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Music & the Mighty Mississippi Cruise - Chicago, Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans
Join us as we follow the mighty Mississippi, from the city of Chicago to New Orleans, as we take an unforgettable journey by coach and cruise through the heart of America. See the celebrated Chicago and relish in Southern hospitality in the Music City of Nashville. Enjoy Springfield, St. Louis and Memphis, where you will experience Graceland, home of the late, great Elvis Presley. From Memphis we leave land, board the American Queen and cruise the mighty Mississippi. As we sail to New Orleans, we visit Greenville, Natchez, Baton Rouge and the Nottoway Plantation, all offering unique sights at every stop. Before we return home from our amazing holiday, we spend time in New Orleans, where you can explore the famous Garden District and French Quarter.
Tour Includes
- 7 nights hotel with breakfast
- Welcome Jazz Dinner
- 7 nights on board the American Queen with full board
- Complimentary beer and wine with dinner on board American Queen
- Complimentary coffee, water and soft drinks on board American Queen
- Flights to Chicago and from New Orleans
- Airport transfers in the USA
- Fully escorted in the USA by a Tour Manager
- Air-conditioned coach travel
Travel Options
On-Tour
Experiences
Steps to booking your Holiday
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Itinerary
Please choose your preferred 16 day itinerary
Fly to Chicago. Among one of the largest cities in the U.S., Chicago’s unique blend of stunning architecture, attractions and local charm makes it an unforgettable destination. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Join our included city tour to see some of the best sights of the city. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to explore your choice of Chicago’s must-see attractions at your own pace. Visit the second tallest building in North America, Willis Tower, where you can step out onto the glass balcony known as The Ledge and stare 1,353 feet straight down to the ground; check out the fantastic observation deck of 360 CHICAGO (formerly known as the John Hancock Observatory), for amazing views of the city and Lake Michigan; see mind-bending reflections of the city skyline at the Cloud Gate (nicknamed 'The Bean'), a highly-polished stainless steel elliptical sculpture at the centrepiece of Millennium Park, or take a stroll around Buckingham Fountain and enjoy the colourful light and music display as it glows against the skyline and lakefront. During your time in the city, you can also indulge in some cheesy goodness at one of Chicago’s famous pizzerias that serve up award-winning deep-dish pizza. Whatever you choose to do, the Windy City will blow you away with the sheer number of things to see and do. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner and some soulful sounds at a legendary jazz or blues club.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Heading diagonally across the state of Illinois, you’ll head through endless cornfields en route to Springfield. The iconic heart of America, capital of Illinois and hometown of Abraham Lincoln, Springfield is filled with authentic experiences and nostalgia for days gone by as Route 66 runs right through it. Continue to St. Louis, the Gateway to the West. Upon arrival, glimpse the nation’s tallest monument, the Gateway Arch, which commemorates Thomas Jefferson’s vision and St. Louis’ role in the westward expansion of the United States.
Includes Breakfast
Included Highlights
This morning, it’s on to Southern hospitality, unbelievable cuisine, a boundless spectrum of nightlife, and an unforgettable experience in Music City – Nashville, Tennessee. From its very beginnings, Nashville grew from a foundation built on music – it’s the common thread that connects the life and soul of the city and its people. This evening, join our optional visit and experience for yourself what makes Nashville special with a live show at the Grand Ole Opry, the home of American music and country music’s most famous stage.
Includes Breakfast
Included Highlights
A full day at leisure to explore Nashville’s must-see attractions at your own pace. Follow the story of country music, past to present, through the Country Music Hall of Fame; join our optional visit to Historic RCA Studio B, 'The Home of 1,000 Hits'; or see the world’s only full-scale reproduction of the famous Greek temple, Nashville’s Parthenon. You can also step on the stage that attracted so many greats at the Ryman Auditorium, or step back in history and explore the grounds and more at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, home of the people’s President. This evening, you may want to enjoy Nashville’s Honky Tonks – a creative breeding ground for hopeful performers, musicians and songwriters yearning to make it big.
