Day 1
New Orleans, LA
Welcome to New Orleans, also known as the Big Easy. This vibrant city is the perfect destination to begin your Mississippi River voyage. Arrive on May 4th, the day before embarkation, a complimentary hotel room has been reserved for you, and American Cruise Lines will handle the rest. With thoughtfully planned excursions encompassing the biggest attractions and cultural highlights of New Orleans, as well as complimentary transportation to the ship from your hotel on May 5th at 10:30 am, we make sure your tour is as worry-free as possible.
Day 2
Oak Alley, LA
Once serving as an antebellum sugar cane homestead, Oak Alley Plantation is named after its most distinguishing feature, a row of 300 year old oak trees. This leafy canopy forms a path leading to the Mississippi River. Restored to its 19th century grandeur, this classic Greek Revival-style antebellum mansion is breathtaking.
Oak Alley Plantation – Complimentary Excursion
The famous ancient oaks bordering your path to the mansion are your first sight upon stepping ashore. The perfectly aligned 300 year old trees form a canopy which set a particularly grand entrance for our arrival. Southern belles enjoying the shade of the leafy canopy greet us on arrival and are our guides for the day. In small groups, we bring you through the antebellum plantation’s many stately rooms and show you why it has earned the name “Grande Dame of The Great River Road.” After the tour, we invite you to join us for a special gathering with mint juleps on the west lawn before a visit to their popular gift shop which is known for their world-famous pralines.
Day 3
Baton Rouge, LA
Baton Rouge features all the history and wonder you would expect in a state capital, but with an added down home flavor that makes it truly unique. Our local expert guides will take you on a tour of the cities’ most famous attractions including the Old & New State Capitals and the interactive Louisiana State Museum.
Historic Baton Rouge Tour – Complimentary Excursion
The vibrant history of Louisiana is evident throughout the state’s capital. After breakfast, you will be greeted at the ship by Philippa Blair and her visitor center representatives as they welcome you to Baton Rouge with vibrant Mardi Gras beads. Your first stop is the Louisiana Old State Capitol where you will experience a one-of-a-kind interactive film, made with the help of Disney, which brings you face-to-face with the ghost of the castle, Sarah Morgan. Afterward, Baton Rouge native, Ira Bobin, will serve as our tour guide and will bring you to the Louisiana State Museum, a completely interactive museum with three floors of displays detailing each different region of Louisiana.
Day 4
St. Francisville, LA
This southern town charms with simple pleasures and unique treasures. Located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, St. Francisville has been called, “One of the 200 most beautiful small towns in America.” Take a stroll through its historic center with two centuries of architecture and lifestyles on display. Enjoy visits to restored antebellum mansions including Rosedown.
Rosedown Plantation – Complimentary Excursion
The affluent ambiance of the Rosedown Plantation is evident the minute you step on the property. As you walk down the flowered path lined with towering oaks towards the Main House, you will be greeted by our lively resident expert, Tammie Miller. As you tour the home, Tammie delves deep into the family history of Daniel and Martha Turnbull and how their experiences helped shape the Main House into a home. At the conclusion of your tour, time is set aside to explore the grounds on your own or relax in a rocking chair on the front porch with cold refreshments and some of Tammie’s freshly made cookies.
Day 5
Natchez, MS
Celebrating its 300th year, Natchez, is a city full of history and southern hospitality. American Cruise Lines will take you on a guided exploration of this fascinating area with visits to its gardens, historic homes, and museums. While here, we will treat you to a special concert in the music room of the J.N. Stone House.
Historic District Tour – Complimentary Excursion
On our leisurely Natchez city tour, our expert local guide will build upon the lecture you received the night prior by our onboard historian and provide you with an insider’s perspective into the city’s rich history and the preserved influences of the Native American, European, and African cultures. We will be greeted at the landmark Longwood Plantation home, famously known for remaining incomplete to this day, as the Union workers left the structure unfinished to go fight in the Civil War. After the private tour, we will gather in the ship’s lounge for cocktails as the chefs prepare for a special southern-inspired dinner.
Day 6
Vicksburg, MS
The city of Vicksburg served as a pivotal turning point during the American Civil War. Come with us as our informative historian leads us through the National Military Park which commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg. Our expert guides and park rangers show you battlefields, the U.S.S. Cairo gunboat, and the most significant historic places.
Battle of Vicksburg Tour – Complimentary Excursion
As the paddlewheel laps gently against the water and the stars illuminate the night sky, our onboard Civil War historian gives a captivating lecture detailing all you are about to witness the next day at Vicksburg National Military Park. After a hearty southern-inspired breakfast, you will be greeted by our private tour guide who will stay with you throughout the day to answer questions and provide additional knowledge. Upon arrival at the park, rangers who are well-versed in Civil War history guide you on a customized tour that is specific to the interests of the group. Your guides will take you through the restored ironclad gunboat, U.S.S Cairo, the battlefield where the Siege of Vicksburg took place, and the over 1,300 monuments dedicated to the brave souls who lost their lives.
Day 7
Day of River Cruising
Day 8
Memphis, TN
Memphis is home to many things; Blues, BBQ, Beale Street, and of course, the King of Rock ‘n Roll – Elvis Presley. American Cruise Lines will explore this amazing city on a narrated tour as we visit the many highlights that make Memphis so captivating. You will get to touch, taste and listen your way around Memphis as we celebrate its eclectic history.
Memphis City Tour – Complimentary Excursion
The city of Memphis has a deep-rooted history which spans many of the most important aspects of American culture. Your comprehensive tour starts onboard with an authentic Memphis BBQ before your private tour guide meets you at the ship and your journey through Memphis begins. We will visit iconic sites such as the National Civil Rights Museum, St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, the Peabody Hotel – featuring the legendary Peabody ducks, and world famous Sun Studios – the birthplace of Rock n’ Roll. As you explore the city, the musical notes of up-and-coming artists on Beale Street emanate throughout.
Deluxe Graceland Tour – Optional a la carte (additional fee)
No trip to Memphis is complete without a trip to the home of the “King of Rock n’ Roll,” Elvis Presley. Before venturing just outside of the city to Graceland, our knowledgeable guide takes you on a brief tour of the historic downtown and riverfront area. American Cruise Lines offers the most in-depth experience available at Graceland, allowing you to explore fascinating exhibits such as Elvis’ museum, estate grounds, the jungle and trophy rooms, his gravesite, and much more.
DAY 9 – MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE (DISEMBARKATION AT 8:30AM)
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Contact Joelle Cliff at [email protected]
by telephone: 805-227-0830 or 805-443-7112
Terroirs Travels is an Associate of Frosch Travel, one of the top ten leading travel management companies in America