Tours Beyond

THE SHOWS (2024 Shows TBD - each departure includes 5 live shows!)

Clay Cooper's Country Express 

If you are looking for a fun and exciting show that will keep you fully entertained, then look no further. Clay Cooper's Country Express features an incredible cast of dancers, singers and musicians that will capture your attention. The show, features music of all styles including country, rock n roll, gospel, and even patriotic!

The Presleys’ Country Jubilee 

The house lights go down, the stage lights come up, and the music begins. Nearly 50 years after they started, the Presleys have kept doing what they do best, with the affirmation of smiles, applause, and laughs from the crowd. The Presleys were an Ozarks family who played the underground stages of the Missouri hills, and loved to perform their one-of-a-kind mix of country, gospel, and bluegrass music. When the caverns could no longer hold all the folks who came to see their show, the Presleys bought a piece of land on an isolated two-lane stretch of asphalt, just outside of town, and their theatre became Branson’s original country music venue.  Other theatres have popped up and Hwy. 76 has become a glittering mecca for country music stars, but smack dab in the middle of it all, from the very start, were the Presleys.

The Haygoods 

Back in 1993, a bunch of fiddling kids living in the backwoods of the Ozark Mountains got a 2-week contract to perform on the gazebo stage at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri! That temporary 2-week contract turned into an epic 30-year run of shows! The Haygoods are the most popular 1st generation show at the box office in the entire history of Branson, Missouri, and it all started with a crazy dream to entertain on the big stage in Branson! The Haygoods are planning a very special show for 2023 to celebrate 3 decades of entertainment in Branson and are incredibly grateful to the fans and friends who have supported them over the years … and these guys are just getting warmed up!

Showboat Branson Belle Dinner Cruise 

Themed after the majestic showboats of the 1800s, the Showboat Branson Belle evokes the spirit of a bygone era, when riverboat adventure, glamorous travel, and dazzling entertainment converged into what we remember as “Those Grand Old Showboating Days!” The adventure on the open waters of Table Rock Lake will feature live music, dancing, comedy, magic, and a 3-course meal! During the intermission between the meal and the show, take in the gorgeous scenery of the Ozarks from one of the most unique vantage points in Branson.

FUN FACT: The Showboat Branson Belle was launched from her lake side shipyard August 13, 1994, using two tons of bananas as a lubricant for the nine second slide into the water. She traveled 14 mph during the launch, faster than she'll ever travel on water!

The Texas Tenors, Deep in the Heart of Christmas 

The Texas Tenors have amassed a huge fan base worldwide and they are considered the most successful touring group in the history of America's Got Talent. These three friends with a simple “All-American Dream” have proven their talent has a rare, broad appeal and their popularity continues to grow. They have performed more than 1400 live concerts in just the last 10 years. 

Additional Shows (more information coming soon):

• #1 Hits of the 60's at the Clay Cooper Theatre 
• Ozarks Country Evening at the Grand Country Music Hall 
• Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers
• The Grand Country Jubilee 
• The Hughes Family Christmas Show
• The Daniel O'Donnell Show

THE ATTRACTIONS

The Gateway Arch 

The Arch measures 630 feet tall (192 m), and is the world's tallest arch and the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere, and it’s hollow to accommodate a unique tram system that takes visitors to an observation deck at the top. Built as a monument to the Westward expansion and known as “The Gateway to the West”, it is an internationally famous symbol of St. Louis, and has been declared "a symbolic bridge between East and West, past and future, engineering and art" that "embodies the boundless optimism of a growing nation."

U.S. Route 66 

Also known as the Will Rogers Highway, the Main Street of America or the Mother Road, Route 66 was one of the original highways within the U.S. Highway System and was established on November 11, 1926. The highway, which became one of the most famous roads in America, originally ran from Chicago, Illinois, through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before ending at Santa Monica, California, covering a total of 2,448 miles (3,940 km). It was recognized in popular culture by the hit song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66". 

Ozarks 

The Ozarks are a beautiful geologic highland region of the central United States, primarily in Arkansas and Oklahoma, and cover a significant portion of southern Missouri, extending as far northeast as St. Louis. Here you’ll discover forests, looming mountains, subterranean caves, an abundance of sparkling springs, waterfalls, lakes, caverns, and sinks (also known as karstic landforms).

