Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Day 1 - Nashville, TN

Excursions & Entertainment

• Hotel Stay
  Hotel Stay

  Each Mississippi itinerary comes complete with a Hotel Stay where you can enjoy the city at your leisure, before beginning your cruise.

  On the morning of the cruise, meet in the hotel lobby and we will transport you to the ship to begin your cruise. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.

   

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• Hotel Stay and Grand Ole Opry
  Hotel Stay and Grand Ole Opry

  Enjoy a 1-night stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Be treated to an evening performance at the Grand Ole Opry. The morning of embarkation, meet in the hotel lobby for transportation to the ship with concierge luggage service provided.

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Day 2 - Afternoon of Cruising

Excursions & Entertainment

• Welcome Aboard
  Welcome Aboard

  As you embark upon your journey, enjoy a Welcome Aboard Reception with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. Meet the crew, your onboard experts, and fellow guests. Learn more about the wonderful adventure ahead of you.

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Day 3 - Paducah, KY

Excursions & Entertainment

• Paducah City Excursion & National Quilt Museum
  Paducah City Excursion & National Quilt Museum

  Let our local guide take you through the quaint city of Paducah. This excursion has been carefully divided into three distinct sections to make sure you experience all that Paducah has to offer. First, explore the downtown as our local expert guide points out the areas’ many historical sites. Then, ride along the riverfront where you will witness more than 50 life-sized panoramic murals depicting elements of Paducah’s past. End at the National Quilt Museum, the world's largest museum devoted to quilt and fiber art.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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• Paducah Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
  Paducah Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion

  Discover downtown Paducah at your own pace. Visit the areas many museums, including the Paducah Railroad Museum, featuring equipment and memorabilia from the romantic past of America’s railroads. Stop at the River Discovery Center, which celebrates Paducah’s maritime legacy. Explore the Lowertown Arts District & Neighborhood, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as the Civil War Museum & Tilghman House, an 1852 Greek-revival home, which tells the story of Paducah’s influence during the Civil War. Take time for shopping and walking along the riverfront to view the many wall murals which chronicle Paducah’s past.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

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• Inland Waterways Museum - Complimentary Excursion
  Inland Waterways Museum - Complimentary Excursion

  Paducah’s location at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers makes it unique. The city is home to some of the nation’s largest barge and towing companies. At the Inland Waterways Museum, learn all about the inland waterways and the impact they have on the daily lives of local residents. You can be a captain and choose your vessel type in the state-of-the-art boat simulator, as well as explore and learn about the history, environments, culture, and economy of these rivers through interactive exhibits.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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Day 4 - Cruising Lake Barkley and the Cumberland River

Excursions & Entertainment

• A Day of Cruising
  A Day of Cruising

  There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

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Day 5 - Savannah, TN

Excursions & Entertainment

• Civil War: From Battles to Reconstruction
  Civil War: From Battles to Reconstruction

  This in-depth experience provides an opportunity to visit one of the most historic Civil War battle sites. Your ranger-guided exploration begins at Corinth Interpretative Center where you will learn about the history of the encampment and reconstruction after the war. After departing Corinth, savor a unique, authentic southern lunch at the famous Hagy's Catfish Hotel Restaurant. Next, visit Shiloh Military Park to learn more about the 1862 battle that was a turning point in the Civil War.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

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• Tennessee River Museum & Taste of Savannah
  Tennessee River Museum & Taste of Savannah

  Spend time exploring the Catfish Capital of the World, Savannah, Tennessee. Your excursion begins at the Tennessee River Museum where history meets local cuisine. As you explore the river museum, you'll be treated to samples of hand-prepared local fare such as hushpuppies, catfish and paddlefish caviar. Afterwards, enjoy a short stroll through downtown with boutiques and special events.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

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• Shiloh Military Park Exploration
  Shiloh Military Park Exploration

