At a glance
- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Start/End:
- Louisville, KY to Pittsburgh, PA or reverse
- From:
- $4,110
- Time of Year:
- July - August
Embark on a 9-day Ohio River Cruise from Louisville, KY to Pittsburgh, PA, where you’ll immerse yourself in the heart of America’s history and natural beauty along the iconic Ohio River.
Experience the thrill of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs and dive into Louisville’s storied bourbon culture with a visit to one of its world-renowned distilleries. Continue to Cincinnati, a lively riverfront city known for its top-tier museums and the first professional baseball team in the country.
As you travel downstream, discover Maysville, where charming 19th-century architecture and Southern hospitality transport you back in time. In Marietta, the first permanent settlement of the Northwest Territory, you’ll get a glimpse into America’s early frontier days. In Moundsville, explore the ancient Native American burial mounds and the notorious penitentiary that once housed some of the nation’s most dangerous criminals.
Your journey culminates in Pittsburgh, the “Steel City,” where you can take in the breathtaking skyline framed by its iconic bridges, making for a perfect end to this unforgettable river cruise.
Ohio River Cruise Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Louisville, KY
Nestled along the Ohio River, Louisville is a striking waterfront city that rises up the hillside with a rich history of commerce and celebration. Originally founded as a portage around the dangerous Falls of the Ohio—now submerged behind the Markland Dam—the town flourished as a hub of river trade. The city’s deep ties to the river are still celebrated today by the “Belle of Louisville,” a historic excursion boat that has been cruising the waters for over a century. After settling into your hotel, take some time to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 2: Day of Cruising
Step aboard your ship and kick off your journey with a warm Welcome Reception. Meet your fellow travelers while enjoying the scenic views as you cruise peacefully along the tranquil Ohio River this afternoon.
Day 3: Madison, IN
Nestled along the Ohio River, Madison is a charming, historic town renowned for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture. Its historic district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, boasts over 130 buildings showcasing a blend of Greek Revival, Victorian, and Federal styles.
Madison’s rich history includes its crucial role in the Underground Railroad, with several local sites tied to the abolitionist movement. The town also hosts the Madison Regatta, one of the oldest hydroplane races in the U.S., celebrating its vibrant heritage.
Often called an outdoor museum of architecture, Madison’s downtown is a delightful mix of boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Take a leisurely stroll through the area, admiring the town’s stunning natural beauty with sweeping views of the river and surrounding hills.
Day 4: Cincinnati, OH
As you arrive in Cincinnati, the dramatic bridges spanning the Ohio River offer a stunning introduction to this dynamic city. Known as the “Queen City” due to its early prominence in shipbuilding and trade, Cincinnati is a vibrant cultural hub.
Explore the city’s diverse attractions, including major sports teams, a delightful zoo, and the beautiful Krohn Conservatory, with its lush gardens. History and culture come to life at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, a Smithsonian Affiliate Museum, and the stunning St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica.
Stroll through the charming streets, admiring the city’s eclectic architecture and stopping to savor local delights like Cincinnati’s famous Skyline Chili or a treat from Graeter’s Ice Cream, an institution since 1868.
Day 5: Maysville, KY
As your ship docks, take in the picturesque town of Maysville, nestled against the hillside. This historic town, once a key stop for flatboat travelers returning from New Orleans along the Mississippi, holds a deep connection to America’s past, particularly through the Natchez Trace Pathway, which converges here with the Ohio River.
Discover Maysville’s pivotal role in the Underground Railroad, where brave efforts helped runaway slaves escape to freedom. Learn about the lasting impact of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s visit to the town, which inspired elements of her iconic novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Explore the stories of legendary explorers like Simon Kenton and celebrate the town’s rich cultural heritage, including hometown favorite, singer and movie star Rosemary Clooney.
Day 6: Marietta, OH
Nestled at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers, this picturesque town is a treasure trove of history, featuring five National Register Historic Districts with buildings dating back to its founding in 1788. Explore the first settlement in the Northwest Territory on the north bank of the Ohio River, where significant events unfolded and were recently chronicled in The Pioneers, a compelling book by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough. Uncover the rich stories that shaped this town and its vital role in America’s early frontier days.
Day 7: Day of Cruising
Enjoy a peaceful day cruising through the scenic Appalachian foothills, where lush landscapes and charming riverfront towns unfold before your eyes. Navigate through winding valleys, dense forests, serene lakes, and rolling hills, all showcasing nature’s pristine beauty. As you near Pittsburgh, the city’s iconic bridges and striking skyline emerge, nestled between the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers. The transition from the calm of rural life to the energy of the city is truly captivating, as Pittsburgh’s steel heritage seamlessly blends with its contemporary architecture, offering a stunning mix of past and present.
Day 8: Pittsburgh, PA
Our ship docks at the iconic point where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet, forming the majestic Ohio River. Pittsburgh, once a powerhouse of steel manufacturing, played a vital role in national and international trade, thriving in the 18th and 19th centuries. Discover stories of notable figures like Heinz, Carnegie, and other influential Americans who shaped this dynamic city.
As you cruise, enjoy the captivating and constantly evolving landscapes, just as early explorers did centuries ago. The rolling hills surrounding Pittsburgh offer a stunning backdrop, highlighting the city’s historic role as the gateway to the West for the young United States.
Day 9: Pittsburgh, PA
Savor a delicious breakfast on board as you prepare for your journey home. Take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable adventures and the new friendships you’ve made along the way.
