Mississippi & Ohio Rivers Cruise
New Orleans, LA to Louisville, KY
Set out on a memorable voyage through the heart of America, tracing the storied waterways of the Lower Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Begin with an overnight stay in New Orleans, enjoying Creole flavors, magnificent architecture, and an exciting music scene. A leisurely day of cruising follows, allowing you to settle in and enjoy sweeping river views.
Explore Oak Alley, where a grand avenue of live oaks frames one of Louisiana’s most iconic estates. In Baton Rouge, discover notable landmarks that reflect the capital city’s fascinating political and cultural heritage. Another scenic cruising day leads you to Natchez, famed for its elegant Southern homes and dramatic bluff-top vistas overlooking the Mississippi.
In Vicksburg, preserved battlefields and monuments bring pivotal moments of the Civil War vividly to life. Arrive in Memphis, where legendary music and lively streets celebrate the city’s enduring creative spirit. As you continue along Kentucky river towns, a peaceful day of cruising offers ever-changing scenery before a stop in Paducah, home to world-class folk art and riverfront charm.
Conclude your voyage in Louisville, discovering the city’s celebrated bourbon tradition and the Kentucky Derby legacy, a fitting finale to this incredible river adventure.
Upcoming Dates & Fares
Itinerary & Excursions
*Exact itinerary & excursions will vary by cruise date
Map & Itinerary Overview
On this 14-day voyage, explore Oak Alley, historic Baton Rouge, Natchez’s grand homes, and Vicksburg’s Civil War landmarks. Enjoy Memphis music, Paducah’s art, and Louisville’s bourbon and Kentucky Derby.
Day 1 - New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is a city alive with music, culture, and history at every turn. Enjoy a hotel stay before your cruise, giving you time to explore its lively streets, savor delicious cuisine, and soak up the energy of this unforgettable location. A walk through the French Quarter reveals iron balconies, Creole townhouses, and architectural details that reflect the city’s French and Spanish heritage.
The New Orleans jazz legacy thrives, from street musicians to the traditional performances at Preservation Hall, while local restaurants showcase the bold flavors of Creole cuisine. Along the nearby riverfront, the Mississippi’s role in steamboat commerce and trade comes into focus, making this vibrant port the perfect starting point for a journey on the river.
Day 2 - Cruising the Mississippi River
Board your ship and wave goodbye to New Orleans as your Mississippi River cruise sets sail. Traveling north, the scenery shifts from the city’s iconic waterfront to the working river corridor. Levees line the banks, cargo vessels move through the channel, and bustling port facilities showcase the river’s vital role in American trade and transportation.
Day 3 - Oak Alley, LA
This stop along the Great River Road highlights the landscapes and stories of the lower Mississippi. Visit Oak Alley, a 19th-century Greek Revival mansion built during the region’s sugar boom and known for its avenue of live oaks. Explore the grounds and wander beneath the oaks that have seen so much history. Step inside the interiors and learn how the property evolved from a working farm into a preserved heritage site.
You can also join a Cajun cooking experience, preparing jambalaya as you hear traditional folktales and learn how these recipes have been passed down through generations.
Another option is a narrated boat ride through nearby wetlands, where cypress and tupelo trees draped in Spanish moss frame the waterways. From a covered boat, look for wildlife such as alligators, nutria, turtles, and wading birds in this part of the Mississippi River Delta ecosystem.
Day 4 - Baton Rouge, LA
Welcome to Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, whose name comes from the French phrase “red stick,” a reference to a boundary marker once used by Native American tribes. The city echoes with the stories of its most notable figures, particularly the bold Governor and Senator Huey P. Long. His political and architectural legacy is reflected in landmarks such as the Old State Capitol Museum, housed in a majestic Gothic-style castle from 1852, and the current 34-story State Capitol, a striking example of Depression-era Art Deco architecture built from Louisiana limestone and adorned with marble.
Discover Capitol Park Museum, bringing Louisiana’s vibrant culture to life, from the sounds of Louis Armstrong to the pageantry of Mardi Gras traditions. Walk in history’s footsteps on a guided exploration of key Civil War sites tied to the Battle of Baton Rouge. Visit Magnolia Cemetery and stand on the very ground where some of the conflict’s most intense moments unfolded.
