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Visit Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati to Nashville

Cincinnati to Nashville - Example 9 Day Cruise aboard American Countess
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Join this 9-day cruise aboard American Countess. Cruise from Cincinnati to Nashville to experience the best of the Ohio River, exploring the scenic landscapes and exciting port cities along the way. The air practically crackles with excitement surrounding Kentucky’s favorite event, spilling out as river towns and cities for miles around embrace the fervor – from a genteel steamboat race to America’s preeminent horse racing event, unmatched in history and tradition. Odds are excellent that this out-of-this-world Ohio River extravaganza will mark a high point of your year.
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Highlights
  • Explore Cincinnati and get a taste of its signature cuisine
  • Visit Madison and its collection of classic architecture
  • Immerse yourself in Louisville's vibrant art scene
  • Get a taste of bourbon and bluegrass in Kentucky
Activities
Places Visited
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 Cincinnati, OH

Enjoy your complimentary stay at the pre-cruise hotel. The evening is yours to become acquainted with the city. Our Hospitality Desk will be located in the hotel, and our friendly staff can assist with everything from general questions about your upcoming voyage to reserving premium experiences. Both American Queen Steamboat Company and local representatives will be readily available to provide you with dining, entertainment, and sightseeing options to maximize your time here.

Day 2: Cincinnati, OH | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Take a stroll through Cincinnati – the birthplace of baseball and its own distinctive chili recipe. The city is filled with downtown destinations that flaunt shops and amenities. Bound by the many parks; each district has its own personality, and you can meet them all – because the city’s compact downtown is anchored to the river, where our guests meet the shore. New hotspots and long-lasting classics give this oasis of commerce its colorful character. Seize the day in this old-fashioned urban jewel on the Ohio.

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS: 
Cincinnati Hop On-Hop Off Tour

Oak Bluffs
This seaside resort from the Victorian era was constructed on historic campgrounds. Today, it features over 300 “gingerbread” cottages and other buildings from the 19th century. The Oak Bluffs is also home to one of the oldest platform carousels, the Flying Horse Carousel.

Edgartown
Enjoy this storybook setting along the waterfront. Gaze upon the elegant Greek revival structures that housed the whaling captains in their heyday. Edgartown is home to many historic structures from the Old Whaling Church to the Harbor Lighthouse.


Day 3: Madison, IN

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Tucked away between Cincinnati and Louisville is Madison, a quaint river town rich in character. This charismatic port flaunts its personality throughout the streets, where a 130-block historic district showcases its collection of classic architectural artistry. Admire the antique machinery at the Schroeder House, or an example of fine craftsmanship at the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site. The downtown shopping district is a unique showcase of unbeatable hospitality, with each shop locally owned and operated. Madison’s heritage is woven into every stop, ensuring a glimpse of beauty and history. Join us to discover all the hidden treasures of Madison.

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS: 
Madison Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Schroeder Saddletree Factory  
This factory is America's very last 19th-century saddletree factory. For 94 years, workers at the Ben Schroeder Saddletree Company crafted tens of thousands of wooden frames for saddle makers throughout the United States and Latin America. It was the nation's longest-lasting, continually operated, family-owned saddletree company. After his death, Ben's family kept his dream alive by adding stirrups, hames for horse collars, clothespins, lawn furniture, and even work gloves to their line of saddletrees. The factory closed in 1972 and was left completely intact. Suggested Visit: 30 minutes - 1 hour      

Broadway Fountain
One of Madison's landmarks, the original Broadway Fountain stood in the middle of Broadway for almost 100 years before it was dismantled and recast in bronze in 1976. The original Janes, Kirtland, and Company cast iron fountain was displayed at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition.

Day 4: Louisville, KY

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky and in the top 30 most populated cities in the United States. The metro area exudes an authentic culture and diversity that visitors quickly learn to adore. Discover the talent and creativity of Louisville locals in a number of art galleries, theatrical performances, and museums. Everyone can find something to love among Louisville’s treasures. 

