Mark Twain’s Upper Mississippi
9 day River Cruise – from £3049
With flights from £3699
The dramatic landscapes of the Upper Mississippi River have long inspired artists, writers and steamboat passengers. It was here that literary great Mark Twain used the majestic river and its scenic bluffs as the settings in his most popular works.
Highlights
- Complimentary pre-cruise hotel in St Louis
- Comprehensive, guided shore excursions
- Travel on an authentic Paddlewheel Riverboat
- Complimentary wine and beer with dinner
- Regionally inspired fine dining and entertainment
Your Itinerary
Expand AllYou can customise your holiday by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.
Enjoy your complimentary stay at the Four Seasons in downtown St. Louis. The evening is yours to get acquainted with the local attractions of St. Louis.
There will be a hospitality desk located in your hotel for your convenience between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm. It’s here that the friendly cruise staff can assist with everything from general questions about your upcoming voyage to reserving Premium Shore Excursions. A cruise representative, as well as a local representative, will be readily available to provide you with dining, entertainment and sight-seeing suggestions so that you can maximise your time in St Louis.
Four Seasons St Louis or similar
Day 2 – St. Louis/ Alton
Today is the day you’ve been waiting for! Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through history.
If you haven’t had your full dose of St. Louis yet, visit the hospitality desk in the morning for ideas about how to spend your day. The official Voyage Check-In will be open from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. During this time, representatives will arrange for your transfer to the vessel and answer any questions you might have. The process is simple and will have you back to exploring in no time. If you have any additional questions, the hospitality desk will be at your service until the complimentary transfers begin.
Day 3 – Hannibal
Hannibal, Missouri, has a rich history, diverse industrial economy and truly remarkable arts. The city was founded in 1819 by Moses D. Bates and became a popular stop along the river for many steamboats travelling up the Mississippi River.
Hannibal offers more parks per citizens than most towns in the Midwest and was included in the famous ‘50 Miles of Art’. Today, the most popular draw of this quirky town is Hannibal’s very own Samuel Langhorne Clemens, recognised world-wide as Mark Twain. Many of the popular characters featured in Twain’s novels were based on people Clemens had known while growing up in Hannibal. Many of the characters and influences of this American icon are weaved into the streets, shops, restaurants, and museums of Hannibal.
Day 4 – Leisurely River Cruising
There is always plenty to do between dawn and dusk on the river and today is the perfect day to enjoy the many public spaces and activities that are available to you onboard. Gaze at the beautiful landscapes and small river towns as you mingle with fellow guests and discuss the unique aspects of river life. If you fancy a moment to yourself, retreat to The Lincoln Library adorned with ornate bookcases stocked with an imaginative selection. Take hold of a literary classic, curl up on a plush chair in a cosy corner and relish every moment of serenity. However you wish to spend your day, make it your own and revel in every moment.
Day 5 – Clinton
The city of Clinton has much to offer, all with the beautiful backdrop of the Mississippi River. Situated at the crossroads of the Lincoln Highway and the Great River Road, Clinton is the Eastern-most point in the state of Iowa.
At the height of its local economy during the late 19th Century, Clinton was regarded as the lumber capital of the nation; a history that is reflected as visitors pass many old sawmills. Today, agriculture plays a big part in Clinton’s economy, which is visible in the beautiful rolling fields filled with luscious, fresh harvest crops. Explore the history of this fascinating river town and discover a lifestyle that will stand out from today’s norm!
Day 6 – Dubuque
A ‘Masterpiece on the Mississippi’, Dubuque is among the oldest settlements west of the Mississippi River. One of the few large cities in Iowa with hills, Dubuque is an extremely popular tourist destination, featuring unique architecture and a desirable river location.
From the America’s River Project in the Port of Dubuque to the revitalisation of the historic Main Street, Dubuque remains a remarkable city. As visitors, you will enjoy exploring this beautiful and unique city as you uncover the history and advancements held within.
Day 7 – La Crosse
Named by explorer Zebulon Pike, who saw a group of people playing a game with sticks that looked like a cross, La Crosse is now a popular tourist stop. Filled with statues, architecture and offering an exquisite view of the river, La Crosse is an artist’s dream. Like much of Wisconsin, La Crosse became heavily involved with the lumber industry in the mid-1800s until the decline of the forests throughout much of Wisconsin took its toll. But in the wake of the vanishing lumber era, La Crosse became a city renowned for its beer making, with around five breweries operating in La Crosse near the turn of the century. Today, make note of lingering pieces of history along the streets of the city, inside local breweries and within the floorboards of historic homes and businesses.
Day 8 – Red Wing
Nestled among the scenic bluffs of the upper Mississippi River, Red Wing’s beauty has inspired artisans, craftspeople and artists for over 150 years.
Discovered in the early 1850’s, the lands were used mostly for harvesting wheat that would be transported on the river. Later in Red Wing’s history the economy began to flourish with the pottery industry, which became a main source of income between 1877 and 1967. Today, the city offers endless opportunities to travel back in time and learn about settlers and travellers that occupied the land before today.
Day 9 – Farewell from St. Paul
Your amazing cruise into the Heartland will disembark in Red Wing, MN. From there, you will be transported to St. Paul Airport. Or if you choose, stay an extra day or two in this thrilling river town. St. Paul’s enchanting art galleries, world class museums and entertaining stage performances will capture your imagination. History buffs will enjoy a walking tour of Summit Avenue, which showcases gorgeous historic mansions built in the late 1800s. End the day by visiting Mounds Park, where visitors are treated to a beautiful panoramic view of the city.
Your Itinerary
You can customise your holiday by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.
