The Upper mississippi River Winds through bluffs and bottomlands, anchoring a wonderland of good times and historic little towns

Every Beatrice Bradley trip is crafted to maximize the experiences had during the trip.
The itineraries are specially made to allow time for engaging in conversation and having belly laughs with a new friend. We hope that the activities and experiences may allow you to come out of your comfort zone and to try new or unique things.
These trips are made to replicate a ‘friends get-away trip’. 

ALL-INCLUSIVE MEANS ALL-INCLUSIVE!

Day One: – Arrival Day Let the Adventure Begin!

Highlights

• The hosts will meet you at the Quad City Airport (or drive in and meet us at our B&B).
• Check-in and begin to explore our historic and beautiful Bed and Breakfast, “The Galena Inn.”
• Your fabulous hosts will be hosting and serving dinner at the house.
• After dinner, take a stroll down Main Street to experience some nightlife (optional).

Day Two: Explore the Charming and Historic Town of Galena 

Highlights

• Early riser river coffee walk
• Breakfast served at the B&B
• Historic Trolley Tour: We will step back in time and see the homes and buildings that made Galena a riverboat and lead mining community.
• Stroll up and down Main Street for small-town shopping and exploring.
• Tour Belvedere Mansion, an Italianate mansion built in 1859 and given to President Ulysses S. Grant, featuring exhibits & tours.
• Sip and Hoof Goat Trek in Galena, IL is a once in a lifetime experience that you’ll cherish and remember.
• For dinner, we will take a private guided tour of downtown Galena, making memorable food stops along the way.

Day Three:  Road Trip to Three States in One Day with a VERY special stop at the end!   

Highlights

• Early-riser Main Street coffee walk.  OPTIONAL
• Breakfast served by our fabulous B&B hosts.
• ROAD TRIP!!The best way to know a place is get your feet on the ground! THE FALL LEAVES WILL BE PUTTING ON A GOOD SHOW!
• STOP #1 Dickeyville, WI: We will explore the famous Dickeyville Grotto. Father Matthias Wernerus, a Catholic Priest (from 1925-1930) spent years building and collecting the bright-colored objects, materials, and stones set in the mortar that can still be seen today. We will stop at local favorite, Hauber Brand Meats, and stock on up on locally sourced goodies for the rest of the trip.
• STOP #2 Potosi, WI: Explore the historic Potosi Brewing Company, originally founded in 1852. Visit Whispering Bluffs Winery and a stroll up and down Main Street.
• STOP #3 Cassville, WI Ferry: Let’s take a car ferry across the Mississippi!
• STOP #4 Balltown, IA: With a population of 68, Balltown is home to Breitbach’s Country Dining, Iowa’s oldest restaurant and bar, originally founded in 1852. Stop for lunch and happy hour – it’s always a happy hour with new friends!
• STOP #5 Dubuque, IA: Crystal Lake Cave private tour with a scenic overlook.
• DRIVE THROUGH #6 East Dubuque, IL: A small town that sits on the banks of the Mississippi River – drive through this old river town.
• STOP #6 Sinsinawa, WI: Home of the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters founded in 1847. Our founder, Kim Kalan’s Auntie is a sister and will be giving us a tour.
• Dinner will be served at the house.

Day Four: Dubuque, IA and the Mighty Mississippi River

Highlights

• Early-riser walk with coffee in hand (Optional; this is your vacation – sleep in!)
• Breakfast at the B&B. After breakfast, take some time to explore Galena before we head Dubuque.
• America Lady Mississippi River Lunch Cruise: Enjoy a delightful lunch cruise on the mighty Mississippi River. 
• Fenelon Place Elevator Historic cable car ride: Fourth Street Elevator, this funicular railway has been called “the world’s steepest, shortest scenic railway.” 
• National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium: Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Mississippi River at this renowned museum and aquarium. 
• Mines of Spain: Mississippi river bluff hike.
• Last group dinner we saved the best for last!  

Day Five: Departure Day  

Highlights

• Breakfast at the house
• A final goodbye to Galena
• The hostesses will be with you every step of the way to help catch your flights, making your travel stress-free and fun! 

*Itinerary Subject to Change

Pricing

Flexible pay-as-you-go payment plan

How it Works:

Role of a Beatrice bradley hostess

Beatrice Bradley is an Experience Company not a Tour Company.  The role of a Beatrice Bradley Host is to be warm and welcoming. To relate and connect. To have attention to details. And to manage the behind-the-scenes magic so your experience is one-of-a-kind. They are not local experts nor are they tour guides. We hire local experts, guides, and historians as each location warrants. They are expert hosts and manage the camaraderie and logistics of the experience. Our goal is that your hostess will make you feel welcomed, comfortable, and that you will walk away with new & lasting friendships made during an unforgettable experience.

Flight Details

Airport Pick Up is included when arriving at the designated airport within the specified pick up window.

Departure Airport: Quad City (MLI)
Departure Date:  October 10, 2024
Drop off Times: No earlier than 2PM (Arriving at airport @ noon)

Important information

As a solo-traveler, we need you to provide self-awareness and an understanding that you are fully responsible for yourself. This includes: your possessions, your physical abilities or fitness, your attitude, and all other aspects that relate to traveling solo in a group. 

• Connect with our Members on our Private Facebook Group – Beatrice Bradley Member’s Only
• You must be able to manage your own luggage and all of your personal belongings on this trip
• This is not a handicap accessible able trip – you must be able to get in and out of a Large Passenger Transit Vehicle
• All Ground transportation is included on this trip
• Group Airport transfers are included in this trip
• This trip will have have a maximum of 12 women
• This trip will have 2 Beatrice Bradley Hosts and onsite guides
• If you need a roommate, we will happily pair you with another Beatrice Bradley traveler
• Travel insurance is not included. Beatrice Bradley is not a licensed travel insurance operator nor is our staff trained to in travel insurance. You can choose to purchase travel insurance through any licensed provider you choose. We will ask you upon booking if you would like us to send you some suggested licensed insurance companies.