Americas Heartland: From Music City to the Big Easy

America's Heartland: From Music City to the Big Easy 2013 / 2014

12 days from Nashville to New Orleans

On this Mississippi cruise vacation, you’ll enjoy some of the South’s grand cities and historical towns along the river. Begin your trip in Nashville with visits to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry, where you’ll have reserved seats. In Memphis, board the paddlewheel steamboat American Queen to set sail for your Mississippi cruise. But first, visit Sun Studios, which launched the careers of Elvis, Johnny Cash, and many more, and choose between an excursion to Elvis’ Graceland or a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum in the former Lorraine Hotel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

As you cruise along the Mississippi River, stop to see beautifully restored antebellum plantation homes, sample marvelous American and Southern cuisine, and feel like you’ve stepped right into the pages of a Mark Twain adventure. You’ll stop in Helena, a town full of Civil War history and antebellum homes; Vicksburg, where you’ll visit the Vicksburg National Military Park, which preserves the site of the important Civil War battle; Natchez, a town with more antebellum homes than any other city in the United States; St. Francisville, a quaint river town with historic sites, charming restaurants, and fantastic shopping; Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s capital; and Houmas House, a quintessential Southern plantation. The cruise ends in exciting New Orleans, where you’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour and visit to the National World War II Museum.

From the exciting cities to the quant river towns, this cruise vacation along the Mississippi River is sure to delight.

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Highlights & Sightseeing

Special Interest Cruises Available

We offer cruises tailored to your passions so you can experience the very essence of your destination. Click to learn more about what special interest is available on this cruise and to view the specific departure dates. These limited-edition, no additional cost cruises allow you to enhance your subject knowledge with expert onboard presentations and to mingle with others who share your same interests.


CRUISE:
7-night Mississippi River cruise in an outside stateroom

NASHVILLE:
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the Country Music Hall of Fame; Grand Ole Opry performance

MEMPHIS:
Guided visit to Sun Studios; sightseeing with a Local Guide; dinner on famous Beale Street; choice of sightseeing—visit Elvis Presley’s Graceland or the National Civil Rights Museum

NATCHEZ:
Avalon Exclusive–visit chef Regina Charboneau’s home

HOUMAS HOUSE:
Visit the grand antebellum estate & gardens

NEW ORLEANS:
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the National World War II Museum; special farewell dinner at a local restaurant

Meals

American breakfast daily, 6 lunches, and 9 three-course dinners including a farewell dinner in New Orleans

Hotels

NASHVILLE Opryland Hotel (MD)
MEMPHIS The Peabody Memphis (MD)
NEW ORLEANS Hotel Monteleone (MD)

NOTE:

  • Cruise itineraries are provided by American Queen Steamboat Company and are most up-to-date at time of publishing. Your travel documents will contain the most current information.

It's about you. You are the reason we've used our 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. Inspired by you, we've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. Here are some of the features and amenities you'll experience with Avalon.

  • Complimentary shore excursions.
  • Daily presentations by river historian.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
  • Space to relax & unwind.
  • Pool & fitness center.
  • American Queen Spa.
  • Nightly music & dancing.
  • Nightly showboat-style entertainment.
  • Complimentary bottled water.
  • Afternoon ice cream & cookies.
  • Dining Room and River Grill.
  • 24-hour Front Porch Café & Afternoon Tea.
  • Regional cuisine by chef Regina Charboneau.
  • Captain's champagne welcome reception.
  • Complimentary coffee & soft drinks.
  • Complimentary wine & beer at dinner.
  • Remarkable service through the cruise.
  • Non-smoking interior.
  • Complimentary guest laundry facilities.
  • Gift Shop onboard.
  • Mark Twain Gallery.
  • Card Room, lounges & bars.
  • Elegantly appointed stateroom.
  • Air-conditioning.
  • Private bathroom with shower.
  • Flatscreen TV.
  • Bathrobe & slippers.
  • Nightly turn-down service.
  • And, much more.

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