JavaScript must be enabled

Page will not work without JavaScript enabled

A low-angle view from the Mississippi River shows the illuminated Crescent City Connection bridge at twilight with the New Orleans, Louisiana skyline beyond.

Louisiana/Mississippi

The Best of the Mississippi River: New Orleans to Memphis

Program No. 25495RJ

See More Photos

Sail the legendary Mississippi River aboard a modern riverboat, where history, music and Southern charm come to life. Immerse yourself in the music, food, natural beauty and architectural grandeur of historic Natchez, Vicksburg and other small river towns as an onboard historian brings the region’s past to life. Walk beneath the 300-year-old oaks of Oak Alley, hear the stories of Cleveland and Baton Rouge and absorb the rhythms of New Orleans. Onboard, enjoy regional cuisine, lively jazz performances and expert lectures that illuminate the soul of the South.

Best of all, you'll...

Explore New Orleans' vibrant culture. Savor the music, cuisine and architecture of this historic city, from the lively French Quarter to a jazz performance that brings the soul of New Orleans to life.
Step back in time and experience the pre-war South with visits to sprawling estates like Oak Alley.
Feel the rhythm of America’s music as you explore the legendary and historic landmarks of Memphis where the Blues were born, including Beale St and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum.

View Full Itinerary

See Related Programs

River Boats Adventures Afloat Study Cruise

Featured Expert

All Experts

Keith Edgerton

Keith Edgerton teaches early American and Montana history, and environmental history at Montana State University in Billings. Holder of a Ph.D. in American Studies from Washington State University, Keith’s passion focuses on explorers Lewis and Clark. However, he is writing a book on a 19th-century Montana copper baron, William A. Clark, who is not of Lewis and Clark fame. This William Clark became a U.S. Senator in a scandalous 1901 election and died one of the world’s wealthiest persons.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

Please Note:

These experts may not be available for every date of the program

Keith Edgerton

Mary Ellen Ergle

Since the 2003 Lewis and Clark bicentennial, Mary Ellen traveled the country as a park ranger, Road Scholar leader, and avid “Lewis and Clark-ie.” She has even examined the original Lewis and Clark plant collections in Philadelphia and London. She believes this historic adventure story is still relevant and exciting. Mary Ellen’s travels have included hiking the Grand Canyon, hiking and kayaking in Alaska and Florida and paddling a dugout on the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers and a Chinook canoe on the Columbia.

Jenny Peterson

Jenny Peterson has been a Road Scholar leader since 2009, and has led over 80 programs including Signature City, Grandparent/Grandchild, National Park, and Afloat programs. Jenny hails from Minnesota originally, but now is a Florida resident. However, most of her Road Scholar programs are in California, so she splits her time almost equally between these three states. She celebrated her 40th wedding anniversary in 2023, and has four grown children. Her hobbies include travel, walking, biking, and playing bridge.

Lyndel Brauninger

Lyndel Brauninger, a native New Orleanian, is a retired educator who taught in the metropolitan New Orleans area for more than 30 years. Besides leading Road Scholar groups, she leads walking “foodie” groups in the French Quarter, where she has been a licensed exploration leader since 1996. Lyndel enjoys experiencing and learning everything the Crescent City has to offer, particularly the architecture, history, music, food, and amazing theater. She is thrilled to share her passion for New Orleans with people from all over the world.

Jason Scappaticci

Jason Scappaticci was born and raised in Manchester, CT, where he continues to live with his partner and son. He earned his B.A. in history from Utica College of Syracuse University. After returning home, he enrolled in Trinity College and earned his M.A. in American studies. Jason completed his Ed.D. in higher education leadership in 2022. Professionally, Jason has been in higher education since 2003. He is currently the Dean of Students and Faculty at Capital Community College.

Activity Level

On Your Feet

Walking up to 2 miles per day over various types of terrain; walking up stairs unassisted, getting in and out of motor coaches, strolling through cities and museums, and being able to stand up to 2 hours at a time on field trips.

Suggested Books and Resources

View Full List

You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?

We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!

Call 800-454-5768

Helpful Links

Trip Protection

Start Enrolling

Enroll with Confidence

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

An illustration of a hand using a pen to check off the final item on a clipboard checklist

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

An illustration of an elderly man sitting at a computer with a pair of binoculars beside him

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

An illustration of an elderly woman holding a piggy bank, with the Eiffel Tower in the background

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

An illustration of a hand holding a globe with a small bird flying around it

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

1 of 4