8 Night Cruise sailing from Memphis to Chattanooga aboard American Queen.

Lower Mississippi Cruises:
Memory flows deep and sentiment eddies and swirls along the Lower Mississippi River. Once divided by these very waters, when cotton was king and the plantation lifestyle was at its zenith, the North and South were at war, each armed with conflicting visions of what was worth dying for. Look back as each battlefield and grave marker has a story to tell. Then celebrate the living, breathing places where southern culture continues to enjoy a modern-day renaissance.

Civil War
These adventures provide the ultimate Civil War experience, complete with actors, impersonators, lecturers, balladeers, field trips and reenactments designed to entertain as well as increase understanding of this pivotal point in time.

Day 1: Memphis, TN
Departure: 9:00 p.m.
Embark the American Queen in America's third largest inland port, famous for blues, barbeque and Elvis' Graceland-attractions you'll want to explore.

Day 2: Steamboating
Settle into a rocking chair and just let the scenery glide by. Or join in the fun of our numerous onboard activities. Your full day of leisurely steamboating on the river sets the tone for an unforgettable vacation.

Day 3: New Madrid, MO
Arrival: 8:00 a.m. - Departure: 12:00 p.m.
Relive scenes out of the battle and siege of New Madrid and enjoy a presentation at the Hunter-Dawson Historic Site. You'll see the war through the eyes of local soldiers.

Day 4: Paducah, KY
Arrival: 8:00 a.m. - Departure: 1:00 p.m.
Known as the city of art, rhythm and rivers, Paducah boasts a lively Lowertown Arts District, the renowned River Heritage Museum, a Save America's Treasures project, and tours via foot, trolley or horse-drawn carriage reveal its charm. OR Elegant displays at the Museum of the American Quilter's Society highlight the vigorous rebirth of quiltmaking. It's just one of the colorful attractions in a lovely city of 19th century architecture, specialty shops and one-of-a-kind eateries.

Day 5: Steamboating
The Great Waters of the Mississippi river system originate in Lake Itasca and roll relentlessly to the Gulf of Mexico. This force of nature is your constant companion during a magical day of uninterrupted cruising.

Day 6: Florence, AL
Arrival: 8:00 a.m. - Departure: 5:00 p.m.
Included Tour: We will have the opportunity to visit several sites in Florence, Alabama. Starting with one of the oldest structures in Florence, Pope's Tavern Museum was used as a stagecoach stop, tavern and inn, and hospital for both Confederate and Union forces during Civil War. Next stop is the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts is a gallery and center for the coordination and promotion for cultural activity in the area. The Father of the Blues, William Christopher Handy, was born in Florence in 1873 in a simple cabin that today houses a large collection of his personal papers, memorabilia and artifacts. We will visit WC Handy House Museum. Next stop is the Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House, a cypress, glass, and brick house built in 1939-1940 has been called one of the purest examples of Wright's Usonian style. Climb the steps of history at this 43 foot high mound. The Florence Indian Mound & Museum is the highest platform mound in the Tennessee Valley region.

Day 7: Decatur, AL
Arrival: 8:00 a.m. - Departure: 5:00 p.m.
Decatur highlights include the North Alabama Birding Trail, the Carnegie Visual Arts Center, the Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts, Riverwalk Marina, Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, two historic districts, and unique shopping and dining experiences.

Day 8: Steamboating
Today will be spent steamboating and is your day to relax and enjoy the scenery floating and flying past the American Queen.

Day 9: Disembark in Chattanooga, TN
Arrival: 8:00 a.m.
Tie up in Chattanooga and bid your ship adieu.