At a glance
- Duration:
- 15 Days
- Start/End:
- New Orleans, Louisiana to Alton, Illinois
- From:
- $8,999
- Time of Year:
- June - August
Embark on an unforgettable 15‑day journey along the iconic Mississippi River, a voyage that seamlessly blends vibrant culture, deep history, and sweeping natural beauty.
Your adventure begins in New Orleans, Louisiana, a city pulsing with jazz rhythms, Creole and Cajun flavors, and the timeless charm of the French Quarter, cobblestone streets lined with wrought‑iron balconies, centuries‑old architecture, and a uniquely celebratory spirit that invites discovery at every turn.
As the river gently guides you northward, the cruise touches the lesser‑known yet richly historic river towns of Darrow and St. Francisville, where antebellum plantations and sprawling oak‑lined landscapes tell compelling stories of America’s early days. In Baton Rouge, savor Louisiana’s vibrant arts and culinary scene before reaching Natchez, Mississippi, one of the lower Mississippi’s oldest cities, home to more than 200 meticulously preserved Southern estates that reflect a bygone era of grandeur.
Further upriver in Vicksburg, explore one of the most pivotal battlegrounds of the Civil War at the Vicksburg National Military Park, then feel the soulful heartbeat of the Delta in Greenville, where Viking’s Privileged Access experience immerses you in the roots of blues music and Southern culture. Between stops, leisurely scenic sailing days offer time to relax on deck, watching fertile farmlands, winding bayous, and abundant wildlife drift by against the backdrop of the great river’s ever‑changing light.
Arriving in Memphis, Tennessee, you’ll have two days to delve into the city’s legendary musical heritage, from the electrifying history of Beale Street to stories of civil rights landmarks, before the cruise continues northward into Kentucky and Missouri, stopping in charming Paducah, a UNESCO Creative City known for its art and architectural preservation, and Cape Girardeau, where riverside history and Civil War legacy await exploration.
Your epic river voyage culminates in St. Louis (Alton), Missouri, where the soaring Gateway Arch stands as a tribute to America’s westward expansion. With two days to enjoy this dynamic metropolis, stroll through Forest Park’s lush expanses, explore historic neighborhoods, or simply savor the city’s blend of cultural attractions and riverfront charm before disembarking and carrying your memories home.
Throughout the cruise, enjoy Viking’s signature inclusive amenities: thoughtfully curated shore excursions, regional cuisine and onboard lectures that enrich your understanding of America’s heartland, and comfortable staterooms designed for peaceful river views and relaxation. Whether you’re a history buff, music lover, nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a soulful, scenic escape, this Mississippi River itinerary offers a richly layered and deeply evocative travel experience.
The Big Easy to the Gateway City Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. The birthplace of American jazz, New Orleans exudes a festive atmosphere along the balcony-lined Bourbon Street. Here, in the heart of the French Quarter, soulful rhythms lift the spirit, especially during the city’s Mardi Gras celebration. Founded by French colonists in 1718, New Orleans served as a territorial capital before the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Its distinctive St. Louis Cathedral—named for King Louis IX of France—is the oldest cathedral in the country. The city’s French, African and other influences flavor its vibrant culture and tantalizing Creole cuisine.
Day 2: Darrow, Louisiana, United States
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.
Day 3: St. Francisville & Baton Rouge Louisiana, United States
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.
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.
Day 4: Natchez, Mississippi, United States
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.
Day 5: Vicksburg, Mississippi, United States
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.
Day 6: Greenville, Mississippi, United States
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 neighboring Indianola was the hometown of the legendary B.B. King.
Day 7: Scenic Sailing: Lower Mississippi
Teeming with a wide variety of birdlife and a breathtaking array of picturesque landscapes, including deep-green forests, lush wetlands and a patchwork of fertile farmlands, the Lower Mississippi abounds with natural beauty. This portion of America’s great waterway is also rich in history and culture, as reflected in the classic literature and music that have drawn inspiration from it.
Day 8: Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Situated on the Chickasaw bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Memphis is revered for its blues music and barbecue. Some of the most famed names in blues, including B.B. King, got their start in Memphis, and the city has a well-deserved reputation as the home of this classic American music genre. Memphis is also celebrated for its culinary heritage and is renowned for its traditional barbecue restaurants serving flavorful dry rub ribs. Rich in history and culture, Memphis’s many notable museums include the National Civil Rights Museum and Elvis Presley’s Graceland.
Day 9: Memphis, Tennessee, United States
The “Queen City of the South” is the birthplace of Memphis blues, popular in vaudeville shows of the early 20th century. With its strong trade in agricultural goods and other natural resources, it grew into one of the South’s largest commercial centers. Memphis famously boasts a wealth of civil rights history, much of it along Beale Street and at the Lorraine Motel, site of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination. It is also the home of Graceland, the mansion where Elvis Presley, “the King of Rock ’n’ Roll,” lived.
Day 10: Scenic Sailing: Mississippi River
The rich and varied landscape along the Mississippi River is characterized by wide floodplains, rocky outcroppings and sandy beaches nestled between fertile farmland and bustling bankside cities. Indigenous peoples used the river for thousands of years before Europeans began exploring the region during the 16th and 17th centuries. It became an important trade route during the 19th century, with the rise of steamboats and river commerce. Today, the river is an important ecological region, with diverse wildlife and habitats, including wetlands and forests.
Day 11: Paducah, Kentucky, United States
Located at the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio rivers, Paducah is one of Kentucky’s hidden gems. A UNESCO Creative City, Paducah is famed for its preserved 19th-century architecture and historic buildings that line the main street. The city’s Downtown streets are a delight to explore on foot. The National Quilt Museum houses a superb collection of contemporary style quilts by artists from around the globe. Paducah is also famed for its “Wall to Wall” murals, colorful paintings by different artists that document the heritage and history of the city and the region.
Day 12: Cape Girardeau, Missouri, United States
The largest city between St. Louis and Memphis, Cape Girardeau has a long and storied history. It was an important site during the Civil War and once housed a number of forts, including Fort D, which remains a well-preserved historic site to this day. Fondly referred to as “The Cape” by locals, this riverside destination is also popular with visitors who come to enjoy nature. The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is a stunning facility with verdant landscapes and picturesque trails to explore, as well as an abundance of flora and fauna.
Day 13: St. Louis, Missouri, United States
During the 19th century, St. Louis was a gateway into the Louisiana Territory. In 1904, the city gained recognition as host of a world’s fair (officially called the Louisiana Purchase Exposition), whereby some accounts the ice-cream cone was introduced. Today, it is home to rich architectural treasures—among them, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, with its 41-million-piece mosaic; the Renaissance Revival City Hall; the 19th-century Old Courthouse; and the Gateway Arch, standing along the Mississippi as a monument to westward expansion.
Day 14: St. Louis, Missouri, United States
St. Louis was once the gateway to the legendary Wild West, known for its gun-wielding cowboys and law-making sheriffs. Today, the city boasts a world-class cultural scene and one of the leading sporting attractions in the US. The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the most successful baseball clubs, having won 11 World Series championships, second only to the New York Yankees. While the Big Apple is famed for its Central Park, St. Louis has its own green space. Some of St. Louis’ most important cultural sights are located in Forest Park, including the Missouri History Museum.
Day 15: St. Louis (Alton), Missouri, United States
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.
