Explore iconic destinations and discover southern the heritage and hospitality of the Deep South as you sail up the mighty Mississippi with a fabulous range of included shore excursions
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!
