Day 01: Arrive in St. Paul, transfer to your ship, and board. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure to explore the diverse neighborhoods and vibrant arts scene of the “Twin Cities.” Dinner will be served on board.

Day 02: Sail to Red Wing along the picturesque Mississippi River, known for Red Wing Shoes and its historical roots. Explore the city’s heritage, including a visit to the National Eagle Center in Wabasha. Optional activities include a scenic cruise across Lake Pepin and the “Mighty Mississippi.”

Day 03: Explore La Crosse’s historic landmarks and statues or opt for an optional trip to Decorah, Iowa, known for the Vesterheim museum and charming boutiques. Enjoy a brewery tour or other recreational options like trout fishing or cycling. Return to the ship for dinner as you continue sailing.

Day 04: Arrive in Dubuque, exploring its rich Steamboat Era history. Visit the Mathias Ham House and stroll through Cable Car Square’s charming shops. Explore the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium or opt for shopping on Galena’s historic Main Street. Recognized as one of America’s greatest Main Streets, it offers antique shops, pubs, and restaurants in historic buildings.. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 05: Start your day at the John Deere Pavilion, celebrating agribusiness and the Deere family history. Opt for an optional tour of a local family farm for insights into modern farming. Explore the Quad City Botanical Center to learn about chocolate history or visit the Figge Art Museum.

Day 06: Continue along the Mississippi to Burlington. Explore historic downtown with a guided tour of sites like Des Moines County Heritage Center and Snake Alley. Optionally, visit Nauvoo and Fort Madison for a journey back in time. Discover Old Fort Madison and Historic Nauvoo. Return on board for an afternoon cookout.

Day 07: Explore Hannibal, renowned as Mark Twain’s childhood home and the backdrop for his famous works like Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, showcasing an extensive collection of Twain memorabilia. Enjoy a walking tour featuring seven museum properties, including the Museum Gallery with original Norman Rockwell paintings. Dive into Twain’s world with a trip through the Mark Twain Cave.

Day 08: Explore St. Louis with a panoramic tour, visiting architectural treasures like the Cathedral Basilica and the Old Courthouse. Discover the Gateway Arch, the world’s tallest, at Gateway Arch National Park. Optionally, visit the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and the Budweiser Clydesdale stables.

Day 09: Cruise the Lower Mississippi’s scenic route, passing lush landscapes, farmlands, and diverse birdlife. Admire bluffs, silos, and meandering channels. Immerse yourself in the region’s history through onboard activities like reading, cooking demos, and lectures. After dinner, unwind with live music in the Explorers’ Lounge and connect with fellow guests.

Day 10: Explore Memphis, birthplace of blues and co founded by Andrew Jackson in 1819. Wander along the iconic Beale Street, where musical legends like Louis Armstrong and B.B. King left their mark. Enjoy music venues, record shops, and indulge in Tennessee’s best barbecue. Spend the day at leisure and take an included tour to Graceland, Elvis Presley’s final residence. Optionally, delve into civil rights history at the National Civil Rights Museum, including the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.

Day 11: Cruise along “America’s Great River” for a day of scenic views. Engage in onboard activities like reading in the Library, cooking demonstrations, and lectures to delve into the region’s history. In the evening, relish live music in the Explorers’ Lounge and connect with fellow guests after dinner.

Day 12: Arrive in Vicksburg, steeped in Southern tradition and renowned for its pivotal role in the Civil War, notably the Battle of Vicksburg. Explore Vicksburg National Military Park, preserving the battlefield and commemorating the significant Vicksburg Campaign.

Day 13: Explore Natchez, a charming small town with 500 historic buildings, including well-preserved homes. Wander through shops in the historic district and visit pre–Civil War mansions. Natchez boasts over 1,000 structures on the National Register of Historic Places. In the evening, discover local artisans’ lives and enjoy classical music after dinner.

Day 14: Arrive in Baton Rouge and take a panoramic city tour. Learn about Cajun culture and history. Choose from optional excursions like a Cajun heritage tour, Atchafalaya Basin exploration, or a visit to the USS Kidd. Enjoy music in the Explorers’ Lounge in the evening.

Day 15: After breakfast, head to the airport for your return flight, or choose to extend your stay with extra nights in New Orleans.