Mississippi River Cruise
New Orleans to Memphis

DAY 0-1-2 - New Orleans, Louisiana

Depart the Burlington, Vermont airport. Arrive in New Orleans!  No where is this city’s spirit more evident than in the famed French Quarter, with its architectural mix of Spanish, French, Creole, and American styles. Also known as Vieux Carré - or the “Quarter” to locals - it sits on a crescent in the Mississippi River on some of the highest grounds in New Orleans. Intimate and special, the city’s oldest neighborhood has exerted a spell over writers and artists since the time of Mark Twain, Lafcadio Hern and John James Audubon. During your visit to New Orleans, you will begin to understand the city's unique ability to integrate history, absorb new influences and fashion one-of-a-kind delights that continue to amaze not only much of the world, but also the inhabitants of New Orleans themselves.

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DAY 3 - Oak Alley, Louisiana

Located on the Mississippi River between the historic cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Oak Alley Plantation has been called the Grande Dame of the Great River Road. A quarter-mile canopy of giant live oak trees forms an impressive avenue that leads you to this classic Greek-revival style antebellum home. This imposing mansion has been restored to its 19th century glory, a noble tribute to those who left an indelible mark on this rich River Region.

 

 

Visit Oak Alley Plantation, The Grande Dame of the Great River Road

The Oak Alley Plantation has long been a fixture of Oak Alley, LA. Built in the mid 19th century, this antebellum-style mansion will transport you back to a time when plantations were the backbone of the Southern economy. Take a guided tour of the grounds, which include an antique car garage, a blacksmith shop and the famous Alley of Oaks

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DAY 4 - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Experience the wonder of Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital city, one that is rich in culture and heritage. Known affectionately as the Red Stick, Baton Rouge is home to legendary Louisiana Cajun cuisine, fascinating plantation tours, and a variety of attractions and events. There is everything you would expect to find in a state capital, but with a down-home flavor that is part of its seductive charm. Baton Rouge is a destination with true Southern hospitality. Let us give you the grand tour of one of the most historic, vibrant and unforgettable cities in the South.

Historic Baton Rouge Tour

Visit the two state capitol buildings in Baton Rouge

 

Beginning at the Louisiana Old State Capitol, this tour of Baton Rouge features two of its fascinating historic sites. After your exclusive tour of the Old State Capitol, the tour continues to the New State Capitol, which is the tallest state capitol in the country. Don’t miss the expansive views of the Mississippi River from this capitol’s observation deck.

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DAY 5 - St. Francisville, Louisiana

This quaint southern town is filled 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.” During your New Orleans river cruise stop in St.  Francisville, taking a stroll through its historic center awakens an awareness of history with two centuries of architecture and lifestyles. Nearby plantations beckon you back to a time when coquettish southern belles and their chivalrous suitors sipped mint juleps on the shady porches of these grand estates.

 

Rosedown Plantation & Garden Exploration - Complimentary Excursion

 

St. Francisville boasts some of the most beautiful plantations in the South. Immerse yourself in southern culture and hospitality while visiting one of these magnificent properties: The Rosedown Plantation. Local guides will share stories of the families who lived there and you will explore one of the few and largest privately-maintained formal gardens of the 19th century. 

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DAY 6 - Natchez, Mississippi

Sitting high on the bluff above the mighty Mississippi River rests Natchez, a city 300 years in the making. At first glance, Natchez appears to be frozen in time, with perfectly preserved homes and buildings that remind us of days gone by. In fact, over 1,000 of its historic structures are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Upon closer inspection, you will soon discover that Natchez, while indeed a reflection of the past, is also alive in the present – filled with arts, music, culture, events, commerce and natural beauty.

 

A guided tour through the heart of downtown Natchez.

Natchez is a grand city with a rich and tumultuous history. Tour through the heart of downtown Natchez, bustling with activity at every bend. Hear blues musicians playing along the city’s streets, and discover how music has helped shape the city as it is today. Tour beautifully restored antebellum homes while you learn about the Civil War’s impact on Natchez. Everything that the magnificent city has to offer is available to you on this unique tour.

