CHRISTMAS IN BRANSON

Day 1

HOMETOWN, USA—BRANSON, MISSOURI (B,D)

Travelers arrive from across the USA today into Springfield, Missouri, gateway to Branson, the live entertainment capital of America. Our coach will shuttle walkers from the Springfield airport into Branson for 6 days and 5 nights to share an Ozark Mountain Christmas celebration. Following dinner together at Gilley's Texas Café, consider joining us for an optional Branson kick-off celebration with the Les Brown Band of Renown, Branson's only big band variety show.

Day 2

ACTIVITIES IN BRANSON (B,D)
Branson Music City Walk 10 km, rated 2

Our morning activity is a walk through residential areas of Branson—Music City Missouri, and along the Branson Strip past theaters, museums, and gift shops. Following free time for lunch, you'll have two exciting show options this afternoon: The Andy Williams Christmas Show in the spectacular Moon River Theater –OR– The Braschler Music Show, an entertaining blend of country, comedy, bluegrass, and gospel. Later this evening, celebrate the season with Christmas at Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show, a fabulous four-course feast punctuated with trick-riding, music, comedy, and the colorful pageantry of the Christmas spirit.

Day 3

ACTIVITIES FROM BRANSON (B)
Dogwood Canyon Walk 10 km, rated 2

Following a leisurely breakfast, we'll drive south to meet the local walking club at Dogwood Canyon. This delightful nature walk takes us along an Ozark stream and past impressive rock formations, across the Arkansas border and back. Returning to Branson, you'll have the afternoon free to explore and rest up for tonight's two entertainment options: The Shoji Tabuchi Show, Branson's top-rated show where the amazing bathrooms alone are worth the price of admission –OR– The Hamner Barber Variety Show, a non-stop evening packed with award-winning illusions, the ventriloquist magic of Jim Barber, and a talented cast of singers and dancers.

Day 4

ACTIVITIES IN BRANSON (B)
Branson Lake Toneycomo Walk 10 km, rated 1+

Today's walk moseys along the shores of Lake Toneycomo, through Branson's historic district and residential areas, and into the new Branson Landing, a delightful waterfront shopping, entertainment, and dining complex. After free time for lunch, we'll spend the afternoon and evening at Silver Dollar City enjoying An Old Time Christmas. Craft shops, the Gifts of Christmas Holiday Light Parade, a special performance of A Dicken's Christmas Carol, and over 4 million twinkling lights are just a few of the attractions of this unique holiday theme park. Shuttles back and forth to the hotel during the late afternoon will be provided for those who prefer a shorter experience.

Day 5

ACTIVITIES FROM BRANSON (B,D)
Wilson Creek National Battlefield Walk 10 km, rated 2+

We head north this morning for a fascinating look back at the Civil War with a walk through Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, site of one of the most important early battles in this epic conflict between the States. Interpretive battle- field panels, 19th century farmsteads, and the natural beauty of the area make this a wonderfully varied addition to our walk roster. Back in Branson this afternoon, our last evening together begins with a two-hour cruise on Table Rock Lake aboard the Showboat Branson Belle. During the cruise, we'll be entertained with music and dance, and a sumptuous three- course dinner. Upon our return to the dock, a final celebration of the Ozark Mountain Christmas takes us through the dazzling two-mile-long Festival of Lights along the Branson Hills Parkway.

Day 6

BRANSON—HOMETOWN, USA (B)

After breakfast this morning, we'll offer shuttles to the Springfield airport at two different times that serve the greatest num- ber of travelers. Shuttle transportation is available throughout the day for an additional fee for travelers who prefer to depart at different times. Our Ozark Mountain Christmas walking vacation is over, but we return home saturated with Christmas spirit and primed to celebrate a Hometown, USA Christmas!