Rhythms of the Road

Rhythms of the Road

The Heartland of America comes alive on this wonderful vacation featuring locations that have played a role in the evolution of American music. This North to South U.S. tour starts with two nights in Chicago, ends with two nights in New Orleans, includes two nights in Nashville and Memphis, and an overnight in St. Louis. Enjoy a sightseeing tour or an orientation tour in each of the cities. Highlights of this tour include places near and dear to music lovers’ hearts. In Nashville, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, with its rare instruments and Elvis Presley’s “solid-gold” Cadillac, and RCA Studio B, Nashville’s oldest remaining recording studio and where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and many more stars recorded their biggest hits. You’ll also enjoy the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, a must for any country music fan and where you’ll have reserved seating for a show. In Memphis, see where the film, “Walk the Line,” was filmed and visit Graceland, Elvis’ palatial estate. Other tour highlights include a trip to the top of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. A visit to the Tina Turner Museum plus the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center. Discover the life of B.B. (Blues Boy) King, from his humble beginnings to his big break on Beale Street in Memphis. In Louisiana, perhaps enjoy shopping in the French Quarter. On this music filled tour, you’ll also have plenty of time to explore on your own or to join optional outings. In Memphis, you may want to join an optional excursion to Sun Studio or visit a blues club on famous Beale Street. In New Orleans, you may want to enjoy dinner on a Mississippi River paddleboat. For music lovers and those desiring to experience the South, this value-minded tour is the perfect vacation!

Day 1: Chicago

Welcome to the “Windy City.” Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

Day 2: Chicago

Included sightseeing shows off the city’s landmarks, then an afternoon at leisure. Maybe ride the elevator to the top of Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, or enjoy one of Chicago’s legendary blues clubs.

Day 3: Chicago - St. Louis

Travel across the fertile Illinois farmlands to St. Louis, “Gateway to the West.” An orientation tour includes a trip to the top of the Gateway Arch National Park, which commemorates the city’s key role in westward expansion. Visit the museum under the Arch, celebrating Lewis & Clark’s famous expedition 200 years ago.

Day 4: St. Louis - Nashville

Recross the Mississippi River today and roll southeast to Paducah, Kentucky on the Ohio River. Late-afternoon arrival in Nashville.

Breakfast

Day 5: Nashville

Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Nashville’s famous landmarks and the Music Row recording studios. Tour historic RCA Studio B, cradle of the 1960s “Nashville Sound” where stars such as Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Willie Nelson, and the Everly Brothers recorded many of their biggest hits. Afterward, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame with its glittering costumes, rare instruments, and Elvis’ “solid-gold” Cadillac! Tonight, enjoy reserved seating for a show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, a mecca for country musicians.

Day 6: Nashville - Brownsville - Memphis

Visit the Tina Turner Museum in the one-room schoolhouse attended by a young Anna Mae Bullock (a.k.a. Tina Turner). See the collection of the “Queen of Rock’s” memorabilia, including costumes, gold records and even her high school yearbook! Afterward, cross Tennessee to Memphis, “Home of the Blues” and a city with a distinct Southern flavor. Enjoy an orientation tour on arrival and see where the film Walk the Line was filmed. Consider the optional excursion to Sun Studio, where rock ‘n’ roll was first recorded, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 7: Memphis - Visit to Graceland

A good portion of the day is devoted to Graceland, Elvis Presley’s beautiful estate. Your guided audio tour focuses on the memorial garden, and the opulent 15,000-square-foot mansion. Also see Elvis’ custom jets and his favorite automobiles! Return to Memphis mid-afternoon and, if you haven’t done so already, get a taste of Memphis with some southern barbecue or visit the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum nearhistoric Beale Street.

Day 8: Memphis - Indianola - New Orleans

Today, make your way through the state of Mississippi. Visit the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center. Discover the life of B.B. (Blues Boy) King, from his humble beginnings to his big break on Beale Street in Memphis, TN. An evening arrival in New Orleans allows the opportunity for exploring this lively city on your own.

Day 9: New Orleans

A full morning is dedicated to the sights and sounds of New Orleans, featuring a guided tour that includes the French Quarter landmarks, St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and a visit to a unique above-ground cemetery. This afternoon, join an optional tour of one of the many plantation homes in southern Louisiana. The architecture and beauty of these homes alone is impressive and the stories that go with them are even better. This evening, perhaps join an optional Mississippi River dinner cruise, and enjoy a delightful buffet dinner complete with live jazz—the perfect finale to a memorable touring adventure of the South.

Day 10: New Orleans

Your vacation ends this morning. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the “Big Easy” further.