


From its rich complex history to its multitude of dialects, bubbling mix of cuisine to its colourful neighbourhoods and passion for music, the bold and beautiful Deep South is a region that dances to its own unique rhythm.
Immerse yourself in its captivating culture and honest heritage during a quintessential American river boat cruise, paired with unforgettable city breaks and an unforgettable feast of music-themed experiences on this truly one-of-a-kind holiday.
Your Deep South discovery begins in magical Memphis, Tennessee, where you’ll savour a three-night hotel stay. Arriving during the vivid and thrilling Carnival Season, you’ll be immersed in colourful streets, awash with bunting and festival décor, and feel the rhythm of upbeat music echo through the neighbourhoods. While here, you’ll enjoy a fascinating audio-guided tour of Elvis Presley’s sensational home, Graceland; as well as learn about the birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll during a visit to the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, created by the Smithsonian Institution.
From here, you’ll embark American Queen, the largest steamboat ever built, for a journey along the fabled Mississippi River. Discover the charming towns, majestic wildlife, untold stories and striking antebellum mansions of this remarkable region. Highlights include the city of Vicksburg, a historical port unlike any other; Natchez, the oldest city on the Mississippi River; St. Francisville, boasting a lifestyle of a bygone era, and Nottoway, an exclusive stop where you’ll visit the largest standing antebellum mansion in the south.
Your cruise ends in New Orleans, world-renowned for its round-the-clock nightlife, mouth-watering Creole cuisine, unique dialects and its annual celebrations and festivals – more notably Mardi Gras. During your two-night hotel stay, you’ll explore the city’s wondrous attractions and relish a jazz dinner cruise, accompanied by the illuminating melodies from the Dukes of Dixieland Jazz trio, and views of the captivating skyline at sunset.

Welcome aboard the American Queen
A voyage on the American Queen, the largest steamboat ever built, is like stepping back in time to the era of Mark Twain. This flagship paddlewheeler is an elegant soul, steeped in history and rich in tradition, offering guests the opportunity to experience the wonders of the Mississippi River, the tranquil waters that she calls home. Discover the charming towns, majestic wildlife, untold stories and striking antebellum mansions of this remarkable region. Life on board will be just as magical as your time in port; dine on delectable flavours in the elegant J.M White Dining Room, soak up the sun from the top deck, enjoy live music performances and expertly crafted cocktails in the Engine Room Bar, and lose yourself in award-winning, Broadway-calibre entertainment in the Grand Saloon.

