Mississippi River Cruise

Day 1: Arrive Memphis
Welcome to Memphis! Meet the group and head to The Peabody Hotel, known for its charm, elegance, and rich history. This icon opened in 1869 and is world-famous for its five resident ducks, who march daily from their rooftop perch, down through the lobby, and into the fountain for a swim – all under the careful watch of the Duckmaster! This evening enjoy dinner and live music at BB King’s Blues Club on the famous Beale Street! (D)

Day 2: Elvis Museum & Graceland Tour / Embarkation American Queen Steamboat
It’s time to get “All Shook Up” with a visit to Elvis’ one-and-only Graceland Mansion. Tour the inside of his famous home, still complete with green shag carpeting “down in the jungle room,” and also visit the “Elvis Presley’s Memphis” complex. Over 200,000-square-feet in size, it enables you to follow the life path that Elvis took, surround yourself with the things that he loved, and experience the sights and sounds of the city that inspired him. The “Elvis The Entertainer Career Museum” displays his gold and platinum records, his stunning jumpsuits, memorabilia from his movies, and so much more! “Presley Motors Automobile Museum” allows you to walk among some of Elvis’ favorite automobiles, including his iconic Pink Cadillac, Stutz Blackhawk, Ferrari, Limo, Rolls Royce, and more. Outside you can step aboard Elvis’ customized airplanes, the Lisa Marie and the Hound Dog II. Late afternoon we board the American Queen, said to be the largest river steamboat ever built. Constructed in 1995 and with a capacity of about 400 passengers, you will love this charming and uncrowded vessel. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Port of the Mississippi Delta - American Queen Steamboat
The Mississippi Delta is more than a geographical region. It is a way of life – a true cultural experience based on agriculture, music and history. These small river towns have been the inspiration of authors, musicians and artists for centuries. Catch a unique glimpse into the Port of the Mississippi Delta, and discover a muse of many. Enjoy stunning live performances each night in the two-story Grand Saloon, where you might be taken back to the roaring 20’s with a big band set, or maybe a more theatrical show, featuring Broadway’s biggest hits. And be sure to bring your dancin’ shoes to the Engine Room Bar to enjoy a live set by their talented musicians. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Vicksburg, Mississippi
Vicksburg perfectly blends Southern culture and heritage with exciting modern attractions. As a major battle site during the Civil War, this Southern town carries a history unlike any other. Learn about the historic conflicts of the city, taste its cuisine, visit the many museums and pick out the perfect souvenir. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Natchez, Mississippi
It seems as if history fell asleep and awoke unscathed by the changing of times in this charming river town, founded in 1716, making it the oldest city on the Mississippi River. It’s known for its elegance, hospitality and impressive preservation of history – found on every street corner. Enjoy the unique shops, restaurants, museums and historic homes, all of which inspired Hugh Bayless to include Natchez in his book “The 100 Best Towns in America.” (B, L, D)

Day 6: St. Francisville, Louisiana
St. Francisville today is a testament to the lifestyle of a bygone era, with its plethora of charming antebellum-period homes and striking architecture. With over 140 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, beautiful plantation homes nestled in the rolling countryside and bustling Main Street shops, this quaint town situated on the bluffs of the Mississippi River has a style all its own. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge grants a strikingly different experience from the small-town stops throughout the journey. In this energetic port, history-facing museums and landmarks fraternize with forward-looking art and industry to offer a personalized encounter for each visitor. Choose to hop on one of their deluxe motorcoaches and explore the diversity this city has to offer, or take a walk down the river path alongside the boat. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Nottoway
American Queen Steamboat Company features an exclusive port at Nottoway. While the boat is docked, visit the sugarcane estate – the largest standing antebellum mansion in the South. Nottoway is an intricate building with impressive detail. Original furnishings mingle with era-appropriate antiques to create an atmosphere that does justice to the home’s original ambiance. It is fascinating history and luxurious aesthetic packaged in Southern hospitality. (B, L, D)

Day 9: New Orleans
Upon disembarkation in New Orleans, our private motorcoach transfers us a few miles out of the city, where we board our private airboats. Cruise through the lush Louisiana bayou on an airboat ride that combines classic southern scenery with the excitement of speeding through the waterways. Keep an eye out for wild alligators on this exciting adventure! After a Cajun lunch, we return to the city for a short walk through the Saint Louis Cemetery. This unique cemetery consists of above-ground vaults constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries. These tombs are magnificent works of art, honoring those residing within. Next we get a behind-the-scenes look at the construction of the larger-than-life Mardi Gras Parade Floats. See how the event comes together during this fun and informative tour. Explore the famous French Quarter from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage, as your horse handler shares fun facts about the city. The evening is yours to explore the French Quarter, filled with restaurants, music and nightlife. (B, L)

Day 10: Depart New Orleans
This morning we visit the National WWII Museum, the top-rated tourist destination in New Orleans and ranked the 8th favorite museum in the world by TripAdvisor! Experience World War II¬, from Home Front efforts to the combat encounters of the American soldier abroad. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)