Tour beautiful Midwest Main Streets with John McGivern, a 5-time Emmy-award winning actor most famous for his show Around the Corner on PBS. This tour’s unique itinerary includes a visit to Anderson’s Japanese Gardens, Yerkes Observatory, and a special performance by John just for our group. This tour also provides an opportunity for travelers to go behind the scenes with John as he films a new episode for John McGivern’s Main Streets.
- Experience several stops featured on John McGivern’s Main Streets™
- Private evening performance with John — stories you won’t hear anywhere else!
- Tag along as the crew shoots an episode of John McGivern’s Main Streets™
- Tour Anderson Japanese Gardens and Dented Gate Flower Farm
- Guided historic boat cruise of Geneva Bay
DAY 1—WELCOME TO MILWAUKEE!
Today meet your Discoveries Director and fellow travelers for breakfast in Milwaukee. Board our deluxe motorcoach and travel to Lincoln Square, IL. Here we’ll learn about Old Town School of Folk Music* and tune into a musical demonstration by a local old-time bluegrass player. For lunch you will have the opportunity to browse around the many shops and restaurants on your own in the heart of Lincoln Square on popular Lincoln Avenue. This afternoon we will have a guided tour at family-owned Dented Gate Flower Farm* where you’ll have the chance to pick your own flower bouquet. Tonight, we will settle into Lake Lawn Resort on Lake Delevan for our first of two nights and enjoy a tasty welcome dinner. B, D
DAY 2—JAPANESE GARDEN/HISTORIC AUTOS
Välkommen! This morning you will taste some Swedish specialties as we head over to Rockford, IL for a scrumptious breakfast at the Stockholm Inn*. Then this afternoon, we’ll have lunch and a guided tour of the unique and authentic Anderson’s Japanese Gardens*. Before heading back to our resort, we’ll have a self-guided tour of the expansive exhibits and history at Historic Auto Attractions in Roscoe, IL. Tonight, you will have time to relax at the beautiful Lake Lawn Resort. B, L
DAY 3—YERKES OBSERVATORY/LAKE GENEVA/PBS WISCONSIN/JOHN MCGIVERN PRIVATE SHOW
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent Yerkes Observatory. Since 1897, Yerkes has been the home to famous astronomers, Nobel prize winners, and renowned scientists and now you will get a behind the scenes
tour of the incredible building and telescope. Enjoy free time this afternoon in downtown Lake Geneva on your own to look through the many shops and eat at one of the delicious restaurants. Later, take a scenic cruise of the eastern end of the lake know as Geneva Bay. You will get views of the historic estates and enjoy a narrated tour as we cruise Lake Geneva. Then, we’re in for a treat! Visit PBS Wisconsin for a behind-the-scenes tour of the studio. Meet John McGivern for dinner and a special performance by John just for our group. Get ready to laugh as you experience John McGivern Main Streets™ in person — a joyous, once-in-a-lifetime experience. B, D
DAY 4—MAIN STREETS FILMING/MENOMONEE VALLEY
After breakfast, stop to see John McGivern in action as he films part of the Madison episode of John McGivern’s Main Streets™. This will be a unique, behind-the scenes view of how the cast and crew create this television show! When shooting wraps up, we will enjoy a delicious lunch and head to Milwaukee for a visit to Menomonee Valley’s Urban Ecology Center and Three Bridges Park*. We’ll say goodbye to our new friends and relish our incredible memories! B, L
*Stops as shown on John McGivern’s Main Streets.
Quality Accommodations
Nights 1-2: Lake Lawn Resort, Delavan
Night 3: Best Western Premier Park Hotel, Madison
Dates:
Sep 18-21, 2023
Price Per Person:
Double $1,397
Single $1,665
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
$158/night
Depart/Return:
Milwaukee, WI
Inclusions:
Free airport shuttle or hotel parking
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling of one suitcase per person at hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Our Welcome Breakfast on Day 1 will be at the Hampton Inn Franklin/Milwaukee starting at 7:30am. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive the day prior. Pre and Post nights are available at the Hampton Inn Franklin/Milwaukee should you decide to arrive a day before or after the tour.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart the Milwaukee Airport any time after 5:30pm on Day 4. We will make a stop at the Hampton Inn Franklin/Milwaukee for those that left their cars at the hotel and the airport.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our starting hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to/from the Milwaukee Airport. If you are driving to the starting location, they also offer complimentary parking for the duration of the tour.
Walking Distance
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
High of 70°, low of 55°
Time Zone
Central
Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a hair dryer, iron, ironing boards, Wi-Fi, an exercise room, and swimming pool.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