Branson:  "live music capital of the entire universe".

Branson is beautifully situated in the Ozark Mountains and has long been a popular destination for vacationers from Missouri and neighbouring areas. The collection of entertainment theatres has increased Branson's popularity as a tourist destination and now draws visitors from all regions of the country. The first theatre, “The Hillbilly Theater”, was built in 1934, and in 1967, and The Presley Family (no relation to Elvis Presley) became the first to move their show, Presleys' Country Jubilee, to Highway 76. Eventually, Branson would have more than 50 theatres, most of them located on Highway 76. In 1991, in an episode of “60 Minutes”, Branson was dubbed the “live music capital of the entire universe!” and there are few destinations that can challenge Branson for this distinction.

Titanic Museum

Step back in time and discover what life was like aboard the RMS Titanic at the Titanic Museum, Branson. Receive the boarding pass of an original passenger or crew member and move throughout the museum discovering replica sections of the ship including the hallways, parlours, and Grand Staircase.  See over 400 original artifacts, touch an iceberg and try to stand on the sloping decks. Learn the fate of your passenger or crew member in the Titanic Memorial Room where 2,208 names line this historic wall.

Branson Landing 

Boasting more than 100 shops, restaurants, and attractions, Branson Landing is an outdoor, water-front retail destination in downtown Branson. It also features a scenic boardwalk that leads down to the famous Branson Landing Fountains. Here, a choreographed water show combines water, fire, lights and music into a one-of-a-kind spectacular display.

Frankenmuth

Soak in the delightful Bavarian-inspired architecture, hospitality and cuisine in Frankenmuth. Frankenmuth was to be an exclusively German Lutheran community nicknamed “Little Bavaria”, and the Bavarian culture of the town has been preserved and passed down through the generations. In 1990, Frankenmuth, celebrated its first Oktoberfest, celebrating German culture, heritage and love, and strives to preserve and share the sights and sounds as well as the food and drink of the Munich Oktoberfest. 

The Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel Tower

The original German word “glockenspiel” is literally translated into English as “bells play”, and the term applies to any carillon-sized or chime-sized bell tower instrument which plays music. The Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel Tower houses a magnificent 35-bell carillon, a beautiful figurine movement and an illuminated clock, all imported from Germany! Before striking the hour, and on each quarter hour, the clock sounds the 5-bell Westminster chime. At Noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9 p.m. each day the Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel plays several selections which are immediately followed by figurine movement depicting the legend of the Pied Piper of Hameln.

Bronner's Christmas Wonderland

It’s not too soon to start shopping for Christmas and Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is a great place to start! It promotes itself as the "World's Largest Christmas Store" and is designed with an Alpine architecture and operates year-round. Whether or not you have Christmas shopping to do, Bronner’s is a place to be experienced!  Imagine being greeted with 100,000 lights in the evening, while coming up the laneway, and being welcomed by 5m tall Santas! 

Let Us Entertain You!

This tour to Branson is all about entertainment and it’s not just country music. There is lots of variety within the five included shows. We have taken care of the details, so you can enjoy this relaxing getaway with all the fun of experiencing world-class live entertainment. 

Mountain Vistas & Local Flavour

Branson is situated in the middle of the beautiful Ozark mountains. Enjoy the clean mountain air and the tree-lined hills. Become acquainted with the history in these hills, and enjoy the mix of Southern hospitality and Midwestern manners while sampling the local flavours.

Route 66

Become a part of history by joining in the numbers who have travelled Route 66.

• Our unique Connections Program
• Private coach transportation
• 7 nights of accommodation
• 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners
• Local professional guides and all entry fees and show tickets for included highlights
• Services of  a Professional Tour Director

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person, and include all applicable taxes.

Included Highlights:

• The Gateway Arch
• Guided Branson City Tour
• Guided Tour of the Titanic Museum
• Frankenmuth Guided City Tour
• Bronner’s Christmas Store

The  Shows: 

The selection of shows for each departure is slightly different, with special Christmas shows in November.