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS:
Louisville Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Museum Row  
Located a block south of the Ohio River, Museum Row is home to nearly 10 local attractions in one historic neighborhood.
Suggested Visit: 30 minutes - 1.5 hours    

The Frazier History Museum  
A world-class museum that provides an unforgettable journey through more than 1,000 years of history.
Suggested Visit: 1 - 2 hours    

Mark Payton Glass Center  
This glass-blowing studio tour will pass by artists in action as they flamework, sculpt, cast, and blow glass. Make sure to stop in the gallery to explore finished products or the gift shop where you can purchase some unique and beautiful souvenirs. Suggested Visit: 15 - 30 minutes    

Cathedral of the Assumption  
Located in the heart of downtown Louisville, this magnificent cathedral was designed in Neo-Gothic style by William Keeley and Isaiah Rogers, two of America's finest 19th-century architects. The steeple rises 287 feet above the Louisville skyline, and the coronation window is one of the oldest surviving examples of hand-painted stained glass in the country. Suggested Visit: 30 minutes    

4th Street Live!
Fourth Street is the main shopping and entertainment destination in Downtown Louisville.
Suggested Visit: 30 minutes - 1 hour    

Louisville Visitor Center  
A one-stop shop for brochures, maps, experience itineraries, dining suggestions, coupons, and shopping for Louisville and Bourbon Country-themed items.  Suggested Visit: 15 - 30 minutes

Day 5: Brandenburg, KY

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The essence of Kentucky radiates, from its bourbon traditions to a tableau of rolling farmland. Soul-stirring river views and Southern warmth welcome those who pursue relaxation. Mysteries of the Civil War enlist lifelong learners on the battlefield while sprawling parks and trails make way for recreation. The grass is bluer in Brandenburg and all the surrounding areas.


Day 6: Henderson, Kentucky

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Greetings from Henderson, Kentucky – a walkable community wrapped in warmth. Since 1797, this port on the banks of the beautiful Ohio River has inspired commerce and influenced two world-renowned artists who turned life into beauty, art, commerce, and success. Ornithologist John James Audubon and famous blues musician W.C. Handy both once called Henderson home. 

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS:
Henderson Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

The Depot Community Room  
The Depot is a replica of the original 1901 train depot and stands as an example of the city's commitment to preserving the past while embracing Henderson's future. Inside the Depot Community Room, you will find historical artifacts about Henderson's train history, tobacco and agriculture history, war history, and much more. Chat with local historians, view the permanent and rotating display exhibits, and learn about famous historical figures from Henderson including world-renowned artist and naturalist John James Audubon, "Father of the Blues" W.C. Handy, and Mary Towles Sasseen, the originator of Mother's Day.     

Day 7: Paducah, Kentucky

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Paducah’s significant American heritage can be traced to the city’s strategic location at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers. Paducah, originally known as Pekin, was settled around 1815 in McCracken County. The town was platted out and named in honor of the largest nation of Native Americans that ever roamed North America, the Padouca Indians.

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS:
Paducah Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

The National Quilt Museum  
Celebrating 30 years in 2021, the National Quilt Museum is the largest of its kind in the world. It is the portal to the contemporary quilt experience and features exhibits and workshops by renowned quilters who implement creative approaches to fiber art. Visit the Museum Shop & Book Store for Kentucky-crafted items and quilt-related instructional and collector books. Suggested Visit: 30 minutes - 1 hour

Day 8: Dover, Tennessee

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In 1805 a state-appointed commission purchased a 30-acre plot on the Cumberland River from Robert Nelson and established the county seat of Dover. By 1850 the Tennessee frontier town had blossomed into a large river trade center and the second largest steamboat port on the Cumberland. A resting dock meets American Queen Voyages guests in Dover, a town that reveals the value of serenity in river living, where peace and quiet are interrupted only by birdsong and cricket chirps.


INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS:
Dover Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Fort Donelson River Batteries 
Late in 1861 Confederate military leaders selected locations in Stewart County, Tennessee, to construct two earthen forts to hinder anticipated Union naval advancement up the parallel and strategic Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. The first was Fort Henry, located on the east bank of the Tennessee River. Twelve miles to its east, on the other side of "Land Between the Rivers," Fort Donelson and more than two miles of outer works were erected. Substantial river batteries with large artillery were positioned to fend off newly designed and armored Union gunboats. On February 14, 1862, an intense naval bombardment occurred between the flotilla and the Upper and Lower batteries, ending in a Confederate victory for the day. Brigadier General S.B. Buckner surrendered the southern garrison to Grant on February 16. 

Day 9: Nashville | 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, 7 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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