Arches, Ozarks and Jazz

After arriving in St. Louis, collect your rental car and head to your hotel for a 3-night stay. We recommend keeping the evening relaxed - consider a casual dinner nearby and a gentle riverside stroll to enjoy first impressions of the Mississippi River and the city skyline.

Enjoy a full day discovering the cultural and historical highlights of St. Louis, beginning with an included 90-minute narrated trolley tour that provides the perfect introduction to the city. Travelling aboard a vehicle styled as a 19th-century trolley, clients will gain helpful orientation and insight to help decide what to explore next. After the tour, perhaps visit Scott Joplin House State Historic Site to learn about the life and legacy of the “King of Ragtime,” or spend the afternoon touring the Anheuser-Busch Brewery for a behind-the-scenes look at one of America’s most famous brewing traditions, with an optional tasting for those who wish. The evening is at leisure for dining in one of the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods.

Begin the day with an included small-group walking tour of St. Louis featuring entrance to the iconic Gateway Arch, where clients can learn about the city’s role in westward expansion while enjoying unforgettable views from the top. After this immersive introduction, continue exploring the city’s cultural scene with a visit to the National Blues Museum to discover St. Louis’ deep musical heritage. The afternoon is free for shopping, cafés, or additional sightseeing at a relaxed pace. In the evening, enjoy live blues or jazz at a local venue, or attend a professional sporting event if one is scheduled during the stay.

This morning, collect your rental car and set out on your first memorable stretch along historic Route 66, travelling through the rolling countryside of Missouri and pausing at classic roadside attractions that capture the spirit of America’s most famous highway. En-route, explore the remarkable underground formations of Meramec Caverns, admire the colourful outdoor murals that have earned Cuba the nickname “Route 66 Mural City,” and savour authentic smoky barbecue before continuing to Saint Robert. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed dinner at Hopper’s Pub, located right on Route 66, then take a leisurely stroll through the softly glowing Route 66 Neon Park—an atmospheric and nostalgic way to end the day.

Continue the journey along another memorable stretch of classic Route 66, where each stop offers a glimpse into timeless Americana. Pause in Lebanon to explore the nostalgic Route 66 Museum, then capture a photo at the colourful vintage gas station, Gary’s Gay Parita—one of the most beloved roadside landmarks along the Mother Road. On arrival in Springfield, recognised as the official birthplace of Route 66, delve into local history at the engaging History Museum on the Square and admire more than 70 beautifully preserved vehicles at the Route 66 Car Museum. This evening, enjoy dinner at Civil Kitchen, where the lively atmosphere of Springfield keeps the spirit of Route 66 glowing long after sunset.

Enjoy a short yet scenic drive from Springfield into the heart of the Ozarks, with inviting stops along the way. Pause at the beautifully restored Ozark Mill at Finley Farms to experience local history and riverside charm before continuing onward to lively Branson. Here, a day of entertainment and natural beauty awaits— perhaps you'll climb aboard an exciting Pink Jeep Tour for sweeping views of the surrounding hills, explore the glittering attractions and theatres that line Highway 76, and maybe conclude the evening with a memorable dinner cruise across the sparkling waters of Table Rock Lake, complete with an unforgettable Ozark sunset.

Today is all about getting outside and soaking up the beauty of the Ozarks! A wonderful place to begin may be the breathtaking Top of the Rock, where you can enjoy a journey through a cave with cascading waterfalls and pause at the unique Bat Bar—all experienced from the comfort of a golf cart. There may also be time to explore the fascinating Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum and enjoy a memorable meal overlooking the lake. In the afternoon, you might choose to head to nearby Table Rock Lake for outdoor recreation such as kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, or simply relaxing beside the water, embracing the peaceful scenery that defines this region.

Today’s journey carries clients on a scenic drive from Branson through the beautiful landscapes of the Ozarks, where rolling hills and charming small towns provide a picturesque backdrop along the way. Upon arrival in lively Kansas City, the atmosphere shifts to a vibrant urban energy known for world-class jazz, mouthwatering barbecue, and characterful neighbourhoods waiting to be explored. After returning your car hire and checking in at your centrally located downtown hotel, stretch your legs, and enjoy an initial taste of the city—perhaps discovering a local dining spot, wandering nearby streets, or simply soaking up the welcoming Midwestern spirit ahead of a full day of exploration tomorrow.

Spend a full day exploring Kansas City with the convenience of a 1-Day Kansas City Attractions Pass, offering access to many of the city’s leading museums and cultural highlights. Clients may choose to visit renowned sites such as the American Jazz Museum, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, among others, creating a personalised day of discovery based on individual interests. The afternoon remains flexible for exploring local neighbourhoods, galleries, or shopping at a relaxed pace. In the evening, enjoy more of Kansas City’s celebrated jazz scene or attend a professional sporting event, depending on the season.

Day 10 marks the conclusion of the Arches, Ozarks and Jazz itinerary.

Clients may also wish to discuss additional extension possibilities with their Discover North America Travel Specialist to further enhance and personalise their Missouri experience. Options include incorporating The Way of the American Genius itinerary for a deeper cultural journey or returning to St. Louis for additional exploration or convenient flights home.