Captains Welcome Aboard Dinner.

Day 5: On the River

All morning to sleep in and relax since all day is spent Steamboating up the Mississippi, passing through many locks today. A great day for catching up with that new book, reading or meeting new found friends. Tonight, be sure to walk on a moonlit deck as the searchlight takes 'readings' off the darkened riverbank. Another fun activity is the great Dixieland jazz featured tonight in the Engine Room Bar.

Day 6: Dubuque, IA

Dubuque, Iowa greets us this morning and there is plenty of time to explore the antique stores, Victorian buildings and quaint shops in this important 19 Century river town. Tonight, there is time to see a movie in the cinema, enjoy Big Band music in the Main Lounge or perhaps a quiet drink in the Antlers Bar as we paddle north.

Day 7: LaCrosse, WI

Picturesque LaCrosse, WI is our port of call today, a town of great charm resembling a piece by Norman Rockwell. La Crosse features some great pre-Civil War architecture, a fine museum and some very interesting curio shops. Later today is the steamboat's justly famed Southern picnic for lunch, with platters of fried chicken, baked ham, gumbo, mud pie and other great southern specialties.

Day 8: On the River

All day Steamboating with plenty of time to catch up on reading, enjoy lunch on deck, fly a kite or perhaps nicest of all, a cool drink in the Calliope Bar as the American Queen toots her way up the River with the world's largest calliope playing merrily. Entire towns turn out along the riverbank to see her steam past and unlike an ocean cruise, there is great scenery around every bend in the river.

Day 9: Red Wing, MN

Another historic River town awaits us today, Red Wing, MN, originally the site of a Sioux Indian village and now the largest wheat market in the World, this town features a beautiful waterfront, friendly people who turn out to welcome the steamboat and hundreds of historic buildings.

Day 10: St. Paul, MN

Breakfast finds us docked in St. Paul and after disembarking we enjoy a city sightseeing tour of both St. Paul and Minneapolis. Later tonight, is our special Farewell Dinner and a good opportunity to exchanges addresses with new friends. Overnight at the Westin Minneapolis.

Day 11: Return to Chicago

A morning departure for Chicago aboard the Empire Builder train, traveling over the Burlington Northern Railroad. This is a scenic trip, passing through Wisconsin Dells en route and all too soon, we are back in Chicago, our journey through America's Heartland at an end.

Accommodations

Fares

Fares & accommodations Rates listed are per person, double occupancy
AAA	Suite The finest of accommodations, each of these lavishly furnished suites features a full-size antique bed, a sofa-bed conversational group, and a well appointed private bathroom with tub and shower. Beautiful windowed French doors open onto the deck or veranda for a commanding view of the river.	$6,295.
AA	Superior Outside These outstanding staterooms open onto the deck or veranda via windowed French doors. All offer private bath with tub and shower, and some offer either two single beds or a queen-size bed.	$5,895.
A	Deluxe Verandah These staterooms feature a marvelous view of the river from a bay window or from windowed French doors that open onto the deck. All offer a private bathroom with tub and shower, and some offer either two single beds or a queen-size bed.	$4,995.
B	Deluxe Verandah These staterooms feature a marvelous view of the river from a bay window or from windowed French doors that open onto the deck. All offer a private bathroom with tub and shower, and some offer either two single beds or a queen-size bed.	$4,595.
C	Deluxe Verandah These staterooms feature a marvelous view of the river from a bay window or from windowed French doors that open onto the deck. All offer a private bathroom with tub and shower, and some offer either two single beds or a queen-size bed.	$4,195.
D	Outside Deluxe These staterooms feature a marvelous view of the river from beautiful floorto- ceiling bay windows. All offer private bathroom with tub and shower and, some offer either two single beds or a queen-size bed.	$3,995.
E	Outside Stateroom These cozy staterooms feature two lower single beds, large window, a large mirror, storage space, wall to wall carpeting, and private bathroom & shower	$3,895.
F	Inside Stateroom These comfortable staterooms feature two single beds. Some also have an additional single upper bunk.	$3,595.
G	Inside Stateroom These comfortable staterooms feature two single beds. Some also have an additional single upper bunk.	$3,195.
H	Inside Stateroom These comfortable staterooms feature two single beds. Some also have an additional single upper bunk.	$3,095.
I	Inside Stateroom These comfortable staterooms feature two single beds. Some also have an additional single upper bunk.	$2,695.
Inside Single Occupancy cabins are available beginning at $3,795. Port fees are $99pp and not included in the above fares.

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Please take a moment to complete the following information so that we may process your request for enrollment in our advertised travel program. Once we have received and processed your information, we will provide a written confirmation of your reservation. All space on our tours are based on availability at the time your reservation request is received and processed.

