Discover the romantic lore of the mighty Mississippi as you visit river towns steeped in legend and lore from Hannibal to Cape Girardeau. You'll uncover the spirit that inspired Mark Twain to create his colorful cast of characters and soar 630 feet into the air at St. Louis' Gateway Arch for a panoramic view of the great waterway. Along the way, you'll also enjoy a peek into a handful of quaint river towns rich in history and heritage. ITINERARY Day One Arrive in St. Louis by noon. Drive Scenic Route 79 along the Mississippi River north to Hannibal. Tour Hannibal’s hidden treasures, followed by dinner and accommodations in Hannibal. Day Two Visit Hannibal’s historic sites and the home of Mark Twain. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a river overlook. Meet area artists at their studios while exploring Hannibal, Louisiana and Clarksville’s Provenance Project. This bi-annual “50 Miles of Art” Studio Tour offers a first-hand view of some of the finest artists along the Mississippi. The Mississippi River serves as the backdrop that has drawn many of the artists to these small river towns. Visit www.50milesofart.com for more information. Enjoy dinner in Clarksville and then on to St. Louis’ famous Laclede’s Landing riverfront to enjoy a night of St. Louis jazz. Lodging near St. Louis’ riverfront district. Day Three Tour the towering St. Louis Arch, the Westward Expansion Museum located at its base, and the historic St. Louis riverfront. Enjoy a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River. A lively narrative and one-of-a-kind views of the St. Louis skyline, Arch and Eads Bridge are highlights. Travel south to the historic town of Ste. Genevieve for dinner and lodging. Day Four Explore Ste. Genevieve’s amazing French colonial history through historic homes and walking tour. Learn about the first French settlement west of the Mississippi. Enjoy lunch in Ste. Genevieve. Arrive in Cape Girardeau for a tour of the area’s historic sites. Dinner and lodging in Cape Girardeau. Day Five Explore Cape Girardeau in the morning, enjoy the river overlook at the Trail of Tears State Park, eat lunch in Crystal City, and return to St. Louis by early evening.