Departing: November 29, 2026
NOTE: For a full refund, you must cancel 45 days prior to this tour’s departing date.
Itinerary
Rustad Tours invites you to celebrate the “Magic of the Season” at the stunning Gaylord Opryland Hotel! This resort hotel goes all out for the holidays, dazzling guests with over 3 million twinkling lights and festive décor throughout the property. This deluxe tour features unforgettable highlights, including the General Jackson Showboat Holiday Luncheon Cruise. During your stay at the hotel, you’ll be living the good life, enjoying all the amazing first-class amenities and exceptional hospitality every step of the way. Our journey begins with a travel day south of Minneapolis, stopping in Austin for an included lunch and a tour of the Spam Museum. Dedicated to Spam, the iconic precooked meat product by Hormel Foods Corporation, offers insights into Spam’s origins and its unique place in world culture. After the museum visit, we continue through the rolling plains of Iowa to our accommodations in Coralville, IA. (L)
After a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, we’ll travel the Great River Road (HWY 61) where you’ll view the stunning beauty along the Mississippi River on our way to St. Louis, Missouri. Here, we’ll take a tour and enjoy an included lunch at the Gateway Arch. The Gateway Arch National Park stands as a memorial to Thomas Jefferson’s pivotal role in opening the western frontier of the United States during the 19th century. This iconic monument, known as the Gateway to the West, soars 630 feet above the Mississippi River and is the tallest structure in Missouri. It features 886 tons of stainless steel, welded into a seamless curve. “This grand monument has been hailed as linking the rich history of yesterday with the richer future of tomorrow.” This evening, we’ll stay at the Drury Inn in Marion, Illinois, where you can relax and enjoy the Kick Back Manager’s Reception. (B)(L)
Our morning journey begins at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky, a quilter’s dream destination. The vibrant, breathtaking exhibits captivate visitors year-round, with rotating displays that showcase the art of quilting at its finest. Don’t miss their gift shop, offering exclusive items and unique art pieces. After an included lunch, our coach heads toward Nashville, where we arrive at the Luxurious Opryland Hotel for a three-night stay. Once you’re settled into your hotel room, there will be time to explore this stunning, destination hotel, known for its vast indoor gardens, cascading waterfalls, and charming riverboat rides beneath a glass atrium. It offers a wide range of dining, shopping and entertainment options just steps away from the Grand Ole Opry. This evening, our group will dine at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, where you’ll savor classic Deen family recipes served in a warm, family-style setting reminiscent of their very own homes. We conclude the day at the Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest-running live radio show. What started as a simple radio broadcast in 1925 has grown into an entertainment phenomenon, showcasing a mix of country music greats – new stars, superstars and legends. Known worldwide as the show that made country music famous, the Opry offers unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else! Tonight’s must-see holiday show brings your favorite songs and country music artists together for eight nights of festive fun, special guests, and big surprises! (B) (L) (D)
This morning, we tour the Belle Meade Historical Site & Winery. Founded in 1807, the estate grew to encompass 5,400 acres. The farm’s centerpiece is a Greek Revival mansion built in 1853, renowned nationally for its thoroughbred horse racing legacy. The Belle Meade tour shares intimate stories of the people who shaped the plantation, its stunning grounds, and architecturally significant buildings. After a guided tour of the mansion, guests enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at the Belle Meade Winery and some free time to browse the popular gift shop. Following a short drive, we arrive in downtown Nashville for free time to shop and have lunch on your own. Broadway is the “Heart of Nashville,” offering food and entertainment for all ages. Fifth and Broadway are transforming how Nashville lives, works, and plays, with premier shopping and exceptional dining. This afternoon, a local step-on guide joins us for a city tour through Nashville’s vibrant downtown district. Highlights include historic buildings such as the Ryman Auditorium, Tootsie’s world-famous Orchid Lounge, Honky Tonk Highway, Tennessee’s State Capitol, Bicentennial Mall State Park, Music Row, Vanderbilt University, and Centennial Park, home to an exact replica of the Parthenon. A must-see for everyone in Music City is a Backstage Tour of the Grand Ole Opry House. Walk in the footsteps of country music superstars and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the show that made country music famous. Seated in the custom-built theater, experience a theatrical presentation featuring music, state-of-the-art special effects, 3D film images, priceless archival footage, and superstar hosts Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. A knowledgeable guide shares stories about the Opry and country music legends, from Minnie Pearl to Carrie Underwood, shows photos from the Opry’s biggest moments, and takes you to the artist entrance where legends and new artists alike enter on show nights. You may even step onto the famed wooden circle stage, a tradition for generations of artists. Tours may also include a stop in Studio A, a live television studio and former home of Hee Haw. We return to the Opryland Resort to rest and refresh before attending Opryland’s Christmas Dinner Show, featuring a delicious holiday meal prepared by the resort’s culinary team. Enjoy your favorite Christmas classics during the show, and afterward, spend the evening enjoying the resort hotel. (B) (D)
After a relaxed breakfast, you’ll enjoy a self-guided tour of the “Mother Church of Country Music: The Ryman Auditorium.” Your visit to this famous National Historic Landmark begins with “Soul of Nashville,” a state-of-the-art theater experience that puts you in the center of the Ryman’s fascinating history as more than a century of legendary performances come to life around you. Next, enjoy five new exhibits where you can peruse genuine artifacts as video hosts Charles Esten (Deacon Nashville), Marty Stuart, Nicole Kidman, Ricky Skaggs, Robin Roberts and Trisha Yearwood take you through each chapter of Ryman’s illustrious history. By midday, we’ll board General Jackson, a Paddlewheel Showboat, for a Holiday Luncheon Cruise on the Cumberland River. Your hearts will be warmed by the lavish melodies and harmonies of the cast as you enjoy the most wonderful cruise of the year! In True Tennessee Style, the down-home show of a band of pickers, fiddlers and singers will be performing Christmas favorites by Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Elvis Presley, Rascal Flatts and more!! This hit holiday show explores the many musical styles that make Christmas in Tennessee so special, from country to blue grass to gospel and rhythm and blues. After a fun-filled and informative day, we return to the hotel to enjoy the ICE attraction, a winter wonderland featuring hand-carved ice sculptures created by a team of skilled artisans using two million pounds of ice. For the grand finale of our stay at the Opryland Hotel and Resort, you’ll enjoy Lyrical Legends Performance & Dinner Show. In this up-close-and-personal experience, your group will enjoy a delicious meal and be entertained by one of Nashville’s most successful songwriters. This is a unique opportunity to hear major hits songs in their original form and get the inside scoop on what was going on in the songwriter’s life that inspired these classics. There will be a meet and greet with the songwriter following the performance, where all members of the group will get a photo, autograph, and a time to say “Hello.” (B) (L) (D)
Following a tasty breakfast this morning, it’s time to say farewell to this stunning hotel resort. Our travels today will take us through the Cumberland Foothills of Kentucky, into the flat farmland of Indiana. Noon lunch is included in Indianapolis. This evening you’ll be in a western suburb of Chicago at the Quality Inn, arriving in time to partake in the manager’s reception. (B) (L)
This is our last day on the road, a day to say farewell to our new friends, exchange addresses and compare notes on your favorite activities. We’ll stop at the Mousehouse Cheesehaus for some good ‘ole Wisconsin cheese and an included noon lunch along the way. Before you know it, the coach pulls back into the Rustad Bus garage parking lot. It is our hope that you’ll cherish the memories of this tour for years to come and that it has been a highlight of your Holiday Season! (B) (L)
Includes
Meals
- All Breakfasts
- 6 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
