American Countess Steamboat-Pittsburgh-Louisville

DAY 1

Following a stop for lunch on your own, you arrive in Pittsburgh, PA for group check-in and boarding on the American Countess. Passengers will be required to present a valid credit card that will be used to charge any incidentals prior to disembarkation on the final day of the trip. The Countess is comprised of four decks, 123 inviting staterooms of varying categories*, features a well-appointed fitness center to keep up with your daily workout routine, a Card Room that provides a social area to mingle with fellow travelers, a gift shop to browse for souvenirs to remember the excursion, as well as an award-winning culinary team that takes advantage of each region's diverse bounty of fresh local ingredients to prepare authentic dishes for the meals in either the Grand Dining Room or the more casual River Grill. Dinner this evening is included aboard the Countess.

DAY 2

Wake to breakfast included aboard the American Countess prior to stopping at your first Port-of-Call Wheeling, West Virginia. Founded by Colonel Ebenezer Zane in 1769, Wheeling was established as a town in 1795 and became a popular frontier town by the early 1880s, largely due to trade along the Ohio River in conjunction with the B&O Railroad and National Road - the nation's first roadway and a most important avenue of commerce. In the late nineteenth century, the town served as a prime industrial center for the state with thriving factory business in iron, steel, glass and tobacco. Through its bustling industrial economy and steady working population, Wheeling developed an area of fine housing around Wheeling Island on the Ohio River called Victorian Old Town. First-time visitors to the friendly city will find plenty of history to explore in the area. Walk across the 150-year-old Wheeling Suspension Bridge and gaze at the graceful waters of the Ohio River or better yet take a walk through Victorian Old Town and visit breathtaking homes from the stylish Victorian Era.

Experience river cities along your cruise route with select shore excursions. Narrated tours, a dedicated fleet of Hop-On/Hop-Off river coaches, and select admissions to the sites along the river let you experience the history and culture of the cities along the river route.

**Excursions to be announced approximately January 2024.

Dinner this evening will once again be included on the American Countess. After dinner, you may choose to relax and unwind with fellow passengers catching up on your excursion experiences or spend your evening in the Majestic Theatre aboard the Countess offering nightly Broadway-caliber entertainment. The remainder of the evening is up to you.

DAY 3

Once again, breakfast is included on the Countess before you disembark in today's Port-of-Call, Marietta, OH. Marietta's location on two major navigable rivers made it ripe for industry and commerce in the 19th century. Oil booms in 1875 and 1910 made investors rich, leading to the construction of lavish houses, many of which still stand. In 1939, the Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen, America's Riverboat Historical Society, was established in Marietta to celebrate the region's substantial river history. Visitors can enjoy a pleasing mix of museums and historic sites to broaden your mind and knowledge of the area. Shaded, hand-laid brick streets enhance its charm, and fringing them are dollhouse homes featuring stained glass, intricate woodwork, lofty towers, and ornate turrets. There is also an abundance of outdoor adventures to be found as two rivers, a National Forest and a variety of parks, refuges and wetlands surround the county.

**Excursions to be announced approximately January 2024.

After a day of sightseeing, return to the American Countess for a mouthwatering meal and perhaps an arousing game of cards with fellow passengers or entertainment in the Majestic Theatre.

DAY 4

A hearty breakfast is included on board once again as the vessel makes its way to your next Port-of-Call, Huntington, WV. Huntington is a vibrant, energetic city that has managed to keep its heritage alive, while still keeping up with the progression of modern culture. The city is part of the largest inland port in the United States, where West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky meet. Steamboats have always been a huge aspect of Huntington's history, as a major port for lumber, coal, and fuel during the railroad extension. Today, Huntington welcomes all visitors with open arms and wide smiles, and invites all to explore their unique shops, restaurants, museums, and historical buildings! Fresh murals spring to life and greenspaces featuring walking paths and rose gardens flourish.

**Excursions to be announced approximately January 2024.

As you return from a busy day of touring, enjoy a relaxing dinner with newfound friends or a loved one and share tales of today's exciting moments. The remainder of the night is once again up to you.

DAY 5

Begin your day with breakfast included this morning as you cruise into Augusta, KY. Augusta, Kentucky is located in Bracken County at the intersection of the Ohio River and Bracken Creek. The city offers an incredible long-range view of the picturesque river valley, known to be one of the most stunning views of the valley in the state of Kentucky. Augusta was regarded as one of the most popular shipping ports during the agricultural growth era. Tobacco, hemp, livestock, and wine were frequently exported from Augusta to surrounding areas. Today, the city continues to grow and welcomes visitors of all ages. USA Today named Augusta the "Most picturesque town in Kentucky".

**Excursions to be announced approximately January 2024.

As you return to re-board the Countess, you will have time to catch your breath and dine on a splendid meal prepared by the award-wining culinary team and be waited on by a most gracious staff. Is your bed calling, or have you caught your second wind? If you have caught your second wind, don't forget to visit the Majestic Theatre for tonight's entertainment.

DAY 6

Join your fellow passengers for breakfast included on the Countess as you dock in Cincinnati, OH for the day. Amid the gently rolling hills along the Ohio River, Cincinnati spreads from the southwestern corner of Ohio into Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. The city is located about mid-point on the shoreline of the 981-mile long Ohio River. Like most early settlements, Cincinnati began life as a trading post along the Ohio River. In 1802 it was formed as a village, later becoming a city in 1819. Two major events helped shape its future, the arrival of steam navigation for boats along the Ohio River and the completion of the Miami and Eric Canal 1827. Take a stroll through Cincinnati, the birthplace of baseball and its own distinctive chili recipe.

**Excursions to be announced approximately January 2024.

Dinner this evening will once again be included on the American Countess. After dinner, you may choose to relax and unwind with fellow passengers catching up on your excursion experiences or spend your evening in the Majestic Theatre aboard the Countess offering nightly Broadway-caliber entertainment. The remainder of the evening is up to you.

DAY 7

Wake to a delightful breakfast served as you arrive at your Port-of-Call for today Madison, IN. This quaint river town tucked between Cincinnati and Louisville is sure to win your heart. This charismatic port flaunts its personality throughout the streets, where a 133-block historic district showcases its collection of classic architectural artistry. Madison has the largest contiguous National Historic Landmark District in the country and features major architecture from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

**Excursions to be announced approximately January 2024.

Return for your last evening on the Countess for dinner and entertainment. Afterwards, retire to your room to prepare for disembarkation the next day with lots of memories made.

DAY 8

Your final morning on the Countess has you docking in Louisville, KY where you will have breakfast before disembarking with a treasure trove of memorable experiences of your journey on the river. You will board your Wolf's motorcoach and depart for home with meal and rest stops along the way.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner