Passport to Iowa

• Itinerary
• Prices & Information

1. Home to Cedar Rapids
Today we make our way to a world of European flavor including Dutch, German, Slovak, Austrian, and Czech! Leave your passport behind because we’re heading for Iowa! Arrive in Cedar Rapids and settle into our lovely home. Dinner this evening is a Czech Heritage delight as we experience a Czech meals accompanied by great musical entertainment.

Included Meals: Dinner

Hotel: Marriott

2. Cedar Rapids

This morning after breakfast we tour the National Czech and Slovak Museum and learn about the 19th century immigrants that came from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Exhibits displays include costumes, military objects, fine art, rare maps and more. Take time to browse the village before we enjoy a demonstration of kolache making by local Czech bakers. your coffee break includes a sample of delicious kolache and coffee. Later after lunch, we visit an amazing example of Gothic architecture as we visit the only Czech Parish in Iowa, St. Wenceslaus. This afternoon will be a special experience as we are guests at Villa Comagena, Inga’s Austrian villa. We’ll meet Inga as she welcomes us into her home. As she leads us to her dining room you’ll feel the hospitality overflow as linen cover tables are beautifully set and await you. Enjoy your dinner before charming Inga prepares to take us on an emotional journey to her Austrian past. You’ll be inspired and captivated as her story gives glimpses of the war through the eyes of a child and the course of events that brought her to this land.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Coffee Time, Dinner

4. Cedar Rapids

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we tour one of the most amazing Nature Centers in America. See the “Mysteries of the Hive” before we make our way to the Amana Colonies rich in German culture. We’ll see how they have maintained their heritage through crafts, lifestyle, food, and more. See the community church and communal kitchen. This evening experience a German feast accompanied by entertainment!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

2. Cedar Rapids to Pella
This morning we depart for Pella. Our local step on guide gives us warm,”Velkom” as we explore Pella. We’ll sightsee the Old World landmarks, stroll along the Village Square complete with storybook storefronts and tulip lined cobbled streets! Enjoy an included “coffee time” featuring oven-fresh pastries and coffee before we tour the Historical Village Museum. This 22 building village features Wyatt Earp’s boyhood home, a wooden shoe shop, log cabin, and a authentic 1850’s windmill. After lunch on your own, we’ll tour the Scholte home with a beautiful collection of European antiquities. R & J Tours has choosen the beautiful the Royal Amsterdam Hotel is a true European experience. Guest Rooms have a gorgeous view of the Molengracht plaza and canal or the replica 1850’s Windmill. This evening you are special guests at a delightful Dutch Dinner complete with an authentic Dutch fashion show.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Coffee Time, Dinner
Hotel: Royal Amsterdam Hotel

5. Pella to Home
After breakfast we begin our journey home. Visit the Bily Clock Museum in Spillville. The Bily Brothers devoted their lives to carving the amazing intricate clocks. Henry Ford once offered $1 million for one of them, however, the brothers refused to sell. Continue to Decorah, originally settled by Norwegians during the 19th century. Enjoy a guided tour of the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, which encompasses 16 historic buildings. An included lunch is served by friendly residents of the area before you return with memories of a great European Vacation without your passport!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner