Tour Description

Pack your wooden shoes, your accordion, and your old-world whimsey because it’s time, Tulip Time!  Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Holland without leaving the Midwest at the annual Pella, Iowa, Tulip Time Festival.  Just shy of 100 years old, this Iowa tradition is dedicated to Pella’s proud Dutch heritage and features authentic costumes, tasty treats, towering windmills, and—of course—crisp, colorful tulips.  But that’s not all this trip has to offer!  With a visit to the Bridges of Madison County and the Winterset Town Square, you’ll be sure to make some truly colorful memories!

Day 1:

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Meals: Dinner

After picking up our fellow travelers, we make our way north to enjoy an included dinner at the Machine Shed, a home-style restaurant that prides itself on presenting farm-to-table food that exceeds expectations.  The combination of genuine comfort food in a farmhouse-style atmosphere is a great place to have our first meal together.  Later, we settle into our hotel in Des Moines, Iowa, where we will be spending the next 3 nights.

Day 2:

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Meals: Breakfast

Our second day begins with a picturesque, guided tour of Madison County - the Covered Bridge Capital of Iowa.  This tour showcases the unique and iconic covered bridges as well as the beautiful landscapes connecting them.  After soaking up the scenery, we make our way to the town of Winterset, Iowa, the birthplace of America’s beloved cowboy, John Wayne.  Take some time on your own to explore the John Wayne Birthplace Museum and the unique downtown stores and restaurants.  The museum includes both indoor and outdoor exhibits that provide an in-depth view of the Duke’s extensive movie career.  While you delight in the shops, make sure to stop by the colorful Iowa Quilt Museum whose mission is “to promote the American Quilts and the Art of Quilt Making.”  After grabbing a bite to eat on your own downtown, we will meet back up for a tour of the Iowa State Capitol Building.  Though it is Iowa’s center of democracy, the building’s unique architectural design and expansive collection of statues make it look more like an art gallery.  After a full day of art and history, we make our way back to the hotel to prepare for tomorrow’s colorful day.

Day 3:

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Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

It’s Tulip Time for the Pella Tulip Time Festival!  This annual event is the highlight of our trip.  Pella’s celebration has two major parades that showcase the creativity of this Midwestern town.  But that’s just the beginning!  As soon as you step off the bus, your nose will be greeted by the delicious aroma of authentic Dutch foods including Poffertjes (mini sweet pancakes), Bologna on a stick, and Vetbollen (hot raisin doughnut).  But be careful not to gorge yourself too much because you might find yourself dancing as talented bands play and local dancers show off their skills at a German dinner for our group!  And--of course—all this revelry takes place surrounded by 300,000 vibrant tulips in a kaleidoscope of colors.  The fun, food, and flowers continue to swirl in our heads as we return to the hotel for a night’s rest.

Day 4:

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Meals: Breakfast

Our adventure comes to an end as we hop on the big red bus and head home.  The festivities may be over, but the memories we made together are sure to last a lifetime.