Follow downtown along the Baton Rouge Riverfront, as modern art, river views, and storied architecture blend seamlessly. Browse local shops and experience the dynamic energy of a city shaped by a complex past.
Day 5 - Day of River Cruising
Today is your chance to unwind as your cruise carries you from north Louisiana into the varied landscapes of the Lower Mississippi River. Watch broad floodplains transition into wooded banks, inviting riverfront towns, and towering cottonwoods while blue herons soar overhead and towboats and barges navigate this historic waterway.
Enjoy enriching onboard programs exploring the river's fascinating past, remarkable engineering, regional music, and native wildlife. Between presentations, savor handcrafted cocktails as you relax in our spacious lounges or on the open deck. As Mark Twain famously wrote, it's a day with "nothing to hang a worry or a fret upon."
Day 6 - Natchez, MS
In the heart of Natchez, where the Mississippi River bends, grand homes stand as a testament to the city’s wealth as a major trading port. After the French built a fort here in 1716 near communities of the Natchez people, the settlement grew into one of the most prosperous towns along the river.
Largely preserved despite early Union occupation during the Civil War, Natchez remains home to one of Mississippi’s most intact collections of iconic residences.
Discover the stunning Rosalie Mansion, known as “Our Lady on the Bluff.” Led by a guide, explore this beautiful home overlooking the river, with elegant interiors and period furnishings that offer a glimpse into Natchez’s past. Then relax and experience the town the old-fashioned way, by horse-drawn carriage, while listening to tales of the city’s rise as one of America’s wealthiest before the Civil War.
Day 7 - Vicksburg, MS
Overlooking the Mississippi River, Vicksburg is best known for its pivotal role in the Civil War and its commanding views of the waterway that shaped its past. Visit Vicksburg National Military Park, where preserved battlefields, towering monuments, and the restored ironclad USS Cairo tell the story of the decisive campaign that helped turn the tide of the war.
On a guided excursion, explore Vicksburg’s oldest neighborhood, where you can admire the Duff Green Mansion, once a hospital during the 47-day siege, and Tully’s Cave, which reveals how residents survived the bombardment.
Finally, walk through downtown to discover historic architecture, vibrant murals, museums, and local shops that reflect the city’s connection to the river.
Day 8 - Day of River Cruising
Sail from the Civil War past of Vicksburg toward the musical heritage of Memphis. Bask in the view as forested banks give way to broad river channels, sandy shorelines, and fertile farmland. Pass quiet Mississippi towns that have long depended on the river, each adding to the story of this legendary region.
As you continue through the heart of the Delta region, onboard enrichment brings the area's culture to life, exploring its influential music, Civil Rights legacy, and distinctive traditions. Savor local flavors inspired by the Delta while relaxing on deck and watching the ever-changing landscape unfold.
Day 9 - Memphis, TN
Welcome to Tennessee and the vibrant city of Memphis, a cultural landmark along the Mississippi where musical legacy and civil rights are deeply connected to the river. Walk along Beale Street, home to legendary blues clubs and live venues that carry forward the sounds that shaped the city.
Step inside Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, and see where music legends recorded their groundbreaking hits. Then visit the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel for a powerful, immersive look into the American Civil Rights Movement.
Celebrate the life of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll at Graceland, viewing the iconic home, uncovering personal artifacts, and tracing the life and influence of Elvis Presley. Take a guided motor coach exploration through downtown Memphis landmarks before returning to the revitalized riverfront.
Day 10 - Day of Cruising
This tranquil day invites you to appreciate the journey as you transition from the mighty Mississippi River toward the scenic Ohio River region. Watch the landscape gradually transform, from expansive river vistas and wooded banks to quieter shorelines that reveal the timeless connection between these waterways and America’s growth.
Enrich your voyage with onboard programming exploring river ecology, migratory birds, and the vital role of these waters in trade and settlement. Listen as our naturalist shares insights into the wildlife and ecosystems that thrive along the riverbanks or simply take in the peaceful surroundings from the comfort of your private balcony.
Day 11 - Paducah, KY
At the meeting point of the Tennessee River and the Ohio River lies Paducah, a designated UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art. With the guidance of our seasoned local expert, delve into its layered history and evolving creative identity.
