Pella Tulip Festival

Day 1 - Come with Fun Tours and celebrate spring at one of the most popular festivals in the Midwest - the Pella Tulip Festival. It's a kaleidoscope of color in a community that celebrates its rich, Dutch heritage every day. But first, arrive in Des Moines and visit the "Palace of the Prairie" - the Governor's Mansion - Terrace Hill. This 18,000 sq. ft. home was built in 1869 and contains many modern features for its time. It's a beautiful home with its original furnishings and beautiful craftsmanship. Then, head over to the Iowa Hall of Pride. This $5 million dollar facility showcases the achievements of all Iowans from student athletes to scientists. The exhibits within the Iowa Hall of Price are anything but ordinary; they've used high-tech wizardry to create displays you won't find anyplace else. It's a fascinating stop that tells the story of Iowa's heroes. Check into your hotel for a little "R & R" before enjoying dinner with your fellow travelmates at a popular, local restaurant. (D)

Day 2 - It's Tulip Time! The Pella Tulip Festival is rich in Dutch heritage with thousands of tulips in bloom throughout the city. Visit the beautiful Sunken Gardens with its different styles and shapes of tulips in a beautiful park setting. Then, you'll have time to discover the many shops and vendors in the Town Square with some free time. Be sure not to miss the gardens of the Scholte home where hundreds of beautiful tulips bloom in every shade imaginable. Enjoy lunch at one of the local Pella churches. Next, your reserved seats are waiting for the signature

Minneapolis boasts that it has more theaters than anywhere in the country except New York City. We've designed a tour solely devoted to the theater, and we can't wait to introduce you to the topnotch entertainment that's available so close to home.

The Guthrie is undoubtedly one of the finest theater companies in the country, and you'll see a performance there that will rival anything on Broadway. Just take a look at what you'll see on your "Minne-Apple' tour:

The Chanhassen Dinner Theater-"42nd Street"
42nd Street is always a favorite where "would be" dancers try to break into show business on Broadway. The Chanhassen is known for its outstanding cuisine and high-quality performers.

Actors' Theater of MN - "We Gotta Bingo!"
"We Gotta Bingo!" is a rollicking show filled with music, comedy, and most importantly - bingo! The Arch Bishop has declared that two rival parishes -

Signature Tour. Departure Date: July 16-18, 2008. $575 per person double. Single add $89. Book before February 1st and Save $20.

one Irish and one Italian - must merge, but in order to do so, they have to demonstrate a willingness to get along and to raise money for their newlyexpanded congregation. That's where the bingo comes in. There will be laughs around every corner from the die-hard bingo fanatic, Mariette Sullivan in her bingo-mobile, to the three-piece Polka Band "The Voekel Chords" , to Bucky Fuller, a professional bingo caller who considers himself to be quite a ladies' man and a fancy dancer. Unfortunately for Bucky, and those around him, he's neither. There are lots of laughs to be had as plans go awry, sparks fly, and secrets are revealed. You're gonna love "We Gotta Bingo!"

The Guthrie Theater-
"The Government Inspector"
Directed by Joe Dowling, artistic director of the Guthrie, "The Government Inspector" is a story about when locals in a small Russian town learn that an undercover government inspector is coming for a surprise visit. An unfortunate case of mistaken identity sends the village spiraling into a world of panic and greed. Witty, smart, and wildly satirical, The government Inspector exposes the corruption of a provincial town with biting hilarity. This show will continue the tradition of outstanding theatrical performances that the Guthrie has presented for over 20 years.

Day 1 Accommodations:
2 Nights - Downtown Minneapolis
Chanhassen Dinner Theater

Day 2 Guthrie Backstage Tour
Guthrie Story Class Discussion
"We Gotta Bingo!" Luncheon Theater
Dinner - Macy's Oak Grill Room
The Guthrie Theater -
"The Government Inspector"

Day 3 Travel Home