Day 1
| Welcome to St.Louis/ Alton
Enjoy your complimentary stay at the Four Seasons in downtown St. Louis. The evening is yours to get acquainted with the local attractions of St. Louis.
There will be a hospitality desk located in your hotel for your convenience between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm. It’s here that the friendly cruise staff can assist with everything from general questions about your upcoming voyage to reserving Premium Shore Excursions. A cruise representative, as well as a local representative, will be readily available to provide you with dining, entertainment and sight-seeing suggestions so that you can maximise your time in St Louis.
Four Seasons St Louis or similar
Day 2
| St. Louis/ Alton
Today is the day you’ve been waiting for! Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through history.
If you haven’t had your full dose of St. Louis yet, visit the hospitality desk in the morning for ideas about how to spend your day. The official Voyage Check-In will be open from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. During this time, representatives will arrange for your transfer to the vessel and answer any questions you might have. The process is simple and will have you back to exploring in no time. If you have any additional questions, the hospitality desk will be at your service until the complimentary transfers begin.
Day 3
| Hannibal
Hannibal, Missouri, has a rich history, diverse industrial economy and truly remarkable arts. The city was founded in 1819 by Moses D. Bates and became a popular stop along the river for many steamboats travelling up the Mississippi River.
Hannibal offers more parks per citizens than most towns in the Midwest and was included in the famous ‘50 Miles of Art’. Today, the most popular draw of this quirky town is Hannibal’s very own Samuel Langhorne Clemens, recognised world-wide as Mark Twain. Many of the popular characters featured in Twain’s novels were based on people Clemens had known while growing up in Hannibal. Many of the characters and influences of this American icon are weaved into the streets, shops, restaurants, and museums of Hannibal.
Day 4
| Leisurely River Cruising
There is always plenty to do between dawn and dusk on the river and today is the perfect day to enjoy the many public spaces and activities that are available to you onboard. Gaze at the beautiful landscapes and small river towns as you mingle with fellow guests and discuss the unique aspects of river life. If you fancy a moment to yourself, retreat to The Lincoln Library adorned with ornate bookcases stocked with an imaginative selection. Take hold of a literary classic, curl up on a plush chair in a cosy corner and relish every moment of serenity. However you wish to spend your day, make it your own and revel in every moment.
Day 5
| Clinton
The city of Clinton has much to offer, all with the beautiful backdrop of the Mississippi River. Situated at the crossroads of the Lincoln Highway and the Great River Road, Clinton is the Eastern-most point in the state of Iowa.
At the height of its local economy during the late 19th Century, Clinton was regarded as the lumber capital of the nation; a history that is reflected as visitors pass many old sawmills. Today, agriculture plays a big part in Clinton’s economy, which is visible in the beautiful rolling fields filled with luscious, fresh harvest crops. Explore the history of this fascinating river town and discover a lifestyle that will stand out from today’s norm!
Day 6
| Dubuque
A ‘Masterpiece on the Mississippi’, Dubuque is among the oldest settlements west of the Mississippi River. One of the few large cities in Iowa with hills, Dubuque is an extremely popular tourist destination, featuring unique architecture and a desirable river location.
From the America’s River Project in the Port of Dubuque to the revitalisation of the historic Main Street, Dubuque remains a remarkable city. As visitors, you will enjoy exploring this beautiful and unique city as you uncover the history and advancements held within.
Day 7
| La Crosse
Named by explorer Zebulon Pike, who saw a group of people playing a game with sticks that looked like a cross, La Crosse is now a popular tourist stop. Filled with statues, architecture and offering an exquisite view of the river, La Crosse is an artist’s dream. Like much of Wisconsin, La Crosse became heavily involved with the lumber industry in the mid-1800s until the decline of the forests throughout much of Wisconsin took its toll. But in the wake of the vanishing lumber era, La Crosse became a city renowned for its beer making, with around five breweries operating in La Crosse near the turn of the century. Today, make note of lingering pieces of history along the streets of the city, inside local breweries and within the floorboards of historic homes and businesses.
Day 8
| Red Wing
Nestled among the scenic bluffs of the upper Mississippi River, Red Wing’s beauty has inspired artisans, craftspeople and artists for over 150 years.
Discovered in the early 1850’s, the lands were used mostly for harvesting wheat that would be transported on the river. Later in Red Wing’s history the economy began to flourish with the pottery industry, which became a main source of income between 1877 and 1967. Today, the city offers endless opportunities to travel back in time and learn about settlers and travellers that occupied the land before today.
Day 9
| Farewell from St. Paul
Your amazing cruise into the Heartland will disembark in Red Wing, MN. From there, you will be transported to St. Paul Airport. Or if you choose, stay an extra day or two in this thrilling river town. St. Paul’s enchanting art galleries, world class museums and entertaining stage performances will capture your imagination. History buffs will enjoy a walking tour of Summit Avenue, which showcases gorgeous historic mansions built in the late 1800s. End the day by visiting Mounds Park, where visitors are treated to a beautiful panoramic view of the city.
This Cruise Includes
Departure Dates
2024-07-01
2024-07-07
2024-07-15
2024-07-21
2024-08-04
2024-08-17
2024-08-28
Flights & More
Ask your FREEDOM Consultant to include Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for a complete ABTA and ATOL protected package.
They can also add extra nights and experiences in places you choose, to create the exact holiday you are looking for. Popular options include:
- Extra nights in St. Louis or St. Paul before or after your cruise
- A four day New York city break
Next Step
Please get in touch with our America Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.
Mark Twain’s Upper Mississippi
9 day River Cruise – from £3049
With flights from £3699
All prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room/cabin, and include meals where shown. Please call Freedom Destinations to confirm departure dates and availability. Seasonal variations may apply.