On this enlightening journey on the Upper Mississippi, hear stories of pioneers and the Lewis and Clark Expedition; walk in the footsteps of Mark Twain; and learn about the Norwegian migration. Enjoy the view as your ship navigates through the river’s intricate lock system. Experience the region’s many cultural treasures—from ragtime, polka, and Norwegian folk music to Wisconsin cheese, craft beer and hearty stews. Explore port cities such as St. Louis, Missouri; Dubuque, Iowa; and Red Wing, Minnesota. All along the way, enjoy learning the history and experiencing the culture of America's heartland.
Highlights
Discover the history of ports of the Upper Mississippi River
Explore Dubuque, the roots from which Iowa developed
Experience port towns with a long history of life on the river
Admire the craftsmanship and creativity of local artisans
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive and check in to your hotel. During the 19th century, St. Louis was a gateway into the Louisiana Territory. In 1904, the city gained recognition as host of a world’s fair (officially called the Louisiana Purchase Exposition), whereby some accounts the ice-cream cone was introduced. Today, it is home to rich architectural treasures—among them, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, with its 41-million-piece mosaic; the Renaissance Revival City Hall; the 19th-century Old Courthouse; and the Gateway Arch, standing along the Mississippi as a monument to westward expansion.
Day 2: St. Louis, Missouri
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
St. Louis was once the gateway to the legendary Wild West, known for its gun-wielding cowboys and law-making sheriffs. Today, the city boasts a world-class cultural scene and one of the leading sporting attractions in the US. The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the most successful baseball clubs, having won 11 World Series championships, second only to the New York Yankees. While the Big Apple is famed for its Central Park, St. Louis has its own green space. Some of St. Louis’ most important cultural sights are located in Forest Park, including the Missouri History Museum.
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Alton is the gateway to St. Louis, which was a passageway into the Louisiana Territory during the 19th century. In 1904, St. Louis gained recognition as host of a world’s fair (officially called the Louisiana Purchase Exposition), whereby some accounts the ice cream cone was introduced. Today, it is home to rich architectural treasures—among them, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, with its 41-million-piece mosaic; the Renaissance Revival City Hall; the 19th-century Old Courthouse; and the Gateway Arch, standing along the Mississippi as a monument to westward expansion.
* Ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase.
Hannibal is the childhood home of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, or Mark Twain, and the inspiration for his beloved stories of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Prior to the 1803 Louisiana Purchase and arrival of European settlers, a variety of indigenous Native American tribes called the area home. Hannibal grew into the primary port for steamboats and flatboats traveling the Upper Mississippi. “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” the early 20th-century socialite, philanthropist and survivor of the Titanic tragedy, was also born here.
The US flag was first raised over Iowa in Burlington—in 1805—by Lieutenant Zebulon Pike during his Mississippi explorations. Later, it became an outpost for the American Fur Company, a trading enterprise founded by John Jacob Astor. In 1834, it took its present name after the Vermont birthplace of its first settler, John Gray. During the steamboat era, it was a major port along the river. Today, the city is home to many magnificent buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the art deco Capitol Theater and the Gothic Revival St. Paul’s Church.
Day 6: Quad Cities, Iowa & Illinois
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Straddling the confluence of the Mississippi and Rock Rivers, the Quad Cities area comprises Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, and Rock Island, Moline and East Moline, Illinois. As the only section of the Mississippi that flows from east to west, it is geographically unique. Its tightly knit riverside towns thrived due to thoughtful planning and effective leadership. Today, the Quad Cities rest amid the fertile farmland known as “America’s Breadbasket”—the nation’s most expansive and scenic agricultural region—and is home to agribusiness giants including John Deere.
One of Iowa’s few cities laid out among rolling bluffs, Dubuque is called the “Masterpiece on the Mississippi” for its 19th-century ingenuity and modern-day cultural evolution. Timber and boatbuilding were central to the city’s growth, with wood harvested in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The spirit of this river town lives on in the Cathedral Historic District, dotted with well-preserved buildings and authentic period lampposts. Today, the city is praised for its livability and for its riverside developments, including a museum and aquarium dedicated to the Mississippi River.
La Crosse has a deep connection to the towering bluffs and rolling farmland of the Norskedalen, or “Norwegian Valley.” Here, a Norwegian immigrant population has created a unique culture over generations. Historic immigrant villages dot the valley still, a collection of preserved homesteads reflecting a frontier way of life. Today, La Crosse boasts numerous sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Its important architectural landmarks, along with an array of engaging statues along the riverfront, make La Crosse feel like a vast open-air museum.
Red Wing is known for its Red Wing Shoes, which produced footwear for soldiers in both world wars. The city was named after a Sioux chief whose red-dyed swan wing indicated his rank. The first settlers—many from New England—arrived in the mid-1800s. German, Irish and Scandinavian immigrants followed, bringing skills in tanning, shoemaking, pottery and more. The city boasts a diversity of legacies including Red Wing Stoneware and Pottery, founded in 1877 as the nation’s first commercial potter. Today, Red Wing enjoys a place in the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Day 10: St. Paul, Minnesota | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, St. Paul welcomed its first settler in 1838. And little more than a decade later, the thriving settlement was named the capital of the Minnesota Territory. By 1858, some 1,000 steamboats frequented this “Last City of the East” on the frontier. Today, St. Paul is a modern metropolis and the capital of Minnesota. The city’s historic residential districts invite long strolls, particularly around Irvine Park near the Mississippi, where late 19th- and early 20th-century mansions grace tree-lined streets. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.
* Ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase.
Day 11: Twin Cities, Minnesota
1 Breakfast
Minneapolis and St. Paul offer a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking and bird watching. The Twin Cities is home to more than 500 miles of bike trails, including the scenic Gateway State Trail and the Mississippi River Trail. Hikers can explore the trails in Minnehaha Park or head to more rugged terrain at nearby Lebanon Hills or Afton State Park. Bird watchers can observe a variety of species, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons and great blue herons at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden.
Day 12: Twin Cities, Minnesota
1 Breakfast
Minneapolis and St. Paul have played a large role in shaping the music industry. The region is home to a vibrant music scene and has given a start to celebrated legends like classical composer Stephen Paulus, genre-spanning Prince and alternative rock band The Replacements. The cities also have a thriving arts community, with numerous galleries, theaters and museums showcasing works from local and international artists. The Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Weisman Art Museum are some of the region's most prominent cultural institutions. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and journey home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$6,9992-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
Veranda Stateroom (V)
Size including private veranda: 268 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand . Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers
French Balcony Stateroom (FB)
Stateroom Size: 301 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers.
Deluxe Veranda (DV4)
Size including private veranda: 268 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers.
Deluxe Veranda (DV3)
Size including private veranda: 268 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers.
Deluxe Veranda (DV2)
Size including private veranda: 268 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers.
Deluxe Veranda (DV1)
Size including private veranda: 268 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers.
Penthouse Veranda (PV2)
Size including private veranda: 336 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows.42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers.
Penthouse Veranda (PV1)
Size including private veranda: 336 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows.42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries; plush robes & slippers.
Penthouse Junior Suite (PS2)
Size including private veranda: 400 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. Two 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TVs with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, double-sink vanity, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries.
Penthouse Junior Suite (PS1)
Size including private veranda: 400 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. Two 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TVs with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, double-sink vanity, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror. Premium Freyja® toiletries.
Terrace Suite (TS)
Size including private veranda: 425 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. Two 42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TVs with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, double-sink vanity, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror
Premium Freyja® toiletries.
Explorer Suite (ES2)
Size including private veranda: 657–1,024 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. Large private bathroom. Premium Freyja®. Well-appointed living room & dining area.
Explorer Suite (ES1)
Size including private veranda: 657–1,024 sq ft. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (with optional twin-bed configuration); luxury linens & pillows. Large private bathroom. Premium Freyja®. Well-appointed living room & dining area.
Notes
Stretching for 2,350 miles down the United States, from Minnesota's Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, new cruises on the "Mighty Mississippi" offer a different type of cross-country journey for the curious explorer—one that allows you to be immersed in American history and culture.
Step on board the newest and most modern ship on the Mississippi with all outside staterooms, private verandas, spacious public areas and the signature, clean Scandinavian design, reimagined for the Mississippi River.
Hosting 386 guests in 193 all-outside staterooms, the new state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi is inspired by the award-winning Viking Longships® and ocean ships. It showcases clean Scandinavian design and features public spaces that are familiar to returning guests but have been creatively reimagined for Mississippi River voyages. Purpose-built for the Mississippi, the ship's cutting-edge design, expansive windows, and comfortable amenities position it as the first truly modern cruise ship in the region.
Viking Mississippi Features
193 comfortable all outside staterooms (128 Veranda & Deluxe Veranda Staterooms, 8 French Balcony Staterooms, 24 Penthouse Veranda Staterooms, 16 Penthouse Junior Suites, 7 Terrace Suites, 10 Explorer Suites)
All suites feature two full-size rooms with large veranda
Sun Terrace with Infinity Plunge Pool
Aquavit Terrace, a revolutionary indoor/outdoor viewing area for al fresco dining or an American barbecue experience
Stroll the full 360-degree promenade deck for views of scenic landscapes and regional wildlife
River Café, a new way to dine featuring American classics and Mamsen's Norwegian specialties
The Explorers' Lounge and Bar with two-story panoramic views of the Mississippi
The Bow, a quiet sitting area at the front of the ship
Elevators throughout the ship
Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
Self-service launderettes and laundry service
Intelligent energy-efficient propulsion systems produce less vibrations for a smoother ride
42" flat-screen, interactive LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand
A Mississippi River cruise offers the rare opportunity to sail through America's heartland on the world’s #1 river cruise line. Explore picturesque towns and boom cities; take in views of pastoral farms and towering bluffs; and immerse yourself in the region's rich history and culture with an included excursion in every port. Here are a few highlights Viking reveals to you:
Festive French Quarter and Creole cuisine in New Orleans
Cajun heritage in Baton Rouge
Civil War history at Vicksburg National Military Park
Memphis BBQ, Graceland and appreciation of the Delta Blues
Steamboat sailings with diverse wildlife sightings
Mark Twain's boyhood home and America’s literary history
Up close look at America’s national symbol, the bald eagle
Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the pioneering spirit of the Midwest
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Adventure Life seems to be an honest company and has been quite helpful in the planning process. Good about answering questions.
Chris Dralle
1 week ago
Wonderful personal attention to detail and very helpful suggestions by experienced travel experts
John K
1 week ago
Franny has been such an amazing help with all my trip planning. This is our 3rd trip to plan with her and she is always so willing to assist and find the best deals for my family and friends.
Suzanne Turbyfill
1 week ago
Our advisor at Adventure Life, Mary Curry, was knowledgable and quick to respond with answers to any questions we had. She made our booking efficiently and set up a time for us to make a secure payment through her directly. We’ve used Adventure Life repeatedly and would definitely recommend it.
