Day One: Indianapolis / St. Louis / St. Louis Cathedral Basilica /
The Muny Backstage Tour & Performance
Travel by motorcoach arriving in St. Louis for lunch on your own in the Central West End, an eclectic, cosmopolitan showplace of St. Louis. There you’ll find a fine selection of restaurants and sidewalk cafes nestled in with notable art galleries, antique shops, specialty shops, boutiques and bookstores. After lunch enjoy a tour the of the magnificent St. Louis Basilica where you’ll be awe-struck by the world’s largest collection of mosaic art. This evening go behind the scenes at The Muny where you’ll be escorted through the maze of mammoth stage sets. You’ll see where and how those sets are designed and built, and learn the history of The Muny. The tour culminates on the Muny’s grand stage itself! Enjoy a bountiful buffet dinner at the Muny’s Culver Pavilion before the performance, Thoroughly Modern Millie, the tale of a small-town girl arriving in New York City to lead a new, thoroughly modern lifestyle. A big, fun-filled show done in true Muny fashion…Millie is filled with energetic dance numbers, fabulous flappers, and the spectacle of 1920s New York. Crowne Plaza Hotel, Clayton, MO (CB, D)

Day 2: St. Louis/ The Hill / St. Ambrose Church / Missouri Botanical Garden Tram Tour /
Chinese Lantern Festival
This morning meet our local guide for an insider view of The Hill, St. Louis’ famous Italian-American Neighborhood. You’ll have an opportunity to learn and experience why this beloved neighborhood remains a special place to visit. Enjoy a ravioli making demonstration, savor and sample as you visit wonderful Italian markets and bakeries; visit historic St. Ambrose Church where you’ll learn the colorful history of the Italian immigration to the area, why they came and stayed, plus a primer on local Italian-American culture and customs. You’ll also find an array of Italian made crafts and souvenirs awaiting you as well as an authentic Italian lunch. Nearby we’ll visit the Missouri Botanical Garden, founded in 1859, it is one of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States. Their Lantern Festival: Art by Day, Magic by Night, debuts for the first time in 2012. You’ll have an opportunity to view the garden by tram during the day, then return in the evening for an international exhibition of 26 larger-than-life, lighted works of art from China. Besides the lighted lanterns in the evening, enjoy acrobatic performances, a marketplace, food and a “wish tree.” (Note: evening performance is lawn seating, you may want to bring a chair or blanket; plenty of room to stow on the coach) Crowne Plaza, Clayton, MO (B, L, Reception)

Day 3: St. Louis / Galleria - Art Museum - St. Louis Zoo - Jefferson National Expansion Memorial / Indianapolis
Today, enjoy St. Louis “Your Way.” If you’re a shopper, it doesn’t get any better than the St. Louis Galleria. Did you know that St. Louis is just behind Washington DC in the number of free attractions? Our coach will shuttle you to the attraction of your choice: St. Louis Art Museum, St. Louis Zoo or the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. We’ll rendezvous in the afternoon for our coach trip home. (Note: admissions are free, but there is a charge for extra features/exhibits.) (B)