​The upper reaches of the Mississippi River offer the opportunity to explore the territory that served as Mark Twain’s muse. The river stretches north toward country that’s almost as wild and beautiful as it must have been during his lifetime. Still enlivened by the coming and going of rivercraft, this part of the great Mississippi offers adventure for all who embark upon it.

 

Included meals are denoted: Breakfast: B, Lunch: L, Dinner: D

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DAY 1 -2
We leave ABQ on our flights to Missouri. We will overnight in St. Louis. Before boarding our ship the next day, we have the morning available for a St. Louis City Tour.  “The Gateway to the West” was the launching point for the great Lewis and Clark Expedition.  Our ship sets sail this afternoon for Alton.

Part of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area, Alton is located on the Mississippi River about 18 miles north of St. Louis. The area was home to Native Americans for thousands of years before being settled by European Americans. An important river town, at one time, Alton was even growing faster than nearby St. Louis. Its fluctuating wealth in the early days was largely dependent on river traffic, manufacturing and shipping, and agriculture. During the Civil War, Alton was an important base for abolitionists, with Illinois as a free state across the river from the slave state of Missouri. 

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DAY 3      B,L,D
Located 100 miles north of St. Louis on the Mississippi River, Hannibal is one of Missouri’s finest destinations. Hannibal could be described as ordinary, but Mark Twain, the father of American literature, would beg to differ. The town’s preservation efforts allow visitors to step right onto the page where Twain left off. There is Hop-on Hop-off service at this port.

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DAY 4       B,L,D

Today we enjoy cruising on the river. Lush landscapes and small river towns disappear as our paddleboat slides by. Perhaps we’ll enjoy a spa service or listen to the Riverlorian describing the history of the Mighty Mississippi.

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DAY 5       B,L,D
Around 1900, a town gave William and Joseph Bettendorf 70 acres of riverfront land on the condition that they move their iron wagon business from Davenport. In 1903,  the town petitioned for incorporation, requesting to change the town’s name to Bettendorf in honor of the brothers whose factory was a major economic influence in the early development of the city.  There is Hop-on Hop-off service at this port.

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DAY 6        B,L,D
Victorian meets bohemian in this ever-growing Mississippi River gem that’s sure to leave dazzling memories. In Dubuque you can check off your outdoor bucket list in the perfect nature getaway, and explore historic districts peppered with preserved history. There is Hop-on Hop-off service at this port.

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DAY 7         B,L,D
La Crosse resides along the famous Great River Road National Scenic Byway, considered by some as the most scenic drive in America. This river town also has a long-standing romance with the steamboat era, and as our paddlewheeler kisses its port, guests are welcomed by its eye-catching vistas and expansive waterfront park. Influences from far-off destinations such as Bantry, Ireland, and Bavaria, Germany, woven into the history and charm of this scenic port, will certainly stir a traveler’s soul. There is Hop-on Hop-off service at this port.

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DAY 8          B,L,D
Red Wing was included on National Geographic Traveler’s list of the world’s most historic places. The port city offers endless opportunities to travel back in time and learn about settlers and pioneers who occupied the land or admire the craftsmanship and creativity of local artisans of both the present and the past. There is Hop-on Hop-off service at this port.

  

DAY 9         B,L,D

We have arrived in St. Paul, Minneapolis' Twin City. Now we must turn our thoughts toward home, but we are filled with remembrances of Mark Twain’s river. 
 

 

Itinerary subject to change

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