Treasured for its elegant historical architecture, charming small-town culture and impossibly beautiful countryside, the USA's southern states are a truly timeless destination. You'll experience the best of the Deep South on this idyllic river cruise, with a wide range of included excursions taking in fascinating museums, opulent mansions, pivotal historical sites, picturesque small towns and plenty of mouthwatering food and drink!
Your holiday begins with an overnight hotel stay in buzzing New Orleans. With a heady cultural mix of French, African and modern American influences, the city known as the 'Big Easy' is famous the world over for its unique cuisine - from Cajun and Creole dishes to the hearty flavours of traditional Soul Food - and effortlessly cool nightlife.
The next day, you'll board your floating hotel for the next seven nights, the beautiful American Queen. Equipped with all the modern amenities you'd expect, this classical ship still harks back to the sophisticated style of the American Victorian era, with shining woodwork, fresh flowers and antiques filling her interior spaces. Offering exquisite casual and fine dining, Broadway-style shows, a beautiful library and supremely comfortable cabins and lounges, it's the perfect way to sail gracefully up the Mississippi.
Leaving New Orleans, you'll make your way to the "White Castle of Louisiana", the ornate Nottoway Plantation. A guided walking tour will show you around its vast three floors and 64 bedrooms, as well as the 22 white square columns and immaculate grounds that give it the feel of a modern castle. In 200-year-old St. Francisville, the oldest town in the Florida Parishes, you'll explore the bustling Royal Street and busy market, populated by local artisans and crafters, chic boutiques and local museums.
In Natchez, a charming riverside city that's the oldest on the Mississippi, you can see historical artefacts at Rosalie Mansion and Magnolia Hall, try classic southern cuisine in the Carriage House Restaurant, tour a distillery owned by famous American chef Regina Charboneau, and learn the fascinating story of William Johnson, known as the "Barber of Natchez". Johnson began life as a slave but gained his freedom at age eleven, and rose through society, keeping a diary of his life. His 3-story brick home was built in 1840 and showcases many original furnishings.
Delve into Civil War history in Vicksburg, discovering why the city was of so much strategic importance, then pop into the local Church of the Holy Trinity to see gorgeous stained glass windows made by New York's Tiffany Studios. You could also visit the courthouse where Jefferson Davis, Ulysses S. Grant and Teddy Roosevelt have all given speeches, and explore Yesterday's Children Antique Doll & Toy Museum, in the building where Coca-Cola was first bottled in 1894, which houses a collection of over 1,000 dolls and toys dating back to 1843.
Your final destination before arriving in Memphis will be the Mississippi Delta, where you can get to know the region's agriculture, music and history. The small river towns here have been the inspiration for authors, musicians and artists for centuries, and Greenville has a number of museums and exhibits detailing their lives. It's also home to the Trop Casino, an extravaganza of gaming and fantastic restaurants - the perfect way to finish your trip on a high!
* Other 2023 dates available, please call for
details.
From price is per person, based on two people sharing a E cabin,
subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of
print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request.
Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Price
includes $250 early booking discount, expires 31 December 2022.
Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our
overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. This
holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may
not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and
subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL
bonded).
Enjoy a complimentary stay at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside tonight. You'll have free time this evening to explore the city's lively centre, and can pick up tips on the best dining, entertainment and sight-seeing from an American Queen Voyages representative in the hotel. Just head to the Hospitality Desk between 2 and 7pm. They can also answer general questions about your upcoming voyage and help with reserving Premium Shore Excursions.
Spend another day exploring New Orleans before you embark American Queen to begin your exciting voyage up the mighty Mississippi. Check-in will be in the hotel between 9am and 12 noon, where you can arrange your complimentary transfer to the ship - beginning at 3pm. Once you're on board and settled in, wave goodbye to New Orleans and set off on your adventure.
Nottoway is the South's largest, most extravagant antebellum mansion still standing, dating back to 1859. In a fabulous location along the Great River Road, the house is known as the "White Castle of Louisiana", and as you explore its three floors and 64 bedrooms on a guided tour you'll see why. Set in immaculate grounds and surrounded by 200-year-old oak trees, the mansion boasts an incredible 22 white square columns and 365 openings - one for each day of the year. The most popular room among guests is the White Ballroom, which is painted entirely in white with elaborate gold décor.
Established in 1809, St. Francisville is the oldest town in the Florida Parishes. The town is referred to as "two miles long and two yards wide" - but it still has plenty to offer! Today you'll be able to explore its chic clothing boutiques, bustling high street and market and fascinating museums. You'll also see beautiful plantation homes nestled in the rolling countryside. Included excursions: Grace Episcopal Church, West Feliciana Historical Society Museum, Old Market Hall, Royal Street.
Founded in 1716, Natchez is the oldest city on the Mississippi, and known for its elegance, hospitality and history around every street corner. Enjoy unique shops, restaurants, museums and historical homes on your visit today. Included excursions: Rosalie Mansion, Natchez Visitor's Centre, William Johnson House Museum, Magnolia Hall, Stanton Hall, King's Tavern and Charboneau Distillery, Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American Culture Museum.
President Abraham Lincoln called Vicksburg the 'key to the South', and you'll be able to learn all about its important role in the Civil War today. The city was founded in 1811 and grew as a vital river port city. Learn about its history in a range of fascinating museums, grab a souvenir, and taste the cuisine in a local restaurant. Included excursions: Church of the Holy Trinity, Anchuca Mansion, Old Court House Museum, Lower Mississippi River Museum, Yesterday's Children Antique Doll & Toy Museum.
The small river towns and rural landscapes around the Mississippi Delta have inspired generations of artists, writers and musicians, and today you'll get to experience its beauty for yourself. Excursions on offer include visits to the Greenville History Museum, the Greenville Writers' Exhibit, the E.E. Bass Cultural Arts Center and the Trop Casino. Included excursions: Greenville History Museum, Hebrew Union Temple, 1927 Flood Museum, E.E. Bass Cultural Arts Center, Washington County Courthouse, Trop Casino.
You'll have a relaxing day of cruising today, and a final chance to soak up all of the beautiful scenery along the Mississippi. Pick up a classic novel from the well-stocked library in the Mark Twain Gallery - perhaps that iconic southern tale Huckleberry Finn - enjoy some quiet time in the Ladies' Tea Parlor, or recruit your fellow guests for an exciting board game in the Gentlemen's Card Room. For a remarkable one-of-a-kind experience, take a guided tour of the American Queen's Engine Room to explore the inner workings of this classic, steam-powered vessel.
You'll arrive in Memphis at 8am today, and after breakfast it's time to bid farewell to your beautiful ship. You might choose to extend your holiday with a Premium Shore Excursion, or simply explore Memphis at your leisure.
World's largest authentic paddlewheel steamboat
Modern facilities combine with classical style on board the American Queen, the largest authentic paddlewheel steamboat ever built. Expect polished woodwork, carefully chosen antiques and traditional furniture throughout the ship, evoking the Golden Age of paddleboats in 19th-century America. You can enjoy nightly entertainment in the Grand Saloon, Main Deck Lounge and the Captain's Lounge, including singalongs and Broadway-style shows, and choose between casual and fine dining inspired by the places you visit during your cruise. Relax in the Ladies' Tea Room, Gentlemen's Card Room or elegant Mark Twain Gallery, with its excellent library. A comprehensive programme of guided shore excursions will ensure you get the most out of your trip.
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* Other 2023 dates available, please call for
details.
From price is per person, based on two people sharing a E cabin,
subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of
print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request.
Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Price
includes $250 early booking discount, expires 31 December 2022.
Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our
overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. This
holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may
not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and
subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL
bonded).
