While cruising the rivers of the South on the new and luxurious ship, American Countess, explore the historical Civil War sites and battlefields from Memphis to Chattanooga. You’ll start with a one-night hotel stay in music-loving Memphis, where bourbon barbecue sizzles and rock ‘n’ roll landmarks spice up every corner of the city. Then board the ship and head through the Tennessee River to the tunes of the Civil War era, played by seasoned performer, Bobby Horton.
Set sail for New Madrid to explore the history of earthquakes and Native American artifacts. Enjoy the art galleries and fine cuisine of Paducah. Spend a day exploring the mansions and open green spaces in Savannah and visit the unforgettable Shiloh National Military Park. Enjoy onboard entertainment from author and historian, Gene Salecker and an educational presentation by Dr. Curt Fields, a General Ulysses S. Grant impressionist and educator. Uncover Civil War history in Decatur at the Old State Bank building, one of the only structures left unscathed by war turmoil before ending the journey in Chattanooga, a scenic river city of the South.
Trip Itinerary:
October 30
Overnight in Memphis, Tennessee
Enjoy an overnight hotel stay at Sheraton Memphis Downtown in Memphis, a city busting at the seams with musical Americana, from the legendary Beale Street to Elvis Presley’s Graceland.
October 31
Memphis, Tennessee
Embark on your river cruise aboard the American Countess.
November 1
River Cruising
Watch small river towns and lush landscapes go by from your stateroom or on deck.
November 2
New Madrid, Missouri
The oldest city west of the Mississippi, New Madrid is famous for enduring a series of over 1,000 powerful earthquakes in the early 1800s. This city is also known for the fascinating Civil War Battle of Island Number Ten. With its storied past and resilient spirit, it’s easy to see how this Missouri gem retains its intrinsic southern charm.
Included Excursions: New Madrid Historical Museum, Hunter-Dawson State
Historic Site, Higgerson School
November 3
Paducah, Kentucky
Founded by William Clark following his journey with Meriwether Lewis, Paducah’s Civil War legacy as a Union supply hub lives on in its historic buildings and museums. Paducah today is driven largely by the arts community— murals adorn a massive downtown floodwall and the refurbished Hotel Metropolitan salutes legends who played here like Ellington, Armstrong, and Calloway.
Included Excursions: The National Quilt Museum, Floodwall Murals, Lloyd Tilghman House, Puducah Railroad Museum, River Discovery Center
November 4
Savannah, Tennessee
Savannah invites visitors to explore its well-preserved heritage and collection of historic homes and mansions, including the Cherry Mansion, which was commandeered by General Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War. Outside of town is the unforgettable Shiloh National Military Park, the site of the Civil War’s largest engagement in the Mississippi River Valley.
Included Excursions: Shiloh National Military Park
November 5
Decatur, Alabama
Nestled in the Tennessee River Valley and nicknamed “The River City,” Decatur boasts a rich and colorful history. Originally a river crossing for settlers west of the Appalachian Mountains, the town became known as Decatur in 1820. Because of its strategic point on the Tennessee River, Decatur was the site of many skirmishes during the Civil War.
Included Excursions: Old State Bank Building, Historic Railroad Depot, Morgan County Archives, Princess Theater, Carnegie Visual Arts Center, a walking tour of Historic Decatur
November 6
River Cruising
Enjoy a literary classic while lounging in a plush chair in the Grand Lobby or
Library and relish in the moment of tranquility
November 7
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Disembark in the morning and bid farewell to the American Countess.
Map:
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