Heart of the Delta

About This Cruise

Itinerary Highlights

New Orleans, LA; Darroe, Baton Rouge, St. Francisville, Natches, MS; Vickburg, Memphis, TN

Included:

• Seven nights in your river-view stateroom
• 5 guided tours
• All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners, featuring regional specialties and including Welcome Cocktail Reception & Dinner and Captain’s Farewell Dinner
• Port Charges - Included on all itineraries
• Air Taxes, Fees, Fuel Surcharges & Transfers - Included with airfare
• Complimentary Beverages - Wine, beer & soft drinks with onboard dinner and lunch service
• Internet Access - Free wi-fi, connection speed may vary

Air Options

Special airfares may be available. Please inquire for details.

Not included:

• Airfare
• Tips and Gratuities
• Travel Insurance

Itinerary

Note: Itinerary is reversed on some dates.

Day 1, New Orleans, Louisiana (USA)

Arrive in New Orleans and embark your ship. After check-in, the afternoon is yours to independently explore the city, where its French, African and other influences flavor not only its vibrant culture, but also its tantalizing Creole cuisine. The beloved birthplace of American jazz, historic New Orleans famously exudes a festive atmosphere along the balcony-lined Bourbon Street. Here, in the heart of the famed French Quarter, soulful rhythms lift the spirit, particularly during the city’s world-renowned Mardi Gras. To see how its floats are made and learn the history of this famous yearly celebration, perhaps visit Mardi Gras World, just a short walk from your ship. On board, enjoy an informative lecture on the history and development of New Orleans while you take in a lively musical performance. (D)

Day 2, Darrow, Louisiana

After breakfast, the day is yours to experience the Lower Mississippi—a region dotted with historic mansions, several of which are designated National Historic Landmarks for their architecture, their landscaping, and the contributions of the people who maintained the houses and the lands. Today, you may choose to explore one or several of the historic estates in the area. You may also journey to the famous Manchac Swamp, a wetlands area adorned with hundreds of acres of cypress trees and freshwater marshes. Complete your afternoon with a music presentation. (B, L, D)

Day 3, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Arrive in Baton Rouge, set on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, and take a panoramic city tour of the area. Hear tales of the hardworking, fun-loving Cajun people and their contributions to Louisiana’s history and culture. Your Viking Guest Services staff can help you plan the rest of your day with several optional excursions: a Cajun heritage tour; an exploration of the Atchafalaya Basin by boat or canoe; or a visit to the USS Kidd, the most historically accurate restoration of a World War II vessel in the United States. Tonight, enjoy music in the Explorers’ Lounge. (B, L, D)

Day 4, St. Francisville, Louisiana

We continue north on the Mississippi to St. Francisville. Boasting more than 140 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, St. Francisville is set along one of the most historic bluffs of the Mississippi. The town is said to be “two miles long and two yards wide” because it was originally built on a narrow ridge overlooking the river. Founded in 1809 to serve the commercial and cultural needs of surrounding landowners, it is the oldest town in Louisiana’s Florida Parishes. Remarkably, many of St. Francisville’s structures are not its own. Rather, they were moved upriver from Bayou Sara in the 1920s after the small settlement was destroyed by years of flooding. Today, we explore this area and visit the historic Rosedown estate and ornamental gardens. (B, L, D)

Day 5, Natchez, Mississippi

Natchez is the perfect location in which to enjoy small-town America. The town is distinguished by more than 500 historic buildings, including over 200 perfectly preserved homes that still grace its broad avenues. Throughout the day, you can explore shops in the historic district and other sites at your leisure. You may choose to visit one of many pre–Civil War mansions here, some of the most beautifully preserved in this area of the South. The city itself is home to more than 1,000 structures that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After dinner, learn about the life of local artisans and enjoy classical music. (B, L, D)

Day 6, Vicksburg, Mississippi

Arriving in Vicksburg, you immediately feel the Southern tradition that flows through the city’s veins. It is rich in history—especially Civil War history. During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln called it “the key to the South.” And it indeed proved to be the site of the conflict’s most pivotal battle, the Battle of Vicksburg, after which the Confederates surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant. Visit Vicksburg National Military Park, which preserves the battlefield and commemorates the greater Vicksburg Campaign that preceded the battle. (B, L, D)

