As fall arrives, the majestic reds, oranges and yellows of the leaves begin to ripple across the rolling hills of the Midwest. Experience autumn among the trees in magical Great River Bluffs State Park in Winona. Be sure to ask the locals for the perfect wine and cheese pairing in Prairie du Chien. Visit Mark Twain's modest boyhood home in Hannibal, admire the striking public art along the river in Dubuque, and take in the panoramic view from the top of the Davenport Skybridge.
Highlights
Visit Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, Missouri
Enjoy the public art scene in Dubuque, Iowa
Explore the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, Minnesota
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. Paul and check in to your deluxe hotel, which is adjacent to the city’s attractions. Admire the Cathedral of St. Paul, a beaux-arts wonder that replicates St. Peter's in Rome, and soak in the arts at the city's world-class museums, including the Walker Art Center. Detour to Minnehaha Falls, best known for Longfellow's Song of Hiawatha.
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. Paul farewell as the Louisiane departs and you immerse yourself in the joys of life on the river. Bon voyage!
Be awed by lofty Sugar Loaf, one of the most recognizable topographical landmarks along Minnesota's bluff country. Find further inspiration at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, which features one of the two original versions of Leutze's Washington Crossing the Delaware.
Contemplate 10,000 years of Native American history at this once bustling fur-trading center, now host to five National Historic Landmarks, including the Victorian stunner Villa Louis. Locals insist you stop by Valley Fish and Cheese for their mouthwatering victuals.
Build up your knowledge of early river commerce much as the lumber barons built countless landmarks at this confluence of three states. Ride the Fenelon Place Elevator Co., a historic funicular that affords an unmatched view from atop the bluffs.
Appreciate the exploding cultural scene at this city founded on the site of the 1832 Black Hawk purchase, host to the yearly festival held in honor of local Bix Biederbecke, the "giant of cornetists", and the excellent Figge Art Museum.
Pay tribute to Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, at his Boyhood Home and Museum in this welcoming town. Reenact Tom and Huck's exploits if you're feeling mischievous, as Hannibal provided the setting for their quintessentially American adventures.
Day 8: St. Louis, Missouri | Disembarkation
1 Breakfast
Bid adieu to the Louisiane and explore St. Louis. 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.
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.
$3,799
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.
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.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
1 day ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
2 days ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
3 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
3 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
4 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
