Compare Ohio River Cruise by American Cruiselines vs California Panorama by Omega Tours

Day 1 St. Louis, MO
St. Louis is sure to win you over. Take in the Gateway Arch Riverfront, highlighted by the majestic Gateway Arch, the largest man-made monument in the U.S. Enjoy St. Louis’ many world-class attractions, including the Art Museum, Science Center, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and the Missouri History Museum. End your day by relaxing at the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the world’s most popular public gardens.

Day 2 Cape Girardeau, MO
Enjoy the charming features of this historic town that was once a French trading post and lively river port in the late 1800s. Today it boasts Civil War sites and a tranquil setting commemorating the Cherokee Trail of Tears. Marvel at the outdoor murals reflecting the area's rich heritage and enjoy shore excursions to Cape River Heritage Museum and the Red House Interpretive Center.

Day 3 Paducah, KY
Residing at the confluence of the Tennessee River and the Ohio River, Paducah will have you feeling as if you stepped back in time as you walk the streets of this Chicasaw village site. Discover Paducah’s rich history by exploring the Wall to Wall Mural Program, a collection of over 50 murals that covers a number of subjects including Native American history, the Civil War and area landmarks such as the Old Carnegie Library.

Paducah City Tour - Complimentary Excursion
Let our local guide take you through the quaint city of Paducah. This tour has been carefully divided into three distinct sections to make sure you experience all that Paducah has to offer. First, tour the downtown as our local expert guide points out the areas’ many historical sites. Then, take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront where you will witness more than 50 life-sized panoramic murals depicting elements of Paducah’s past. End the tour at the National Quilt Museum, the world's largest museum devoted to quilt and fiber art.

Art Demonstration Tour
Home to the nationally recognized Artist Relocation Program, Lowertown is situated just four blocks from the Ohio River and historic downtown Paducah. During this tour, you will visit the studios and galleries of Paducah’s resident artists. Here you will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on creative workshops, hear the artists’ personal stories and enjoy their works of art.

River Heritage Museum
Just a short distance from the ship’s docking location is the River Heritage Museum, where guests will learn all about the Four Rivers region. Explore state-of-the-art interactive exhibits such as the working lock and dam model and the pilothouse simulator which allows you test your skills and captain your own riverboat!

Day 4 Henderson, KY
You won’t miss the presence of notable resident, John James Audubon, who's “Birds of America” paintings are recreated in bronze statues throughout Henderson. Named after President Washington’s home on the Potomac, this bucolic river town is steeped in fascinating lore. Let our expert guide lead you on a tour of our famous first President's historic home and grounds.

Audubon Museum Tour - Complimentary Excursion
After docking in the tranquil port of Henderson, our morning will begin with a short narrated walk to the famous John James Audubon Museum. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the museum features many original oil and watercolor paintings created by Audubon as well as many of his personal possessions. Your day will continue with the resident naturalist who will provide a narrated tour of the popular Nature Center, which was recently named one of the Top 25 Birdwatching Spots. At the conclusion of the tour, you’ll have free time for independent exploration.

Henderson Historic Walking Tour
At the end of the 19th century, Henderson was considered a major trading port due to its thriving dark tobacco export industry. The town’s prominence in the world market led to the construction of an increased number of extravagant homes. Discover the architectural ingenuity of these homes during a self-guided tour.

Day 5 Day of River Cruising
Sit back and enjoy the gentle sounds of the paddlewheel as it churns through the placid waters of the Ohio River. Delight in the picturesque, and ever-changing scenery as it passes by and experience the river as early explorers did centuries ago.

Day 6 Louisville, KY
Named after King Louis XVI of France, Louisville is best known for the famed Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. When you visit, you’ll also discover why Louisville is often referred to as either the northernmost Southern city or the southernmost Northern city in the United States.

Kentucky Derby Museum & Horse Park - Complimentary Excursion
Get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Churchill Downs, the site of the famed Kentucky Derby. Here, you’ll have exclusive access to every facet of the race, from the Press Box and Jockey’s Quarters, to Millionaire’s Row, the most coveted seats on race day. Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum to see actual Derby footage dating as far back as 1918.

Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory
Louisville Slugger is the maker of the world’s most popular bat. The company’s storied traditions and high standards for quality have produced some of the finest bats for amateurs and professionals alike. Enjoy a guided tour of the facility and museum, learning first-hand their processes from forest-to-factory and the scientific principles used to fabricate the most important tool in “America’s Game.” You’ll enjoy special seasonal exhibits, and even receive a free souvenir bat to commemorate your visit.

Jim Beam American Outpost
Bourbon enthusiasts will revel in a visit to the famous Jim Beam distillery. Celebrate “America’s First Family of Bourbon,” as you learn about their over 200 years of bourbon-making and view historic artifacts. Your private tour will include a visit to the home where three generations of Beam distillers lived. Step inside the Stillhouse Exhibit, which features an authentic 1800s copper still believed to be one of the oldest in America. Your tour will conclude in the rack house, where the bourbon is aged and the sampling begins. Visit the popular gift shop to purchase a variety of bourbons, bar ware, and other Jim Beam merchandise.

Day 7 Cincinnati, OH
As you disembark in Cincinnati, take some time to visit the numerous National Historic Sites via walking tours through Cincinnati’s oldest neighborhoods abounding in eclectic architecture. Visit the William Howard Taft National Historic Museum, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Betts House.

Narrated City Tour - Complimentary Excursion
Explore both sides of the river on this fantastic, all-encompassing tour. Highlights include the floodwall murals, Eden Park, Downtown River District, Fountain Square and St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, where you can admire the ornate stained-glass windows throughout.

