Heart of the South

Multiple options around river cruise sailings

Trace the roots of American music in the Deep South and experience the unique cultural landscape and fascinating history that gave birth to the blues, jazz, country and rock 'n' roll, before boarding your Viking river cruise up the Mississippi

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Travel Agent:

Days move a little slower in the South, as you pass the time with a sweet tea or a mint julep. Whether by private guide or with a self-drive option, take in the Heart of the South, with the sights and sounds of Music Row in Nashville, Beale Street in Memphis and Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The rich heritage properties of Natchez and Houmas House give insight into days of old, and savour the authentic hospitality the South is known for. Note: This portion of the itinerary is highly customizable, with options around activities, length of stay, side trips and quality of accommodations.

On arrival into Memphis board the Mississippi Viking and immerse yourself in history and heritage on this journey from Memphis to New Orleans. Be inspired by the stories of famed musicians and civil rights heroes, and soak up the rich French and Acadian cultures that infuse the Lower Mississippi. Savor Memphis’s famous BBQ, as well as delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine. And stir your soul with the rhythms of gospel, Delta blues and Dixieland jazz.

Hosting 386 guests in 193 all outside staterooms, the new state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi is inspired by our award-winning Viking Longships® and ocean ships and will feature clean Scandinavian design, as well as public spaces that are familiar to guests but that have been reimagined for Mississippi River voyages. Purpose-built for the Mississippi, the ship’s cutting-edge design, expansive windows and comfortable amenities will make it the first truly modern cruise ship in the region.

Traveller's Itinerary

Arrive in Atlanta, with a transfer to your hotel or airport rental car collection. Depending on your arrival time and unique traveller preferences you may wish to take in some sightseeing or dine out.

Enjoy breakfast this morning before setting off to learn about Atlanta through it's architecture on a tour of historical homes. Visit three houses spanning from a traditional 1840s plantation-style house with costumed interpreters to the elegant 1928 Swan House, and learn about each site from your guide as you go. Remainder of the day is at free to explore the Mid Town area of Atlanta.

Heading out of Atlanta you take the road towards Nashville, stopping at Lynchburg where you can pay homage to Tennessee's most famous stop by enjoying a tasting tour of the Jack Daniels Whiskey Distillery for a serving of southern hospitality. From here you make your way to Nashville, the undisputed capital of country music. This evening, wander up and down Broadway, lined with honky-tonks and live music venues playing not only country, but all music genres. This is a great opportunity to be introduced to the music traditions of the Deep South.

This morning visit the Johnny Cash Museum, a world class collection of items that portray the story of his life. In the afternoon visit The Country Music Hall of Fame. In the museum's core exhibition, Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music, visitors are immersed in the history and sounds of country music, its origins and traditions, and the stories and voices of many of its architects. The story is revealed through artefacts, photographs, and text panels, recorded sound, vintage video, and interactive touchscreens.

Alternately, visit the historic Studio B. Originally known simply as RCA Studios, it became famous in the 1960s for being a part of what many refer to as the Nashville Sound.

After soaking up all the history, enjoy dinner this evening at the famed Wildhorse saloon, along with a line dancing lesson to get you limbered up. Slide on your cowboy boots and sort your grapevines from your hitches. Stay on to practice your moves after dinner while listening to the live music performance.

A free morning to explore the delights of Nashville today.

A few suggested options to enjoy are:

Take in a tour of The Ryman Auditorium. More than just a music venue – it’s where bluegrass was born and Johnny Cash met June Carter. Catch a show, or take a backstage tour.

Browse through and buy vinyl and memorabilia in Third Man Records, the home of White Stripes musician Jack White’s record label.

Visit to the Tennessee State Museum, Art, history and culture depicting the history of the state of Tennessee. There are a wide range of exhibits, some of which date as far back as 15,000 years ago.

This afternoon it may be possible enjoy a backstage tour of The Grand Ole Opry Auditorium followed by a performance scheduled at the Grand Ole Opry (Subject to schedule)

Arrive in Memphis, then transfer to your ship. After boarding, the afternoon is yours to relax or explore the city on your own. If your arrival schedule permits, you may wish to explore the music, cuisine and character of Beale Street. A straight path stretching nearly two miles from East Street to the Mississippi, Beale Street is renowned as the intersection of American blues, country, gospel and rock ’n’ roll music. (Dinner)

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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)