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United States Archaeology Cruises

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Columbia River
Sunrise over Crown Point at Columbia River
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Explore historic Nashville, Tennessee
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Fort Lauderdale strip aerial view
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Illinois River
Aerial views of Chicago
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Springtime in Boston
Ohio River
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Bridge over Columbia River to Mount Hood
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Chattanooga Tennessee
Washington
Explore the landscape of the Pacific northwest
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Embark on a journey through time with our selection of archaeological site visits in the United States, where history is etched into the very landscape. Over 7 to 24 days, delve into America's rich tapestry on river cruises that meander along storied waterways like the mighty Mississippi. From New Orleans' vibrant jazz scene to Memphis' soulful rhythms, uncover layers of cultural heritage at Civil War battlefields and antebellum homes. Prices beginning at $3,630 to $129,382 invite you to explore these narratives that have shaped a nation, offering more than just sightseeing but an immersive educational experience for all ages this 2026. Whether it's tracing the legacy from Minneapolis to Louisiana or soaking in Southern charms roundtrip from New Orleans, each tour promises relaxation and enlightenment in equal measure. To weave your own story into America’s historical fabric, contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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    • United States
Columbia River Gorge
from $6,150
HALF DEP
EXPLORE

Harvests, History and Landscapes of the Pacific Northwest

Portland Roundtrip - 8 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Venture
  • Portland bridge river cruising
  • Walla Walla winery visits
  • Multnomah Falls scenic stop
  • Astoria maritime museum visit
Starts / Ends
Portland / Portland
Activities
Wine Tasting
Activity Level
Variable
Cruise the Columbia River through Oregon and Washington on an 8-day voyage aboard National Geographic Venture. Explore Portland, Walla Walla, Hood River, and Astoria while enjoying wine tastings, scenic cruising, waterfalls, museums, and Lewis and Clark historic landmarks across the Pacific Northwest.
Cruise Details
0
Visit historic Memphis, Tennessee
from $9,999
EXPLORE

The Big Easy to the Gateway City

New Orleans - St. Louis - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Viking Mississippi
  • Explore New Orleans French Quarter
  • Tour Darrow spectacular gardens
  • Enjoy Memphis rich history
  • Discover Natchez historic estates
Starts / Ends
New Orleans / Alton
Activities
Archaeological Site Visits, Village Visits, Urban Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Discover early 19th-century life and Civil War history on a 15-day cruise aboard the Viking Mississippi. Visit grand plantations, memorials, and key sites of the Civil Rights Movement while enjoying regional traditions along the iconic river.
Cruise Details
0
Visit historic St. Louis
from $5,499
EXPLORE

Heartland of America

Missouri to Minnesota - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Viking Mississippi
  • Walk Mark Twain’s Hannibal
  • Explore John Deere innovations
  • Explore historic Burlington charm
  • Explore ancient mound builders
Starts / Ends
St. Louis / St. Paul
Activities
Hiking
Activity Level
Variable
Discover America’s heartland on an 8-day Viking Mississippi cruise from Alton to Red Wing, exploring St. Louis, Hannibal, Burlington, the Quad Cities, Dubuque, and La Crosse. From Mark Twain’s hometown to the Mississippi River Museum, each stop offers a direct look into the nation’s past.
Cruise Details
0
Wander through the historic French Quarter
from $3,999
EXPLORE

New Orleans & Southern Charms

Roundtrip New Orleans - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Viking Mississippi
  • Enjoy Cajun and Creole cuisine
  • Indulge in New Orleans' music
  • Learn the history of Vicksburg
  • See the historic homes of Natchez
Starts / Ends
New Orleans / New Orleans
Activities
Festival Visits, Cooking Classes
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the highlights of the Mississippi River on this 8-day cruise roundtrip from New Orleans aboard Viking Mississippi. Discover port cities such as St. Francisville, Darrow, Baton Rouge, Natchez, and Vicksburg to experience the diverse culture and rich history of the lower Mississippi region.
Cruise Details
0
Explore beautiful Portland
from $14,060
Savings
EXPLORE

National Parks & Legendary Rivers

Portland,OR - Jackson,WY - 16 Day Itinerary aboard American Song
  • Explore Astoria and The Dalles town
  • Visit Mount St. Helens volcano site
  • Jet boat through Hells Canyon gorge
  • Discover Glacier & Yellowstone Park
  • Explore Grand Teton lakes and peaks
Starts / Ends
Portland / Jackson Hole
Activities
Wildlife Viewing, Local Market Visits, Land & Sea Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Discover national parks and legendary rivers on a 16-day land and river cruise from Portland to Jackson. Cruise the Columbia and Snake Rivers, visit Astoria and The Dalles, see Mount St. Helens, and explore Hells Canyon. Continue to Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks with guided tours, meals, and select stays.
Cruise Details
0
Explore the picturesque shoreline of Lake Superior
from $9,899
EXPLORE

Great Lakes and Thunder Bay

Chicago Roundtrip - 16 Day Itinerary aboard Victory II
  • See the Door County Maritime Museum
  • Take a horse-drawn carriage tour
  • Stroll Green Bay shoreline
  • Visit the historic Soo Locks
Starts / Ends
Chicago / Chicago
Activity Level
Variable
Sail from Chicago round-trip on a 16-day Great Lakes and Thunder Bay cruise aboard Victory II and explore scenic ports across the Great Lakes. Cruise through Lake Michigan and Lake Superior on a journey full of natural and historic highlights.
Cruise Details
0
The still water of the Palouse River
from $6,809
HALF DEP
EXPLORE

Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and History

Portland to Clarkston - 8 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Sea Bird
  • Trek up the iconic Beacon Rock
  • Zodiak or kayak the Palouse River
  • Jet boat through Hells Canyon
  • Visit Astoria & Columbia Gorge
Starts / Ends
Portland / Clarkston
Activity Level
Variable
Sail on the National Geographic Sea Bird for 8 days along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, exploring by Zodiac and kayak on the Palouse River and hiking at sites like Multnomah Falls and Beacon Rock. Visit Astoria, the Columbia River Gorge, Walla Walla, and Hells Canyon while learning about the region’s history, geology, and culture.
Cruise Details
0
Mackinac Island, Michigan
from $7,299
EXPLORE

All Five Great Lakes

Chicago to Toronto - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Victory II
  • Explore Navy Pier and city skyline
  • Visit Milwaukee craft breweries
  • Lake Michigan sailing
  • Enjoy Escanaba waterfront views
Starts / Ends
Chicago / Toronto
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 11-day Great Lakes cruise aboard Victory II from Chicago to Toronto. Explore Detroit, Cleveland, Mackinac Island, Niagara Falls, and Milwaukee. Sail Lake Michigan, Huron, and Superior. Participate in cultural programs, enjoy scenic decks, and witness engineering marvels at the Soo Locks.
Cruise Details
0
Explore Pittsburgh
from $6,215
Savings
EXPLORE

Ohio River Cruise

Pittsburgh - Louisville - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Melody
  • Learn Pittsburgh steel city history
  • See Wheeling Victorian architecture
  • Ohio River scenic cruise
  • Visit Louisville Slugger Museum
Starts / Ends
Pittsburgh / Louisville
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 9-day Ohio River cruise from Pittsburgh to Louisville aboard American Melody. Explore Wheeling, Marietta, Cincinnati, Madison, and more. Discover historic architecture, museums, riverfront views, and cultural attractions while enjoying onboard activities, local cuisine, and scenic river landscapes.
Cruise Details
0
Columbia River Gorge
from $6,400
Savings
EXPLORE

Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise

Portland - Clarkston - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Song
  • Explore Astoria's Victorian charm
  • Step ashore in Kalama
  • Discover Richland's scenic trails
  • Cruise the legendary Snake River
Starts / Ends
Portland / Clarkston
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 9-day cruise aboard American Song, navigating the Columbia & Snake Rivers. Cruise past Mount Hood, reliving the golden age of riverboats. Explore Astoria's Victorian charm and visit Fort Clatsop. Journey through history in The Dalles, Richland, and Pendleton, culminating in the majestic landscapes of Hells Canyon.
Cruise Details
0
Vibrant Sunset with St. Paul City Skyline and Mississippi Riverfront
from $5,635
Savings
EXPLORE

Upper Mississippi River

St. Paul, MN - St. Louis, MO - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Serenade
  • Tour historic Summit Avenue
  • Explore Dubuque River Museum
  • Experience John Deere Pavilion
  • Visit Mark Twain’s boyhood home
Starts / Ends
St. Paul / St. Louis
Activities
Biking
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail for 9 days aboard American Serenade from St. Paul to St. Louis. Walk through historic Summit Avenue, admire La Crosse from Grandad’s Bluff, explore Dubuque’s River Museum, and discover Mark Twain’s legacy in Hannibal. Experience curated onboard programs, live music, and the beauty of the Upper Mississippi’s diverse wildlife.
Cruise Details
0
Guests explore Tracy Arm by Zodiac near calving South Sawyer Glacier, Southeast Alaska
from $12,906
Save 15%
EXPLORE

Voyage to Alaska, British Columbia and Haida Gwaii

Sitka to Vancouver - 15 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Sea Lion
  • Visit Haida Gwaii
  • Cruise Glacier Bay cliffs
  • Experience Petersburg by bike
  • Visit U’Mista Cultural Center
Starts / Ends
Sitka / Vancouver, BC
Activities
Kayaking, Fishing
Activity Level
Variable
Experience a 15-day Alaska, British Columbia, and Haida Gwaii expedition aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion. Explore Glacier Bay, kayak fjords, and gain rare access to Haida Gwaii to discover ancient villages, meet artists, and witness vibrant Indigenous traditions, plus unforgettable wildlife and scenic wonders from Sitka to Vancouver.
Cruise Details
0
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