Explore the city’s Wall-to-Wall Floodwall Murals, a sweeping public art installation featuring more than 50 large-scale works depicting Native American heritage, pivotal Civil War moments, and local landmarks such as the Old Carnegie Library. Continue to the LowerTown Arts District, a 25-square-block neighborhood where restored buildings now house studios, galleries, and a thriving community of working artists.
Among Paducah’s cultural highlights, the National Quilt Museum stands out as a nationally recognized institution that attracts textile artists and design enthusiasts from across the country. Its exhibits celebrate the artistry, innovation, and cultural depth of quilting.
Day 12 - Day of River Cruising
As you glide through this serene waterway, welcoming communities, picturesque waterfronts, and thoughtfully engineered locks and dams reveal the river's enduring role in America's transportation and settlement.
The slower pace invites you to appreciate landscapes that early explorers and pioneers would have recognized centuries ago, where forests, limestone bluffs, and lush valleys frame every bend. Unwind on deck or in one of our comfortable lounges and watch the panoramic vistas unfold.
Day 13 - Louisville, KY
Louisville, a vibrant waterfront city nestled along the Ohio River, has played an important role in America’s history. For generations, the river shaped Louisville’s destiny, as boats were forced to stop where the Ohio’s rocky rapids interrupted their journey.
Step into the world of horseracing at the legendary Churchill Downs, home to the Kentucky Derby, the oldest continuously held horse race in the nation. For a slice of Americana, visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, where the iconic baseball bats are crafted.
No visit to Louisville would be complete without experiencing its famed bourbon heritage. Explore a local distillery as the aroma of aging spirits fills the air. Sip the refined flavors of Kentucky bourbons, each taste telling a story of craftsmanship and Bluegrass country.
Day 14 - Louisville, KY
Enjoy breakfast on board the ship as you prepare for your travels home. Reflect on the memorable experiences and new friendships made along the way. From the rich culture of Louisiana and Mississippi to the musical heritage of Tennessee and the storied landscapes of Kentucky, you have experienced what defines one of America’s great river regions.
Each Mississippi itinerary comes complete with a Hotel Stay, providing you with a seamless way to board the ship and explore the local area.
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.
As you board the ship, be welcomed by the crew who will ensure that every detail of your journey is seamless. Take the time to meet fellow travelers, share stories, and immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of small-ship cruising.
From panoramic deck views to thoughtfully designed lounges, every corner of the ship offers a chance to relax, socialize, and prepare for the memorable adventures that await.
Come “veiller” (shoot the breeze) with Boudreaux and Thibodeaux as you stir up your very own “ti” (junior) pot of jambalaya in the old Robert Barn by the Cajun Cottages. Be entertained with Cajun folktales while getting step-by-step coaching from a local Cajun jambalaya cook. After dining, enjoy shopping in the Cajun Village, a unique location with specialty crafts and Louisiana items. Should you have a “envie” or craving for a cup of café au lait and beignets, they will be provided to you during the experience.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial
Step beyond the myths of the American South to experience true-life, first-hand compelling accounts of four generations of Créole women, children, and slaves. Experienced guides transport you into the complex, vanishing world of Créole Louisiana at Laura Plantation, a 200+ year-old sugar habitation. A new, permanent exhibit honors the men, women, and children who were enslaved here, including detailed biographies of former slaves who fought for the freedom in the Union Army during the Civil War.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No
From its canopy of 300-year-old oaks to its vast open spaces, Oak Alley's landscape tells the story of a grand southern estate over time. Over 200 years ago, Oak Alley was just a land claim on a map and has since served many purposes, including as a sugar and rice farm, a chicken farm, a cattle ranch, and a country home. Agricultural tycoons, sugar planters, slaves, immigrant laborers, and real estate speculators have traversed its grounds over time.
Today, Oak Alley is a National Historic Landmark dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of its inhabitants. Visitors are invited to walk under its iconic alley, explore the exhibits, interact with staff, and leave with a richer, more powerful understanding of its complex history. For the full southern experience, don't forget to take time for a complimentary mint julep.
Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: Partial
Located on a preserved 18th-century sugar, indigo, and rice plantation, Whitney Plantation features powerful memorials and over a dozen historic buildings—many listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Whitney Plantation Historic District. You will spend time exploring the grounds with an award-winning audio feature that brings to life the stories of those who were enslaved here.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial
Enjoy a delightful class at Eloise Market & Cakery, where you’ll learn the art of baking your very own king cake. Roll out the dough, add the perfect cinnamon sugar filling and decorate it to perfection; then take your creation with you to enjoy. During the rise time, keep the fun going with an exciting game of bingo, complete with prizes for the lucky winners. This hands-on class is perfect for bakers of all levels who want to mix a little skill, a little sweetness, and a lot of fun.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
Experience the sights, sounds, and wonders of Baton Rouge, the Capital City of Louisiana. Led by a local expert guide, admire iconic and historical landmarks while exploring many of the well-known downtown neighborhoods on foot. Enjoy fascinating stories of the area’s culture, politics, history, and legends while embracing the rich art, architecture, and nature on the route. Walk past the levee, USS KIDD, Louisiana Art and Science Museum, the Capitol Building, and through Spanish Town.
Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: No
Housed in a historic 1925 railroad depot on the banks of the Mississippi River, the Louisiana Art and Science Museum offers educational entertainment for visitors of all ages. The museum features exhibitions by internationally renowned artists, innovative programming in the state-of-the-art Irene W. Pennington Planetarium, and an Ancient Egypt Gallery. The planetarium is one of the largest and most technologically advanced planetariums in Louisiana and one of the largest in the southeastern United States. The Louisiana Art and Science Museum's Ancient Egypt Gallery houses an authentic Egyptian mummy and is one of the only permanent ancient Egypt galleries in the southeastern United States.
Activity Level: Moderate | Accessibility: Yes
Led by an expert historian, explore locations that were critical to the Battle of Baton Rouge and hear about the history surrounding Vicksburg in the Civil War. Visit the historic Magnolia Cemetery and stand upon the very ground where the most intense fighting of the battle took place. Baton Rouge was the most fought over land in Louisiana’s history and this experience will cover not only the Civil War, but the American Revolution and the Florida Rebellion. Although the landscape of Baton Rouge isn’t the same as it was in the 1780s or 1810s, its history will be brought to life by your guide. Visit the Magnolia Mound Plantation, a Baton Rouge city park. Magnolia Mound, unlike other antebellum house museums along the Lower Mississippi, is not your grand mansion. Rather, it’s a simple structure built during Louisiana’s colonial history, and around the time of its Statehood into the Union.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes
Join us for a captivating exploration of Baton Rouge, where you'll admire and pass by the stunning architecture of the Governor's Hall, the historic Old Louisiana State Capitol, along with the picturesque Magnolia Mound and other notable landmarks.
You will make a stop at the New State Capitol & Arsenal, the tallest capitol building in the United States.
Explore its grand hallways, art collections, and panoramic views from the observation deck. Adjacent to the capital, the historic Arsenal provides insight into the military history of the region.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
Begin this excursion with a brief city exploration before arriving at the Capitol Park Museum. Learn about the many diverse aspects of Louisiana from Louis Armstrong to Mardi Gras. We will then continue by motorcoach for a narrated exploration as we view the impressive Governor's Hall and the New State Capitol, as well as the Old Louisiana State Capitol, also known as the State House.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
Begin your excursion with a narrated city exploration with views of the impressive Governor's Hall and the New State Capitol. Admire the Old Louisiana State Capitol, also known as the State House. Next, travel to the LSU Rural Life Museum; a museum dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of materials from the cultures of 18th and 19th-century rural Louisianans. The museum highlights how the rest of the South lived in comparison to those living in the grand mansions and plantations visited throughout this itinerary. Experience life in a rural setting in the early lives of Louisiana during the 18th and 19th centuries. Learn about the differences in the material, social, and economic cultures during this time period as compared to today.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial
At first glimpse Myrtles, built in 1796, envelopes one with a complete sense of peace and tranquility. However, it is reputed to be one of the most haunted homes in America. Surrounded by centuries-old live oak trees, the mansion features a 125-foot verandah, exquisite ornamental ironwork, hand-painted stained glass, open-pierced frieze work crown molding, Aubusson tapestry, Baccarat crystal chandelier, Carrara marble mantels, gold-leafed French furnishings and ghosts.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes
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, Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails), Trivia, Game Shows, and more.
