From the Mississippi to the Rhône

Rivers were a critical mode of transportation and a portal for escape for the American runaway slaves,  on their journey to freedom. Today these rivers provide a route of escape to link our African and black heritage to historical landmarks, both here and abroad.

Experience your Juneteenth celebration river cruising on the Rhône river in the South of France.

One of the major benefits of River Cruising is the intimacy they offer. Fewer guests on board award-winning river cruise ships.

With an average of just 156 guests on board, you’re encouraged to enjoy the luxury of space with larger staterooms and suites (up to 710 sq. ft. on AmaMagna), spacious common areas and libraries, and can comfortably fit every single passenger in the Main Lounge at the same time.

You’re able to maintain privacy while making connections in a way that feels safe. Unlike large cruise liners, river cruises provide an atmosphere of relaxation and peace that allows passengers to socialize without the overwhelm of crowds.

Immersive small group shore excursions are guided by experienced local English-speaking experts with personal audio headsets. The immersive special interest tours are specially designed to give small groups an opportunity to become even more immersed in a destination, all at no additional cost.

With Soulful Epicurean Experience, you can meet like-minded people who share your love for travel, culture, history, jazz, wine, and the list goes on.

Different cruises cater to different things, and Soulful Epicurean Experience curates excursions that celebrate Black History and culture. Passengers discover new destinations through history from the comfort of some of the most luxurious floating hotels. Unlike larger cruise liners, the educational component offered on a river cruise is an included value add. On a Soulful Epicurean Experience, the presentations and entertainment are provided by local historians, academics, and musicians.

On one trip to the South of France region of Provence, Sam and I enjoyed our visit to a beautiful truffle farm to observe specially trained dogs in action as they hunted for these treasures.  Where we discovered this elusive treat highly sought after since Greek and Roman times.  They are grown underground and are among the most expensive foods, with certain varieties selling upwards of several hundreds of dollars per pound.  To see it and enjoy it firsthand, what a treat!

If you never engage with the rich history while traveling you can miss the opportunity to commemorate memorable moments such as these, allowing for history to be rewritten by anyone in the world. It’s painful to imagine that reality.

Josephine Baker said it best “We must change the system of education and instruction. Unfortunately, history has shown us that brotherhood must be learned when it should be natural.”

Have a peek at our France itinerary and consider joining the Soulful Epicurean Experience on the Rhône River this Juneteenth.   Doing so could have as much of an impact as the celebration of freedom itself.  As a result of all of this, people can become in touch with their heritage.

Visit our site today to book your next Soulful Epicurean destination.

*Return to our February Newsletter