Experience the laid-back world of Mark Twain’s riverside America.
Journey on the Mighty Mississippi – 15 days
Experience the laid-back world of Mark Twain’s riverside America.
Travelling by the famous steamboat, the American Queen, offers a wonderful new perspective from which to view the mighty Mississippi and its riverside inhabitants. The journey will start in Memphis and finish with a few days in New Orleans with excursions included at every port of call as you sail along the Mississippi River.
Day 1: Days 1 - Fly to Nashville
You will be picked up from your home and taken to London Heathrow to catch your flight to Nashville.
Day 2: Day 2 - Nashville
Today will be a real highlight for music lovers as you get to visit Studio B after an orientation tour of Nashville. This music studio is where Elvis, Roy Orbison, Jim Reeves, Dolly Parton and many other stars recorded their first or early records. You will then enjoy more music history as you continue the day visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame in the afternoon. This is a real treat as it is jam packed of country music memorabilia. The rest of the afternoon is spent exploring the city by yourself.
Day 3: Day 3 - Nashville
Today is all yours to do what you want. There are plenty of museums for you to visit including the Musicians Hall of Fame and the Johnny Cash Museum. There is an optional excursion in the evening that you can join in if you would like. It is the mighty Grande Ole Opry, America’s longest running scheduled show.
Day 4: Day 4 - Memphis
Day 5: Day 5 - Memphis
A short orientation tour shows us more of the city, also the infamous location for the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr in 1968. The rest of the day is free for you to explore by yourself. Perhaps make a visit to the Gibson guitar factory and take a tour around the building.
Day 6: Day 6 - Mississippi River Cruise
You have the morning free to finish exploring Memphis one last time before embarking on the America Queen for your Mississippi river cruise in the afternoon. You will set sail in the evening.
Day 7: Day 7 - Greenville or Terrene Landing
You will continue your river cruise downstream and visit a floating market and local museum. You will have a delicious lunch on the ship and afterwards, you will arrive at Tan Loc island. Here, you get the option to either explore a historic house and gardens for tea and fruit or visit a plum wine farm for a tasting. After the afternoon adventures, it is time to sail on to Can Tho for a farewell dinner, accompanied by a traditional music performance.
Day 8: Day 8 - Vicksburg
What a special place Vicksburg is as it blends modern elements with the traditional charm you expect from the Old South. As you arrive here, spend the day joining a narrated ‘Hop-On Hop-Off Steamcoach Tour’ of this city bursting with character.
Day 9: Day 9 - Natchez
The city of Natchez is named after the Native American tribe Natchez. The starting point for the Natchez Trace, it became home to many antebellum homes and today numerous restored mansions are the highlight of this part of the South. On a ‘Hop-On Hop-Off Steamcoach Tour’, visit some of these grand homes, including Stanton Hall, built in 1857 and considered the grandest of the Natchez mansions.
Day 10: Day 10 - Baton Rouge
You leave the state of Mississippi today and head into Louisiana and its capital, Baton Rouge. There is another ‘Hop-On Hop-Off Steamcoach Tour’ for you to enjoy today. You can visit sites such as the USS KIDD and Veterans Memorial – the WWII Fletcher-class destroyer and the museum’s historic exhibits are a must for any military enthusiast. ‘Louisiana’s White House’ – The Old Governor’s Mansion is the next stop.
If you don’t fancy lunch onboard the boat, the Main Street Market is a delight for trying the local food. After lunch, head to Capitol Lake and the Louisiana State Capitol building. Take the lift up to the 27th floor for wonderful views over the city and the Mississippi. The last stop is Louisiana’s 160-year-old, Old State Capitol building.
Day 11: Day 11 - St. Francisville
St. Francisville is a quaint town located on a narrow ridge overlooking the Mississippi River. The ‘Hop-On Hop-Off Steamcoach Tour’ stops at Grandmother’s Buttons or the West Florida Republic Park. Perhaps visit the Old Market Hall, Commerce Street or the Spring Creek Shopping Center.
Day 12: Day 12 - Nottoway
Today you will learn more about the history of the Southern states in the USA. Nottoway is home to the largest remaining antebellum mansion in the Deep South so you can really imagine what life was like on a cotton plantation during your visit here today. Within a great white façade of massive columns and grand balconies, enormous 11ft doors lead you into rooms with exquisite plaster friezes and hand-carved marble fireplaces. The ballroom is the epitome of elegance in pure white.
Day 13: Day 13 - New Orleans
New Orleans is the final port of call on your Mississippi river cruise. You will take a tour around the city before checking in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is all yours to discover this multi-cultural city. Head to the French Quarter where you will experience the true heart of this wonderful city.
Day 14: Days 14 - New Orleans
The city is all yours for your final day of your holiday. Visit the Jackson Square Katrina Museums, or take a ride on the famous St Charles Streetcar. In the evening, venture to Bourbon Street to sample Creole and Cajun cuisine in one of the many restaurants or stop in a bar and listen to live jazz, which is a must do in New Orleans.
Day 15: Day 15 - Fly Home
Today you will be heading back to the UK. You will have your transfer take you to the airport for your flight.
Day 16: Day 16 - Back Home
Once you have landed, you will have a vehicle ready to take you back to your home.
The largest steamboat ever built, the American Queen is a paddlewheeler that is packaged within the ornate detailing that embellishes her exterior. Any traveller who chooses to cruise on this iconic riverboat will soon find that her steady heart beats to the rhythm of music that resounds within her walls.
The Grand Saloon is home to award-winning, Broadway-calibre entertainment every night. The venue is two decks tall and resembles a 19th century opera house with details modelled after Ford’s Theatre. Inspired by America’s heartland and its Southern heritage, the food on board showcases the varied cultural and culinary influences of the nation.
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