River Cruising on the American Countess

Day 1

Today we travel by Perkiomen motorcoach to Grove City, OH, the location of this evening's lodging.

Day 2

This morning we depart of Louisville, KY. Enroute we stop in Cincinnati, OH for a visit to the Great American Ball Park. Located on the winding banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, Great American Ball Park serves as the home of the Cincinnati Reds, baseball's first professional franchise. Our tour of the ballpark will offer you a behind-the-scenes look at the Home of the Reds! We will then continue on to Louisville, where we will check into our accommodations. The evening is yours to be acquainted with the city. For your convenience, a Hospitality Desk will be located at the hotel, and the friendly staff can assist with everything from general questions about your upcoming voyage to reserving premium experiences. Representatives from American Queen Voyages and their local port/city partner will be available to provide you with dining, entertainment, and sightseeing options to maximize your time in Louisville.

Day 3

Louisville, KY - This authentically quirky port is a muse to artisans of mixed mediums - from sidewalk chalk to street fare, and home to cultural diversity that quickly captivates the heart of visitors. You may choose to explore the area at your leisure. You could visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Churchill Downs (home of the Kentucky Derby), or the Muhammad Ali Center. Later you will be transferred to the American Countess, the newest jewel in American Queen Voyages paddlewheel riverboat fleet. Upon embarkation you can enjoy her fashionable charm and contemporary design as you cruise along the Ohio River. You can enjoy Louisville at your leisure, participate in the included shore excursion, or the optional premium excursion which is available at an additional cost.

Included Hop-On-Hop-Off Shore Excursion: Visit the following locations at your leisure. Visit one, a few, or all…hop on and off the trolley as little or as much as you'd like.

Museum Row
Frazier History Museum
Mark Payton Glass Center
Cathedral of the Assumption
4th Street Live
Louisville Visitor Center

Day 4

Madison, IN - Tucked away between Cincinnati and Louisville is Madison, IN. This quaint river town is rich in character. The charismatic port flaunts its personality throughout the streets where a 133-block historic district showcases its collection of classic architectural artistry. Admire the antique machinery at the Schroeder House or experience an example of fine craftsmanship at the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site. The downtown shopping district is a unique showcase of unbeatable hospitality. Each shop is locally owned and operated. Madison's heritage is woven into every stop, ensuring a glimpse of beauty and history. You can enjoy Madison at your leisure, participate in the included shore excursion, or the optional premium excursion which is available at an additional cost.

Included Hop-On-Hop-Off Shore Excursion: Visit the following locations at your leisure. Visit one, a few, or all…hop on and off the trolley as little or as much as you'd like.

Schroeder Saddletree Factory
Broadway Fountain

Day 5

Cincinnati, OH - If there was ever a city built upon a river, it's Cincinnati. First the Ohio River, then the Erie Canal
opened this fast-growing trade and transport center with major manufacturing ports to the south and east. Like most early
American settlements, Cincinnati began life as a trading post along the Ohio River. In 1802 it was formed as a village, later
becoming a city in 1819. Two major events helped to shape its future - the arrival of steam navigation for boats along the Ohio River and the completion of the Miami and Erie Canal in 1827. When the railroad finally made its way to Cincinnati in 1836, the city's trading prospects expanded even further. The Little Miami Railroad offered new access to Lake Erie's ports on Sandusky Bay, as well as another major river for navigation. The prosperity that followed allowed Cincinnati to build its first streetcar system and by 1872, the entire city was laid out for public transportation. You can enjoy Cincinnati at your leisure, participate in the included shore excursion, or the optional premium excursion which is available at an additional cost.

Included Hop-On-Hop-Off Shore Excursion: Visit the following locations at your leisure. Visit one, a few, or all…hop on and off the trolley as little or as much as you'd like.

Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Krohn Conservatory
Eden Park Observation Point
Newport on the Levee & Newport Aquarium

Day 6

Maysville, KY - This city boasts a picturesque downtown set on the banks of the Ohio River. Maysville's heightened passion for diversity of art and live entertainment proves that as long there is a story to be told, it will flourish. Its long-standing romance with opera is on display at the restored 1889 Washington Opera House. Maysville is also home to the Russell Theater where hometown hero turned Hollywood screen star Rosemary Clooney hosted the red-carpet premier for her film "The Stars are Singing" in 1953. Visual arts are celebrated with original exhibits by local artists in Maysville's galleries. Through preservation, two historic districts: Old Washington and Historic Downtown Maysville continue to be home to a wonderful collection of historic buildings with diverse purposes. Both scenic gems offer a variety of highlights. Celebrating a vivid past while embracing the future, Maysville is proud of its rich heritage. You can enjoy Maysville at your leisure, participate in the included shore excursion, or the optional premium excursion which is available at an additional cost.

Included Hop-On-Hop-Off Shore Excursion: Visit the following locations at your leisure.

Russel Theatre

Day 7

Point Pleasant, WV - Widely recognized for the 1967 collapse of the Silver Bridge, this sleepy river town became a focal point of paranormal enthusiasts in search of Mothman, a creature said to inhabit an abandoned TNT factory from World War II. You can also learn tales of river life, great floods, boat construction, sternwheel steamers, river disasters and the local industry's contribution to World War II at the Point Pleasant River Museum. Just north of Point Pleasant is an eerie abandoned TNT facility opened during WWII. During the height of the war, The West Virginia Ordinance Works manufactured 500,000 pounds of TNT every day. The factory closed soon after the war ended, leaving the more than 8,000 acres it occupied to be repurposed for other uses. A large portion of the land was converted into the McClintic Wildlife Management Area used for hunting and fishing…but some weird and creepy hardscape was left behind! You can enjoy Point Pleasant at your leisure, participate in the included shore excursion, or the optional premium excursion which is available at an additional cost.

Included Hop-On-Hop-Off Shore Excursion: Visit the following locations at your leisure.

Tu-Endie-Wei State Park

Day 8

Marietta, OH - Known as the "Riverboat Town," this city is located at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers and is the oldest city in the state of Ohio. Because of its location along the river, Marietta grew quickly, becoming a major trading center in the Northwest Territory. In 1811, as steamboats began to churn in America's rivers, Washington County entered a boom era, bolstered by settlers passing through, ship-building, and commerce. Since then, many historical sites have been beautifully preserved within Marietta and Washington County, reminding all residents and visitors that America's westward expansion began in this small but mighty, riverboat town.

Included Hop-On-Hop-Off Shore Excursion: Visit the following locations at your leisure.

Mound Cemetery

Day 9

Scenic River Cruising - Watch small river towns and lush landscapes slowly become lost on 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 10

Pittsburgh, PA - Today our American Duchess voyage comes to an end. After you disembark, we will enjoy a tour of the city, then head for home on the Perkiomen Motorcoach. Arrival home is scheduled for early evening.

Clothing Suggestions

Daytime dress is casual. Slacks and shorts are acceptable. For evenings, country club casual attire is suggested. A dress, dressy skirt and blouse or a pant suit for ladies. Gentleman may wish to wear a sport coat, but it is not required. It is kindly requested that guests do not wear shorts to dinner in the main dining room.

Other packing recommendations:
- comfortable, nonslip walking shoes
- sweater or jacket
- rain gear
- check a national weather source and pack according to the weather

Premium shore excursions can be reserved on your own while on the cruise or by visiting https://www.reservemyexcursions.com/

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.

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