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 tonight, and the “Spirit of Christmas” is enhanced with private entertainment during dinner. Enjoy!
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. Luxueriate in lavish suites with old-world charm, world class style, and upscale amenities. This year we’ll have access to the Pfister Club Lounge, a private room for full hot breakfast, snacks, & refreshments throughout the day, and an evening honor bar with hors d’oeuvres & desserts…and what a fabulous view of the city! Tonight we’ll enjoy a meal-making demonstration by a James Beard award-nominated chef at Milwaukee’s own Braise Restaurant & Culinary School. This school’s time-honored cooking method is rooted in technique with local ingredients. Sit back and watch before we indulge in a fantastic meal!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Pfister Hotel (3 Nights)
Day 3 – Milwaukee
Breakfast is included and once we’ve indulged, we’re ready for 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! Following lunch, we’ll tour 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. Experience a delicious dinner at a luxury restaurant tonight before we head back to the Basilica to hear the Bel Canto Chorus, southeastern WI’s oldest continually performing arts organization, as they present “Christmas in the Basilica!” Then we’ll retire to our incredibly comfortable beds.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Milwaukee
Start your day with another wonderful breakfast. Our outstanding tour guide will lead us on another fascinating day in the city. We begin with another culinary experience that you won’t want to miss. You might even get to “Put your hands in” and try out a couple things. We’ll make a stop at the BMO Harris Annual Christmas Window Display and depending on the weather, we’ll head over to Milwaukee’s Christkindl Market for some free time to browse the various vendor spaces. We’ll continue with more Milwaukee favorites, lunch on your own, and then a tour of the Pabst Mansion. This grand Flemish Renaissance Revival-style house was built in 1892 for Frederick Pabst, the founder of the Pabst Brewing Company. We’ll learn some fascinating history as we explore this unique mansion. Return to the hotel to freshen up before our wonderful evening ahead. Dinner is served at a local favorite before we 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 begin our travel across beautiful Wisconsin, reflecting on the Spirit of Christmas we have experienced together!
Included Meals: Breakfast
“More than happy with R&J, on a scale of 1 to 10 would give them 10+.”
Gene Stanchfield – 2022 Spirit of Christmas R&J Traveler
Motorcoach Per Person Pricing Information
Motorcoach Travel Protection Per Person
Travel Bucks
Deposit Due
Passport Needed
Tour Pace
Price Includes
10 Meals plus Treats, Hotels & Activities as stated in brochure, Luxury Motorcoach
12/06/2023 12/10/2023
Tour Map
Tour Highlights
Red Wing at Christmas
Historic St. James Hotel with Private Dinner Entertainment
Train Journey to Milwaukee
Celebrated & Splendid Pfister Hotel
Unique Culinary Experiences
Christmas Around Milwaukee Bakery Tour
Milwaukee Dressed for Christmas
Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
World Famous Mader’s German Restaurant
Pabst Mansion Visit
The Basilica of St. Josaphat Tour including “Christmas in the Basilica” Choral Concert
“A Christmas Carol” at the historic Pabst Theater
