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Visit historic Chicago, Illinois

Illinois River: Chicago to St. Louis

Chicago to St. Louis - Example 9 Day Cruise aboard American Countess
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Board American Countess on this 9-day cruise exploring highlights of the Illinois River. Explore the legacy of the American midwest on this river cruise through the historic heartland from Chicago to St. Louis. This journey takes you to a variety of beautiful American port cities in a luxury cruise vessel that offers both adventure and relaxation. The hospitality of these quaint river towns touches the spirit of all who visit. Explore natural beauty and history in ports such as Hannibal, Missouri, birthplace of renowned author Mark Twain, or Peoria, Illinois, the oldest European settlement in Illinois. 
Cruise the Mississippi River on your small ship cruiseView the iconic arch when you visit St. Louis, gateway to the westAmerican Countess1Stroll through historic ChicagoVisit the striking Gateway ArchVisit historic Chicago, Illinois
Highlights
  • Explore arts, cuisine, history, and more in Chicago, Illinois
  • Discover the home town of renowned author Mark Twain
  • Visit Peoria, Illinois, the oldest European settlement in Illinois
  • Enjoy the natural beauty and small-town vibes of Alton, Illinois
Activities
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Hotel Stay in Chicago, Illinois

Ottawa, situated at the confluence of the Illinois and Fox rivers, is a vibrant tourist destination located 80 miles outside of downtown Chicago. The city is chockfull of historic homes that cater to the curiosity of history buffs and architectural fans alike. American Queen Voyage guests also note its friendly and neighborly, hometown feel. Here, everyone is a special guest, and the area businesses provide personal attention to everyone’s needs and expectations. The residents offer a handshake, a warm greeting, and an experience made from the heart. This is a place of progress, trendsetters, and modern movements, from the innovators of the past to the forward thinkers of today. A diverse culinary scene, large murals and public art displays, mom-and-pop shops, historic American figures, and adventure activities. There’s a lot packed into this hidden gem of the Midwest as you will see during your visit. In addition to historical landmarks, Ottawa is surrounded by open spaces, rivers, trails, a nature preserve, and four state parks, all within 20 minutes of downtown. The city is best known as the scenic gateway to Starved Rock State Park, the most popular state park in Illinois, with some 2 million visitors per year. The Park derives its name from a Native American legend. In the 1760s, Chief Pontiac of the Ottawa tribe was attending a tribal council meeting. At this meeting, a great battle started. Fearing death, the Illinois tribe took refuge on the great rock but died of starvation giving this historic park its name – Starved Rock. 

Day 2: Ottawa, Illinois | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Ottawa is a city of intricacy: butterfly gardens and gardens mingle alongside its city streets. Elegant boutique shops and modern eateries satisfy the urban explorer. Explore treasures old and new in this delightful city.

Day 3: Ottawa, Illinois

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Ottawa is a city of intricacy: butterfly gardens and gardens mingle alongside its city streets. Elegant boutique shops and modern eateries satisfy the urban explorer. Explore treasures old and new in this delightful city.

Day 4: Peoria, Illinois

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The largest city on the Illinois River, Peoria is the oldest European settlement in Illinois. Named after the Peoria Native American Tribe, the city was settled in 1680 by French explorers. With a good blend of government and official buildings as the county seat – Peoria also offers a bustling art and culture scene and offers a robust historical story to entertain guests from around the world.

Day 5: Havana, Illinois

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This town gives way to the discovery of the heart and soul of the Illinois River. Within its borders lies a rich cultural heritage, red-brick streets and beautiful Riverfront Park. Nature lovers and history buffs alike will relish the day touring this beautiful scenic port.

Day 6: River Cruising

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Watch small river towns and lush landscapes slowly become lost in the horizon as sunlight plays upon the deck. Take hold of a literary classic, curl up on a plush chair in a cozy corner and relish in the moment of tranquility. Experience the fulfillment that river cruising offers.

Day 7: Hannibal, Missouri

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Hannibal could be described as ordinary, but the father of American literature would beg to differ. The town, with style and dignity, comes to life in the writings of Mark Twain. People, entities and livelihoods of Hannibal’s past endure within the pages of masterpieces such as “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “Life on the Mississippi,” and the town’s preservation efforts allow the quests to step right onto the page where Twain left off. Today, the river stretches north toward country that’s almost as wild and beautiful as it must have been then, and, still enlivened by the coming and going of rivercraft, this exuberant port marks the start of adventure for all who visit. 