Please insure accuracy when completing this form to assist us in handling your reservation with dispatch and efficiency. While some of this information is optional, certain information is required in order to confirm your place in our tour. If you do not feel comfortable completing this online application, please feel free to contact us at 1.800.323.5893 during our regular office hours to speak with us directly.

We look forward to welcoming you on one of our travel and tour programs and very much appreciate your patronage.

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RESERVATION INFORMATION: Fares and Itineraries listed in this brochure are those in effect at time of printing. All prices listed are in US Dollars. Upon receipt of your deposit, either by phone or by mail, your reservation in confirmed. A 35% deposit of the Total Fare is required to confirm reservations aboard any tour or program. After 5 days, confirmed reservations without deposit will be automatically cancelled by our reservations system. Final Payment is due 90 days prior to the departure date and no later than 75 days prior to tour departure. Payment by American Express, VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card, or check is accepted. Your verbal authorization of the use of your credit card indicates your compliance with our booking terms and conditions and confirms your reservation whether or not you have actually signed the appropriate draft. Uncommon Journeys is not responsible for payment made to Travel Agents but not received by Uncommon Journeys. Bookings are subject to cancellation if deposit or final payment is not received by the due dates.

			LATE BOOKINGS: Depending upon available space, bookings can be made up until three days prior to departure. Reservations which are made within 75 days of departure require payment in full at the time of booking.

			CANCELLATION INFORMATION: Cancellation penalties do apply and for this reason trip cancellation insurance is recommended. Trip insurance is available at a modest cost and additional information may be obtained from your travel professional or the insurance carrier of your choice. We strongly suggest that you purchase travel insurance to cover 100% of your tour cost as there are no exceptions to the cancellation penalties. The following cancellation penalties apply should you have to cancel for any reason, including medical, once deposit has been made: Cancellations after deposit has been made but prior to final payment are subject to a $750.00 per person penalty: cancellations 60-75 days prior to departure are subject to a 40% penalty of the Total Fare: cancellations 30-59 days prior to sailing are subject to a 80% penalty of the Total Fare: cancellations 15-29 days prior to sailing are subject to 90% penalty of the Total Fare: cancellations 14 days or less are subject to a 100% penalty of the Total Fare. Given that the resale of canceled space will likely result in a lost opportunity to sell other space, these fees are due regardless of resale. Name changes and departure date changes are considered cancellations and are subject to cancellation fees. Cancellations must be submitted in writing either by letter or by fax and the cancellation will be processed only when this notification is received. Charges for cancellation will be based on the date which cancellation notice is received. Cancellation refunds are payable to passengers in the same manner in which deposit/final payment were made to Uncommon Journeys. Please allow from 2 - 4 weeks for Cancellation refunds to be processed. Refunds cannot be issued until cancellation requests, in writing, have been received.

			ITINERARY CHANGES: Changing your itinerary after reservations have been made can result in loss of advantages gained by early planning. In addition, the results of last minute changes may be disappointing. All changes to travel itinerary once deposit has been made are subject to a $75.00 per person, per change administrative and handling fee. This includes, but is not limited to, date and itinerary changes on airline and rail tickets, name changes on documents, reissue and refund of rail or air tickets, et. al. Changes are not assessed for stateroom upgrades or for the addition of services, unless air reservations are altered and/or travel documents must be reissued.

			ROOM SHARES: Uncommon Journeys/Train Holidays does not arrange for, nor accept room share requests.

			UPGRADE POLICY: Uncommon Journeys and Train Holidays reserves the right to upgrade a guest or guests to more expensive category accommodations at no additional cost.

			FARE/PORT CHARGES AND TAXES: Fares quoted in brochures are those in effect at the time of printing. If cost factors including airline costs, dictate the need for fare increases, Uncommon Journeys and Train Holidays may do so at any time prior to departure. Port taxes are neither discountable nor commissionable.

			NOTE ABOUT TRAIN TRAVEL: Some Amtrak or VIA Rail schedules may require an overnight stay in various cities before and/or after tours. Any overnight hotel stays required due to train schedules are the responsibility and expense of the client, not Uncommon Journeys or Train Holidays. Please be advised that all train schedules are subject to availability and unless all sleeping car accommodation charges are paid at the time of deposit, availability cannot be guaranteed. We reserve the right to pass on to tour members any expenditure occasioned by delays or events beyond our control. In the event of a marked increase in tariff rates, costs are subject to revision.

			TRIP INSURANCE INFORMATION: Cancellation insurance is available at modest cost from various insurance providers and is strongly & urgently recommended. Policies can be obtained that provide protection in the event of trip cancellation, pre-existing medical conditions, trip interruption, personal injury or damage to property. Uncommon Journeys/Train Holidays does not endorse any particular type of policy or company but does encourage all guests to consider the purchase of some type of travel insurance. We strongly suggest that you purchase travel insurance to cover 100% of your tour cost as there are no exceptions to the cancellation penalties.

