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 The Pfister Hotel: Grand Elegance. Historic Tradition. 

It’s a tradition that spans generations. A grand elegance that marries history with modern amenities. As Milwaukee’s Four Diamond hotel and a member of the prestigious Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, The Pfister is more than a hotel. It is an experience! The hotel is known as the “Jewel of Milwaukee,” a Victorian masterpiece located in the heart of downtown just 3 blocks from Lake Michigan. The hotel’s elegance is further enhanced by a tradition that embodies the spirit of fine hospitality and is brought to life by each member of the hotel’s staff. The Pfister is set apart from other hotels by many distinguishing features, including an ornate three-story lobby flanked by a grand marble staircase at one end and a massive fireplace at the other. The vaulted arched ceiling is an artistic masterpiece in itself and is highlighted by magnificent descending crystal chandeliers. The Pfister’s most unique asset is the impressive array of artwork, which has been termed the largest collection of Victorian art found in any hotel in the world, deemed almost as valuable as the hotel itself. The Pfister is ranked as one of the top 13 hotels in the world! All of this is elegantly and tastefully decorated for the Christmas season! 

 

Day 1 – Home to Red Wing 

We begin this spirited journey with an easy ride to Red Wing, a city that dresses well for the season. But before we reach Red Wing, we make a lunch stop at King’s Place, rated best burger in MN in 2018! Red Wing is synonymous with pottery, so after our lunch we go directly to the Pottery Museum of Red Wing, featuring over 6,000 items traveling all the way back to 1877 with vintage stoneware, fine art, pottery and dinnerware. The holidays are “treat time” so afterwards, we head to Hanisch Bakery Shop, Minnesota’s Best as declared by WCCO Viewers Choice! And the treat’s on us! We stay in style this evening at the Historic St. James Hotel, providing premier lodging for over 140 years. Each guest room is uniquely named and tastefully adorned in Victorian décor. Experience simple, elegant Old World Charm. Our welcome dinner is served right at the hotel. Enjoy your evening! 

Included Meals: Lunch, Afternoon Treat, Dinner 

Hotel: St. James Hotel 

 

Day 2 – Red Wing to Milwaukee 

This morning our group enjoys a breakfast buffet in a private room at the hotel. Remember when traveling some special place by train was part of a magical Christmas experience? Well, we can relive that once again as we “ride the rails” to Milwaukee. We walk right out of the hotel and cross the street to the depot! Relax with no winter roads to concern us as we arrive early afternoon in Milwaukee. No luggage to worry about either as it stays on our motorcoach, which will meet us when we arrive. We’ll head directly to our hotel for three nights: The Pfister!! This experience will be an unparalleled highlight of this incredible Christmas journey. Exquisitely adorned for the season, just relax and enjoy your “humble abode.” Experience dining at the Pfister – truly superb with its world-renowned chefs and elegant surroundings! Spend the evening unwinding in the festive and lovely surroundings before retiring for the night to perhaps the most comfortable bed you’ve ever slept on! 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Pfister Hotel (3 Nights) 

 

Day 3 – Milwaukee 

Breakfast is included at The Pfister Lounge, the hotel’s gem in the sky located at the top of the 23rd floor tower, with panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan. This will be a stellar day! A Milwaukee expert tour guide will artfully guide us around the next two days, narrating the city along the way. First off, we travel around the world and back on our Christmas Around Milwaukee Bakery Bus Tour! An excellent opportunity to celebrate the holidays while sampling (and if desired, purchasing additional) delicious Christmas cookies from some of our favorite bakeries in Milwaukee! We will enjoy lunch at Mader’s German Restaurant, voted the most famous German restaurant in North America! Then we visit the beautifully decorated Schuster Mansion for a Victorian Afternoon Tea. Explore the first floor of this historic mansion and learn 1800’s table etiquette while enjoying flavored teas and nibbling on a sweet holiday treat. Next we enjoy a docent guided stroll through the Christmas decorated gaslit Streets of Old Milwaukee Exhibit at the Milwaukee Public Museum, traveling back in time to a bustling turn-of-the-century Milwaukee. Time is also allotted to explore other areas of the museum, including the ethnic heritage of 30 European villages. We’ll make a stop at the BMO Harris Annual Christmas Window Display featuring a collection of over 150 Steiff stuffed animals. Dinner is served at another local favorite before we return to the hotel to just enjoy our luxurious surroundings. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner 