2024 Shows TBD - (each departure includes 5 live shows!)

Sample of 2023 itinerary. 2024 shows TBD.

Day 1:  Travel to Lima, OH

Enjoy the drive through the wonderful farm country of Southwestern Ontario as fellow guests are picked up along the route. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as you travel south to Lima, OH. After checking into the hotel, get to know your fellow guests with a welcome dinner.

Stay: Hampton Inn, Lima OH

Nights: 1

Meals: D

Day 2: Travel to St. Louis, St. Louis Arch

Continue your journey south, passing through Indianapolis and crossing the Mississippi River in St. Louis. Take a trip up the famous Gateway Arch, the iconic St. Louis attraction providing great views of the city and the Mississippi River. Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner with fellow guests

Stay: Drury Inn & Suites, St. Louis Convention 

Nights: 1

Meals: B, D

DAYS 3, 4, and 5 are slightly different for each departure

Day 3: Titanic Museum, The Presleys’ Country Jubilee

Join the travellers of the past as you follow the historic Route 66 into the beautiful Ozark mountains. In Branson, step back in history with a guided tour of the Titanic Museum. This amazing museum has actual items recovered from the Titanic as well as beautifully recreated rooms and the Grand Staircase. It’s a very moving experience. There will be time to unpack and settle into your hotel, your home for the next three nights.  Depart for an included group dinner, and then attend the Presleys’ Country Jubilee. You won’t believe all the talent that comes from one family!

Stay: The Thousand Hills Resort, Branson, MO

Nights: 3

Meals: B, D

Day 4: Guided Tour of Branson, Showboat Branson Belle Dinner Cruise, The Haygoods

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of the city to get acquainted with its history and transformation from industrial center to welcoming entertainment center. There’ll be free time in Branson Landing for lunch and shopping before returning to the hotel. Then, a fun evening is in store! Dinner tonight is aboard the Showboat Branson Belle, an old-fashioned paddle steamer. You will be treated to a wonderful meal and a great show of singing and dancing. After your boat cruise, proceed to the Clay Cooper Theatre to see the Haygoods.

Meals: B, D

Day 5: Free morning, #1 Hits of the 60’s, Ozarks Country Evening

Take the morning to have a leisurely sleep-in, enjoy the pool at the hotel, go for a walk, or if enough guests want to go, the driver will take you to the outlet mall for some shopping. Today, lunch is included and followed by a show of #1 Hits of the 60’s. After dinner, we’ll switch musical genres and enjoy an Ozarks Country Evening at the Grand Country Music Hall.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: Branson to Bloomington, IL

After breakfast, board the coach for a relaxing first leg of the drive home, with rest stops and a lunch break along the way. After arriving at the hotel, enjoy an included dinner with your fellow travellers

Stay: Double Tree by Hilton Bloomington, IL

Nights: 1

Meals: B, D

Day 7: Bloomington to Frankenmuth, MI 

Today, the journey continues north, with a late afternoon arrival in the town of Frankenmuth. Step off the coach and step into a European village, right in the middle of Michigan. Dinner tonight is a fabulous dinner at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant! 

Stay: Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth, MI 

Nights: 1

Meals: B, D

Day 8: Guided Tour of Frankenmuth, Bronner’s Christmas Store, and Homeward

Today begins with a guided tour of the charming town of Frankenmuth and an opportunity to shop at Bronner’s Christmas Store. Those not wishing to visit the Christmas Store will have the option of being dropped off downtown. Then it’s back aboard the coach to continue the journey homeward.  Once across the border, we will stop for lunch before it is time to bid adieu to new friends and fellow travellers.

Meals: B

Sample of 2023 itinerary. 2024 shows TBD.

Day 1:  Travel to Lima, OH

Enjoy the drive through the wonderful farm country of Southwestern Ontario as fellow guests are picked up along the route. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as you travel south to Lima, OH. After checking into the hotel, get to know your fellow guests with a welcome dinner.

