11 Day American Cruise Lines River Cruise from Knoxville to Louisville 2027

Day 1 Knoxville, TN

Land at Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport and settle into your hotel for an overnight stay. After breakfast, meet your guides and fellow travelers to start your journey through the Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. Knoxville, a city that combines Southern charm with a vibrant arts scene, offers visitors a unique blend of historic architecture and modern innovation. From its lively downtown to scenic river views, Knoxville is the perfect gateway to your national park adventure.

Day 2 Pigeon Forge, TN

Travel from Knoxville to Pigeon Forge, nestled in the scenic foothills of the Smokies. Upon your arrival, settle into your hotel. Pigeon Forge, known for its eccentric attractions, including whimsical museums like the Titanic Museum Attraction, shaped like the famous ship, and WonderWorks, an upside-down building filled with interactive exhibits. Be treated to a spectacular dinner show at Dolly Parton's Stampede, where skilled horseback riders and dazzling effects bring stories to life in an arena, all while enjoying a true Southern dinner and getting to know your Adventure Guides and fellow explorers.

Day 3 Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Journey through the trails of Cades Cove in a caravan of Jeeps, guided by narrators who will share the history behind each twist in the path. This venture proves the profound beauty and calming presence of this Appalachian retreat.

Continue your exploration at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, where you'll gather insights into the park's detailed history and its diverse ecological community. A short, easy walk from the Visitor Center brings you to Cataract Falls, where water ribbons down the mountainside.

Day 4 Great Smoky Mountain National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains stretch across the horizon, their peaks shrouded in a misty veil that gives the range its name. The dense forests blanket rolling hills in shades of emerald and gold, interspersed with crystal-clear streams that move through the valleys.

Above the alpine tree line, Clingmans Dome offers one of the most captivating reaching views in the Appalachian Mountains. On your second day in the park, ascend to this man-made observation point for sweeping views of the Smoky Mountains and the expansive landscape beyond.

Visit nearby Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a charming town hiding in a narrow valley just outside the park, that captures all the quirky charm you’ve come to know along the way.

Day 5 Cruising Along the Great Smoky Mountains

Board your ship to begin the cruise portion of your adventure. Today is yours to bask in the beauty of a constantly changing landscape of forested hills, misty peaks, and rocky shorelines. From your private balcony, admire the glassy surface of mountain lakes that mirror the sky and the soft outline of ridgelines in the distance. Bald eagles and herons fly overhead, while deer and other wildlife occasionally appear along the wooded banks. As your ship winds through narrow channels and open water, the play of sunlight and shadow across the mountains creates a sense of perfect serenity.

Day 6 Fort Southwest Point, TN

Experience this reconstructed 18th-century military outpost that once played a key role in early American expansion and Cherokee relations. Overlooking the confluence of the Clinch and Tennessee Rivers, Fort Southwest Point offers not only scenic views, but also insight into frontier life. Just a few miles away, the area later became significant for the role it played during World War II with the development of the Manhattan Project. This secret project helped develop the atomic bomb, transforming the region into a hub of scientific and military activity. During our stop in Fort Southwest Point, guests can explore both early American frontier history and its unexpected connection to one of the most pivotal events of the 20th century.

Day 7 Cruising Along the Appalachian Mountains

Admire sweeping views of tree-covered ridges rising above calm, winding waterways as you enjoy a full day cruising along the magnificent Appalachian Mountains. From the sun deck, you can see layers of mountains stretching into the distance, often softened by drifting mist or touched with golden light. Throughout your day, read your favorite book in one of our comfortable lounges, gather with fellow guests in the restaurant and share your adventures, or listen to an engaging presentation by our onboard expert. As the sun sets, view magnificent mountains silhouetted against the glowing sky, bringing a tranquil close to an amazing day.

Day 8 Chattanooga, TN

The city is watched over by the towering Lookout Mountain, a site of the famed "Battle Above the Clouds" during the Civil War, offering panoramic views and tales of strife and strategy. Downtown, the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge, one of the world's longest pedestrian bridges, arches over the river, while Coolidge Park, with its classic carousel and many green spaces invites you to enjoy the river's calming flow.

Day 9 Cruising the Tennessee River

On this relaxing day cruising the Tennessee River, view the Appalachian Mountains, rolling hills, and forested ridges stretching alongside the river’s winding path. Small river islands and quiet coves dot the route, providing up-close sightings of peaceful wildlife habitats. Along the way, hear the gentle sound of water lapping against the ship’s hull, as well as the calls of birds creating a soothing natural soundtrack.

Day 10 Decatur, AL

The Old Decatur Historic District exudes the timeless elegance of the South, with streets lined by architectural gems that trace their origins back to the 1800s. Walk through this charming quarter and admire homes that display a spectrum of styles, from the French nuances of the Empire period to the quaint simplicity of Edwardian Cottages. Take time to browse the boutiques and artisan shops along Bank Street and 2nd Avenue.

Further enrich your experience by visiting Decatur’s celebrated museums. The Cook Museum of Natural Science offers a close-up look at the intricacies of our natural environment, while the Carnegie Visual Art Center showcases the creative spirit through rotating exhibitions of fine art. Not far from these cultural treasures, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center awaits with its exhibits on space exploration, connecting the wonders of the universe to the human spirit of inquiry.

Day 11 Huntsville, AL

End your journey in this dynamic city known for its deep ties to space exploration and technology. After breakfast on board, we say goodbye and transport you to the airport for your journey homeward. Take a moment to reflect on the journeys you've taken, the meaningful memories you've made, and the lasting connections that continue to shape your path.