Minneapolis/St. Paul area - Enjoy breakfast at the bus and then we'll begin our journey northward, stopping for lunch along the way. Soon we'll arrive in St. Paul where we'll stop at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Here, we'll experience "Tropical Encounters", featuring the plants and animals of the rainforest. A Welcome Reception awaits us at our hotel, where we'll enjoy a three-night stay. This evening, we'll share dinner together at a favorite local restaurant.

Minneapolis/St. Paul area - We begin the day with breakfast at our hotel. We'll then take a greenhouse tour at Bachman's, a family-owned floral, home and garden center that's been serving the area for over 100 years. Next, we're off to the world-renown Guthrie Theater for a backstage tour. We'll visit the stages, the scene shop where sets are built and painted, the costume shop where fabric is dyed, wigs are constructed and costumes are made and the rehearsal rooms where the actors prepare for a performance. What a fascinating experience. A special treat is in store for lunch today. We're going to the Old Log Theater where we'll have lunch. Afterwards, sit back and meet the ladies of "The Dixie Swim Club". Join these five southern women, members of their college swim team, who meet annually over a thirty year period to recharge their batteries, laugh, catch up and meddle in each other's lives. You're sure to enjoy this hilarious and touching comedy about friendships that last forever. This evening you'll have free time to explore on your own. The Mall of America is nearby for shopping or perhaps you'd like to try your luck at an area casino!

Minneapolis/St. Paul area - After breakfast, it's time to learn what we mean when we say, "Scrolls to See and Footloose & Fancy Free!" We begin our day at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center where we'll participate in a program designed especially for our group. You can then enjoy lunch on your own. Our next stop is the Science Museum of Minnesota to view one of the greatest archeological finds of the 20th century, the Dead Sea Scrolls. The Scrolls, which were discovered in caves near the Dead Sea in 1947, include the earliest known texts of the Bible as well as religious legal writings. View the authentic, 2,000 year old text fragments and learn about the science behind them. In addition, we'll see the Omnitheater presentation "Arabia", and the St. John's Bible which is history's newest illustrated hand-written Bible as well as other museum exhibits. We then return to our hotel for a little rest and relaxation. This evening we'll enjoy dinner at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater followed by a performance of Broadway hit musical "Footloose". Join Ren as he shakes up his new, small-town high school which prohibits dancing and rock 'n roll. He and his classmates want a senior prom and soon everyone is on their feet and the town's in a frenzy! It's a rollickin' good time for all!

Home - It's our last day in Minnesota, but we still have lots to see and do! After breakfast, we depart for the National Eagle Center where we'll listen to a short presentation on eagles and, since the birds are tethered not caged, get an up-close beak-to-nose experience with these magnificent creatures! We'll also enjoy the eagle, wildlife and conservation exhibits and the views from the eagle observation decks. Then, it's time to be a kid again. We're off to LARK Toys, one of the largest independent specialty toy companies in the country. Take a self-guided tour, view the wooden pull-toys and puzzles which are made on location, take a walk down memory lane in the Toy Museum. You might also enjoy a ride on the one-of-a-kind hand-carved Carousel, or a treat from the candy store. All too soon it will be time to bid farewell to Minnesota and begin our journey home.