Includes Breakfast
Optional Excursions
Our optional excursions are a great addition to enhance your holiday experience and are highly recommended.
The optional excursions will be available to book during your tour.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments only).
Today, we head to Memphis – the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll and the starting point of soul and blues. Located on the bluffs overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, Tennessee’s largest city is known for its finger-lickin’ barbecue, live music and world-famous attractions. You’ll get an authentic look at Memphis and its music as you tour Beale Street, where live music spills from each club, history hangs in the air, and from the moment your feet touch the cobblestones, you’ll realise you’ve entered a music mecca unlike any other. And, as no visit would be complete without walking in the footsteps of the King of Rock 'n' Roll, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable journey into the private world of Elvis Presley at Graceland Mansion.
Includes Breakfast
Included Highlights
Leisure time today to explore more of Memphis at your own pace. Consider a self-guided tour of the National Civil Rights Museum, the site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; watching the Peabody Hotel’s famed duck march; or enjoy a guided tour through Sun Studio where you can learn the story of the studio that launched many musical careers. Later, we leave land for water as we board the grandest riverboat afloat, the American Queen, for our seven-night cruise. This beautiful lady of the river epitomises the grace and grandeur that has made river cruising a cherished American tradition for more than two centuries. Experience authentic Southern culture as you journey through living history along the Lower Mississippi.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
The city of Greenville is at the very heart and soul of Mississippi Delta, located on the banks of Lake Fergusson, and a short drive from Indianola, the birthplace of B.B. King and many other blues singers. Many authors and writers were born or reside in this small town, also known for its museums (which the town has one for practically everything). Greenville is sure to win your heart with its southern charm and soul.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Includes Dinner
Optional Excursions
Our optional excursions are a great addition to enhance your holiday experience and are highly recommended.
The optional excursions will be available to book during your tour.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments only).
Vicksburg perfectly blends Southern culture and heritage with exciting modern-day attractions. Described as the 'Key to the South' by Abraham Lincoln, this Southern town carries a history unlike any other Civil War city. Founded in 1811, Vicksburg grew as a vital river port city. Today, it is a popular spot for tourists to learn about the battles of the city, taste the cuisine, visit the many museums, and pick out the perfect souvenir.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Includes Dinner
Optional Excursions
Our optional excursions are a great addition to enhance your holiday experience and are highly recommended.
The optional excursions will be available to book during your tour.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments only).
Founded in 1716 – making it the oldest city on the Mississippi – Natchez is a charming river town first inhabited by the Natchez Indians and French explorers who shared the land. Natchez is known for its elegance, hospitality and impressive preservation of history which can be found on every street corner throughout the city. Visitors will enjoy the unique shops, restaurants, museums, and historical homes, all of which contribute to Hugh Bayless’ book, 'The 100 Best Towns in America'.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Includes Dinner
Optional Excursions
Our optional excursions are a great addition to enhance your holiday experience and are highly recommended.
The optional excursions will be available to book during your tour.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments only).
