Mark Twain, patron saint of Mississippi riverboat cruises, once compared the river to a wonderful book: "it was not a book to be read once and thrown aside, for it had a new story to tell every day." In fact, a river this big, coursing through the heartland from Minnesota down to Louisiana, carrying the freight of history, has more fascinating stories to tell than Twain could ever record in his own wonderful book. This is the river you'll discover on Tauck's 11-day trip including a 7-night cruise aboard the luxury steamboat American Queen... winding northward from vibrant, eccentric New Orleans to Memphis, city of cotton and blues, with stops at Natchez, Vicksburg, and Helena, Arkansas, along the way...

Explore the world of the ancient Incas on our popular 12-day Bolivia and Peru tour, and witness the impact of the Spanish conquistadors on cultures from out of the mists of history, from Pizarro's colonial Lima and Cusco, to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca to La Paz. Discover Inca strongholds and sacred sites surrounded by the Andes, admire the skill and craftsmanship of ancient artisans whose true medium was gold, learn the secrets of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, and have your journey blessed by a local shaman. Attend a folkloric performance based on Inca mythology, savor spectacular Andean scenery on a train trip aboard a vintage rail car, take a boat to meet locals living like their ancestors did on floating reed islands on Lake Titicaca, see famous Peruvian Paso horses demonstrate their skills, and discover the cultural and architectural diversity of La Paz, highest capital city on Earth.

Immerse yourself in the history, art and culture of Italy and Greece. The thrills of Rome and the ruins of Pompeii; the beauty of Capri and the Amalfi Coast; the wonders of Florence and majesty of Venice; mystical Assisi and ancient Athens. Don't miss this inspiring and fascinating adventure!

Tour Pace:The alternating mix of touring days and two night stays makes for a moderately paced tour. However, Waterford to Cardiff requires an early start in order to catch the morning ferry. Hotels: From the stately Georgian architecture of Edinburgh’s Roxburghe Hotel, to the 21 story Radisson Blu skyscraper in Cardiff’s city centre, expect a diverse range of hotels. Please Note: In some parts of Ireland, the Scottish Highlands and Islands north from Edinburgh and Glasgow, the remote nature and limited seasonality means hotels are often more basic, modest and simpler in style than Insight hotels elsewhere in Europe, especially in the larger or capital cities. These properties are typically family-run establishments and have completely individual character - which is part of their attraction. The key attribute of these properties is their easy access to the wonders of the beautiful countryside and more remote towns and villages.

Leafy vineyards, majestic mountains, Riviera sunshine, Roman remains and fortified towns combine with great food and wine for an engaging ‘Tour de France’. Tour Pace: A medium paced tour consisting of a mix of overnight and two-night stays. The journey by TGV train is a relaxing way to return to the glittering city of Paris. Hotels: Enjoy a varied selection of hotels like the lake side Marina d’Adelphia in Aix-les-Bains, as well as those which are both historic and modern like the Sofitel in Dijon. Then there is Chamonix’s Le Prieure, which is in the Savoyard chalet style.