Stay: Hampton Inn, Lima OH

Nights: 1

Meals: D

Day 2: Travel to St. Louis, St. Louis Arch

Continue your journey south, passing through Indianapolis and crossing the Mississippi River in St. Louis. Take a trip up the famous Gateway Arch, the iconic St. Louis attraction providing great views of the city and the Mississippi River. Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner with fellow guests

Stay: Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis Arch 

Nights: 1

Meals: B, D

DAYS 3, 4, and 5 are slightly different for each departure

Day 3: Showboat Branson Belle Dinner Cruise

Join the travellers of the past as you follow the historic Route 66 into the beautiful Ozark mountains. In Branson, settle into your hotel, your home for the next three nights. A fun evening is in store! Dinner tonight is aboard the Showboat Branson Belle, an old-fashioned paddle steamer. You will be treated to a wonderful meal and a great show of singing and dancing.

Stay: The Thousand Hills Resort, Branson, MO

Nights: 3

Meals: B, D

Day 4: Guided Tour of Branson, Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers, The Haygoods

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of the city to get acquainted with its history and transformation from industrial center to welcoming entertainment center. There’ll be free time in Branson Landing for lunch and shopping, and then it’s off to the Mansion Theatre to be entertained by Jimmy Fortune of The Statler Brothers.  After dinner, enjoy the spectacular Haygoods at the Clay Cooper Theatre.

Meals: B, D

Day 5: Titanic Museum, Clay Cooper Country Express, Grand Country Jubilee Show

Today, be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions, from solemn to exuberant. After breakfast, step back in history with a guided tour of the Titanic Museum. This amazing museum has actual items recovered from the Titanic as well as beautifully recreated rooms and the Grand Staircase. It’s a very moving experience. Then after lunch, the music and high-energy entertainment continues with Clay Cooper’s Country Express, followed by dinner and a wonderful variety of music and harmonies from talented performers at The Grand Country Jubilee.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: Branson to Bloomington, IL

After breakfast, board the coach for a relaxing first leg of the drive home, with rest stops and a lunch break along the way. After arriving at the hotel, enjoy an included dinner with your fellow travellers

Stay: Double Tree by Hilton Bloomington, IL

Nights: 1

Meals: B, D

Day 7: Bloomington to Frankenmuth, MI 

Today, the journey continues north, with a late afternoon arrival in the town of Frankenmuth. Step off the coach and step into a European village, right in the middle of Michigan. Dinner tonight is a fabulous dinner at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant! 

Stay: Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth, MI 

Nights: 1

Meals: B, D

Day 8: Guided Tour of Frankenmuth, Bronner’s Christmas Store, and Homeward

Today begins with a guided tour of the charming town of Frankenmuth and an opportunity to shop at Bronner’s Christmas Store. Those not wishing to visit the Christmas Store will have the option of being dropped off downtown. Then it’s back aboard the coach to continue the journey homeward.  Once across the border, we will stop for lunch before it is time to bid adieu to new friends and fellow travellers.

Meals: B

Sample of 2023 itinerary. 2024 shows TBD.

Day 1:  Travel to Lima, OH

Enjoy the drive through the wonderful farm country of Southwestern Ontario as fellow guests are picked up along the route. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as you travel south to Lima, OH. After checking into the hotel, get to know your fellow guests with a welcome dinner.

Stay: Hampton Inn, Lima OH

Nights: 1

Meals: D

Day 2: Travel to St. Louis, St. Louis Arch

Continue your journey south, passing through Indianapolis and crossing the Mississippi River in St. Louis. Take a trip up the famous Gateway Arch, the iconic St. Louis attraction providing great views of the city and the Mississippi River. Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner with fellow guests

Stay: Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis Arch , St. Louis, MO

Nights: 1

Meals: B, D

DAYS 3, 4, and 5 are slightly different for each departure

Day 3: Titanic Museum, Clay Cooper’s Country Music Christmas Express

Join the travellers of the past as you follow the historic Route 66 into the beautiful Ozark mountains. In Branson, step back in history with a guided tour of the Titanic Museum. This amazing museum has actual items recovered from the Titanic as well as beautifully recreated rooms and the Grand Staircase. It’s a very moving experience. There will be time to unpack and settle into your hotel, your home for the next three nights.  Depart for an included group dinner, and then your evening continues with the fabulous show:  Clay Cooper’s Country Music Christmas Express.

