History lovers will enjoy this nine-day trip on American Queen Voyages' 245-passenger paddle wheeler, American Countess, down the Illinois and Upper Mississippi rivers. Visitors may see the picturesque river towns that served as the inspiration for the Father of American Literature by following this itinerary.
After leaving St. Louis, the cruise lands at Alton, Illinois, where visitors may tour the National Great Rivers Museum, play golf on championship courses, or simply take a leisurely walk through the town's historic neighborhoods. On the third day, travelers go even farther upriver to Hannibal, Missouri, the hometown of Mark Twain, the author of numerous of his books. The fourth day of the cruise includes a hop-on, hop-off tour of museums, artist studios, the German American Heritage Center, and the Quad City Botanical Center while the ship is docked in Bettendorf, Iowa.
Experience "the world's steepest, shortest scenic railway" by riding the Fenelon Place Elevator in Dubuque, Iowa. On the ninth day, the ship arrives at La Crosse, Wisconsin, a place renowned for its untamed landscape and stunning views. The last port is Red Wing, Minnesota, which has factory buildings, artisan workshops, dordle and pioneer-era homes that are exquisitely conserved. Passengers may visit neighboring Minneapolis after disembarking before returning home.
Fall Foliage Cruise on the Hudson River by American Cruise Lines
Leaf peeping is elevated to a new level on an eight-day cruise with an autumn foliage theme. Nature enthusiasts may experience the heart of the Hudson Valley on the round-trip journey from New York City, which is covered in a brilliant orange, red, and yellow blanket in the autumn. From the luxury of your balcony, take in a breathtaking display of colors while sailing on either the 100-passenger American Eagle or the traditional 48-stateroom American Star.
Along the beach, you may climb to the Empire State's tallest waterfall, traverse the world's longest pedestrian bridge, and see the residences of renowned writers Washington Irving and Franklin D. Roosevelt at Sleepy Hollow and Hyde Park, respectively.
Lower Mississippi Cruise: New Orleans & Southern Charms by Viking Cruises
This eight-day round-trip voyage visits military installations, historic homes, and vibrant Cajun and Creole communities. The Viking Mississippi leaves New Orleans and makes stops in the Louisiana communities of Darrow and St. Francisville, which include Greek Revival houses, avenues covered in Spanish moss, and even a haunted home. On the fourth day, visitors arrive at Natchez, Mississippi, the oldest city on the river and the birthplace of a significant African American community. Before sailing for Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the following day, visitors may see Vicksburg National Military Park and learn about one of the Civil War's most important engagements. After that, the ship heads back to New Orleans, where visitors may extend their stay or take a trip back home.
Rivers of Adventure & Wine at UnCruise Adventures Cruise the Columbia and Snake Rivers
On this Pacific Northwest UnCruise Adventures adventure, seeing animals and enjoying wine go hand in hand. This is no ordinary vacation cruise—the seven-night round-trip voyage departs from Portland. Rather, travelers may enjoy hiking through rainforests, exciting white-water rafting trips, tours of wineries, and breathtaking kayaking through gorges.
Once the ship departs Portland with champagne and makes a stop in Astoria, Oregon, it sails through the Columbia River Gorge. After a guided trek, passengers may disembark and go back to the ship for a wine tasting with the sommelier. The gourmet explorations culminate in a trip to Walla Walla, Washington, where stops include family-run wine cellars, chocolatiers, and producers of olive oil. The fifth day starts near the Palouse River mouth, where visitors may paddle or kayak. Next day, guests may enjoy river swims, farm-to-fork delicacies, a wine tour and tasting, and visits to Columbia Hills State Park and Rowena Plateau by skiff boat or on foot. After that, guests disembark at The Dalles, Oregon, for a leisurely vineyard tour or whitewater rafting. Back in Portland, a goodbye meal marks the conclusion of the journey.