Nineteen historical buildings, dating from 1790’s to 1900, are a restored tribute to Frogmore Cotton Plantation & Gins, a modern 1,800-acre working cotton estate with a computerized farm and gin. Before beginning your exploration, meet the owner who will explain the farming and ginning operations. Participate in picking cotton and removing the seeds and tour a rare, steam engine gin listed on the National Register of Historic Properties.
Be seated in the hand-hewn log cabin and listen to narration and the vocalist’s songs highlighting the history of southern plantations, including the Constitution, Emancipation Proclamation, and accurate statistics of the enslaved and planter families. After an enlightening overview of the historical Frogmore owners, explore the cotton fields and authentic cabins to learn the origin of southern cuisine, the day-to-day operations and how their labor force evolved into sharecropping, a way of life for 100 years. Enjoy a complimentary beverage as you browse an original plantation store.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor adventure at the Double C Ranch, perfect for nature-lovers and wildlife-enthusiasts. Aboard your private sport utility vehicle, guided by a local professional, enjoy breathtaking views as you travel through scenic hardwood forest, cattle fields, farmlands, and pine plantations. Back at the ranch, watch in awe during live tomahawk throwing, bullwhip popping, archery, and lasso throwing demonstrations. After, get some pointers on form and technique and prepare to shine and surprise yourself as you give it a try. Take home a survivor certificate and photos to share.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.
Join a local guide for a unique and unforgettable experience combining the history and culture of Natchez with the opportunity to taste some of the most iconic cocktails of the region. On a guided exploration, admire the architecture and design of two historic sites. Start with champagne at The Towers and savor a family libation in 100-year-old Rock Crystal glassware, personally served to you by the owners of this magnificent mansion. Peruse the owners' private collections of decorative arts and antiques and enjoy your libation in the lush gardens. You may hear about family legends with a secret julep recipe revealed.
Continue to Historic Linden, an early suburban villa, where you will have the chance to try a classic southern cocktail - milk punch. Dating back to the 18th century, this libation is made with brandy, milk, sugar, and nutmeg. Delight in the rich and smooth taste while learning about the legends of Linden built in 1790.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial
Experience a multitude of National treasures, historic sites, and local points of interest from the comfort of your motorcoach. Natchez boasts more National Landmarks than any other town in Mississippi. Begin your exploration at the mighty Natchez Bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. Your local guide will entertain you with local lore and legends, in addition to historical facts. View historic architectural gems, African American sites, local favorites, and a few quirky place. Complete your experience with a complimentary guided exploration of Historic Rosalie Mansion, so exquisite, she’s known as "Our Lady on The Bluff."
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: No
Board this convenient shuttle, making stops at:
- Fort Rosalie & Trading Post - Fort Rosalie was built by the French in 1716 within the territory of the Natchez Native Indians and it was part of the French colonial empire, becoming the first settlement in present day Natchez, Mississippi. Walk the hallowed grounds of the long-gone fort and enjoy perusing the gift items of the modern trading post.
- Historic Natchez in Photos - Visit the Stratton Chapel Gallery in downtown Natchez behind First Presbyterian Church. View an outstanding collection of photographs taken from as early as 1860, including family portraits, steamboats, and street scenes.
- Main Street & Franklin Street - Explore the few one-of-a-kind antique shops or just walk among the many beautifully restored historic buildings of this lovely town.
- Historic Natchez Bluffs & Gazebo - Sitting 200 feet above the banks of the Mississippi River, the Gazebo offers the best vantage point from which to take in the river’s natural splendor.
- Rosalie House - Visit Rosalie, an antebellum mansion in downtown Natchez. Excursions begin at the top of every hour. Make sure to wear your lanyard for complimentary entry.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial
Take a cultural, moving journey through the history of Natchez that goes beyond mansions and tells the stories of African Americans from slavery and the Civil Rights Movement to the present day.
Begin with a narrated ride through Natchez, where you will see and learn about places such as "Forks in the Road" and the Rhythm Nightclub Fire site. Then, enter Zion Station Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church for a spiritual musical experience featuring noted Natchez gospel performers.
