Arrive in the Quad Cities, made up of four cities in Iowa and Illinois, the Quad Cities includes Rock Island and Moline in Illinois and Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa.  The Quad Cities is home to the only section of the Mississippi River that runs east to west.

Check into your Quad Cities area hotel for a two-night stay.  Dinner is included tonight at the Machine Shed Restaurant in Davenport which features home-style cooking from the heartland. (D)

This morning, start with a tour of the Isabel Bloom Studio.  Discover this Iowa artist who studied under American Master, Grant Wood.  During the guided tour, you’ll see how the company maintains the legacy of artist Isabel Bloom and have behind-the-scenes access to every step in the making of each Isabel Bloom sculpture.  You’ll also see some of her original art and photos and learn how her innovations still influence the studio today, and have an opportunity to ask questions, preview new designs and offer opinions on future sculptures.

Next is a tour and tasting at Chocolate Manor.  Enjoy sampling chocolates, learning about our history and a little bit of the history of chocolate itself.  Then head back to our kitchen where the chocolatiers will show you how they create one of their confections.

Then enjoy a guided tour the Quad City Botanical Gardens.  On this Tropical Paradise Tour, immerse yourself in a relaxing, tropical escape any time of the year while visiting the stunning gardens at the Quad City Botanical Center.  The tropical Sun Garden boasts one of the nation’s most uniquely designed conservatories and its highlight is an awe-inspiring 14-foot waterfall!

Discover an island garden filled with jasmine, orchids, bromeliads, banana plants, coconut and chocolate trees, fish and jungle-sized palm trees.  In all four seasons you can tour the gorgeous outdoor gardens with colorful perennials, ornamental grasses and texture-filled conifers.  A boxed lunch is included today with your visit.

Also, this afternoon you visit the John Deere Pavilion.  This landmark opened in 1997 as part of an urban renewal project.  The pavilion serves as the official visitor center for John Deere, who’s world headquarters are located a few blocks away.  Learn about the man, Deere & Company, innovative machines, and the importance of agriculture.

End the day with a dinner cruise on the Celebration Belle.  Enjoy a special night out on the mighty Mississippi River, while traveling in style on the “Celebration Belle”.  After dinner, relax or dance to the sounds of the Celebration River Cruises band.  Also, be sure to go topside and enjoy the evening air gazing at the stars and stroll the decks. (B,L,D)

Before departing the Quad Cities, stop in and see where an antiques empire began.  As the home base of the hit History Channel show American Pickers, Antique Archaeology is stocked with famous picks from the show, from old motorcycles to neon signs!  While you’re taking in all of that rusty gold, you can also grab an Antique Archaeology t-shirt or mug.  Whether you’re a fan of the show or just an enthusiast for the gems of yesteryear, Antique Archaeology is a must-see stop in the Quad Cities.  Depart for home following your visit. (B)