Mississippi River Cruise - American Queen

Day 1

This morning we depart on our 11-day journey traveling south to Wytheville, Virginia and our overnight accommodations.

Day 2

After a continental breakfast we will check-out of the hotel and continue southwest to Memphis, TN. Enjoy your stay at the pre-cruise hotel. The evening is yours to become acquainted with the city. The Hospitality Desk will be located in the hotel, and American Queen Steamboat Company's friendly staff can assist with everything from general questions about your upcoming voyage to reserving premium experiences. Both American Queen Steamboat Company and local representatives will be readily available to provide you with dining, entertainment, and sightseeing options to maximize your time here.

Day 3

Memphis has a plethora of places to visit and things to do. Embrace the city that has been coined not only the home of the blues but also the birthplace of rock 'n' roll. Boogie on down to Beale Street - alive with quirky places to indulge in some Southern barbeque, purchase souvenirs for friends and family (or a little something for yourself) and sip on a Blue Suede Tini. As one of the most famous music destinations in the world, Memphis is a melodious port for you to experience. Later this afternoon you will board the American Queen…warm, inviting and comforting and ready to take you away on vacation! The American Queen is the world's largest, most opulent authentic steam-powered paddlewheel riverboat. You will be transported not just through America, but also through time.

Day 4

Today we will be River Cruising! Watch small river towns and lush landscapes slowly become lost in the horizon as sunlight plays upon the deck. Take hold of a literary classic, curl up on a plush chair in a cozy corner and relish in the moment of tranquility. Experience the fulfillment that river cruising offers.

Day 5

New Madrid is known for being near the military engagement the Battle of Island Number Ten during the Civil War. The city is also famous for being the site of a series of more than 1,000 earthquakes in 1811 and 1812, caused by what is called the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Explore the history of earthquakes, documented with seismographic recordings, in addition to Native American artifacts, Civil War artifacts and family life in New Madrid during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Day 6

In the hands of artists, modern Paducah was thrown into form. Fingertips muddied with passion and eased by the vision of river water glided along the surface to pull up the community and create the National Quilt Museum. Residents backstitch past into present, then bind appreciation for culture - ensuring that the seams of history will not soon come undone. The people of Paducah have taken great care to orchestrate every crevice of its community into a symphony of craft and color. Life is a work of art, and the town of Paducah certainly is alive and well. Feast in this foodies' fantasy. Uncover mastership. Catch a glimpse of Paducah.

Day 7

Cape Girardeau has shown hospitality to the likes of Mark Twain, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, and now greets you in the same vein. Peeking through the long-standing architecture and handsome panoramas are moments that will mature into golden memories. They say sometimes the little things make the biggest impact, and here, a million little things have built an empire. Take time to dance among the light of day or pedal along the sliver of bike lanes that strip along city streets. Embrace legends, discover a simpler time and relive the wonders of the past. Here, exploration of young America is at your fingertips.

Day 8

Let the us transport you back to the good ol' days - an era of cereal and Saturday morning cartoons. Before he sailed the Seven Seas, Popeye the Sailor Man was but a twinkle in the eye of Elzie Segar, a Chester native. This is your opportunity to seize nostalgia in the birthplace of one tough gazookus. Chester not only groomed Segar's creative talent, but also acted as a muse, providing character inspiration in the form of its own residents. So, enjoy the origin of this childhood classic and keep good behavior - that's your one life-saver with Popeye the Sailor Man - toot-toot.

Day 9

St. Louis, famously referred to as the Gateway City, is known for its diverse neighborhoods and the different cultural traditions each one brings forth. The city is typically associated with its 630-foot stainless steel monument, the Gateway Arch, which stands on the banks of the Mississippi River to symbolize the westward expansion of the United States.

Day 10

Today we arrive in Alton, IL, where we disembark the American Queen. After disembarking we will depart for Columbus, OH, the location of our lodging for this evening. Fond memories, shared stories and content smiles follow us home.

Day 11

Today we complete our homeward journey arriving back in Pennsburg by early evening.

Please note

Our intention is to run each tour as originally planned and published. However, if deemed necessary to do so, Perkiomen Tours reserves the right to make changes to tour components, schedules or itineraries without prior notification.

Tips for Perkiomen motorcoach drivers and tour escorts are not included in the price of this tour. We feel that these gratuities should be extended on an individual basis and dictated by the level of service provided.

Motorcoach seating is assigned at the time of reservation but cannot be guaranteed. Although we do our best to keep each traveler in the seat assigned at the time of reservation, there are times that it is necessary to move seat locations. Please be sure to verify your final seat number(s) with your driver at the time of boarding. Historically, daily seat rotation was practiced on most multi-day tours. We have suspended this practice for a period of time. Seat rotation will be explained by your driver or tour escort if reinstated.

CB=Continental Breakfast, B=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner