A TRIP on the most opulent riverboat in the world, The American Queen, is just one of the highlights of a Mississippi River cruise being offered by The Senior and Travelrite International.
Travellers will cruise aboard the beautiful vessel all the way from New Orleans to Memphis.
The cruise/tour runs from October 5-23, 2018, which means, excluding flight time, you will spend 16 fabulous days in America's Deep South.
This tour is perfect for those who love dancing to swing and big band music as there will be dances and showboat-style entertainment every night in the two-deck Grand Saloon.
The American Queen has been described as "a gracious and elegant triumph of American ingenuity". Its decor may be back in the American Victorian era with its glistening woodwork and antique furniture, but it has all the modern amenities expected by travellers today.
You can judge for yourself when you step aboard.
But first you will spend two days having a good look around New Orleans. There's so much to see and do in this vibrant city.
Once aboard, it's tempting to just sit back and enjoy the famous southern hospitality or pluck a book from the library, the Mark Twain Gallery - but the shore excursions will soon have you up from those comfortable rocking chairs.
Over the next few days you will visit stunning historical plantations, churches, museums, and even take a ride on a steam coach.
For die-hard Elvis fans, it will be a huge moment when you disembark at Memphis for a visit to Graceland. Even if you're not an Elvis fan you will still enjoy looking at the mansion, Elvis's plane collection and the automobile museum.
There will also be a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum, now housed in the motel where Dr Martin Luther King was assassinated.
In the evening, you'll visit legendary Beale Street to take in the atmosphere and music.
The focus on music continues the next day with the Memphis Rock'n'roll Soul Museum and a guided tour of Sun Studios where Elvis, Johnny Cash and many others recorded their hit songs.
October 17 is American Independence Day and a nationwide public holiday - the best day of the year to be in America and particularly Memphis.
Then it's off by coach to Nashville, the home of country music, for three nights.
On the way there's an important stop - Jack Daniel's Distillery and lunch at the quaintly named Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House. Traditional Southern fare has been offered at this two-storey 1867 mansion since 1908.
A comprehensive sightseeing tour of Nashville will be followed by a big night out at the Grand Ole Opry.
Prices for the cruise/tour start from $8925 per person twin share for an inside cabin on The American Queen. The deluxe outside cabins with bay windows cost from $11,625 twin share.
The price includes return airfares to the US from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, accommodation in centrally located first-class hotels and admission to all attractions in the itinerary.
In keeping with the famous Southern hospitality, there will be complimentary beer and wine at dinner aboard The American Queen and you won't have to pay for your cappuccinos or bottled water onboard either. No formal wear is required, just smart casual.
To book or for more information on this exclusive readers' travel offer phone 1800-630-343 or click HERE.
