American Queen Mississippi Cruise 2012 

We fly from London to Memphis and transfer into Tupelo, a charming town best known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, where we stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel.

Today we visit Elvis' birthplace. A fascinating insight into the humble beginnings of the legendary performer, the birthplace features a museum, the Presley family's two-room house and the restored church building where Elvis' love of gospel music was formed. Later we continue to Nashville, for a two-night stay at the Sheraton Hotel, located within easy reach of the city's honky-tonk bars and the live country music scene.

Since the 1940s Nashville has been synonymous with Country Music, and today we discover more of its many musical attractions. We visit the Country Music Hall of Fame - the world's largest music museum, and a 'who's who' in the world of Country Music. We also head past the landmark Ryman Auditorium and visit legendary Studio B, where countless artists recorded their biggest hits.

Leaving Nashville behind, today we travel by coach across Tennessee to Memphis, the state's largest city. We stay here for two nights at the Doubletree Hotel.

Today we are introduced to the sights of Memphis' extraordinary musical history. We visit Graceland, Elvis Presley's 14-acre mansion, and view his preserved living quarters, private aircraft and car collections. In the afternoon we visit Sun Studios, which claims to be the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, with a roster including Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash. By contrast, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music covers another of the city's musical phenomena. Founded in the neighbourhood known as Soulsville USA, Stax was responsible for launching the careers of great soul artists such as Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett.

This morning we board Amtrak's City of New Orleans service for the journey through Mississippi to Louisiana. The route offers some interesting scenery; we pass the pretty floral towns of Brookhaven and McComb, leading into the exotic Cajun swamps of the Louisiana Bayou. On arrival in New Orleans, we transfer to the Sheraton Hotel.

A morning sightseeing tour today provides a great introduction to this fascinating city. Having been settled by a number of different cultures in a short space of time, New Orleans boasts an interesting array of unique architecture. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore. The city is credited as the original home of jazz music, and there is a vivid range of entertainment to be found in the city's quirky venues - from the many music rooms to the amazing bars and cafés - that make "the Big Easy" a delight to discover.

Following a day at leisure we board the American Queen - a recreated classic riverboat and the largest steamboat ever built - for an exciting adventure on the Mississippi River. After settling in, we enjoy a champagne reception and welcome dinner this evening.

Cruising through the Louisiana Bayou, today we arrive in Vacherie, a quaint town of gently sloping fields and pretty houses. Here we visit Oak Alley, a plantation where time-worn oak trees line the road leading to the splendid Greek Revival mansion, which is protected as a National Historic Landmark.

Today we explore St Francisville, a charming town on a hill by the river. The town is crammed with beautiful colonial homes and boasts further impressive buildings in the wider rolling countryside. More than 140 of the town's buildings are listed on the National Register. Here we enjoy time to stroll along its attractive streets, and visit its bustling shops.

Crossing into Mississippi State, we reach the town of Natchez today. The town is the oldest permanent settlement on the Mississippi River, having been home to the Natchez people for centuries. Here we visit the Grand Village, a moving site featuring reconstructed Natchez dwellings and peaceful gardens.

A crucial target in the Civil War, Vicksburg is often referred to as "the Red Carpet of the South". A place where Southern hospitality is alive and well, today we visit the town, taking in its late Victorian architecture and pretty riverside landscape.

Today is at leisure as we cruise northwards towards Helena. Perhaps relax and admire the views of the passing scenery, or join in one of the numerous on-board activities.

We arrive in the State of Arkansas, and visit the small port of Helena. The town is a huge influence on Blues music, and is the home of the celebrated "King Biscuit Time Show". Today we experience some of the town's fantastic, thriving music scene, seeing the gospel and soulful Delta blues that have made the town famous.

Today we arrive back in Memphis, where we disembark the American Queen for another night at the Doubletree Hotel. The rest of your day is free for you to explore the city - Beale Street's live music is a must as the evening draws in.

This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight back to London, arriving on Day 17.