Departing: November 14 2026
NOTE: For a full refund, you must cancel 45 days prior to this tour’s departing date.
Itinerary
Our beautiful Rustad coach is all decked out for Christmas as you travel over the rivers and through the woods to experience an “Ozark Mountain Christmas” in Branson, filled with country charm and hospitality. You’ll see Branson transformed into a “Holiday Wonderland” with dazzling lights and festive Christmas shows. The tour begins with meeting new friends or reconnecting with old ones while you travel toward Missouri. Lunch is included today in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, and this evening we check into the Drury Inn just outside of Kansas City. (L)
This morning, we'll journey through Missouri's scenic countryside en route to Branson, making our usual stops along the way. Upon arrival, we'll kick off our Christmas festivities at the Aquarium at the Boardwalk, a delightful walking adventure through the oceans of the world. You'll be captivated by close-up views of amazing creatures…from vibrant fish, seahorses, and jellyfish to octopi, eels, and sharks. Explore stunning coral habitats, live corals, and much more! By late afternoon, we'll check into the Grand Country Inn and Resort for a three-night stay. You'll have some time to settle into your room before we enjoy a delicious dinner at the SS Dockside Café & Pub. Tonight, prepare to be dazzled by the magnificent Clay Cooper’s Ozark Mountain Christmas Celebration! The first half of the show features highlights from Clay’s regular performance, while the second half is all about Christmas cheer. With singing, dancing, and hilarious comedy, this family-friendly show promises to keep you entertained from start to finish. (B) (D)
Enjoy a leisurely morning, savoring a delicious breakfast buffet! Today, you'll experience a Branson Exclusive: A captivating journey through the rich history and heritage of the region with the GIANT-screen IMAX Adventure, “Ozarks Legacy & Legend.” In the 1820s, two young, orphaned brothers arrive in America, searching for a home. An old storyteller and a treasured hand-crafted fiddle weave the story of four generations of the McFarlain family from 1824 to the 1950s. You'll witness an underwater cave and breathtaking aerial views of the majestic Ozark Mountains. For lunch, we have a special treat planned at Mel’s Hard Luck Diner (with singing servers). For over twenty years, their talented staff have serenaded guests with favorite songs while serving delicious food. This 1950s-themed diner is home to professional singers, songwriters, and musicians. Enjoy great food and live performances up close - a truly unique experience! This afternoon, experience a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of Simon & Garfunkel. Talented musicians and vocalists masterfully recreate the magic of their discography, capturing hits like "The Sound of Silence," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "Mrs. Robinson," and many more. Audiences can expect a performance filled with heartwarming melodies, intricate guitar work, and the unforgettable chemistry that defined the duo’s shows. We'll pause for an included dinner before enjoying our evening entertainment at the Grand Jubilee Show. You'll love the dynamic performance of Branson’s BEST Quartet, New South! This incredible group entertains with spectacular music, rich harmonies, family comedy, and genuine Ozark hospitality. (B) (L) (D)
After enjoying the breakfast buffet at the Grand Country Resort, we embark on a full day filled with amazing sights and experiences! We travel a short distance to Point Lookout and the College of the Ozarks, a private Christian College unlike any other in America because students work instead of paying tuition to help cover their educational expenses. Students are assigned to more than 80 workstations including computer science, dairy, farming and offices. You’ll appreciate the unique perspective of a college student tour guide. The tour includes the Williams Memorial Chapel, Greenhouses, the Mill, Fruitcake and Jelly Kitchen and more!! We’ll also take a tour of the Ralph Foster Museum that has a wide variety of exhibits and history of the Ozarks region, including Branson. An included lunch has been arranged for us at the beautiful Keeter Center, where you’ll love the rustic design and charming décor. This afternoon, we’ll stop for some shopping at Dick’s 5 & 10 in historic downtown Branson. This store is one of the last of an American Tradition and has been a Branson icon for over 60 years. You can find almost anything here - from gifts and souvenirs to candy, housewares, crafts, and more. This holiday season, travel back in time to Bethlehem as the original Christmas story unfolds all around you. Join Mary and Joseph, a flock of surprised shepherds, and three wisemen-along with their camels! Though there may be no room in the inn, God has a humble stable prepared as the angels announce the coming of the Messiah! Experience “Miracle of Christmas” at the Sight and Sound Theater as it comes to life on stage with massive sets and live animals in this cherished holiday production. This evening, the Hughes Brothers Theatre and Dinner Show will transport you to a Christmas Wonderland filled with the season’s best vocal harmonies, exciting dances, inspiring instrumentals, the enchantment and light-hearted humor that everyone loves about the Hughes Brothers Show. Along with all the festive surprises and treasured family traditions, you’ll see Santa in a new
