Arrive in Cincinnati, OH and check into your hotel for a three-night stay.  Dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant. (D)

This morning, meet your local guide for a Cincinnati City Tour.  Explore the city learn about local history, the art and architecture, plus see the downtown area, Fountain Square, Over-the-Rhine, Eden Park and more.

The tour ends at historic Findlay Market, where your guide will lead you on a tasting stroll.  This is Cincinnati’s only surviving public market and one of the top 10 in the world.  Savor samples and small bites from specialty merchants.  Shops include The OTR Bagel Bar, Dean’s Mediterranean Imports, Eckerlin’s Meats, Churchill’s Fine Teas, Makers Bakers, and Taste of Belgium.  Plus, you will discover some hidden gems that make your Findlay Market experience unique.

When you first get here, your group will be split into two smaller groups each lead by a guide.  Half will tour Findlay Market while the other half heads across the street to the Tablespoon Cooking Co. for a Culinary Class.  Hone your kitchen skills and experience the joy of cooking during this interactive cooking class.  Each group then switches activities – before reuniting to eat your prepared luncheon and enjoy a glass of wine.  It’s guaranteed that you won’t leave hungry.

Following the Market, visit a local Brewery for another Tour and Tasting.  Craft Beer is important part of Cincinnati’s history.  In fact, so much beer was made and consumed in Cincinnati that in 1890 it was dubbed the “Beer Capital of the World.”

This evening enjoy free time in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.  Commonly known as “OTR,” it is home to an impressive variety of shops, restaurants, bars, pubs and other businesses.  There are a wide variety of boutiques and specialty stores, from home décor to high-end fashion, and more.  Stroll along Vine Street’s historic buildings or explore the eclectic selection of merchants located on Main Street.  Take a break with a cocktail or meal along the outdoor dining areas known as “streateries”. (B,L)

Following breakfast, visit the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, the second-oldest zoo in the United States.  The Zoo’s 75 acres house more than 580 animal species and 3,000 plant varieties making it one of the largest zoo collections in the United States.  Visit the world-famous hippo, Fiona, feed giraffes, and swing through Jungle Trails’ interactive elements at the second-oldest zoo in the nation and the National Historic Landmark that is consistently ranked as one of the top zoos in the country.

Next, take a Behind-the-Scenes Factory Tour at Rookwood Pottery.  Founded in 1880, Rookwood is dedicated to sharing their longstanding legacy of handcrafting ceramics that are as artistically breathtaking as they are functional.  Experience the magic behind Rookwood, its rich history and the evolution of style and color that is Rookwood today.  Resident historian, George Hibben, will take you through the 88,000 square foot production facility to see where the artists handcraft pottery and architectural tile.

Your afternoon features a visit to the Taft Museum of Art, one of the finest small art museums in America.  A National Historic Landmark built in 1820, the historic house was the home of some iconic Cincinnatians, including: Martin Baum, Nicholas Longworth, David Sinton, Anna Sinton Taft and Charles Phelps Taft.

Opened in 1932, the Taft Museum is home to an extensive art collection that includes European and American master paintings, Chinese porcelains, and European decorative arts.  See major works by Rembrandt, Hals, Goya, Gainsborough, Reynolds, Turner, Ingres, Whistler, and Sargent, as well as one of the greatest Gothic ivory sculptures in America.  In addition to the permanent collection, the museum features two special exhibition galleries, an outdoor garden, a museum shop and café.

Also included this afternoon is a visit to the Krohn Conservatory.  Built in 1933 at the height of the Art Deco era, Krohn Conservatory showcases more than 3,500 plant species from around the world.  The conservatory changes throughout the year with special exhibits and programs, including the ever-popular Butterfly Show where thousands of butterflies are free to fly throughout the Krohn Conservatory showroom in a specially-themed garden.  Permanent exhibits include the rainforest waterfall and exotic plants in the Palm, Tropical, Desert and Orchid houses as well.

This evening, enjoy a two-and half-hour dinner cruise aboard one of the B. B. Riverboats – the Belle of Cincinnati or River Queen.  Take in the skyline, watch the river go by listen to the soft sounds of the DJ and enjoy a fantastic meal. (D)

After breakfast, make a stop at Jungle Jim’s International Market.  Discover over six acres of food under one roof!  It’s not a supermarket, it’s a zoo-permarket!  An international mecca, Jungle Jim’s offers thousands of imported and national brand groceries: 12,000 wines, 1,200 beers, 1,600 cheeses, 1,000 kinds of hot sauce, one full acre of produce (including organic and international).  If it’s edible, you’ll find it here!   Jungle Jim’s is truly a Food Lover’s Paradise!

Depart for home following your visit. (B)