Day 8: Grafton, Illinois

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Grafton is the oldest city in Jersey County, founded as a river community with an eye on supporting riverboats traveling between Chicago and St. Louis. Boat construction, quarries, and mills were part of the city’s early industrial years. Grafton housed a factory that made boats through the 1960s. The city’s early history is the stuff of legends. Early Grafton was reminiscent of the Wild West. Due to the relatively short distance across the river to Missouri, the city lured outlaws who would hide out in surrounding hollows and caves. Infamous outlaw Jesse James and his gang reportedly spent time at The River House Hotel, or the “Bloody Bucket” as it was later known. Now known as the Great Rivers and Routes region, this is the only place where the Mother Road of Route 66 meets the Great River Road. The convergence of those two iconic roads is also the intersection of fascinating people, places and things that make this region so special. 

Alongside famous roads, history and small-town charm, the region celebrates three of the nation’s great rivers – the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois. Where else can you find: the remnants of a prehistoric native civilization; ties to both Abraham Lincoln and Miles Davis; and a historic bridge that takes a sharp bend in the middle. Grafton’s history is openly depicted in every rustic home, residents’ undeniable hospitality, sweeping views and its vibrant downtown district. Discover museums that highlight the city’s history, explore unique shops and eateries or sip robust wines from one of the many wineries across the county.

Day 9: St. Louis, Missouri | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
As the journey concludes, there are other opportunities for you to take in the town. Enjoy the city at your leisure, or consider an airport transfer.

Ship/Hotel

American Countess

American Countess
American Countess Entertainment
American Countess Relaxation

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
American Countess Inside stateroom
Select a Date
Inside Staterooms (E)
170 sq. ft. (wheelchair-accessible rooms are 220 sq. ft.). 43 cabins located on the Observation and Cabin Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom with shower, Writing desk with chair, Interior access.
American Countess Single outside
Select a Date
Single Outside Stateroom With Open Veranda (SO)
180 sq. ft. 1 cabin located on the Observation Deck. With open veranda, Single bed, Full bathroom with shower, Furnished lounge area with sofa and desk, Sliding doors open to deck, Interior access.
American Countess Deluxe Outside
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Deluxe Outside Staterooms With Open Veranda (B)
220 sq. ft. with open veranda (wheelchair-accessible rooms are 300 sq. ft.). 44 cabins located on the Observation Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom with shower, Furnished lounge area with sofa and desk, Sliding doors open to deck, Interior access.
American Countess Veranda Suite
Select a Date
Veranda Suites With Private Balcony (A)
255 sq. ft. with 40-sq.-ft. private veranda (wheelchair-accessible rooms are 325 sq. ft.). 35 cabins located on the Cabin Deck. Queen bed or two single beds, Full bathroom with shower, Furnished lounge area with sofa and desk, Sliding doors open to veranda, Interior access.

Notes

PLEASE NOTE: All fares, itineraries, special interest series, entertainment, shore excursions and other voyage attributes are subject to change without notice, and we reserve the right to not honor any published prices that we determine were erroneous due to printing, electronic or clerical error. 
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Unlimited Wifi
  • Gratuities to Onboard Crew
  • Port Taxes & Fees
  • Open Bars & Lounges throughout the vessel including a juice bar every morning
  • In-Room Dining
  • Bicycles & Hiking Sticks equipment if needed
  • Live, Daily Onboard Entertainment & Enrichment
  • Locally Sourced & regionally Inspired Cuisine from land and sea
  • Gourmet Selections of freshly prepared choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited Beverages including an extensive wine list, choice spirits, local craft beers and specialty coffees
  • Unlimited Guided Tours designed with your comfort in mind aboard private, deluxe motorcoaches
  • 1-night Pre-cruise Hotel Stay with free ground transfers between hotel and vessel
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Optional Premium Shore Excursions - highly recommend booking these in advance. If interested, ask us for a detailed list of premium excursions for your cruise as these vary depending on your departure date.
  • Transfers to and from the airport

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
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