When you return to the motorcoach, learn about the Parchman Ordeal and how it forged the way for economic progress for African American citizens of Natchez. This well-told, enlightening experience will include a visit to the Natchez Museum of African American Culture, where the exhibits underscore the importance of the stops along this American Cruise Lines exclusive experience. Refreshments will be served at 1729 Gallery, a local gathering spot.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial
Relax and enjoy the most majestic way to see Historic Natchez. Before planes, trains, and automobiles, horses and buggies owned the roads. Today, we go back to those days. Your certified guide, who will fully narrate this experience, will serve as our history buff, storyteller, comedian, and carriage driver. Travel through the Historic District and hear stories about the famous grand mansions and antebellum homes that made Natchez the wealthiest city in America before the Civil War. See up close the first structures and churches established and the stories that captivate them. Continue through the heart of downtown and get the scoop on the best shopping spots and restaurants for exploring on your own. Visit City Hall and National Park Service Historical sites, viewing the first jail in the Natchez territory. Get a behind-the-scenes look at many fascinating sites not available on any other excursion.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: No
Discover what life was like in the 19th century as you explore Vicksburg’s oldest historic neighborhood. Visit the recently renovated Hick-Steigelman House, a grand Greek Revival mansion built in the late 1830’s with columns, covered portico entrances and an elaborate entrance. The house now serves as a museum featuring many historical documents and artifacts on display. Stop at Christ Episcopal Church (circa 1843), to view its beautiful Tiffany windows amidst its Gothic Revival architecture and learn its Civil War history.
Nearby is the Duff Green Mansion, built in 1856 by a wealthy cotton trader, and one of the finest examples of Palladian architecture in the state. Hear compelling stories of the mansion and how it escaped destruction during the 47-day siege of Vicksburg by serving as a hospital for Confederate and Union soldiers. Next, explore Tully’s Cave, a reproduction which serves as an example of the caves the residents of Vicksburg moved into for 47 days as the city was bombarded with cannonball fire. At the Visitor Center gain an understanding how people survived the lengthy siege.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial
Bringing to life the history of this river city from before 1820 to present day, you will explore early Vicksburg in one of the most historical areas of our city. As you leisurely walk the brick streets your guide will draw your attention to antebellum homes with varying architecture, museums with rich history, native flora, and history of past citizens. You will make a stop to enjoy a tasty root beer float at the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, where Coca-Cola was first bottled and spend a little time in the Old Cout House Museum. The exploration wouldn't be complete without a final stop at Anchuca, an incredible 1830's antebellum mansion turned bread and breakfast. This is a great opportunity to take in some fresh air and exercise as well.
Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: No
Board this convenient shuttle making stops at:
- Tully’s Cave – Explore this modern-day replica of the underground shelters used by Vicksburg residents during the Civil War's 47-day siege in 1863.
- Local Merchant District – Stroll through downtown Vicksburg and browse a few local shops.
- Old Courthouse Museum – Built in 1858, this museum is a national historic landmark showcasing Vicksburg’s cultural heritage over the past 71 years. The museum’s collection includes the original Teddy Bear given to a local child by Theodore Roosevelt, a sash worn by both George Washington and Jefferson Davis during their presidential inaugurations, a vast collection of Civil War artifacts, Native American and pioneer implements, and much more.
- Biedenharn Coca–Cola Museum – This unique museum celebrates the history of one of the nation's most beloved beverages. Built in 1890, the building is the location where Coca-Cola was bottled for the first time in 1894 and features the type of equipment that Joseph Biedenharn used at the time. View Coca-Cola memorabilia, peruse the gift shop, and treat yourself to an ice-cold Coke float.
- Vicksburg Civil War Museum – Visit the Vicksburg Civil Museum and see an impressive collection of weapons, ammunition, uniforms, and other Civil War materials.
- Lower Mississippi River Museum – Experience life on the Mississippi River. Through both interactive and static displays, discover how different communities, farming families, and the US Army Corps of Engineers have all utilized the river in the past and learn about the future for the Mississippi River Valley. Examine the science behind water movement and view some of the river's fish up close in the museum’s 1,515-gallon aquarium.
- Catfish Row Museum – Learn diverse aspects about Vicksburg – from its music, history, and storytelling to its vibrant food heritage.