  Explore Shiloh National Military Park Congress, which was established on December 27, 1894, to commemorate the April 6-7, 1862, battle that raged around Shiloh Church and Pittsburg Landing. Resulting in more than 23,000 casualties, the battle was the largest engagement in the Mississippi Valley campaign during the Civil War. Today, visitors can learn about the history from National Park Ranger programs and explore the grounds of this hallowed site.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessibility: Yes

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Day 6 - Florence, AL

Excursions & Entertainment

• The Shoals Studio Tour
  The Shoals Studio Tour

  Sit at the piano where Lynyrd Skynyrd created "Free Bird." Feel the vibe of where Mick and the boys recorded "Brown Sugar." Stand in the room where Aretha found her voice. Or, walk through the room where Dylan recorded, "You Gotta Serve Somebody." Experience it all with stops at FAME Recording Studio, the original Muscle Shoals Sound Recording Studio, and Cypress Moon.

  Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

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• The Singing River: A Native American History
  The Singing River: A Native American History

  Florence and The Shoals area have a rich Native American history. Explore the Florence Indian Mound and Museum and learn about the original inhabitants of this region. The most unique part of this experience lies nearby at the Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall that was a 30-year, hand-constructed tribute to honor Tom Hendrix’s great-great-grandmother's incredible journey from the Singing River (the Tennessee) to Oklahoma and back. This moving story is now told by Tom's son, who will join you for the full experience.

  Activity Level: Low / ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partially

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• Florence Local Loop
  Florence Local Loop

  Enjoy this quaint town at your leisure, with stops at:

  • Florence-Lauderdale Welcome Center - Learn about the rich history of The Shoals area. Representatives of Florence and The Shoals will be there to greet you, answer questions and may even have something special to welcome you to their community.

  • The Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts - Discover and enjoy extraordinary works of art, explore new ideas, and cultivate new insights into local culture and the act of creation.

  • Rosenbaum House – Explore one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most magnificent homes, declared by architecture critics to be one of the purest examples of Usonian prototype.

  • The W.C. Handy Cabin, Museum, and Library - Dedicated to one of Florence's most famous sons known as the "Father of Blues," Handy was born in a log cabin at this site in 1873. View a collection of Handy's personal papers, artifacts, and other items he donated before his death in 1958.

  • Downtown Shopping District - Explore downtown on your own. Take time for shopping, perusing, and perhaps stopping in at a local dining establishment.

  Activity Level: Low / ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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Day 7 - Decatur, AL

Excursions & Entertainment

• Mooresville: Historical Beauty & Botanicals
  Mooresville: Historical Beauty & Botanicals

  The entire town of Mooresville is on the National Register of Historic Places and was the first town incorporated by the Alabama Territorial Legislature in 1818. As one of Alabama's most important and intact villages, it feels like a step back in time. Walk the small community to learn about its rich history, taste a scrumptious local treat, and enjoy a hands-on pressed-flower workshop at 1818 Farms.

  Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

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• Decatur Local Loop
  Decatur Local Loop

  Enjoy this charming town at your leisure, with stops at:

  • Carnegie Visual Arts Center – Beginning as Carnegie Library in 1904, this historic building was transformed into an arts center in 2003. Explore the permanent and temporary exhibits which feature a multitude of mediums.

  • Cook Museum of Natural Science – This state-of-the-art museum features exhibits on zoology, geology, paleontology, and nature.

  • Morgan County Archives – Home to historical rarities and nearby to local antique stores, yarn boutiques, and other shopping.

  • Old State Bank and Union Depot – A historic Classic Revival-style building offering, this historic bank displays life in Decatur in the 1830s. The Decatur Union Depot is filled with working model trains and railway memorabilia.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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Day 8 - Chattanooga, TN

Excursions & Entertainment

• Battle Above the Clouds and Lookout Mountain
  Battle Above the Clouds and Lookout Mountain

  Visit The Battles for Chattanooga, a spectacular three-dimensional electronic battle map representation of Chattanooga’s Battle Above the Clouds and Sherman’s assault on Missionary Ridge before his historic march to the sea. Explore the attached museum which features a weapon and book collection from the Civil War. Take a ride on the Incline Railway, a funicular railway system that is over 125 years old.

