Celebrate winter in true Minnesota style with a festive journey through Minneapolis and St. Paul, where historic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and the Mississippi River shape the character of the Twin Cities. At the heart of your experience is the legendary Saint Paul Winter Carnival, one of the nation’s oldest and most beloved winter festivals. From ice sculptures and winter traditions to museums, live entertainment, and unique local experiences, this getaway offers a memorable look at Minnesota in winter.
DID YOU KNOW? Founded in 1886, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival celebrates the city’s spirit during the coldest months of the year. Inspired by European winter festivals, it introduced traditions such as ice palaces, parades, and the legend of King Boreas, symbolic ruler of the North Wind. Today, it remains one of the nation’s oldest winter festivals and a proud reflection of Saint Paul’s heritage.
- Experience the magic of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, a beloved 100+ year tradition
- See sparkling ice sculptures and festive winter displays
- Explore the Twin Cities with a guided tour of Minneapolis and St. Paul
- Discover hidden stories inside the Wabasha Street Caves
- Try curling, an iconic winter sport
- Shuttle to the legendary Mall of America
DAY 1: WELCOME TO MINNESOTA!
Arrive in Minneapolis and enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers to begin your winter adventure.
DAY 2: TWIN CITIES TOUR, CURLING, COMO PARK CONSERVATORY
This morning, discover the Twin Cities on a guided tour of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Stately cathedrals, historic neighborhoods, and the flowing Mississippi River reflect St. Paul’s timeless character, while offering a striking contrast with its modern skyline and urban character. Later, embrace a true Minnesota tradition with a hands-on curling experience. Then, leave the chill behind as you step into the Como Park Conservatory, a lush oasis of vibrant blooms and tropical greenery. Surrounded by warmth, color, and the fragrance of flowers, it’s a welcome contrast to the winter landscape outside. Return to the hotel this evening with time to relax or explore on your own.
DAY 3: SAINT PAUL WINTER CARNIVAL, WABASHA CAVES
Today, step into the heart of Minnesota’s winter spirit at the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, a cherished tradition dating back more than a century. Marvel at intricate ice sculptures that glisten in the winter sun, soak in the festive atmosphere, and experience the joy of a community that truly embraces the season. This afternoon, uncover a hidden side of the city as you explore the Wabasha Street Caves. Once bustling with secret speakeasies during Prohibition, these sandstone caves hold tales of gangsters and mystery, offering Founded in 1886, the Saint Paul Winter a fascinating glimpse into the past. Carnival celebrates the city’s spirit during Gather this evening for dinner and the coldest months of the year. Inspired by European winter festivals, it introduced reflect on a day filled with winter magic and captivating stories. B, D traditions such as ice palaces, parades, and the legend of King Boreas, symbolic ruler of
DAY 4: MINNESOTA HISTORY
the North Wind. Today, it remains one of the nation’s oldest winter festivals and a proud reflection of Saint Paul’s heritage. Discover the stories, people, and events that shaped Minnesota at the Minnesota History Center, where personal accounts and museum collections bring the state’s history to life. Then, continue to the Bakken Museum for hands-on experiments and exhibits that explore the science of electricity, innovation, and invention. Located along the shores of Bde Maka Ska, the museum provides a distinctive setting before your evening at Chanhassen Dinner Theater, where you’ll enjoy dinner and a performance of Annie. B, L, D
DAY 5: RETURN HOME
Depart with memories of the Winter Carnival, Twin Cities landmarks, unique local traditions, and time shared with fellow travelers. B
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Nights 1-4: Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington, MN
Departure Cities:
- St. Louis
- Kansas City
Depart: February 3, 2027
Return: February 7, 2027
Price per person:
- DB $2,299
- TP/QD $2,199
- SG $2,599
Price per person includes roundtrip airfare from STL, MCI. Please call for other gateway cities.
Other General Information
We will send 3 key communications for your tour; “Get Ready” is your email confirmation and initial tour information sent upon registration, “Get Set” email will be sent about two months before departure, “Go” trip documentation mailing is sent via USPS 3-4 weeks before departure and will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags, and final departure information.
Travel Protection is optional but highly recommended and can be purchased until the day before departure. We offer plans through battleface, information about which will be sent with your Get Ready email or can be found HERE.
Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes: Professional Sunrise Tour Director, meals as indicated, local step on guides including gratuity (international tour guide gratuity inclusion vary by tour), deluxe motorcoach transportation with onboard restroom, admission to activities and events as indicated, airfare from designated airports, transportation to/from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*, luggage handling at hotels when available
We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and our staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver may be $6-10 per person, per day on tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers appreciate gratuities (suggest $5 per person) for excellent service as well. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or pass out envelopes.
We are happy to offer refreshments on most motorcoach travel days on tour. We recommend you bring a refillable water bottle to maintain healthy hydration.
If less than 4 people request a pickup point, we may ask that you choose another pickup point from which to join your Sunrise Tour.
If you would like to join a tour from a city not listed as a departure point, we would love to have you! Please discuss arrangements with our friendly reservation team. From a departure city not listed, typical airfare will be +$100 higher than our published fare for domestic tours, and +$200 for international tours.
If you have a TSA precheck or Airline Rewards numbers, you MUST give those numbers to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure, otherwise they may not be applied.
Preferred seating may not be available on group air. In some cases, seats are not assigned until the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy seat on the flight; it does not include seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available at an additional cost.
To help make our tours the most comfortable in the business, we limit Sunrise Tours motorcoaches to 80% capacity, or 44 passengers on a coach built for 55. We reserve the right to amend this practice.
Your Tour Director will rotate seats on the motorcoach each day of your tour. A single fare does not guarantee two seats on coach; you may be seated next to another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.
