Arrive early afternoon in Altenburg, MO for a German Lunch and tour of the Lutheran Heritage Center.  In 1838, approximately 700 German-Lutherans left their homes, farms, businesses and all they knew behind to embark on the dangerous sea voyage to America.  Finding new homes in St. Louis and then Perry County, Missouri, they rebuilt their lives and formed communities which endure to this day.  Discover their hardships, tragedies and triumphs and explore the families, churches, farms and businesses they established which make East Perry County a unique and truly authentic destination.

Enjoy a German Lunch where you will learn the secrets behind spreading cheese over homemade bread with descendants of the 1839 Saxon immigration.  They will walk you through the foods, recipes and cooking traditions for their grandparents and great-grandparents.

Then travel to Perryville, MO where you enjoy a two-night stay at the Holiday Inn Express.  Enjoy time to relax and freshen up before dinner.  Tonight, dinner is included at the Brass + Bone.  Located in Perryville’s historic downtown square, enjoy an evening of artisan cocktails and a delicious meal. (D)

This morning, start with a visit to Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial.  If you have never had the opportunity to visit the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington DC, here is your chance!  This awe-inspiring EXACT full-scale sister wall of the Vietnam Wall in DC offers those in the Midwest a chance to reflect on the sacrifices of all service men and women.  Missouri’s National Veterans preserves military history, while honoring all who served, and educates Americans about the cost of our freedom.

Next, tour the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and enjoy the Rosary Walk.  The church is decorated with beautiful paintings, stained glass windows, and intricate design work on the walls and ceilings.  The Rosary Walk is the largest rosary walk in North America.  Walk the beautifully landscaped grounds with an outdoor Marian Grotto, and breathtaking marble and bronze statues from Italy.  Lunch on the grounds today is included with your visit.

Next, enjoy some free time in Downtown Perryville for shopping on own.  Make sure you stop at Rozier’s Mercantile which has been serving Perryville for over 120 years.  The oldest continuous retail store in town, stop in and see why.  Unique gifts, beautiful home decor, historic atmosphere and downhome hospitality!

End the day in Brazeau MO at Hemman Winery for a tasting, dinner and music.  The second generation of winemakers still tap into their German roots of wine making and preserving local history.  The winery itself is an old country store that the family has owned and operated for generations as a general store and the local barbershop.  Hemman Winery specializes in hand-crafted sweet and semisweet wines including award-winning wines: blueberry, blackberry, rhubarb, cranberry, apricot, and grape varieties. (B,L,D)

Depart Perryville this morning and travel to Hermann, MO.  On arrival, visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows.  Its history dates to 1847 when the first people came to the area known as Rhineland or Loutre Island, along the Missouri River.  A guided tour includes the St. Martin’s Church Museum, Log Chapel, Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows, Rosary Walk and Grottos.  Lunch is included here today in Valentine Hall on the Shrine Grounds.

The afternoon features the Hermann Wine Trail where you will visit two local wineries for tour and tastings.  Start at the Hermann Wurst Haus and Adam Puchta Winery where you “taste the best of the wurst!”  Adam Puchta Winery is the longest family-run farm winery in North America.  The winery offers wines that are proudly American, uniquely Missouri, and recognized for their consistency.  Enjoy Sausage & Wine Pairing and sampling with Hermann Wurst Haus and Adam Puchta Winery.

Then visit the Stone Hill Winery, Missouri’s oldest and highest awarded winery.  Here you enjoy a tour of the Historic Cellar, the largest series of cellars in North America and learn how award-winning wine is made.  Enjoy a wine tasting and hilltop views of the town of Herman.  (Actual wineries are subject to availability)

Enjoy a German dinner at the Concert Hall and Barrel Tavern.  Built in 1878, the Concert Hall and Barrel is the oldest continually operating tavern west of the Mississippi.  The restaurant continues the time-honored tradition of good food and good times in Hermann, Missouri.  Check into your local hotel for the night. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, depart for home. (B)