  Next, travel to the nearby Point Park with acres of impressive overlooks, monuments, and cannon positions, interpreting the Battle of Lookout Mountain, as well as the other Battles for Chattanooga. 
   
  Discover Rock City, located atop Lookout Mountain, where you can stand in one place and see seven states. Explore this true marvel of nature, with massive ancient rock formations, gardens of over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking panoramic views. Take an unforgettable journey along the Enchanted Trail, a woodland path where each step reveals the wonders of nature. Experience the magic of Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, visit one of the unique gift shops, and dine at the Big Rock Grill. 

  Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partially

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• Candles & Cocktail Crafting
  Candles & Cocktail Crafting

  From scents to spirits, you will enjoy creating your own candle to take home. Next, learn how to craft a special cocktail (or mocktail) from a master mixologist. In between these hands-on experiences, you will walk a short distance as your guide provides an engaging narrative about Chattanooga.

  Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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• Swincar Backcountry Adventure
  Swincar Backcountry Adventure

  Discover Lookout Mountain in one of the most adventurous ways possible. Explore forest trails and driver through acres of pristine wilderness on a Swincar e-Spider, an innovative electric off-road all-terrain vehicle. Because Swincars make no noise, you are likely to spot deer, turtles, turkey and other exotic creatures in their natural habitat.

  Activity Level: High | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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• Tennessee Aquarium Exploration
  Tennessee Aquarium Exploration

  Lying near the bank of the river, the Tennessee Aquarium is nationally renowned for its design, exhibits, and programs. Trace the path of water from the mountains to the sea, come face-to-face with the fascinating native animals of the region, and discover the rich biodiversity of the Southeast through engaging exhibits.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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• Chattanooga West Village Culinary Experience
  Chattanooga West Village Culinary Experience

  Chattanooga has become a culinary destination. Join this dining experience as you visit four fabulous restaurants, which feature American, Italian, French, and Spanish cuisine. Enjoy specially prepared masterpieces as you interact with the chef at each location. We will take you to the first location and from there, you will take short walks from one restaurant to another.

  Activity Level: Moderate 

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Day 9 - Travel to Pigeon Forge, TN

Excursions & Entertainment

• Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede
  Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede

  Experience this extraordinary show, which features friendly competition, horse riding stunts, special effects, elaborate musical productions, plus a delicious, four-course meal that ends with a decadent dessert. You may also enjoy an aerial performance featuring an original song written and recorded by Dolly Parton.

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Day 10 - Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Excursions & Entertainment

• Cades Cove
  Cades Cove

  Enjoy a relaxing journey through Cades Cove, an area where European settled in the early 1800s. As you make your way, view historic structures like restored churches, old grist mills, and pioneer log cabins, existing in harmony with a diversity of wildlife, from raccoons and white tail deer to black bears. Admire scenic views of the mountain tops, wildflower meadows, and rolling green landscape.

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• Sugarlands Visitor Center
  Sugarlands Visitor Center

  Visit this convenient resource for information about the area. Natural history exhibits on display feature the park's indigenous plants and animals and park rangers are available to answer any questions you may have. The onsite bookstore carries a wide array of books, guides, and other items to make your trip memorable.

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Day 11 - Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Excursions & Entertainment

• Clingmans Dome
  Clingmans Dome

  Venture to the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, also the highest point in Tennessee. At the observation tower on the summit, enjoy spectacular 360° views of the Smokies and beyond.

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• Ocunaluftee Visitor Center
  Ocunaluftee Visitor Center

  With all its natural beauty, outdoor attractions, and amenities, this visitor center serves as the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Featured here is the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Qualla Arts and Crafts, Inc., and more.

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• Explore Downtown Gatlinburg
  Explore Downtown Gatlinburg

  At the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains lies charming and picturesque Gatlinburg. Guests come from around the world to explore this mountain town. Take time to explore downtown, shop for the perfect souvenir, or enjoy a local artisan's work.

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Day 12 - Knoxville, TN

Excursions & Entertainment