Established in 1809, St. Francisville is the oldest town in the Florida Parishes. In the 1790s, below where St. Francisville is located today, was a settlement called Bayou Sara. When this settlement was destroyed by flooding and fires, many of the structures and artefacts were hauled up the bluff to St. Francisville where they still remain standing. Stop at one of the unique shops, historical homes, beautiful churches, or breathtaking parks and you will agree that St. Francisville has much to offer.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, has a deep culture and rich history. Named after a reddish pole marking two separate tribal hunting grounds, by French explorer Sieur D’Iberville, Baton Rouge has transformed into a rich cultural city. Home to Louisiana’s capitol building (the largest in the United States), as well as the Old State Capitol (a Gothic architectural monument located on the bluffs overlooking the mighty Mississippi), visitors will enjoy spending the day exploring all that Baton Rouge has to offer. From museums and architecture, to shops and creole cuisine, everyone will enjoy an exciting day.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Experience living history as you enjoy a guided walking tour of the largest remaining antebellum mansion of the Deep South, Nottoway Plantation. This stunning historical plantation lies between Baton Rouge and New Orleans and offers a glimpse into the truly grand Antebellum era. Nottoway’s mansion flaunts three floors, 64 bedrooms, and displays an incredible 22 white square columns which contribute to its nickname, 'The White Castle of Louisiana'. Rooms are trimmed in custom plaster frieze made from Spanish moss, clay, plaster and mud, and are all original to the house. And if that wasn’t enough, this immaculate mansion was constructed with 365 openings – one for each day of the year.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
This morning, we say goodbye to the American Queen as we disembark in New Orleans near historic Jackson Square. As one of the world’s most fascinating cities and the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans is alive with tradition and home to a truly unique melting pot of culture, food and music. Ample free time today allows you to take in some of the Big Easy’s must-see attractions at your own pace before joining your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. Explore the Garden District, a neighbourhood of live oaks, wrought iron, pillars and spectacular 19th-century mansions; take a trip into New Orleans’ past on the oldest continuously operating streetcar in the world; tour the storied streets of the French Quarter via horse and carriage; or visit one of the historic cemeteries, referred to as 'Cities of the Dead'.
Includes Breakfast
Optional Excursions
Our optional excursions are a great addition to enhance your holiday experience and are highly recommended.
The optional excursions will be available to book during your tour.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments only).
Transfer to airport for return overnight flight to the U.K.
Includes Breakfast
Arrival in the U.K.
Accommodation
All hotels are of European minimum 3-star standard and have a restaurant or bar on site or nearby.
Please note, due to local laws at least one person in each room booked must be 21 years of age or over.
You will stay at hotels such as:
Day 1-2 DoubleTree Magnificent Mile, Chicago
Day 3 Westin St. Louis, St. Louis
Day 4-5 Inn at Opryland, Nashville
Day 6 Sheraton Memphis, Memphis
Day 14 AC Hotel New Orleans French Quarter, New Orleans
You will also cruise for seven nights on the American Queen riverboat. The largest steamboat ever built, the grand American Queen is a gracious and elegant triumph of American ingenuity. Although filled with today’s modern amenities, her rooms and accommodations display all the opulence of the American Victorian era. With two dining options and entertainment each night worthy of Broadway and air conditioning throughout, you are sure to enjoy the grace and grandeur of this opulent riverboat .
Leger Holidays Tip
Daytime dress is casual on board American Queen; be sure to bring comfortable, non-slip shoes for shore excursions. Evening attire is described as country-club casual – a dress, dressy-skirt and blouse or pant suit for ladies while gentlemen must not wear shorts and can choose to wear a sport coat but there is no obligation.
Cabins
There are 222 cabins on four decks – Cabin deck, Texas deck, Observation deck and Promenade deck – most with queen or twin beds, flat screen T.V., hairdryer and private bathroom with shower. Inside cabins are on Texas and Observation decks located throughout the length of the vessel. Outside cabins with bay window or French doors which open onto the public deck (open veranda) are on request, subject to availability.
Facilities
Lounge/Bar: The palatial Grand Saloon is two decks tall and resembles the small town opera houses of the 19th century with details modeled after Ford's Theater. Rousing musical revues and high-energy cabaret from our immensely talented and energetic cast take center stage each evening. After the show, dance and swing to stellar performances of jazz, blues, ragtime, bluegrass, country and rock and roll in the handsome Engine Room Bar, or join in a lively piano sing-a-long in the Main Deck Lounge.
Restaurant: Even more astounding than the choices you will find on our menus are your daily choices of dining venues. The opulent J.M. White Dining Room is the centerpiece, serving breakfasts, lunches and dinners that are befittingly grand. The Front Porch Café offers a wide variety of classic American favourites and can satisfy any craving.
