Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
Louisiana/Mississippi

The Best of the Mississippi River: New Orleans to Memphis

Program No. 25495RJ
Sail the Mississippi on a modern riverboat, savor live jazz, uncover Civil War history and experience the vibrant culture of New Orleans.
WishlistShare
Start
  • The Crescent City Connection bridge, illuminated with golden lights, spans the Mississippi River at dusk with the New Orleans skyline in the background.
  • A map of a Mississippi River cruise route from New Orleans, Louisiana to Memphis, Tennessee, with stops in Mississippi.
  • The American Serenade riverboat docked on the Mississippi River in front of a city with modern glass buildings under a blue sky.
  • A chef teaches a cooking class to a group of attentive adults at the Louisiana School of Cooking in New Orleans.
  • Two red streetcars wait at the Toulouse Street station in New Orleans, Louisiana.
  • A walking path leads through a grassy park with palm trees toward the historic St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, Louisiana.
  • A large mural in Vicksburg, Mississippi, depicts 19th-century steamboats navigating the busy riverfront below the historic hillside town.
  • A smiling woman dances with a statue of Elvis Presley at night on a crowded, neon-lit Beale Street in Memphis.
  • A vibrant nighttime scene on Beale Street in Memphis, with people walking past the bright neon signs of barbecue joints and bars.
River BoatsAdventures Afloat Study CruiseNew
Length
10 days
Rating
New
Activity Level
Starts at
7,699
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
10 days
9 nights
What's Included
26 meals ( 9B, 8L, 9D )
4 expert-led lectures
11 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
9 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration & Orientation: 4:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, check the message board for the location to register with the Road Scholar program staff, which is also where the Orientation session will take place. You will get any updated information. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions you have about the program. Ground travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. In order to be prepared for your upcoming program, we need to collect some menu choices. Please note: in recent years, due to climate change, the Mississippi River has experienced periods of drought during the autumn season. In the event of low water levels, the cruise ship may not be able to follow the same schedule and arrive into their intended ports. Changes are often made based on the river level at the time of sailing, with very little notice. If any of our planned events are missed, we will work with American Cruise Lines to ensure that your program has shore excursions of equal value. We will do our best to keep you informed as changes are made and we kindly ask for your flexibility.
Dinner:
Dinner will be served at Hotel Intercontinental this evening. During dinner, we will enjoy a private jazz performance.
Evening:
Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 26 miles, approximately 4 hours riding time. Walking about 8 blocks and standing during field trip; city streets and sidewalks
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll take a field trip via motorcoach with expert on-board commentary for an overview of the city. We’ll make stops at highlights such as Lake Pontchartrain, Bayou St. John, City Park with its magnificent oak trees and Sculpture Garden, and one of the famed and mysterious above-ground cemeteries where the departed — from pirates to voodoo queens — are interred.
Lunch:
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, off a select menu.
Afternoon:
With our local expert, we’ll ride down famous St. Charles Avenue under beautiful old oak trees. We’ll then go on a walking field trip in the aptly named Garden District, one of the loveliest neighborhoods in the country. It was laid out in 1832 for incoming, well-to-do Americans. Grand houses were built on large lots. The rest of the afternoon has been left free for you to relax at the hotel or visit other sites.
Dinner:
This evening, we will go to the world-renowned New Orleans School of Cooking where an expert local chef will teach us how to cook Creole and Cajun and explain the difference. We’ll see the preparation of traditional dishes, then have them for dinner. Recipes will be included.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check out tomorrow. Have your luggage ready for pick-up and transport to the riverboat in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking according to personal preference at World War II Museum
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Morning:
Have luggage ready for pick-up and transport. We’ll board a motorcoach and ride to the National World War II Museum. Formerly known as the D-Day Museum, the National World War II Museum was founded by eminent historian Dr. Stephen Ambrose, author “Band of Brothers” and other best-sellers. During our self-directed exploration, we will be able to walk through three buildings that house exhibits highlighting the role of participants from world leaders to the everyday men and women whose contributions helped to win the war, as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Many items in the vast collection — such as uniforms, weaponry, vehicles, medals, diaries, letters, artwork, photographs, and other mementos — are on display while thousands of records and archives are available to scholars for ongoing research. We’ll also see the film “Beyond All Boundaries” narrated by Tom Hanks. Through first-person accounts and amazing special effects, we’ll take a self-directed journey through the war that changed the world.
Lunch:
Lunch from a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
From the Museum, we’ll reboard the motorcoach, ride to the Port of New Orleans, and board the riverboat. After completing boarding procedures and getting your cabin, take some time to freshen up and relax. Kick off your journey with a Welcome Aboard Reception featuring cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and lively entertainment. Meet the crew and your onboard experts, and connect with fellow Road Scholars. We will participate in the mandatory safety briefing with everyone on board when announced. Please note: In addition to Road Scholar exclusive lectures, you are welcome to enjoy activities and events separate from the Road Scholar program during free time aboard the American Cruise Line Riverboat.
Dinner:
Enjoy our first dinner aboard. Meals will feature cuisine that blends local flavors and fine culinary traditions. Dinners aboard will include complimentary house wines, house-select beers, coffees, teas, soft drinks.
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Be prepared for walking throughout the historic grounds some stairs and uneven surfaces; a two story house.. Getting on/off motorcoach, on/off riverboat.
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be served aboard.
Morning:
This morning, we’ll gather for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.
Lunch:
Lunch will be served aboard.
