Lake Geneva

Welcome aboard! We’re off to enjoy a delightful summertime retreat in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Today is a travel day filled with vibrant landscapes, where trees are lush with green foliage. The fresh summer blooms add bursts of color, painting a picturesque scene across the rolling hills of Wisconsin. Along the way, we’ll make our usual stops, including a break for an included lunch in Black River Falls. By late afternoon, we arrive for a relaxing three-night stay at Harbor Shores in Lake Geneva, nestled in the heart of the downtown shopping district. In the 1800s, this charming town was a favorite summer retreat for Chicago’s elite, named by a land surveyor after his hometown of Lake Geneva, NY. This evening, you’ll gather with the tour group for an included meal at our hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to unwind—whether relaxing on your hotel room balcony with panoramic lake views or exploring the amenities nearby. (L) (D)                  

Prepare for a full day of unforgettable experiences! We begin at the Black Point Estate and Gardens, a stunning Queen Anne-style mansion from the late 1800’s. Enjoy a guided tour of the estate, followed by time to shop and stroll through the picturesque grounds. This estate, built as a summer retreat for Chicago beer baron Conrad Seipp, is the only historic mansion on Lake Geneva open to the public. After an included lunch break, come aboard a vintage boat for a fun, fully narrated tour of the entire 20-mile shoreline of Geneva’s most famous estates on Lake Geneva.  Interesting local lore includes stories about the families who built some of these estates with names you’ll recognize such as Wrigley and Maytag. Following a short rest at the hotel, we’ll head out for an enjoyable dinner at The Getaway Restaurant on the shores of Lake Como. Known for its modern-rustic ambiance and scenic waterfront views, is perfect for sunset dining. This historic spot was once a Prohibition-era speakeasy, plus plenty of colorful stories of famous dining guests to tell. We’ll complete our day with the Tristan Crist Magic Show, a high-energy, Vegas-style illusion performance renowned for its large-scale illusions in an intimate setting. Prepare to be amazed by their "big-city" tricks. After the show, we return to our hotel, ready for a well-deserved night’s rest after a day of wonderful sights and experiences. (B) (L) (D) 

There’s much more to explore in this scenic region! We begin our day at the Yerkes Observatory, known as the “birthplace of modern astrophysics,” a historic research facility in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. It houses the world’s largest refracting telescope, a 40-inch lens completed in 1897. The building remains a working institution rather than a museum. Our tour includes the history, architecture, and details about the great refractor. You'll have plenty of time to explore exhibits and visit the gift shop after our tour. Our next stop for an included lunch and a tour is the Staller Estate Winery & Distillery, a family-owned vineyard in Delavan, Wisconsin. This countryside vineyard specializes in regional wines made from winter-hardy grapes. Enjoy their relaxing farm setting as we tour the winery, followed by an optional tasting of their award-winning wines. By late afternoon, you'll have some free time to shop in the vibrant Downtown Geneva Shopping District. The shops feature a mix of several one-of-a-kind boutiques and shops that may stir a special memory from your time in Lake Geneva. Our evening meal and entertainment take place at the amazing Dancing Horses Theatre in Delavan, Wisconsin. This family-friendly event was created from a deep love for horses. A talented team of creative, artistic, and technical professionals have come together to craft a magical experience. This dazzling spectacle features a variety of horse breeds performing alongside their trainers in a stunning display of equestrian artistry.   (B) (L) (D)

Rise and shine! It’s our final day on the “Lake Geneva Tour,” a perfect time to reminisce and cherish the wonderful sights and experiences we've shared. By mid-morning, our journey takes us through the picturesque state of Wisconsin with a stop at the Mousehouse Cheesehaus. Here, you’ll find not only Wisconsin-made cheese but also savory sausages, gourmet treats, and a charming selection of gifts and memorabilia celebrating Wisconsin’s rich heritage. A delicious noon meal is included, and by early evening, we arrive back in Kerkhoven, cherishing wonderful memory making experiences. (B) (L)