8-night Lower Mississippi River Cruise

New Orleans is a happy, high-spirited city with the pulsing beat of Dixieland jazz. It delights visitors with its riverboats, Creole cuisine, quaint antique shops and narrow streets of the French Quarter. While here, be sure to take a ride on one of the picturesque trolley cars. Eccentric, elegant New Orleans is strongly connected to both the Mississippi River and the South, but its identity remains aloof from any regional or even national affiliation. It reminds some visitors of European cities, in part because French and Spanish colonial architecture adds an Old World backdrop to some streets. But the feeling of foreignness goes deeper: The celebrated New Orleans atmosphere, cuisine, music, traditions and lifestyle are rooted in an embrace of the decadent and assimilation of the unconventional. New Orleans welcomes all, but is familiar to none, and the result is a city which attracts the romantic, the spiritual, the wild and the inquisitive—all while successfully promoting itself as corporate America’s playground. No matter what is expected from a visit to New Orleans, no one goes home disappointed.

The Mississippi River is the third longest river system in the world - stretching approximately 2,350 miles from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. To enable travel upstream from St. Louis, 29 locks and dams have been built between there and Minneapolis. The Mississippi River is the reason the Twin Cities St. Paul and Minneapolis exist. Used by Native Americans for trade, food, and water long before Europeans visited the “New World,” the Mississippi River and its watershed is a major contributor to the ecology, culture, politics and economy North America. Congress established Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in 1988. The park’s boundaries enclose about 54,000 acres and 72 miles of river - a significant and representative stretch of the Mississippi. They contain the only gorge and waterfall on the main course of the entire 2,350 miles of river. From visitor centers to trails, from industrial centers to Mississippi River backwaters, this park has a bit of something for everyone.

This beautiful antebellum home done in a classic Greek-revival style is a popular attraction in Vacherie, Louisiana. Oak Alley plantation is located on the Mississippi River between the historic cities of Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Many festivals are held here including the Fall Arts & Crafts Show, and the Christmas Bonfire Party. The plantation has been featured in popular movies and shows such as, Interview with the Vampire and Ghost Hunters. Tours of the planation grounds are available. Visitors may also be interested to know that there also a number of other plantations in the area known for their history, gardens, antiques and restaurants.

Houmas House Plantation and Gardens is so much more than just a tour of a grand antebellum estate. Experience the southern splendor of "The Sugar Palace" when you step into 16 rooms filled with period antiques and Louisiana artwork.

The state flower, the Magnolia, is found abundantly in Baton Rouge and all areas of the state. In addition to the wonderful aroma that wafts ever so subtly into the night air, there are many restaurants in the Greater Baton Rouge area with the hearty aromas and taste of South Louisiana cooking. The Gothic Revival castle, built in 1849 was reported to be the "ugliest" building on the Mississippi river by none other than Mark Twain. Restored in 1882 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks in 1976. A more recent restoration of the building was completed in early 1995 and the building is open again to the public.

Natchez, perched 200 feet above the Mississippi River on the highest promontory north of the Gulf of Mexico, is the oldest civilized settlement on the river. The city boomed in the first half of the 19th century with the exportation of cotton by steamboat - cotton grown on plantations in Mississippi and across the river in the rich Louisiana lowlands. Enormous fortunes were made from the area's natural resources: the land and river. Cotton was king, money was plentiful and men spent it - particularly on dazzling mansions filled with the finest furnishings money could buy. Today with its tourism, industry and enormous wealth of natural resources - hospitality - Natchez is one of the most desirable small cities in the United States. Residents are proud to have the city included in Hugh Bayless' book, "The 100 Best Towns in America."

Vicksburg is situated on the banks of the Mississippi and it is filled to the brim with museums, casinos, small art galleries, festivals, shopping and more. As the site of 'The Siege of Vicksburg' during the Civil War, the city is abound with history and monuments. At the old Trinity church, you view six stunning Tiffany stained glass windows. On the way to the waterfront downtown, you will find the Riverfront Murals - 32 images telling the story of Vicksburg's history by artist Robert Dafford, windows to the city's growth. For a little pampering, indulge in one of the four luxurious spas throughout the city. There is always something to do in Vicksburg, for every age and every interest.

Relax and enjoy your day as you cruise along the river and take in the magnificent scenery.

Memphis is known as the home of Elvis Presley and as birth place of the blues. Don't forget to travel down Beale Street and listen to some of the worlds best blues bands. Hike, bike, golf, go for a balloon ride and take tours through the history of Elvis Presley's life. Don't forget some great sites in Memphis such as: Alex Haley's Home, Beale Street, and the W.C. Handy Home. Take a trip to the Memphis Zoo or jump on exiting amusement park rides at Libertyland Amusement Park.

Memphis is known as the home of Elvis Presley and as birth place of the blues. Don't forget to travel down Beale Street and listen to some of the worlds best blues bands. Hike, bike, golf, go for a balloon ride and take tours through the history of Elvis Presley's life. Don't forget some great sites in Memphis such as: Alex Haley's Home, Beale Street, and the W.C. Handy Home. Take a trip to the Memphis Zoo or jump on exiting amusement park rides at Libertyland Amusement Park.