Nashville, Memphis & New Orleans with Viking River Cruises

Your Viking Mississippi River Cruise begins in Memphis, Tennessee, a city filled with music, history and Southern charm. Overlooking the Mississippi River, Memphis is known as the birthplace of the blues and the home of B.B. King and Elvis Presley. Stroll along Beale Street, where live music fills the air, and visit Graceland, Sun Studio and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music to explore the city’s legendary heritage. Indulge in mouth-watering barbecue and discover the moving exhibits at the National Civil Rights Museum. Memphis sets the tone for an unforgettable journey through America’s musical heartland.

Set on the banks of the Mississippi River, Greenville is the region’s largest river port and a hidden gem of the Deep South. Known for its welcoming charm and rich cultural heritage, this city blends small-town warmth with artistic history. Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets, was born here, and Greenville has inspired many writers, including historian Shelby Foote. Music also runs deep in its roots. W.C. Handy found inspiration here to popularise the blues after hearing Prince McCoy, while nearby Indianola was the hometown of the legendary B.B. King. Discover Greenville’s unique blend of creativity, culture and Mississippi spirit.

Perched on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, Vicksburg is a city rich in Southern history and charm. Established in 1825, its strategic riverfront location made it a vital port and trading centre. During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln called Vicksburg “the key to the South,” and it became the site of one of the war’s most decisive battles. Today, the Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the rolling landscapes where Union and Confederate forces once clashed, featuring monuments, memorials and historic cannon displays. Blending fascinating history with classic Southern beauty, Vicksburg offers a powerful glimpse into America’s past along the Mississippi River.

Set on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, Natchez is one of the South’s most historic and picturesque cities. Founded in 1716 by French colonists, it is the oldest settlement on the Mississippi and is named after the Natchez people who once lived here. The city is famous for its beautiful antebellum homes, with more than 200 perfectly preserved estates lining its oak-shaded streets. Once a key stop on the Natchez Trace, the overland route that linked the Gulf Coast to Nashville, Natchez flourished as a trading centre and cultural crossroads. Today, it offers a charming glimpse of small-town America steeped in history and Southern grace.

Nestled on a scenic bluff above the Mississippi River, St. Francisville is one of Louisiana’s most historic small towns. Founded in 1809, it is the oldest settlement in the state’s Florida Parishes and is famous for its charming streets lined with antebellum architecture. The town boasts more than 140 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, many of which were relocated from the nearby community of Bayou Sara after years of flooding in the early 1900s. Known as the town that is “two miles long and two yards wide,” St. Francisville offers a peaceful glimpse into Louisiana’s past, where history, culture and Southern elegance meet along the river.

Set along the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge offers a captivating mix of history, culture and Southern charm. Founded on a bluff that kept it safe from flooding, the city’s name, meaning “red stick” in French, was inspired by a crimson pole that once marked tribal hunting grounds. Baton Rouge’s diverse heritage is reflected in its Cajun and Creole music, vibrant art scene and distinctive cuisine. As Louisiana’s capital, it is home to the tallest Capitol building in the United States and many fascinating museums. With its rich history and welcoming atmosphere, Baton Rouge provides a lively glimpse into the cultural heart of Louisiana.

Nestled along the Lower Mississippi River, Darrow serves as the gateway to Louisiana’s most magnificent plantation homes. This scenic region is lined with grand estates surrounded by moss-covered oak trees and fertile farmland, preserving the spirit of the Old South. Once a thriving stop for riverboats delivering goods to these stately homes, Darrow still reflects the grace and craftsmanship of a bygone era. Many of its historic mansions are now recognised as National Historic Landmarks, celebrated for their elegant architecture, landscaped gardens and enduring cultural significance. Today, visitors can explore these remarkable properties and gain a fascinating glimpse into early Southern American history.

Disembark your Viking Mississippi River Cruise and settle into the rhythm of New Orleans. Your journey continues in this vibrant city where jazz fills the air and every street tells a story. Enjoy time to explore at your own pace, stroll through the French Quarter, savour authentic Creole and Cajun flavours, or unwind to the sound of live music on Frenchmen Street. With so much to see and experience, New Orleans is the perfect place to reflect on your voyage and embrace the spirit of the South before your journey home.