We say farewell to Branson this morning, filled with holiday spirit! After taking a scenic drive to Springfield, we’ll go to America’s only ride-through cave - Fantastic Caverns. It was discovered in 1862 by an Ozarks farmer’s dog, who crawled through a small entrance on a hillside. The cave’s first exploration took place five years later by twelve women from Springfield. They answered a newspaper ad seeking explorers, and their names still remain on a cave wall today. To protect the cave’s delicate beauty, tours are conducted in a jeep-drawn tram. On this adventurous journey, you’ll experience the cavern’s magnitude, stillness, and splendor up close, including giant columns stretching from floor to ceiling, glistening with minerals, and tiny cave pearls hidden in crystal-clear water. Best of all, you’ll enjoy this breathtaking view from the comfort of the tram! We stop for an included lunch along the way and tonight we spend the night in St. Joseph, MO. (B) (L)
Today is our last day on the road. Now, after enjoying all the sights and sounds of Christmas, everyone will be anxious to transform their own homes into a Christmas Wonderland! (B)
Includes
Meals
- All Breakfasts
- 4 Lunches
- 3 Dinners
FAQ
Make travel plans early! If you know you want to go, sign up early and pay your deposit to secure your spot. If a tour needs to be canceled, Rustad Tours will notify you approximately 30 days prior to departure and return your payment. If the tour is full, don’t hesitate to place your name on the waiting list. This does not obligate you if your plans change. We do call people upon cancellations.
On motorcoach tours, a deposit of $200.00 per person is due at the time of sign-up and final payments are due 30 days prior to departure unless otherwise stated. If cancellations occur 30 days or less, you will receive the money portion that is refundable to Rustad Tours, Inc. For motorcoach/airline tours, a deposit of $400.00 per person is due at the time of sign-up and final payments are due 60 days prior to departure unless otherwise stated. If cancellations occur 60 days or less, you will receive the money portion that is refundable to Rustad Tours, Inc. A full refund will be made for cancellations due to sickness or family emergencies up to 30 days prior to departure for motorcoach tours and 60 days for motorcoach/airline tours unless stated otherwise.
Travel insurance information is available. See page 72 for further information.
If a trip is discounted, we cannot accept credit card payments for final payments. Discounts are only offered on our motorcoach tours. It does not include tours on which we join another tour company.
Travel document packets which include your luggage tags, final itinerary and motel list with their phone number are mailed out 2-3 weeks prior. For tours involving ferries, trains and sometimes other admissions within the United States – we need your date of birth, and your legal given name. For tours traveling to Canada or Mexico – we need to have your legal given name, date of birth, passport number and passport expiration date ahead of time in our office and you need to carry your passport with you.
REAL ID: Every traveller 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID, enhanced driver’s license or ID, passport or passport card, or another acceptable form of ID by May 25, 2025, to fly within the United States or enter federal facilities.
Air Travel – All passengers arriving by air transportation from outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.
For U.S. Passports and U.S. Passport Cards go to your local courthouse for the paperwork or go to http:/travel.state.gov/ passport for information. The cost for a U.S. Passport is approximately $165.00 and is valid for 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors. It is valid for travel by air, sea or land to any foreign country. The size is 5” x 3 ½ “and takes approximately 3 – 6 weeks to receive. The cost for a U.S. Passport Card is approximately $65.00 and is valid for 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors. It is valid for travel by land and sea crossings between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean only. It is wallet size and takes approximately 3 weeks to receive.
We offer a hotel room the night before the tour departs in Willmar or Benson for a reduced rate payable to Rustad Tours on availability. Call for current rate. You must call Rustad Tours early prior to the tour to reserve a room. If you wish to stay the night of return, regular motel rates apply. Prices are subject to change.
Your car will be stored in our locked bus garage while you are on tour. We are happy to pick up or drop off customers along our tour route
