Arrive in Nashville on your scheduled flight, for a three-night stay in the Country Music Capital of the World. Once you’ve checked into your chosen Nashville hotel, it’ll be time to get out and start exploring this wonderfully musical city. To help you feel the ‘beat’, we’ve included tickets to the Country Music Hall of Fame and RCA Studio B which became known as the birthplace for the ‘Nashville Sound,’ a style characterized by background vocals and strings that helped establish Nashville as an international recording centre.

Your chosen Nashville hotel

Make your way today to Nashville airport to pick up your hire car to drive onto Memphis, the next stop on this magical music tour. Check into your chosen Memphis hotel when you arrive and then get out to enjoy the sights and sounds of this great city.

There’s lots to see and do in Memphis and a great place to start is famous Beale Street. Over the next couple of days you can spend your time here listening to live music, visiting the wonderful museums and trying some of the best barbecue in the country. An essential for all visitors to Memphis is a visit the home of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself, Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion. We’ve included a VIP ticket to ensure you get the chance to visit this iconic attraction.

Your chosen Memphis hotel

Enjoy a final night in downtown Memphis before your cruise embarks tomorrow. Your fellow cruise travellers will also be staying in the hotel this evening, ready for tomorrow’s departure.

You will have plenty of time to dive into the city’s rich musical heritage at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music or the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, where you can trace the roots of blues, soul, and gospel music that have shaped American culture.

This morning you will gather, with your fellow travellers, in the hotel lobby ready to be transferred to your riverboat. Your bags will be collected and taken directly from the hotel and placed in your cabin aboard the ship.

Once you board your ship, you will be greeted at a Welcome Reception, where there is a chance to meet the crew and your fellow passengers. Spend the afternoon relaxing as you begin cruising along the majestic Mississippi, a river woven into the fabric of American history and culture.

You will also be able to enjoy some live musical entertainment provided by local performers who will bring to life the music that originated from along the river.

On board

Breakfast, dinner

Your first stop along the magnificent Mississippi is the historic town of Vicksburg, a significant location during the American Civil War.

You will have time to visit the National Military Park in Vicksburg, where a knowledgeable guide will lead you through the National Military Park which commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg in 1863. Stop at the impressive Illinois Monument, modeled after the Roman Pantheon. The exploration concludes at the Visitors Center where life-sized exhibits and artifacts from the Siege of Vicksburg are on display.

A shuttle bus will also be running from your riverboat to Downtown Vicksburg, where you can visit the Old Courthouse Museum as well as the Jackson Street Gallery, that features more than 200 original paintings by local Mississippi artists.

On board

Breakfast, dinner

Today is your day to unwind and take it all in. Your riverboat will glide effortlessly along the Mighty Mississippi, surrounded by breathtaking panoramas of cottonwood trees and graceful blue herons.

You can relax on your private balcony or on the rooftop sundeck, but there are also onboard events to keep you occupied. Choose from cooking demonstrations or mixology classes in the bar. Alternatively, take part in a quiz or join an art class to paint the scenery as it passes by.

On board

Breakfast, dinner

Natchez boasts more National Landmarks than any other town in Mississippi. Begin your exploration at the mighty Natchez Bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. Your local guide will entertain you with local lore and legends, in addition to historical facts. View historic architectural gems, African American sites, local favorites, and a few quirky place. Complete your experience with a guided exploration of Historic Rosalie Mansion, so exquisite, she’s known as “Our Lady on The Bluff.”

You may also like to visit Longwood, the only octagonal mansion in the region. It epitomizes the rise and fall of the South. As the Civil War began, the workmen stopped construction and the house was never completed. You can view the finished lower level, still adorned with original family furnishing, and the upper stories and rotunda that are still a work in progress. This truly is a place where time has stood still, preserved for all to experience.

On board

Breakfast, dinner

St. Francisville is most well known for its rich history. Take your time to explore some of the mansions in the area to get a feel of pre and post Civil War Louisiana.

Explore the beautifully preserved Rosedown Plantation, a historic estate dating back to the 1830s. Tour the stately mansion, stroll through the formal gardens filled with azaleas and camellias, and learn about the lives of the plantation’s former residents.

At first glimpse Myrtles, built in 1796, envelopes one with a complete sense of peace and tranquility. However, it is reputed to be one of the most haunted homes in America. Surrounded by centuries-old live oak trees, the mansion features a 125-foot verandah, exquisite ornamental ironwork, hand-painted stained glass, open-pierced frieze work crown molding, Aubusson tapestry, Baccarat crystal chandelier, Carrara marble mantels, gold-leafed French furnishings and ghosts.

On board

Breakfast, dinner

Baton Rouge is the bustling capital of Louisiana, where history, culture, and Southern charm converge. As your Mississippi Riverboat docks in this dynamic city, prepare to embark on a journey through its rich heritage and lively atmosphere. A must-visit attraction is the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, located along the scenic riverfront. Here, you can explore fascinating exhibits that blend art, science, and history, making it a perfect stop for all ages.

Wander through the museum’s galleries showcasing fine art collections and discover the wonders of the universe in the planetarium. Beyond the museum, Baton Rouge offers a plethora of attractions including the historic Old State Capitol, the bustling downtown area with its diverse culinary scene, and the serene beauty of the LSU campus. Experience the warm hospitality and unique culture of Baton Rouge, making it a memorable highlight of your riverboat adventure.

On board

Breakfast, dinner

Oak Alley takes its name from the tree-lined avenue that stretches towards the Mississippi River. The Mansion it leads to was built in the early 19th century and this Greek Revival building exudes charm with is grand architecture and lush gardens. The interiors have been meticulously preserved and visitors can learn about the land’s history and its role in the sugar industry.

Similarly, Houmas House and Gardens offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Louisiana’s plantation owners. Known as the “Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road,” this magnificent estate features equally stunning architecture, lush gardens, and luxurious interiors.

On board

Your final port of call on the Lower Mississippi is the colourful city of New Orleans. As you disembark your riverboat in New Orleans you will be transferred to your hotel, to allow you to explore this colourful city.

Established in 1718, this jazz-centric city features notable locations such as the French Quarter, with its ornate architecture, and Bourbon Street, famous for its bustling nightlife. Explore the historic St. Louis Cathedral, built in 1794, and Jackson Square, a hub of artistic and cultural activity.

Indulge in the city’s culinary delights, including gumbo, po’boys, and beignets. Enjoy live music at venues like Preservation Hall and Tipitina’s, or any sidewalk where jazz, blues, and funk fill the air.

Your chosen New Orleans hotel

Today is your final day in New Orleans. After enjoying some final exploration time in the city it’ll be time to say farewell to the ‘Big Easy’ and head to the airport for your scheduled flight back to the UK.