Stay: The Thousand Hills Resort, Branson, MO

Nights: 3

Meals: B, D

Day 4: Guided Tour of Branson, The Hughes Family Christmas Show, The Haygoods Christmas Show

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of the city to get acquainted with its history and transformation from industrial center to welcoming entertainment center. There’ll be free time in Branson Landing for lunch and shopping, and then it’s off to enjoy the Hughes Family Christmas Show. After dinner, enjoy the spectacular Haygoods at the Clay Cooper Theatre.

Meals: B, D

Day 5: Free morning, Daniel O’Donnell Show, Texas Tenors Deep in the Heart of Christmas

Take the morning to have a leisurely sleep-in, enjoy the pool at the hotel, go for a walk, or if enough guests want to go, the driver will take you to the outlet mall for some shopping. Today, lunch is included and followed by The Daniel O’Donnell Show at the Mansion Theatre. Back at the hotel, freshen up before leaving for dinner and this evening’s show: Deep in the Heart of Christmas Show featuring the Texas Tenors.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: Branson to Bloomington, IL

After breakfast, board the coach for a relaxing first leg of the drive home, with rest stops and a lunch break along the way. After arriving at the hotel, enjoy an included dinner with your fellow travellers

Stay: Double Tree by Hilton Bloomington, IL

Nights: 1

Meals: B, D

Day 7: Bloomington to Frankenmuth, MI 

Today, the journey continues north, with a late afternoon arrival in the town of Frankenmuth. Step off the coach and step into a European village, right in the middle of Michigan. Dinner tonight is a fabulous dinner at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant! 

Stay: Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth, MI 

Nights: 1

Meals: B, D

Day 8: Guided Tour of Frankenmuth, Bronner’s Christmas Store, and Homeward

Today begins with a guided tour of the charming town of Frankenmuth and an opportunity to shop at Bronner’s Christmas Store. Those not wishing to visit the Christmas Store will have the option of being dropped off downtown. Then it’s back aboard the coach to continue the journey homeward.  Once across the border, we will stop for lunch before it is time to bid adieu to new friends and fellow travellers.

Meals: B

Hampton Inn, Lima OH (1 night)

This Hampton Inn in Lima, Ohio has been welcoming our guests for years. Their friendly staff and clean comfortable rooms make it a great stopover hotel.

Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch, St. Louis, MO (1 night)

On 4th Street, in downtown St. Louis, three historic buildings were carefully renovated into the Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch. Guests will appreciate the restored historic features, the modern, comfortable rooms, and the stunning views of the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis.

The Thousand Hills Resort, Branson, MO (3 nights)

Located right in the heart of the entertainment district, just off the strip, the Thousand Hills Resort is a full-service hotel that offers an indoor/outdoor pool with a sauna and whirlpool spa, fitness centre, onsite restaurant and more. 

Doubletree, Bloomington, IL (1 night)

The warm welcome at the hotel in Bloomington starts with the signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie at check-in. There is an indoor pool, sauna, and hot tub, as well as a video gaming room. Enjoy a drink at Brickyard Bar or dinner at TGI Fridays.

Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth, MI (1 night)

Nestled on the banks of the beautiful Cass River, the uniquely European-themed Bavarian Inn Lodge is a world-class getaway for all.

This 8-day day tour follows pickup Route A, and includes our unique Connections Program.  The pickup locations are:

• Lindsay
• Peterborough
• Bowmanville
• Whitby
• Markham
• Brampton
• Milton
• Cambridge
• Woodstock
• London
• Sarnia

We recommend comfortable rubber-soled shoes for the walking tours. 

Don't forget your camera, sunscreen and a hat.  Since it may get cool in the evenings, it's a good idea to pack a light jacket.

Although this motorcoach tour starts and ends in Southern Ontario. guests can join this tour from anywhere in the world by flying to Toronto, and using our Connections Program for transportation to a pickup location!  Please contact us to discuss your airfare and pre-and post-tour accommodation options.

Branson has a lot of shows to offer, and there may be some additional shows or points of for your free time on the morning of Day 5. You may want to make arrangements in advance, or once there, your Tour Director might be able to help you get tickets.