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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, MN 

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 is 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 harpist entertainment during dinner. Enjoy! 

Included Meals: Lunch, Afternoon Treat, Dinner 

Hotel: St. James Hotel 

 

Day 2 – Red Wing to Milwaukee, WI

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! A catered dinner is served at the Pfister 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 

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 on our Christmas Around Milwaukee Bakery Bus Tour! An excellent opportunity to celebrate the holidays while sampling (and if desired, purchasing additional) delicious goodies from some favorite stops in Milwaukee! Our guide will take us to 3rd Street Market Hall for lunch on our own. This historic area has tons of tasty options to choose from. Next, 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. Then we visit the Pabst Mansion, a grand Flemish Renaissance Revival-style house built in 1892 for Frederick Pabst, the founder of the Pabst Brewing Company. 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 

 

Day 4 – Milwaukee 

Start your day with another wonderful breakfast before we meet up with our outstanding tour guide. We begin with another culinary experience at Chef’s Table. This high-end Christmas experience will include a knife demonstration by Chef David plus a delicious snack. Then we drive north to Plymouth for a wreath-making demonstration and a little shopping at the Wreath Factory. Departing, we head to the beautiful Osthoff Resort’s Old World Christmas Market, reminiscent of the centuries-old Christkindlesmarkt of Nüremberg, Germany. Time will be given for shopping and enjoying lunch on our own. Arriving back in Milwaukee, we’re dinner guests at Kegel’s Inn, delighting in their traditional dishes of authentic German food. Afterwards, 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!” 

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. An included lunch is served at Northwood’s Brew Pub along the way. Return home reflecting on the Spirit of Christmas we have experienced together! 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Motorcoach Per Person Pricing Information

Double: $2,429
Single: $2,949
Triple: $2,289
Quad: $2,189

Motorcoach Travel Protection Per Person

Double: $149
Single: $184

Travel Bucks

$35 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...
44°
Minneapolis, Mn
48°
Spirit of Christmas
Motorcoach Departure Date:
12/03/2024
Motorcoach Return Date:
12/07/2024

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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 including Braise Restaurant & Culinary School Demo and Dinner, Chef’s Table Demonstration, and Kegel’s German Restaurant
* Christmas Around Milwaukee Bakery Tour
* Milwaukee Dressed for Christmas
* The Basilica of St. Josaphat Tour
* Pabst Mansion Visit
* “A Christmas Carol” at the historic Pabst Theater
* Wreath Factory with Demonstration
* Osthoff Resort Christmas Markets
* Bel Canto Christmas Concert



Travel with R & J Tours to a warm destination where it is...
44°
Minneapolis, Mn
48°
Spirit of Christmas
The average temperature while R&J is visiting is 37°
Dedicated to presenting the greatness of God through the beauty of His Creation.