SATURDAY - MAY 24th - Our Daniel O'Donnell weekend begins this morning as we travel through Indiana and Illinois soon to arrive in the Quad Cities (Moline - Rock Island, Ill. - Bettendorf and Davenport, Iowa). Upon our arrival we'll enjoy a bite to eat before making our way to Arsenal Island, where a local guide will be waiting to help us explore this very interesting compound consisting of Colonel Davenport's House, the second largest home owned by the U.S.
Government other than the White House. The Confederate Cemetery that dates back to the Civil War, The National Cemetery - established in 1865. Our tour will offer a glimpse into the past, with original limestone buildings constructed at the end of the Civil War, the officers quarters along the river, the bite of the first bridge across the Mississippi and the Corps of Engineer's Visitors Center at Lock & Dame#15 where you can watch the barges lock through as you learn about the building of the lock and dam system, and see the largest roller dam in the world. While here we'll visit the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, which is home to a fascinating collection of U.S., foreign, military and civilian small arms and offers a look back at the islands military manufacturing history. Following our tour we'll make our way to the Mississippi River where we'll board one of the largest excursion vessels on the Mississippi for a delightful cruise along with a delicious dinner. Once our vessel docks we'll board our coach and travel a short distance for what we've been waiting for... the Daniel O'Donnell Concert.
This evening we'll be totally entertained with his traditional Irish ballads, country favorites, rock 'n' roll, pop and traditional gospel, all with an Irish twist. He is without a doubt the most successful easy listening country entertainer in Great Britain & Ireland. You'll leave in total awe of your evening with this great entertainer.
SUNDAY - MAY 25th - This morning we'll enjoy a deluxe continental breakfast in the comfort of our hotel before we depart the Quad Cities. Our travels today will take us back into Illinois to Bishop Hill. Upon our arrival a local guide will join us and we'll discover why Bishop Hill is acknowledged as the most significant force in the immigration of millions of Swedes and other Scandinavians to the United States As we tour the village, try to imagine some 400 Swedes arriving primarily on foot in the autumn of 1846 looking for a place to worship. Today we'll visit the 1848 Colony Church - where you'll be amazed to find the sanctuary on the second floor - as it was the first permanent building at Bishop Hill. As we tour the village we'll catch a glimpse of the past viewing many restored buildings, artifacts and hands-on exhibits as well as its people, many of whom are descendants of the original settlers.
Following our tour we can relax while enjoying a delicious "Swedish" meal. After lunch you'll have time to take a peaceful stroll along the tree-lined streets. Quilts, antiques, hand-wovens, baskets, Swedish imports, candy, brooms and an enticing array of locally crafted goods will tempt you. Then it will be time to begin our Homeward Journey, bringing with us many great memories of our time together.
