Day 1: Enjoy getting acquainted with our new traveling friends as we anticipate the kaleidoscope of colors. For lunch, we step into a Norman Rockwell painting by visiting Simple Pleasures. Their vintage American soda fountain, autos, neon advertising, and memorabilia from the 1920s to the 80s is an adventure into America’s past. Next, we visit Crystal Bridges for a guided tour. Experience the museum’s most iconic works, uncover the stories behind American masterpieces, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that makes Crystal Bridges unlike any museum you’ve ever visited. (L)

Day 2: All aboard for a train excursion on the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad through the beautiful Ozark Mountains. This beautifully restored, turn of the century passenger train journeys across high trestles, over streams, and into majestic vistas. Sit back and enjoy the natural beauty. Our next two nights are at Mount Magazine Lodge in the Mount Magazine State Park. This location is Arkansas’s highest mountain, rising 2,753 feet above the valley of the Petit Jean River to the south and the Arkansas River to its north. Here we enjoy spectacular views from the bluffs. Dinner is included at the beautiful Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Discover the taste of tradition at Wiederkehr Wine Cellars in the heart of Arkansas wine country. Wiederkehr crafts wines using Old‑World techniques passed down through generations. Then we enjoy authentic Swiss‑German cuisine for lunch. Nestled in the rolling hills of Arkansas is Subiaco Abbey, a historic Benedictine monastery known for its active monastic community and Romanesque architecture. We have a guided tour through one of Arkansas’ most distinctive religious landmarks. Back to the Lodge for dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Today we move on to our next beautiful cottage in the woods. On our way there we will enjoy a lunch looking out over the White River, shopping and fall colors. This afternoon we arrive at Ozark Folk Center! And check into our cabins for 2 nights. Tonight, we enjoy dinner and Ozark music. Music occupies a very special place in the heart of Ozark Mountain folk. The songs of the South offer a glimpse into the history of American folk music in Arkansas. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Today is all about hands-on Craft activities in the Village. The Craft Village at Ozark Folk Center has more than 20 working artisans who demonstrate, create, and sell handmade items. Learn how iron is forged, soap is made, and wool is woven. See handcrafted items like flame-painted copper jewelry, leather goods, baskets, brooms, stained glass, ironwork, pottery, knives, weavings, quilts, wood carvings, spun yarn, soap, and candles just to name a few. You get to select two activities to complete with the artisan today. This evening we again enjoy dinner and music at the Ozark Folk Center. (B, L, D)

Day 6: After breakfast, we must say goodbye to the beautiful Ozarks and turn towards home with fond memories of our time in Arkansas. (B)