 

Day 4 – Milwaukee 

Don’t forget to start your day with breakfast at the Pfister Lounge overlooking the city! Our outstanding tour guide will lead us on another fascinating day in the city. We begin with a tour of a Magnificent 100 year old landmark, The Basilica of St. Josaphat. One of over 35 basilicas in the United States, it was built in 1901 by Polish immigrants and craftsmen with materials from a demolished Chicago post office. Designed after St. Peter’s in Rome, its architecture, stained glass and murals are a tribute to Milwaukee’s history and heritage. No Italian holiday season is complete without authentic, sweet, crisp and buttery pizzelle! We’ll participate in a hands-on class as we learn about this classic Italian holiday treat. We’ll even make our own pizzelles to take home! From there, we’ll head over to Milwaukee’s Christkindl Market for some free time to browse the various vendor spaces and enjoy one of the many area restaurants for lunch on your own. Return to the hotel to freshen up before our wonderful evening ahead. An early dinner is served at Polonez, Milwaukee’s last authentic Polish restaurant. This iconic eatery has been featured on The Travel Channel and the recipient of many awards. This evening we’ll take in “A Christmas Carol” at the historic Pabst Theatre – it’s sure to put us in the Holiday spirit! 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

Day 5 – Milwaukee to Home 

This morning following our last breakfast at the amazing Pfister Hotel, we’ll take a short drive to Racine for a look at an authentic Danish Kringle demonstration. Known as the official State of Wisconsin pastry, we’ll see first-hand how this labor intensive process makes for some wonderful treats! You might want to don your favorite Christmas sweater for this tour! Once we’ve learned the art of Kringle making, we’ll begin our travel across beautiful Wisconsin, reflecting on the Spirit of Christmas we have experienced together! 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Motorcoach Per Person Pricing Information

Double: $1,899
Single: $2,299
Triple: $1,789
Quad: $1,719

Motorcoach Travel Protection Per Person

Double: $116
Single: $149

Travel Bucks

$30 Travel Bucks per person earned with this tour

Deposit Due

$100 deposit per person due at time of reservation. Full payment due 30 days prior to depart.

Passport Needed

No

Tour Pace

Moderate Walking

Price Includes

10 Meals plus Treats, Hotels & Activities as stated in brochure, Luxury Motorcoach



The average temperature while R&J is visiting is 37°
Travel with R & J Tours to a warm destination where it is...
35°
Minneapolis, Mn
44°
Spirit of Christmas – SOLD OUT! Call for Waitlist: 1-800-758-6877
Motorcoach Departure Date:
12/08/2021
Motorcoach Return Date:
12/12/2021

Make a Reservation Online

Tour Highlights

Red Wing at Christmas
Historic St. James Hotel
Train Journey to Milwaukee
Celebrated & Splendid Pfister Hotel
Unique Culinary Experiences
- Make your own Italian Pizzelle
- Authentic Danish Kringle making Demonstration
Christmas Around Milwaukee Bakery Tour
Milwaukee Dressed for Christmas
Streets of Old Milwaukee
World Famous Mader’s German Restaurant
Schuster Mansion Victorian Tea
The Basilica of St. Josaphat
“A Christmas Carol” at the historic Pabst Theater



Travel with R & J Tours to a warm destination where it is...
35°
Minneapolis, Mn
44°
Spirit of Christmas – SOLD OUT! Call for Waitlist: 1-800-758-6877
The average temperature while R&J is visiting is 37°
Dedicated to presenting the greatness of God through the beauty of His Creation.