Day 7, Scenic Cruising: Lower Mississippi

Cruising the serpentine route of the Lower Mississippi, you will witness an astonishing array of picturesque landscapes. Sail past deep-green forests, lush vegetation and a patchwork of fertile farmlands—all hugging the shores and hosting a huge variety of birdlife perched in riverside trees, ready to pluck their next meal from the flowing waters. Around you, bluffs rise over the river’s edge. Silos pierce bucolic landscapes. Sandbars and low islands guide the waters as they have for millennia. Passing numerous tributaries and meandering channels, you may appreciate this massive waterway as an epic river system rather than as a singular river. Immerse yourself in the region’s history and culture by reading a book from the Library, participating in a cooking demonstration or attending a lecture. After dinner, enjoy live music in the Explorers’ Lounge and mingle with fellow guests. (B, L, D)

Day 8, Memphis, Tennessee

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight, or extend your journey with additional nights in Memphis or Nashville. (B)

Included. See Itinerary

Pre/Post-Cruise Options

Pre-Extension: New Orleans Discovery, $329/One night

Day 1
Arrive in New Orleans and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, perhaps take a leisurely stroll along the Riverwalk or browse the antique shops of the French Quarter. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time here so you can make the most of your visit.

Day 2
After breakfast, enjoy the day exploring at your leisure. You might explore the French Market, six blocks of covered and open air stalls that sell everything from artisanal foods to arts and crafts. Later today, you will check out of your hotel and transfer to your ship to commence your cruise. (B)

ALL THIS IS INCLUDED:

• 1 hotel night in New Orleans (as shown or similar)
• 1 meal: breakfast (B)
• Services of a Viking Host
• All transfers

The Best of "The Big Easy, $899/Two nights

Take some extra time to appreciate New Orleans’s inimitable character, expressed through multicultural traditions, delicious Creole and Cajun cuisine, and legendary music.

Day 1
Arrive in New Orleans today and transfer to your hotel. Settle in, then please join our welcome briefing and reception. After, you may spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Perhaps take a stroll along the Riverwalk or browse the antique shops of the French Quarter; and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time here so you can make the most of your visit.

Day 2
This morning, get acquainted with New Orleans and see some of its most vibrant neighborhoods. Explore the Uptown historic district including the campuses of Tulane University and Loyola University New Orleans. Discover the leafy streets and stately homes of the Garden District, along with landmarks like the Superdome, National WWII Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park. After your panoramic tour, enjoy dinner on your own at a local restaurant. (B)

Day 3
After breakfast, join a walking tour of the French Quarter. You will see the iconic Creole town houses with their wrought iron balconies; Royal Street, lined with antique shops and art galleries; and Jackson Square. Afterward, continue your exploration or shop in the French Quarter before transferring to your ship to begin your cruise. (B)

ALL THIS IS INCLUDED:

• 2 hotel nights in New Orleans (as shown or similar)

2 meals: 2 breakfasts (B)

2 guided tours & activities: New Orleans Panoramic; French Quarter Walking Tour

Welcome Reception

Fully escorted by your Viking Tour Director

All transfers

NOLA's Best: Music, Mardo Gras & Cuisine $1,499/Three nights

Feel the vibrant soul of NOLA as you delve into its musical and culinary traditions, dine at iconic restaurants and get a behind-the-scenes look at the fabric of New Orleans history. You will also visit the National WWII Museum, and then celebrate everything NOLA when you explore Mardi Gras World.

Day 1
Arrive in New Orleans today and transfer to your hotel. Settle in, then please join our welcome briefing and reception. After, you may spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Perhaps take a stroll along the Riverwalk or browse the antique shops of the French Quarter; and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time here so you can make the most of your visit.