 

Natchez Shuttle Excursion

Experience the history, culture, and overall atmosphere of Natchez

 

Take a complimentary shuttle into the charming city of Natchez, MS. Explore this beautiful city’s shopping, museums, and other offerings at your own leisure before departing this popular destination.

 

Frogmore Plantation Tour

Discover the lives of early Natchez planters during a tour of the Frogmore Plantation.

 

An 1800-acre working cotton farm, the Frogmore Plantation has 18 restored antebellum structures that date from the early 1800s. Along with the history of the early Natchez planters, the tour includes a rare Smithsonian quality steam cotton gin. The tour continues through modern day plantation life, including the planting, harvesting, and computerized ginning of cotton.

 

Cajun Heritage & Rural Life Museum

Experience 19th century plantation life during a guided tour of this outdoor living history museum.

 

The Plantation Quarters showcase the kitchen, slave cabins, and grist mill of a typical 19th century working plantation. After a tour of the Plantation Quarters, discover the life of early Louisiana settlers during a tour through a replica 19th century town. Highlights include the pioneers’ cabin, shotgun house and dogtrot house.

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The Myrtles Plantation Excursion

Experience true antebellum splendor during a guided tour of the Myrtles Plantation.

 

The Myrtles Plantation invites you to step back in time and experience true antebellum splendor. While on tour, you will see fine antiques and architectural treasures of the South and discover why the Myrtles Plantation has been called one of "America's Most Haunted Homes.” After the tour, relax in giant rockers on the veranda or stroll through the Plantation’s gardens filled with majestic oaks.

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DAY 7 - Vicksburg, Mississippi

In Vicksburg, you’ll find Southern hospitality in its most authentic form. It’s a city bursting at the seams with history at some of its most poignant turns, art at its most creative angles, food at its finest flavors, and outdoor adventure at its most thrilling. With sweeping views of the Mississippi River, Vicksburg perfectly blends Southern culture and heritage along with hallowed stories of Civil War battles.

 

Battle of Vicksburg Tour

Explore this sprawling battlefield with a professional guide.

 

National Military Park commemorates the campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg in 1863 and includes over 1,370 monuments and markers, a restored Union gunboat and a national cemetery. Explore this sprawling battlefield with a professional guide who has a vast knowledge of civilian life and military operations on both sides of the siege and battle. Your tour will end at the Visitors’ Center, filled with an impressive array of exhibits and artifacts from the Siege of Vicksburg.

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DAY 8-9 - Memphis, Tennessee

The largest city in Tennessee offers everything a curious tourist, hungry gourmet, or history buff could want to do and see at attractions that include music museums, art galleries, Mississippi riverboat tours, and the Memphis Zoo. Be sure to visit Graceland, and then visit the other side of Memphis at the W.C. Handy Museum; Shelby Farms, the largest urban park in the country; or the “twisted” Ornamental Metal Museum. In the heart of “Blues City,” you’ll find the Peabody Memphis, one of the city’s most popular attractions. Legendary, charming and elegant are adjectives that perfectly describe this grand hotel where its famous Peabody Ducks march to and from the Grand Lobby.

 

Discover the history and culture of Memphis on a narrated tour

 

Travel through the true highlights of Memphis on an informative narrated city tour. You will pass sites like Mud Island and Cotton Row, and historic regions like the Pinch District. If you have wanted to learn about Memphis on a deeper level, this excursion is for you.

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Deluxe Graceland Tour

Have the ultimate rock n' roll experience by visiting Elvis Presley's Graceland.

 

Walk in the footsteps of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll at Elvis’ home, Graceland. The full Graceland experience will take you from Elvis’s humble beginnings through his rise to superstardom. Step inside Graceland Mansion and follow in the same steps as Elvis himself as you enjoy an audio-guided tour featuring commentary and stories by Elvis and his daughter Lisa Marie. See where Elvis lived, relaxed and spent time with his friends and family, or explore the Elvis Presley Car Museum and admire over 33 vehicles owned by Elvis.

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