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The Arch and The Pyramid
St. Louis and Memphis on the Upper and Lower Mississippi River
Two monuments, standing like sentinels on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, represent humankind's ability to tame harsh environments and build impressive civilizations. The gleaming Gateway Arch in St. Louis towers over the river symbolizing America's opening of the west to commerce and settlement. The Pyramid in Memphis is a totem comparing ancient Egypt's advanced society with our own. These are just two of the many sights to see traveling the Mississippi in a region called The Arch and The Pyramid.
Dates & Rates
Prices: Starting at $1,745
2008 Dates:
Memphis to St. Louis:
May 1 (7 days)
May 29 (6 days)
Did you know that the Mississippi, like the Nile, is really two different rivers? Meandering through clay bottoms below its confluence with the Ohio River, the Mississippi takes on its delta appearance. But above its junction with the Ohio, the river is confined within hard, rocky banks. For this reason, river pilots have long recognized the river as being two distinct entities: the Upper Mississippi and Lower Mississippi.
When we reach the confluence, you'll see the clear flow of the Ohio mix with sediment-laden waters of the Mississippi to completely change the complexion and character of the river. It's a great opportunity to view the stark changes in geography and topography at the heart of the North American continent. And a chance to travel with someone who knows the behind-the-scenes stories.
Think the country's biggest fault line is in California? It isn't. An old Spanish settlement is the epicenter of the New Madrid Earthquakes of New Year's Eve 1811, strongest ever to rock our continent. Old timers say these quakes actually reversed the flow of the river. Did you know that the first steamboat to ever traverse the river got caught up in the current? Or that Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee was formed by the quake? It's all part of the story we want to share with you.
Explore centuries-old river towns like Caruthersville, Mo., and Cape Girardeau, Mo. Meet our friends who live in a place that has been dominated by the river since the dawn of time.
Come along! Travel with us in comfort aboard the R/B River Explorer. Enjoy deliciously prepared meals in the relaxed atmosphere of The Galley. Take in one of the shows at our theater, The Sprague. The hearty meals and the great entertainment are just a small part of our all-inclusive package where one price takes care of almost everything! Join us for an exciting and affordable adventure between The Arch and The Pyramid as we go barging from rivers to shores, sharing America's stories.
Itinerary
St. Louis-Memphis
Memphis-St. Louis
From the Arch in St. Louis to the Pyramid in Memphis or vice-versa. Either direction, these 6 or 7-day excursions are a monumental journey. Spend a night exploring each of these cities. Enjoy barging on the Upper and Lower Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Witness the amazing Confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers and enjoy visits to Caruthersville, Mo. and Paducah, Ky. Visit the quilt museum and the River Heritage Museum. Also see Cape Girardeau, Mo. Tour the Common Pleas Courthouse, Old St. Vincent's Church, the historic Glenn House and the Cape River Heritage Museum. Be sure not to miss the Missouri Wall of Fame paintings on the floodwall. Much more to explore.