			TICKETS & DOCUMENTS: Tickets and documents will be sent via UPS promptly upon receipt from the railway, airline, or cruise company but only after final payment. This is customarily 14 days prior to departure. Documents include: ship tickets, a complete itinerary, baggage tags, helpful hints, train or air tickets (when applicable) and shore excursion tickets (when applicable). 

			PARTICIPATION ON TOUR: We reserve the right to refuse, to accept, or retain as a member of any tour any person whose deportment or condition impedes the progress, enjoyment, or operations of at any program or tour. In the event we exercise this action, Uncommon Journeys responsibility is limited only to refunding the unused tour services if a person is required to leave the tour. 

			ALTERATION OF ITINERARIES: Because of the nature of the tour programs contained in this brochure, unplanned changes in allotted space may occur. In the unlikely event that this should happen, Uncommon Journeys reserves the right to make changes in routing, visits, and tour timings at any time. Whenever practical, we will advise guests of these changes before departure date. Uncommon Journeys shall not be liable to provide compensation of any type for such operational decisions.

			HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: All hotel accommodations are for run of the house standard rooms. Some rooms will be larger or smaller and some rooms may be better than others. The Hotel Management makes all room assignments and Uncommon Journeys/Train Holidays has no control over which room you will receive. If the listed hotel on an itinerary is unavailable due to space availability or other considerations, then we reserve the right to substitute hotel accommodations of a type that we have determined to be of a similar grade. If you have a specific request, we will ensure that this request is passed on to the Hotel Management, however, it may not always be possible to accommodate the request. Please note that it is standard policy in the US and in CANADA that hotel rooms are not available for check-in before 4pm.

			TRAIN BAGGAGE: Luggage storage in the passenger cars is limited and as such, we recommend guests take only two pieces of carry-on luggage. Passengers will NOT have access to checked baggage while en route.

			GRATUITIES: All hotel baggage and gratuities on included meals are covered in the package price.  Driver/Guide, Host, Transfer driver, train station or pier Red Cap gratuities are not included.

			RESPONSIBILITY: All train travel included or purchased in conjunction with this program is operated by VIA Rail Canada and/or Amtrak. We cannot and will not accept any responsibility for delays and/or operational disruptions due to VIA RAIL and/or Amtrak operations and decisions. All of our itineraries have been carefully chosen to minimize any potential problem operationally, but occasionally events beyond the control of VIA Rail and/or Amtrak do occur. Uncommon Journeys and Train Holidays does not assume any liability for loss of or damage to or delay of perishable items, medicine, oxygen, liquor, cash, credit or debit cards, jewelry, gold, silver or similar valuables. Uncommon Journeys and Train Holidays will not assume any liability for and loss or damage of luggage or carry-on baggage, and will not assume any responsibility for loss, damage, or delay while baggage is in the custody contracted carriers. In addition, situations may arise which make it necessary for us to cancel, advance or postpone a scheduled departure, change itineraries or make substitutions involving hotels, restaurants, ports of call, other travel components, vessels or other modes of transportation. In that event, we do not assume responsibility or liability for any resulting losses, expenses, or inconvenience. We are not required to make refunds once travel commences regardless of the reason for passengers being unable to complete their travel. Please refer to the paragraph titled 'PARTICIPATION ON TOUR' for the only exception to this.  No person, other than a representative of Uncommon Journeys or Train Holidays authorized by a document in writing issued by the Chairman, may vary, add or waive any term or condition set forth in the preceding provisions.  Written notice of any claim against Uncommon Journeys or Train Holidays must be received no later than fourteen (14) days after the date that services were provided to a tour participant.   All terms and conditions and schedules and rates are subject to change without notice.

			PAYMENT OF YOUR DEPOSIT ON ANY TOUR OR PROGRAM INDICATES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

I have provided this information to Uncommon Journeys & Train Holidays for enrollment in the above noted tour/cruise. I have read and agree to the Terms & Conditions set forth in this document.

800-323-5893

Fall Colors on the Mississippi River

Fall Colors on the Mississippi River

Highlights

Day 1: Chicago

Day 2: Overnight Chicago

Day 3: All Aboard!

Day 4: Hannibel, MO

Day 5: On the River

Day 6: Dubuque, IA

Day 7: LaCrosse, WI

Day 8: On the River

Day 9: Red Wing, MN

Day 10: St. Paul, MN

Day 11: Return to Chicago

Accommodations

Fares

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Dates

USA - American Rivers

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