Afternoon:
We will step off the boat for an expert-led exploration Oak Alley Estate. From its towering 300-year-old oak trees to its sprawling grounds, Oak Alley’s landscape reflects the story of a Southern plantation through the ages. What began over 200 years ago as a simple land claim has evolved into many things: a sugar plantation, a rice farm, a chicken farm, a cattle ranch, and a country home. Today, Oak Alley stands as a National Historic Landmark, dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of those who lived and worked here. stroll beneath its iconic oak-lined alley, explore informative exhibits, engage with knowledgeable staff, and leave with a deeper understanding of this plantation’s complex history. And for the full Southern experience, don’t forget to enjoy a complimentary mint julep!
Dinner:
Dinner will be served aboard.
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Approximately .5 miles of walking, 2 hours of standing. Some uneven ground and dirt roads.
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be served aboard.
Morning:
In the morning, we'll visit the location of the western-most battle of the American Revolution. A local historian will guide us through locations that were essential to historic battles of Baton Rouge during the American Revolution, Florida Rebellion, and the Civil War. This field trip also includes a guided visit to the Magnolia Mound Plantation. The second oldest existing house on the Lower Mississippi.
Lunch:
Lunch will be served aboard.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we'll board the motorcoach for a Baton Rouge city experience. During the drive we will see the beautiful architecture of the Old Louisiana State Capitol and the Governor's Hall. We'll stop for a self-guided tour of the New State Capitol & Arsenal, the tallest capitol building in the U.S, and explore it's interior, gardens and panoramic views from the observation deck.
Dinner:
Dinner will be served aboard.
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
From the landing at Natchez-Under-the-Hill, there is a ramp up to the street; golf carts are available if needed. Short walks from motorcoach to mansions; standing inside.
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be served aboard.
Morning:
We will begin the day with an exploration of Natchez by visiting Longwood Mansion. Longwood was an exotic departure from typical homes of the period, octagonal and in Oriental Revival style. Begun in 1860 but interrupted by the Civil War, only nine of its 32 rooms were finished. The numerous antebellum mansions of Natchez recall a bygone era. Following Longwood Mansion, we will take a tour of Choctaw Hall. Built around 1836, the mansion features a blend of Greek Revival and Federal styles. The four story home is characterized for its swirling oval staircase, double porches, white columns, and beautiful gardens.
Lunch:
Lunch will be served aboard.
Afternoon:
Following lunch, hop on/ hop off buses will be available for anyone who wants to visit other sites in Natchez. Suggested stops include the Natchez Garden District, Mississippi River Bluff, Magnolia Hall, and Stanton Hall.
Dinner:
Dinner will be served aboard.
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Sitting on coach for approximately 20 miles.
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be served aboard.
Morning:
This morning, we will take a field trip to Vicksburg National Military Park. The Vicksburg campaign was waged from March 29 to July 4, 1863. The Union victory was one of the decisive moments in the Civil War. Congress commemorated the battlefield as a national military park in 1899. There are 1,325 historic monuments and markers, 20 miles of reconstructed trenches and earthworks, 144 emplaced cannon, the restored Union gunboat USS Cairo and its museum, and the Vicksburg National Cemetery. Led by a local expert, we’ll make three stops: at the Visitor Center, where Park Rangers are ready to answer questions, one of the larger monuments; and the Cairo, sunk in 1862, raised from the depths of the Mississippi in 1964, and later reconstructed. Its museum displays artifacts including weapons, munitions, naval stores, and personal gear of the sailors who served on board.
Lunch:
Lunch will be served aboard.
Afternoon:
Following lunch, we will have another Road Scholar sponsored lecture. The rest of the afternoon is left free for you to enjoy activities aboard the riverboat.
Dinner:
Dinner will be served aboard.
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Sitting on motorcoach for approximately an hour. Less than .5 miles of walking.
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be served aboard.
Morning:
This morning we'll gather for a final Road Scholar sponsored lecture before boarding the motorcoach for guided exploration of the city where the Blues were born. Along the ride, we'll stop at the Lorraine Motel, the site of Dr. Martin Luther King's assassination. Other sites we'll see include, Sun Studios, the Peabody Hotel, Beale Street, and the Rock N Soul Museum.
Lunch:
Lunch will be served aboard.
Afternoon:
In Cleveland, we’ll visit a standout cultural attraction, the GRAMMY® Museum Mississippi, which celebrates the region’s profound influence on American music through interactive experiences, films, and exhibits.
Dinner:
Dinner will be served aboard.
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Sitting on coach for approximately 4 hours. Stepping on/off the coach. Approximately .5 miles of walking.
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be served aboard.
Morning:
This morning we'll gather for a final Road Scholar sponsored lecture before boarding the motorcoach for guided exploration of the city where the Blues were born. Along the ride, we'll see Sun Studios, the Peabody Hotel, Beale Street, Orpheum Theater, Victorian Village, and the Rock N Soul Museum.
Lunch:
Lunch will be served aboard.
Afternoon:
After lunch we'll visit the National Civil Rights Museum located in the Lorraine Motel, the assassination site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Explore interactive exhibits and collections showcasing the history of an important era that continues to shape our world today.
Dinner:
Dinner will be served aboard.
Evening:
At leisure
Activity Note
Check-out and disembarkation, followed by motorcoach transfer to the Memphis Airport.
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be served aboard.
Morning:
After disembarking, we’ll board a motorcoach and transfer to Memphis International Airport. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys back home!
Please Note: This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
Mar 19, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026
Apr 02, 2026 - Apr 11, 2026
Apr 16, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026
May 14, 2026 - May 23, 2026
Aug 31, 2026 - Sep 09, 2026
Oct 14, 2026 - Oct 23, 2026
Oct 29, 2026 - Nov 07, 2026
Oct 29 - Nov 7, 2026 Itinerary Differences: This departure is on the American Melody.