Get ready for a very entertaining tour as we travel to the Ozark Mountains. Today we travel through the mountains of North Carolina and make our way to Tennessee. Our travels skirt Nashville as we make our way to Jackson, Tennessee, for our overnight stay. We enjoy down-home southern seafood this evening at Catfish Cabin. Of course they have something for you land lubbers, too. (D)

Shortly after our departure this morning we cross the mighty Mississippi River and enter the flat fertile farm land of Arkansas. Later we begin to ascend into the southern Ozark Mountains, some of the most scenic country you’ll ever see. We continue on our way to the beautiful little town of Eureka Springs for the night. In the 19th century Eureka Springs, a lovely Victorian city that literally clings to the sides of the Ozark Mountains, was a well-known health spa. Springs, which gushed from limestone crevices, gained a reputation for having curative powers, and thousands of people flocked to the city. Tonight we attend a performance of the Great Passion Play, professionally presented by a large cast of local people. It is set in a lifelike reconstruction of Jerusalem built against the base of Mt. Oberammergau.

We begin this morning with an uplifting experience, a visit to the “most beautiful little chapel in the world.” Thorncrown chapel was the dream of Eureka Springs’ native Jim Reed, who felt the need to build a chapel for travelers passing through this beautiful area. We leave Eureka Springs and travel to Branson for a three night stay. Our first sightseeing stop this afternoon is at the College of the Ozarks and the Ralph Foster Museum in Branson. Ralph Foster is the man who helped put Branson on the map. In this museum dedicated to him you’ll find a collection of enough variety to call this place the “Smithsonian of the Ozarks!” See the Beverly Hillbillies truck, a 20,000- piece miniature circus, a complete gun collection, and an enormous display of wild animals and birds. Dinner is included this evening. Tonight we take our seats at one of Branson’s top music shows, Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express. This high energy show will have you laughing, clapping and your toes tapping! (D)

This morning we explore the beauty of Dogwood Canyon. Our adventure begins as we board an openair tram for a two-hour narrated tour of the park. We pass by bluffs, waterfalls and other scenic views, we’ll cross the Arkansas border and enter the Bison- Elk Country pasture, encountering the largest residents at Dogwood Canyon. Other stops include, The 1800s-style Hope Wedding Chapel, Thunder Falls Crossing where you can feed the fish, and The Glory Hole, a magnificent bluegreen pool. After our tour a chuckwagon meal is served in the pavilion surrounded by gorgeous trees and streams. We’re back in Branson this afternoon where you will have time to relax before another fantastic Branson Show. (L)

Sleep late this morning, take in some shopping along the strip or just relax and enjoy the day. We’ll offer an excursion to downtown Branson for shopping in the unique shops including the world-famous Dick’s 5 & 10. Later we board the Showboat Branson Belle. You’ll experience a fabulous cruise on crystal clear water, a delicious lunch, and a dazzling production show on this turn-of-the-century paddle wheeler. This afternoon you will have time to shop or relax before our evening show. This evening, take your seats for another delightful music show. (L)

This morning we enjoy a leisurely drive through southern Missouri, seeing fields of rice paddies and maybe even an occasional Amish buggy along the way. Shortly after noon, we arrive at the world famous Lambert’s Café, home of the Throwed Rolls. Here you can eat all the rolls you can catch, along with beans, fried okra, barbecue, ham, beef, molasses, and anything else your heart desires. We cross the Mississippi and the Ohio rivers at Cairo, Illinois, en route to our overnight accommodations. (L)

Our fabulous tour to the Ozarks is almost over. Wow! Our heads are filled with the memories. We arrive home late in the afternoon.