Southern USA
Drive along the Mississippi River from Chicago to New Orleans
Enjoy a 3 nights cruise on the American Queen
Day 1, Friday Copenhagen Chicago
Afternoon departure on SAS flight SK943 at 1540 arriving at O’Hare at 1740. Your Tour Director Tor Jensen, will meet the group with a Bus on the arrival and transfer you to the Best Western Chicago Hotel. After check-in,
we will walk to The Hancock Building for a welcome drink on the 96th Floor.
Day 2, Saturday Chicago.
After breakfast on own we will start a Chicago City Sightseeing Tour starting with the opening of the Chicago Board of trade at 0830. At noontime you have lunch on your own we can suggest a restaurant in the new Millenium Park or one of the famous diners around town such as Ed Debevick's hamburger place.
In the afternoon you may wish to visit Navy Pier, walk the “MAGICAL Mile” – Michigan Avenue, and yes it is magic if you can do that without spending a penny! You may wish to explore The Art Institute, Museum of Industry, Fields Museum of Natural History, The Sheds Aquarium or shop until you drop!
The bus will again depart the hotel at 6:30pm for dinner at Tommy Gun's Garage, where you will be acquainted with the infamous Al Capone and his era. The bus will return you to the hotel. Overnight at the Chicago Best Western.
anyone for a little late night Blues or Jazz? Tor Jensen will be the guide.
Day 3, Sunday Chicago – St Louis
After breakfast on own we start the drive to St Louis Missouri, where we will check into the St.Louis Marriott Hotel. This leg of the journey is about 300 miles taking about 5 ½ hours with a short stop en route. In St Louis we will see the famous Arch, the Gateway to the West, have a dinner on our own in a local restaurant and perhaps visit a night spot or two looking for some local Blues or Jazz. Overnight at The Marriott Hotel St Louis.
Day 4, Monday
After breakfast on own make an early visit to the most successful and largest Scandinavian Furniture store in the Midwest area, House of Denmark, just to get an idea of how Danish entrepreneurship is mastered in the Midwest USA. We will continue to drive south to Memphis Tennessee, a 285 mile run, taking about 4 ½ hours. In Memphis we will make a brief stop in Beagle Street, where W.C. Handy gave birth to the Blues, as well as Graceland Elvis Presleys home, before continuing to Greenville, Mississippi. The last leg is about 150 Miles taking 3 ½ hours. We cross the Mississippi Delta Region, noted for the production of cotton, livestock, lumber and agriculture products. We will see densely wooded rolling terrain. This is our longest driving day. We will check in and Overnight at Fairfield Inn Greenville. Anyone for a visit to the River boat Casino?
Day 5, Tuesday.
After breakfast on own continue to Vicksburg, a 222 mile drive, taking about 4 ¾ hours. Vicksburg has a commanding location on the Mississippi River. Claimed by the French in 1719, by the Spanish in 1791 and finally by the Americans in 1798, Viksburg was of great strategic importance in the development of the Southwest and to both sides during the Civil War. The city has many 19th Century houses and buildings. After a brief stop we drive on to Natchez, Mississippi, again through gently rolling wooded terrain, passing by some Bayos and Marshlands. Natchez is noted for numerous antebellum homes and museums. A French colonizer established Fort Rosalie in what is now called Natchez in 1716. Named fo r the Natchez Indians, the city knew both English and Spanish rule. Antebellum homes are reminders of Natchez’s 19th century prosperity as an important river port. We will again make a brief stop before continuing towards Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a 170 mile drive taking 3 ½ Hours. Baton Rouge is the second largest city in Louisiana, and one of the largest ports in the Nation! It anchors the northern end of what has been called the “petrochemical Gold Copast” – the industrial belt that flanks the Mississippi for 100 miles downriver to New Orleans. Across the river from Baton Rouge are extensive Sugar Plantations. The bus continues to New Orleans where we will check into one of the three small French Quarter Hotels and have a welcome cocktail, Mint Julep, on arrival. Dinner on your own in the French Quarter at a local restaurant. After dinner you may wish to join Tor on a night tour of Jazz or Blues New Orleans Style. You can even enjoy the beautiful courtyard of the hotel. Overnight in the French Quarter Hotel - The St Marie.
Day 6, Wednesday
After breakfast on own we will take a walking tour of the French Quarter in New Orleans. This city is the South’s major distribution point, and one of the leading ports in the nation today. New Orleans is a rare combination of the New World and the Old. The heart of this modern industrial metropolis is the French Quarter, known for its distinctive architecture, shops and restaurants. It also is the focus of the event that is synonymous with the city, Mardi Gras. The afternoon is free to explore, walking Bourbon Street, Royale St, Pirates Alley, Jackson Square or stop and listen to one or more of many Jazz and Blues groups all over the city. Dinner on own in a local restaurant before Tor again takes off for a tour on town. You are welcome to join! Overnight in the French Quarter Hotel the St. Marie.
Day 7, Thursday
After breakfast on own experience New Orleans. Perhaps have a cup of coffee and a Beignet at Café Du Monde. Browse for art and antiques in Pirates Alley, or take an optional tour to the Bayou country or visit an old Plantation. Dinner on your own in the French Quarter. Enjoy some local Jazz! Overnight in the French Quarter Hotel the St. Marie.
Day 8, Friday Cruise begins on the American Queen
After breakfast on own prepare to spend morning at leisure in the French Quarter and board the Steamboat Company for a three-night Cruise on the Mississippi River. This will be an experience in a lifetime for most!
On board ship is great entertainment, casino gambling, and a fantastic southern atmosphere and hospitality!
Day 9, Saturday
Cruising the Mississippi is a treat, the ship moves only 5 to 6 miles an hour, and there is opportunity to relax, sunbathe and continue to enjoy the southern hospitality.
Day 10, Sunday
Cruising the Mississippi continues.
Day 11, Monday
The ship will dock very early in the morning. We are free to enjoy breakfast and disembark at our leisure. A bus will transport us to the airport for flights home.
Cost: subject to season and availability.
Request pricing based on availability. All prices are subject availability at time of booking.
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