Underground Railroad Freedom Center
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center celebrates the brave men and women who came together to create a secret network through which the enslaved could escape to freedom. From their example of courage, cooperation and perseverance, this center relates this uniquely American story to contemporary issues, inspiring everyone to take steps towards equality today. Discover a museum of American and African American history during a docent-led tour.

*Note: This tour is not offered by American Cruise Lines, but is recommended on cruises ending in Cincinnati, OH

Krohn Conservatory
Krohn Conservatory was built in 1933 in the heart of Eden Park. This art deco building is architecturally significant, but it’s the contents inside the aluminum and glass walls that make it truly special as it is home to more than 5,000 varieties of exotic, tropical, desert and orchid plants from around the world.

*Note: This tour is not offered by American Cruise Lines, but is recommended on cruises ending in Cincinnati, OH

Day 8 Maysville, KY
Maysville, KY is a quaint town on the Ohio River with a rich history. An important stop on the Underground Railroad, Maysville was host to Harriet Beecher Stowe in 1883. Your stop will include idyllic country scenery and the native sounds of original bluegrass country music.

Day 9 Day of River Cruising
Grab a good book and curl up in one of our spacious lounges as the Queen of the Mississippi makes its way down the Ohio River. Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts will find the Queen of the Mississippi's top deck to be the ideal location to identify different species of birds and other wildlife that call the Ohio River home.

Day 10 Marietta, OH
The second-largest city in the Parkersburg-Marietta-Vienna West Virginia-Ohio metropolitan area, Marietta was named in honor of Marie Antoinette. The town saw booming times during the 18th and 19th centuries, the city's economy was booming as its location on the Ohio River made it an attractive stop for commercial steamboats and travelers.

Day 11 Pittsburgh, PA
End your journey in the "steel city," Pittsburgh, PA. Long known for steel manufacturing, Pittsburgh was an essential stop along the Ohio River for national and international commerce making it a wealthy town in the 18th and 19th centuries.

DAY 1: LOS ANGELES ARRIVAL

Arrive at Los Angeles International Airport and transfer independently to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, Los Angeles, or similar

DAY 2: LOS ANGELES > MOJAVE DESERT > LAS VEGAS

Meet your Tour Director and depart for Las Vegas, the glittering “Entertainment Capital of the World,” for non-stop fun, gambling, and world-class entertainment. Your tour stops at the iconic Las Vegas Welcome Sign where you may wish to capture your photo memory of Las Vegas.

Accommodation at the Luxor Las Vegas, Las Vegas, or similar

DAY 3: LAS VEGAS > DEATH VALLEY > MAMMOTH LAKES/FRESNO

Having enjoyed glamorous Las Vegas, it will be a sharp contrast this afternoon to enter the quiet and extreme environment of Death Valley. Stop at Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek Ranch/Visitors Center before continuing across the valley and ascending the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the alpine resort town of Mammoth Lakes. The area gained prominence as a gold mining town in the 19th century and today is renowned for its superior skiing terrain and staggeringly beautiful mountain vistas.

Important note: Winter Routing The Tioga Pass may be closed due to weather or road conditions, in which case you will overnight in Fresno or Visalia and a visit to Mammoth Lakes will not be possible (winter routing applies to all departures between October and May under normal snow conditions).

Accommodation at the Mammoth Mountain Inn, Mammoth Lakes, or Piccadilly Inn, Fresno

DAY 4: MAMMOTH/FRESNO > YOSEMITE > MODESTO

Your journey today brings you to the Tioga Pass (please see important note on day 3) into the scenic wonderland of Yosemite National Park. Here, you will experience the valley floor and its splendors including the glacial-shaped granite formations of El Capitan, Half Dome, the magnificent Bridal Falls, and Yosemite Falls. Overnight in Modesto.

Accommodation at the Doubletree by Hilton Modesto, Modesto, or similar

DAY 5: MODESTO > SAN FRANCISCO

Depart early this morning to arrive in San Francisco, one of the most beloved cities in America. Enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour before arriving at your hotel. This evening take a memorable City by Night Tour (optional).

Accommodation at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, or similar

DAY 6: SAN FRANCISCO (NAPA VALLEY OPTIONAL)

Day at leisure! Your Tour Director is on hand to assist with making your plans for the day: perhaps a cable car ride to Fisherman’s Wharf where one may enjoy a “Taste of San Francisco”: local seafood, famous sourdough bread, or decadent Ghiradelli’s Chocolate. Or take a stroll by Sea Lions’ Marina to watch them frolic.

Be sure to gaze across the bay to Alcatraz Island where “America’s Most Wanted” such as Al Capone and ”Machine Gun” Kelly were incarcerated. Or visit Union Square for a shopping stop at Macy’s Department Store. You also may choose to embark on a wine-tasting tour to Napa Valley, world-renowned for its fine wineries and beautiful scenery (optional).

Accommodation at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, or similar

DAY 7: SAN FRANCISCO > MONTEREY/ CARMEL > CENTRAL COAST

Depart San Francisco this morning for the drive to the Monterey Peninsula, known for its magnificent homes and lovely beaches. In Monterey, visit Fisherman’s Wharf and famous Cannery Row Then tour charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, noted for its quaint houses, upscale art galleries, and unique stores. In the afternoon your tour continues through Paso Robles, home of fine wineries. Overnight in a quaint Central California Coast town.

Accommodation at the Radisson Santa Maria, Central Coast, or similar

DAY 8: CENTRAL COAST > SANTA BARBARA > SANTA MONICA > LOS ANGELES DEPARTURE

Journey south through the Santa Ynez Valley into Santa Barbara where palm-lined walkways border white sandy beaches. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, an orientation tour commences to include Hollywood, portions of Beverly Hills, and Century City before arriving in Santa Monica, home to the finish line of Historic Route 66, where you may enjoy an optional lunch on the pier before departure or arriving at your hotel.