From St. Louis' majestic Gateway Arch to the jazz-infused French Quarter in New Orleans, this voyage follows the path of American humorist Mark Twain and the great steamboat races of the 19th century down the mighty Mississippi. Along the way visit New Madrid and walk along the river to an observation deck, listen to some blues on Beale Street in Memphis, and uncover the ghosts of the Civil War in Helena. Revel in Southern hospitality in Natchez's National Historic District and on the grand lawn of Oak Alley Plantation.
Highlights
Enjoy blues and the vibrant culture of Memphis, Tennessee
Explore the National Historic District in Natchez, Mississippi
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in St. Louis and check in to your deluxe hotel which is adjacent to the city’s attractions. Wonder at the St. Louis Arch, an unequaled architectural statement that defines this storied town, then continue your architectural tour at the imposing Cathedral of St. Louis. Indulge in a less lofty American pastime at the Anheuser-Busch brewery, an American classic.
Your fare includes breakfast this morning at your hotel as well as a transfer to the Louisiane and all porterage. Settle into your stateroom or suite, head to The Veranda for a light snack, and then bid St. Louis farewell as the Louisiane departs and you immerse yourself in the joys of life on the river. Bon voyage!
Imagine this sleepy village flattened in 1811 by North America's strongest recorded earthquake, and later further shaken up by 1862's Battle of Island Number Ten. Artifacts are on view at the quaint Historical Museum and the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site.
The pleasures of the Louisiane become apparent as you start your day with a made-to-order beignet and café au lait in The Veranda. Read a book, talk to the Illuminator, the onboard historian, and then enjoy made-to-order crêpes for lunch. Spend the afternoon with new friends and sip a pre-dinner aperitif in the Bar Royale. Then indulge in the Southern and Continental cuisine of The Crescent Room followed by stimulating entertainment before retiring to your suite or stateroom for a restful night’s sleep.
Take in the sounds of Memphis, where a stroll on soulful Beale Street, a tour of Graceland, or a visit to the Stax Museum of Soul Music and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum have you feeling the beat.
You're sure to agree with Mark Twain's assessment that Helena "occupies one of the prettiest situations on the Mississippi", but there's more than just looks to this hub of blues music, which features the lovingly reconstructed Civil War-era Fort Curtis.
Get lost among over 500 gallant antebellum buildings in this magnificent town, one of America's most historically significant national treasures. Chat up the friendly locals in the thriving entertainment district Natchez-Under-the-Hill, which Mark Twain once described as having a "desperate reputation, morally."
Linger at one of the most photogenic sites in America, majestic Oak Alley Plantation, and stroll its allée, lined by 28 massive oaks more than 300 years old. Tour the Big House and investigate the buildings dotting the lovely grounds.
Day 9: New Orleans, Louisiana | Disembarkation
1 Breakfast
Bid adieu to the Louisiane and take the time to explore New Orleans at your leisure. Amble along the festive streets of the "Big Easy", where the scent of Creole dishes and the strains of jazz mingle within stately French Quarter homes. Hop on a streetcar to further uncover this most European of American cities.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,999
Notes
All fares, including land and hotel, are capacity controlled, subject to change at anytime without notice, and do not guarantee availability.
- A Single Supplement of 50% is available only for the Deluxe, French Balcony, Promenade, and Veranda Staterooms.
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
Constance Block
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.