10 Night Cruise sailing from St Louis to New Orleans aboard Queen of the Mississippi.

Cruise the Mississippi River from the banks of the Bayou to the shores of St. Louis. Your journey starts in the French Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in the vibrant city of New Orleans, brimming with art, music and culture. Continue to Baton Rouge and Natchez, where you will experience the best in Southern hospitality while touring historic homes and grand plantations. Enjoy a captivating lecture from our onboard Civil War historian on your visit to the Vicksburg National Military Park. While in Memphis, enjoy an authentic BBQ and take an exclusive tour of the famous Sun Studios, known as the birth place of rock n’ roll. Visit Paducah also known as “Quilt City,” and peruse its many museums and art galleries, before docking at St. Louis, home of The Gateway Arch, our nation’s tallest man-made monument.

NOTE: Cruise operates in approximate reverse order to the itinerary outlined below.

Day 1 New Orleans, LA
Explore the French Quarter, with its architectural blend of Spanish, French, Creole, and American styles. Also known as the Vieux Carré, it is the oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans. The distinctive and romantic character of the area has long inspired writers and artists since the time of Mark Twain, Lafcadio Hern and John James Audubon.

Day 2 Baton Rouge, LA
Experience the wonder of Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital. Known as the Red Stick, Baton Rouge is home to legendary Louisiana Cajun cuisine, fascinating plantation tours, and a variety of attractions. There is everything you would expect to find in a state capital, but with a down-home flavor that is part of its seductive charm. Enjoy a grand tour of one of the most historic and unforgettable cities in the South.

Day 3 Natchez, MS
Perched on a bluff above the Mississippi River, Natchez is a city 300 years in the making. Over 1,000 of its historic structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Upon closer inspection, you will soon discover that Natchez, while indeed a reflection of the past, is also alive in the present, filled with arts, music, culture, and commerce.

Day 4 Vicksburg, MS
In Vicksburg, you’ll find Southern hospitality in its most authentic form. It’s a city bursting at the seams with history at some of its most poignant turns, art at its most creative angles, food at its finest flavors, and outdoor adventure at its most thrilling. With sweeping views of the Mississippi River, Vicksburg perfectly blends Southern culture and heritage along with hallowed stories of Civil War battles.

Day 5 Day of River Cruising
As we make our way from historic New Orleans to St. Louis, revel in the sights and sounds of the spectacular Mississippi River. Spend time chatting with other passengers in the lounges or enjoy a cocktail on your private balcony.

Day 6 Memphis, TN
The largest city in Tennessee offers plenty of attractions. Visit Graceland, and then tour the W.C. Handy Museum; Shelby Farms, the largest urban park in the country; or the “twisted” Ornamental Metal Museum. In the heart of “Blues City,” you’ll find the Peabody Memphis, one of the city’s most popular attractions.

Day 7 New Madrid, MO
Originally founded in 1776 by Spanish Governor Esteban Rodriguez, early settlers of New Madrid were required to become citizens of Spain in order to reside here. Today, New Madrid is a living monument to early American history with sites including the Kochtitsky Home, the Trail of Tears, and Veterans Park.

Day 8 Paducah, KY
From quilting and shopping to learning about Civil War history, there is plenty to do in Paducah. Tour the American Quilt Museum and search for fabrics in the Lowertown Arts District and visit one of Paducah’s many art galleries. You may also take tours retracing the town's tumultuous Civil War history.

Day 9 Day of River Cruising
Sit back and enjoy the gentle sounds of the paddlewheel as it churns through the placid waters of the Ohio River. One of the highlights of this cruise is the chance to watch the ever-changing scenery pass by and experience the river as early explorers did centuries ago.

Day 10 St. Louis, MO
St. Louis, known as the “Gateway to the West,” is sure to win you over. Take in the Gateway Arch Riverfront, highlighted by the majestic Gateway Arch, the largest manmade monument in the U.S. Enjoy St. Louis’ many world-class, attractions, including the Art Museum, Science Center, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and the Missouri History Museum.

Day 11 St. Louis, MO
Departure day. End your day by relaxing at the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the world’s most popular public gardens.