Day 2
Today, visit the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park in Tremé, and learn about local heroes Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton. Later, stop at the Court of Two Sisters for a lively brunch before joining a guided tour of the National WWII Museum, revealing the Allied war effort on all fronts. Tonight, enjoy dinner and music at the Palm Court Jazz Café. (B, L, D)

Day 3
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes visit to Mardi Gras World, where you will see authentic costumes, watch colorful floats being built and hear lore about the famed celebration. After lunch at Arnaud’s restaurant, explore the city at leisure. (B, L)

Day 4
The morning is free for relaxing or last-minute shopping. Afterward, transfer to your ship to commence your cruise. (B)

ALL THIS IS INCLUDED:

• 3 hotel nights in New Orleans (as shown or similar)
• 6 meals: 3 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L) & 1 dinner (D)
• 4 guided tours & activities: New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park; Court of Two Sisters Jazz Brunch; National WWII Museum; Mardi Gras World
• Welcome Reception
• Fully escorted by your Viking Tour Director
• All transfers

Post-Extension: Memphis Rock & Soul, $899/Two nights

Celebrate the soul of Memphis at Elvis’s Graceland, Sun Studio, Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum and lively Beale Street. Classic tunes and Southern cooking fuel your discoveries.

Day 1
Disembark and explore the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum and Sun Studio, where producer Sam Phillips launched the careers of many rock ’n’ roll icons. Afterward, attend a welcome briefing and reception, and enjoy dinner on your own. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time here so you can make the most of your visit.

Day 2
Today, visit Elvis’s home: Graceland. See Elvis’s TV room; the famous Jungle Room; the Trophy Building; the Meditation Garden, where Elvis is buried; and more. You will also tour the Presley Motors Automobile Museum, featuring Elvis’s famed pink Cadillac. After this half-day excursion, enjoy a local BBQ lunch. Spend the afternoon on one of our optional excursions or explore lively Beale Street. (B, L)

Day 3
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

ALL THIS IS INCLUDED:

• 2 hotel nights in Memphis (as shown or similar)
• 3 meals: 2 breakfasts (B) & 1 lunch (L)
• 3 guided tours & activities: Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum; Sun Studio Tour; Graceland Tour
• Welcome Reception
• Fully escorted by your Viking Tour Director
• All transfers

NOTE: Extension is not available on all departure dates; confirm availability when booking. Activity order may vary. Accommodations are subject to change depending on availability; if advertised hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be confirmed.

Grand Ole Nashville, $1,299/Two nights

The Grand Ole Opry radio show first aired in 1925, and in the ensuing century, Nashville was crowned as a country music mecca. Trace the evolution of this uniquely American art form in the city that catapulted many gospel, blues, folk, soul and country artists to the world stage.

Day 1
Disembark your ship and visit Elvis’s home: Graceland. See Elvis’s living room; the famous Jungle Room; the Trophy Building; the Meditation Garden, where Elvis is buried; and more. Then, transfer to Nashville. From here, check in to your hotel and attend a Grand Ole Opry performance. With VIP access to the Circle Room before the show, meet some of the night’s performers. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time here so you can make the most of your visit. (L)

Day 2
At the Country Music Hall of Fame, delve into a cache of photos, recordings and memorabilia—from Hank Williams’s Martin guitar to Elvis’s gold Cadillac. After lunch on your own, visit the Ryman Auditorium, home of the Grand Ole Opry show from 1943 to 1974. Later, enjoy dinner on your own. (B)

Day 3
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

ALL THIS IS INCLUDED:

• 2 hotel nights in Nashville (as shown or similar)
• 3 meals: 2 breakfasts (B) & 1 lunch (L)
• 4 guided tours & activities: Graceland Tour; Grand Ole Opry Show with VIP Experience; Country Music Hall of Fame; Ryman Auditorium Tour
• Fully escorted by your Viking Tour Director
• All transfers

NOTE: Extension is not available on all departure dates; confirm availability when booking. Activity order may vary. Accommodations are subject to change depending on availability; if advertised hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be confirmed.

Not finding the date, cabin or price you are looking for? Call us at 1-888-868-6871; for some cruises and adventures, availability changes regularly.

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