Itinerary

Day 1 Memphis, Tennessee

Arrive in Memphis and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day and evening are yours to explore as you wish. You might walk along Beale Street, three blocks of nonstop entertainment as rock 'n' roll, gospel, blues and jazz pour out of every restaurant, club and shop. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time here so you can make the most of your visit.

Day 2 Memphis, Tennessee - Embark river cruise

After breakfast, you can continue your independent discovery of Memphis. Perhaps visit Graceland and see how "the King of Rock 'n' Roll," Elvis Presley, lived quite regally. Later this afternoon, transfer to your ship and begin your cruise. (B) 

Day 3 Greenville, Mississippi

Greenville is Mississippi's largest river port, set atop the highest point along the Mississippi River between Vicksburg and Memphis. Its rural setting belies a diverse artistic heritage. The Muppets creator Jim Henson was born here, and the city has been home to numerous authors, including noted historian Shelby Foote. Greenville is also steeped in the blues; famed songwriter W.C. Handy was inspired to popularize the genre after seeing pioneering musician Prince McCoy perform at a nearby dancehall and neighbouring Indianola was the hometown of the legendary B.B. King. 

Included shore excursion: Steve Azar's Mississippi. Delve into the rich character of the Delta through songs, stories and cuisine during this Privileged Access event.

Day 4 Vicksburg, Mississippi

Located on a high bluff where the Yazoo River flows into the Mississippi, Vicksburg is the epitome of Southern heritage and charm. It was incorporated in 1825 and, with its prime locale on the Mississippi, grew into an important port. During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln called it "the key to the South." And it indeed proved to be the site of the conflict's most pivotal battle, the Battle of Vicksburg, after which the Confederates surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant. The Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the battle site's rolling green fields and grand monuments. 

Included shore excursion: Vicksburg National Military Park. Visit the Civil War site where the Battle of Vicksburg ended, turning the tide of the war in favour of the Union.

Day 5 Natchez, Mississippi

Natchez has one of the highest concentrations of historic Southern estates in the country. More than 200 perfectly preserved homes line its avenues. It is the oldest city on the Mississippi, established in 1716 by French colonists and named for the Natchez tribe who once called it home. With its ideal locale, the city became a crossroads among Native American and European cultures. Famously, Natchez was the southern terminus of the Natchez Trace, the overland route to Nashville that allowed traders to bypass the strong upriver currents. Today, it evokes small-town America. 

Included shore excursion: The Best of Natchez. Learn about local history during a tour of Natchez that visits the city's top sights.

Day 6 St. Francisville, Louisiana

Boasting more than 140 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, St. Francisville is set along one of the most historic bluffs of the Mississippi. The town is said to be "two miles long and two yards wide" because it was originally built on a narrow ridge overlooking the river. Founded in 1809, it is the oldest town in Louisiana's Florida Parishes. Remarkably, many of St. Francisville's structures are not its own; rather, they were moved upriver from Bayou Sara in the 1920s after the small settlement was destroyed by years of flooding. 

Included shore excursion: Rosedown Plantation. Explore one of the South's most intact manor homes, the Rosedown Plantation, and stroll its exemplary gardens.

Day 7 Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge paints a historic picture on the eastern bank of the Mississippi. Its early success was due to its flood-free location upon the first natural bluff north of The Delta. French explorer Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d'Iberville, named the city after a red-hued pole that marked the area's tribal hunting grounds. Its cultural diversity-from its Cajun and Creole music and cuisine to its art offerings-reflects the influences of those who settled and lived here throughout Baton Rouge's history. The city boasts the tallest capitol building in the United States. 

Included shore excursion: Panoramic Baton Rouge. See Baton Rouge's most important sights during a panoramic drive and visit the Capitol Park Museum.

Day 8 Darrow, Louisiana

The Lower Mississippi region is dotted with historic mansions; Darrow is the gateway to these grand homes, meticulously kept to preserve the memory of early Southern American history. Here, imposing houses share the riverscape with moss-draped oak trees and farm fields. It is easy to imagine steamboats and other vessels delivering supplies and materials to these stately front doors. Today, several properties are designated National Historic Landmarks for their architecture, their landscaping, and the contributions of those who maintained the houses and the lands. 

Included shore excursion: Houmas House & Gardens. Explore a stunning historic mansion - one of the finest in the South - and its spectacular gardens.

Day 9 New Orleans, Louisiana - Disembark river cruise

Today, join a walking tour of the French Quarter. You will see the iconic Creole town houses with their wrought iron balconies; Royal Street, lined with antique shops and art galleries; and Jackson Square. After free time for lunch on your own, board a motor coach for a panoramic drive through the city. This evening, savour a delicious meal of local cuisine in one of New Orleans's many fine restaurants.

Day 10 New Orleans, Louisiana

Following breakfast, honour the sacrifices and spirit of America's "Greatest Generation" at the National WWII Museum. Tour a replica of the Higgins Boats, watch the award-winning film Beyond All Boundaries produced by Tom Hanks and take part in the interactive Final Mission: USS Tang Submarine Experience. Afterward, enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at your leisure. (B)

Day 11 New Orleans, Louisiana

This morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions apply: All prices are quoted in Australian dollars, based on per person double occupancy unless stated otherwise, and inclusive of all taxes and discounts. All prices & itineraries are current as of 10 November 2025 & subject to change without notice. Prices are subject to change due to availability, currency fluctuations, fuel price, and tax increases. Savings of $5000 per couple is valid for new bookings made before 01 December 2025, discount has already been included in advertised price. From prices based on Veranda category V1, Deluxe Veranda DV4. Price includes any stated bonus nights, upgrades & package savings, if applicable. All passports, visas, travel permits, and vaccinations are the responsibility of the travelling passenger to secure prior to travel. Airfares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice, based in economy class from Sydney and are subject to the carriers' flight schedules and conditions. Seasonal and flight routing surcharges may apply. Airfares are based on the lowest available fare, which comes with strict conditions i.e., non-refundable, or non-changeable. Please ask your consultant for pricing on flexible fare options that allow cancellations and/or amendments at a fee. Please call us for prices from other airports. Travel packages advertised may include multiple products provided by several suppliers to provide a travel itinerary. Each component of the package will be treated independent of each other, and the specific terms & conditions of each product supplier will apply. Hotels may charge resort fees, or a security bond not included or mentioned in this package, payable direct upon check-in. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty.