Tue, Aug 12: Depart by motorcoach for Amana, Iowa. Discover a historic communal culture preserved today in seven scenic villages called the Amana Colonies. Take a village voyage tour with a knowledgeable local guide that will highlight the most important historic sites. Stay at a boutique hotel that was a former textile mill at the heart of the industrial center of the Amana village. Gather for a welcome dinner tonight at the hotel. (Meals: Dinner)

Wed, Aug 13: Begin the day with a tour of Iowa’s only remaining textile mill, Amana Woolen Mill. Hear the history of how the mill helped support this communal village with quality textiles, skilled craftsmanship and preserving American manufacturing. Travel west to Des Moines and discover firsthand why the Iowa State Fair made the Top 5 list from USA Weekend for summer fun in America, the New York Times bestselling travel book, 1000 Places to See Before You Die, and the 2011 film Butter. Experience hundreds of mouthwatering food options, fabulous free entertainment and blue-ribbon competitions. Check-in to a downtown Des Moines hotel. Stay at the hotel or opt for more time at the single largest event in Iowa, take the motorcoach and return to the “Fair Sweet Fair” for some evening delights! (B)

Thu, Aug 14: Today, step into the film location for the 1995 critically acclaimed movie The Bridges of Madison County starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep and tour the covered bridge capital of Iowa. Spend time at Winterset Historic Courthouse Square; for any quilt lovers there is a museum and fabric shop, antique stores, and local mercantile. Dine in one of the nine local restaurants for lunch. Next, tour the award-winning John Wayne Birthplace & Museum. This is the largest diversified exhibit of John Wayne artifacts in existence, including original movie posters, film wardrobe, scripts, contracts, letters, artwork, sculptures, and even one of his last customized automobiles. In the rolling bluffs of Winterset, visit Adam and Jenn O’Neal as they share their sustainable farming practices on this 20-acre flower farm, PepperHarrow, featured on PBS. Finish the visit to Winterset with popcorn and a soda at the 1913 fully-renovated single-screen Iowa Theater. Return to Des Moines and have dinner at Jethro’s BBQ where Adam Richman from the Travel Channel’s Man vs. Food attempted to eat the Adam Emmencker, named after the Drake University basketball star, a sandwich stacked high with six layers of meat and cheese served with a pound of fries. (B,D)

Fri, Aug 15: Before leaving Des Moines, visit the Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden in the heart of downtown. Landscaped in the style of America’s backyard, see first-hand the 22 distinct areas of refreshing colorful plants that also serve as a studio. A short stop down the road is the West End Architectural Salvage store featuring four floors filled to the brim with salvaged treasures, custom furniture, décor, lighting and inspiration for a home project. Don Short, owner of the store, and his team of pickers may seem familiar as they have been featured on HGTV’s West End Salvage show. Travel to Dubuque, located on the Mississippi River, and check-in for a two-night stay. (B,L)

Sat, Aug 16: Begin the day with a visit to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium as featured on PBS for its dedication to natural history and how the river has shaped the Midwest. Explore Dubuque for lunch and shopping before we head to Dyersville and celebrate the 1989 classic movie Field of Dreams. Immerse into the set with a guided tour of the Kinsella family home and hear the history of the homestead and how it became what it is today. Visit the If You Build It Exhibit, dedicated to the making of America’s Slice of Heaven, and the Baseball Hall of Dreams Museum, celebrating the magic, beauty and joy of baseball with rare memorabilia and rich personal stories that will enhance your appreciation of the game. From reserved seats, enjoy a ballpark hot-dog and soda and watch the self-proclaimed “Greatest Show on Dirt” performed by the Ghost Players at the Field of Dreams diamond this evening. (B,D)

Sun, Aug 17: Enjoy breakfast this morning before checking out and heading to the historic and charming Galena, Illinois. Venture down Main Street, reminiscent of a movie set, with 19^th century buildings housing art galleries, shops, restaurants and historic museums. Return to Indianapolis this evening. (B)