- Old Depot Museum – The museum exhibits examine earlier modes of transportation, the Siege of Vicksburg, and many other elements of the city’s history. Inside the museum, you will find railroad memorabilia, a collection of model Civil War gunboats, original war-themed paintings by Herb Mott, a detailed diorama of the Siege of Vicksburg, and models of architecture styles employed throughout Vicksburg’s past.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the National Military Park which commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg in 1863. Stop at the impressive Illinois Monument, modeled after the Roman Pantheon. The exploration concludes at the Visitors Center where life-sized exhibits and artifacts from the Siege of Vicksburg are on display.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial
For any fan of Elvis, this is the ultimate way to experience Graceland and to learn about his life and musical career. Visit Graceland Mansion and four new exhibits on the property, including the Elvis Presley Car Museum. Climb aboard one of his custom airplanes, remodeled to suit his lifestyle. Enjoy authentic Memphis cuisine at one of the themed restaurants on the property. Following Graceland, enjoy a brief city motorcoach exploration of Memphis. This excursion is perfect for any rock ‘n’ roll music lover.
Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: Partial
This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.
Established in 1991, the National Civil Rights Museum is located at the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. The museum’s mission is to share the history of the American Civil Rights Movement, a tumultuous and inspiring period of change. Explore interactive exhibits and historic collections to learn how this significant era continues to shape equality and freedom today.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
Dive into the authentic sounds of Memphis with a full day exploring iconic music museums, paired with a delicious BBQ lunch. Experience the history, see the artifacts, and feel the rhythm that changed the world. Begin at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, located on the original site of Stax Records, home to legends like Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes.
Then, savor Memphis-style BBQ with a buffet lunch at Central BBQ. Afterward, continue to the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum, where exhibits tell the stories of musical pioneers who overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to shape American culture and the global music scene. Conclude your day at the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, honoring the city’s legendary musicians and celebrating their lasting contributions to Memphis’ rich musical heritage.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes
One of the most iconic streets in America, Beale Street is three blocks of nightclubs, restaurants, and shops in the heart of downtown Memphis. Hop aboard a convenient shuttle which runs continually after dark, so you can enjoy this legendary street as it comes to life.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
One of the most iconic streets in America, Beale Street, is three blocks of nightclubs, restaurants, and shops in the heart of downtown Memphis. This shuttle service will provide you an opportunity to enjoy Memphis at night and will run continuously so you can spend as much time in the city as you would like.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
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
Explore downtown Paducah at your own pace. Visit the areas many museums and shops and stop at the riverfront to view the wall murals that tell the story of Paducah's past.
Making stops at:
- Paducah Railroad Museum - Explore this interactive museum showcasing equipment and memorabilia from the romantic past of America's railroads.
- Inland Waterways Museum - 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.
- The National Quilt Museum - View exhibits by renowned quilters who are implementing creative ideas and approaches to fiber art.
- Lowertown Arts District & Neighborhood - Explore this 25 sq. block neighborhood on the National Register of Historic Places. Look for the directory at the old Texaco Station.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the world-famous Churchill Downs Racetrack. Walk through a portion of the grandstands where thousands of people roar with excitement on Derby Day. Your guide will lead you to the rail of the legendary dirt track where every Derby winner has raced, from Aristides to Secretariat and more. Have your camera ready for pictures of the historic track. Hear stories of the early days of the Kentucky Derby through its transformation into the event it is today. Enjoy a viewing of the epic film, The Greatest Race, a 360-degree, 18-minute media experience that will make your heart race and your emotions soar. Be treated to Mint Juleps and Derby Pie Bites as you listen to a special presentation by an actual Kentucky Derby Jockey who can answer any questions you may have about this iconic event.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes
Louisville Slugger is the maker of the world’s most popular bat. The company’s storied traditions and high standards for quality have produced some of the finest bats for amateurs and professionals alike. Take a guided tour of the facility and museum, learning first-hand their processes from forest-to-factory and the scientific principles used to fabricate the most important tool in “America’s Game.” Enjoy special seasonal exhibits and receive a free souvenir bat to commemorate your visit.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes
Discover Kentucky’s fascinating past, present, and future with exhibits like “The Spirit of Kentucky,” which demonstrates the history, craft, and culture of Kentucky Bourbon.
Explore the “Lewis and Clark Experience,” a one-of-a-kind exhibit that recreates Lewis and Clark’s 1804 mission. Find out “What’s Cool About Kentucky,” in an exhibit that illustrates the quirky, often surprising, and always authentic culture of Kentucky.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes