Day 1: Travel Day / Spam Museum (D)
Get ready for a journey down “Ol’ Man River” as it was in Mark Twain’s day with Fun Tours. A very interesting stop late this afternoon is the Spam Museum with over 1,600 sq. feet of Spam artifacts, history and fun. You’ll find out why Spam is one of the most popular products in the world. This evening, meet your new travel mates at a welcome dinner, hosted by Fun Tours.

Day 2 Mayowood Mansion Tour / Assisi Heights Convent Tour / Waste to Energy Tour / Toaster Shed (B, L, D)
This morning your local guide will take you on a tour of Rochester, MN, famous for the Mayo Clinic. In addition, tour the historic Mayowood Mansion which will take you back to explore the estates of doctors Charles H. and Charles W. Mayo, founders of the Mayo Clinic. Next, visit Assisi Heights, the Sisters of St. Francis. Learn about their interesting way of life being active in local communities as well as ministries around the world. To get a real feel for the Order of the Sisters, you’ll enjoy lunch and dine in the cafeteria with the Sisters. A very interesting stop this afternoon is the Waste to Energy tour where they’ll show you how our every day trash is turned into energy. Then a most unusual stop awaits when you visit the Toaster Shed to see hundreds and hundreds of toasters and small appliances collected by a Rochester couple. You’ll be amazed at the display and the memories it will stir.

Day 3 National Eagle Center / Travel the Mississippi River Scenic Byway / Lark Toys / Watkins Products Heritage Museum (B, D)
Depart Rochester and head for the Mississippi River where your first stop is the National Eagle Center in Wabasha. The National Eagle Center is dedicated to educating the public about these magnificent raptors and providing valuable research in the rehabilitation and tracking

of eagles. Then start your journey down the Mississippi River Scenic Byway for gorgeous views of Minnesota’s River Bluff Country. Along the way, stop at Lark Toys with over 20,000 sq. feet of toys from all over the world. Take a ride on their hand-carved wooden carousel and you won’t believe the selection of old-fashioned toys that are timeless classics for children’s playtime. Continue on down the Scenic Byway to Winona where your local guide will take you on a city tour with a special stop at a local winery with a beautiful lookout point. This afternoon, step back in time when you visit the Watkins Products Heritage Museum where they’ve been producing home goods since 1868 and family favorites among so many Americans. From Watkins vanilla to pain relieving linament to a soothing hand lotion, Watkins makes it all.

Day 4 All-Day Mississippi River Cruise (B, L, D)
Think Mark Twain today! Board the paddlewheeler Celebration Belle for an all-day leisurely cruise on the Mighty Mississippi. The ship’s captain will narrate history, navigation, wildlife and stories of Old Man River. The cruise includes two full meals – lunch and dinner, and an afternoon snack. There will be entertainment on board with music and games, or you can sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful fall colors on the river.

Day 5 Galleria de Paco / Travel Home (B)
One stop you can’t miss on the way home is the Galleria de Paco in Waterloo, IA. Visit this unique restaurant that is quite special because Paco, a Polish immigrant, re-created the paintings of the Sistine Chapel inside with spray paint! You won’t believe it. Then, it’s time to head home after a fantastic Mississippi River Cruise and River Bluff Country tour with Fun Tours.