Entertainment

Bars & Restaurants

Relax and Unwind
Your 12 Night Holiday Includes
Day 1
17 February 2023
Experience the musical magic of Memphis during a three-night hotel stay at The Guest House at Graceland
This city has a plethora of places to visit and a rich musical heritage – it’s known as both the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. The largest city on the Mississippi River, it boasts a wealth of events and attractions. There is the entertaining Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and Graceland, which is excellent for Elvis fans. For a quieter time, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the Botanic Garden, sample some of the local Southern barbeque food, and sip on a refreshing Blue Suede Tini cocktail to get you in the Memphis mood.
The Guest House at Graceland
Stay in style in the heart of Graceland, an unprecedented resort experience inspired by Elvis Presley. This sensational guest house is just steps away from the music world’s most important and beloved landmark – Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. A perfect blend of style and Southern hospitality, it offers a whole new way to experience Memphis – the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll and Home of the Blues.
Overnight: The Guest House at Graceland
Day 2
18 February 2023
Enjoy an unforgettable day exploring the music world’s best loved landmark, Graceland.
Today, you’ll pay tribute to ‘The King of Rock and Roll’, Elvis Presley. Graceland is the lavish mansion he called home and is the second most visited house in the US after the White House. Lose yourself in epic surroundings during an audio-guided tour, marvel at the countless Elvis paraphernalia, and wander from room to room, soaking up the jaw-dropping décor. You’ll even get to see his custom jets, his pink Cadillac, and wardrobe; as well as gain full access to the all-new Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex. Discover the Entertainer Career Museum and admire the plethora of incredible exhibits. Whether you’re an Elvis fan or not, it’s a fascinating experience.
Overnight: The Guest House at Graceland
Day 3
19 February 2023
Learn about the birth of rock and soul music at the iconic Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
No trip to Memphis would be complete with a visit to the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Created by the Smithsonian Institution, the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum’s exhibition about the birth of rock and soul music, tells the story of musical pioneers who, for the passion of music, overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to create music that shook that world. Take your time as you wander around the incredibly interesting exhibitions, from Rural Culture, where music led the rhythms of work and lent comfort in daily life to Coming to Memphis, and Soul Music, which changed from popular entertainment to a vehicle for political expression.
Overnight: The Guest House at Graceland
Day 4
20 February 2023
From Memphis, embark the lavish American Queen for your all-inclusive Mississippi River Cruise
Today you’ll transfer to port where you’ll embark American Queen, the flagship vessel of the American Queen Steamboat Company. This remarkable paddlewheeler, the largest steamboat ever built, is a gracious and elegant triumph of American ingenuity. With a capacity for 436 guests, it’s an intimate ship yet filled with a number of venues to make your cruise special, from the lavish Grand Dining Room to a theatre showing Broadway-calibre performances.
Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis
Overnight: American Queen
Day 5
21 February 2023
Discover the small river towns nestled along the Port of the Mississippi Delta / Terrene Landing
The Mississippi Delta is more than just a geographical region, it’s a way of life, offering a true cultural experience based on agriculture, music and history. The charming river towns peppered along its banks have been the inspiration of authors, musicians and artists for centuries. Savour a unique glimpse into the Port of the Mississippi Delta, and discover a muse for many.
Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis
Overnight: American Queen
Day 6
22 February 2023
Explore the city of Vicksburg, known as the site of a key Civil War battle, The Siege of Vicksburg
Vicksburg perfectly blends Southern culture and heritage with exciting modern attractions. As a major battle site during the civil war, it’s a port that carries a history unlike any other. Learn about the historic conflicts of the city, feast on its delectable cuisine, uncover history from its wealth of museums and pick out the perfect souvenir. Check out the Tiffany-stained glass at the beautiful Norman-style Church of the Holy Trinity and soak up the history of the Old Courthouse Museum, which has hosted an array of illustrious speakers over its history, including several US presidents. At the Lower Mississippi River Museum, you’ll discover how Vicksburg ancestors lived along the river during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis
Overnight: American Queen
Day 7
23 February 2023
Admire the striking antebellum mansions of captivating Natchez
Founded in 1716, Natchez is the oldest city on the Mississippi River and is known for its elegance, hospitality, and impressively preserved mansions – which can be found on every street corner. Home to over 1,000 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it seems as if history fell asleep and awoke, unscathed, by the changing of times. Shops and restaurants now occupy the site of Natchez Under-the-Hill, a 19th-century town of bordellos and taverns that was once a haven for outlaws and boatmen. During your visit, you could explore the unique shops, restaurants, museums, and historic homes – most of which survived the American Civil War.
Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis
Overnight: American Queen
Day 8
24 February 2023
Embrace St. Francisville, a town filled with natural beauty, history and charm
St. Francisville today is a testament to the lifestyle of a bygone era, with its wealth of 19th century mansions set in swathes of rolling countryside, as well as quaint streets which are host to a number of curious attractions. Take a stroll through its historic centre will awaken your sense of place and bring awareness to two centuries of architecture and lifestyles. Wander down Royal Street and stop at a shop that sells unique jewellery made from hundred-year-old buttons, or learn about the local history at the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum. One of the oldest Protestant churches in the US, the Grace Episcopal Church is also found here, within which is an organ dating back to 1860.
Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis
Overnight: American Queen
Day 9
25 February 2023
Delve into the riches of Baton Rouge, a melting pot of Cajun and Creole cultures
Baton Rouge, capital of Louisiana, nestles on the cusp of the Mississippi River. Boasting an energetic aura, it houses over 300 years of history, seen in the unique architecture and through its extraordinary arts and culture scene. Antebellum landmarks include the castle-like Old Louisiana State Capitol, now a museum. Embark on a deluxe motorcoach to explore the diversity of this glorious city, explore the wonders of the Capitol Park Museum, filled with state history, culture and artifacts or lose yourself in the treasures of the city streets.
Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis
Overnight: American Queen
Day 10
26 February 2023
Relish an exclusive stop at Nottoway, one of the South’s largest historic mansions
Exclusive to the American Queen Steamboat Company, today you’ll visit the sugarcane estate of Nottoway – the largest standing antebellum mansion in the South, lying on the famous River Road between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. It’s a stunning and intricate building with impressive detail. Original furnishings mingle with era-appropriate antiques to look much as it would have done when it was lived in by its original owner. Its glorious grounds feature 16 majestic oak trees spread across the 31-acre property. The mansion’s gleaming white columns and striking balconies stand guard over the Mississippi River, while on the north side, the three-story Rotunda boasts sweeping views of oak-draped lawns.
Meals Included: All-Inclusive Board Basis
Overnight: American Queen
Day 11
27 February 2023
Disembarking in spectacular New Orleans, your adventure continues with a two-night hotel stay in the fabled Deep South
Your cruise ends in spellbinding New Orleans, here you’ll disembark for a two-night hotel stay at the NOPSI Hotel New Orleans. The Belle of Louisiana knows how to entertain year-round. Take a stroll in Jackson Square and indulge in the famous New Orleans gumbo – a thick stew served over rice - while listening to the jazz that’s the ubiquitous soundtrack of the region. Visit the French Quarter, Garden District and one of the Cajun bayous, and listen out for the distinct New Orleans dialect.
NOPSI Hotel New Orleans
Enjoy a two-night hotel stay at the historic NOPSI Hotel in New Orleans, located in the Central Business District, this refined hotel is the epitome of glamour. Boasting stunning 1920s furnishing, atmospheric dining, elegant rooms and a rooftop bar & pool, it offers a fabulous retreat in the heart of Downtown New Orleans.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: NOPSI Hotel, New Orleans
Day 12
28 February 2023
Relish a day at leisure in New Orleans, and be enchanted on an evening jazz dinner cruise
You don’t need to visit at Mardi Gras to get caught up in all that’s great about New Orleans; the Belle of Louisiana knows how to entertain year-round. Take a stroll in Jackson Square and indulge in the famous New Orleans gumbo while listening to jazz, synonymous with this area. Visit the French Quarter, Garden District, one of the Cajun bayous or take a Mississippi steamboat ride. Come evening, you’ll bring your holiday to a wonderful close with a jazz dinner cruise. Savour the beauty and romance of the New Orleans skyline as you dine on a delicious buffet dinner and be enchanted by fabulous melodies from the Dukes of Dixieland Jazz trio.
Overnight: NOPSI Hotel, New Orleans
Day 13
1 March 2023
Your Deep South Tour complete, today you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home
Bid farewell to New Orleans today, and transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Hotel Stays
The Guest House at Graceland
★★★★
Stay in style in the heart of Graceland. Inspired by legendary Elvis Presley, The Guest House at Graceland reflects his signature style and the charm of Graceland. Just steps away from the world-class resort that was recently voted #1 Best Musical Attraction worldwide, it offers a whole new way to experience magical Memphis – the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll and Home of the Blues. From the Southern colonial features to specialty suites which received design supervision from Priscilla Presley, every aspect of The Guest House boasts a touch of grace, a hint of rock ‘n’ roll and a wealth of luxurious amenities that would make Elvis proud. Fabulous features of this spectacular resort include two full-service restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating, lobby lounge, a large outdoor pool, fitness room and a 464-seat theatre for live performances and movies.
NOPSI Hotel, New Orleans
★★★★
The history of NOPSI is as rich as the city of New Orleans itself. Built during the era of the roaring twenties, this iconic property has evolved over its century-plus years to offer guests luxurious modern-day amenities with elegant Jazz Age style. Today, this magnificent hotel, once the former headquarters of the New Orleans Public Service Inc. (hence its name), stands a living American treasure and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Each classically designed guestroom features lavish furnishings – inspired by the building’s history, and state-of-the-art technology. Kick off every morning with a workout in the fitness centre, cool off in the rooftop pool where you can witness spellbinding sunset views over the city, dine on exquisite dishes in Public Service, and raise a glass to your holiday in Henry’s Gin Bar.
Your Holiday Summary
PRICES FROM
£3,499
PER PERSON | 17 FEBRUARY 2023 | 12 NIGHTS | INSIDE STATEROOM
DELUXE OUTSIDE STATEROOM FROM £3,999pp
OUTSIDE STATEROOM WITH OPEN VERANDA FROM £4,499pp
JUNIOR SUITE FROM £5,299pp
All-Inclusive River Cruise
- 7 night all-inclusive river cruise on board American Queen
Hotel Stays
- 3 night four-star hotel stay in Memphis at The Guest House at Graceland
- 2 night four-star stay at the NOPSI Hotel, New Orleans
Tours
- Audio guided tour of Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley
- Rock 'n' Soul Museum visit
- Jazz dinner cruise
All flights (London departure) and transfers
CONTACT US TODAY FOR A QUOTATION AND LET US HELP YOU CREATE THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE.