Tastes and Sounds of the South

Join us for a little honky-tonk, home cookin', hot-footed hoedown and a whole lot of Rock 'n' Roll on this inspiring at Leisure jaunt through the Deep South.

What's Included:

• Private VIP door-to-door UK airport transfers included
• Return flights
• 9 nights accommodation
• 14 meals: 9 breakfasts & 5 dinners
• All transport detailed in the itinerary
• Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• Cherry-picked hotels all tried and trusted
• Handcrafted Highlights
• Optional Experiences and free time
• All porterage and local charges included
• Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
• All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday

Excursions

• City tour in Memphis & New Orleans
• Orintation of Nashville
• Visit Graceland, Oak Alley Plantation, Frogmore Plantation, Rock 'n' Soul Museum, Studio B, Sun Studios & Country Music Hall of Fame

Day 1: Arrive Nashville (3 Nights)

The beating heart of America's Music City will chart your pace as you prepare to embark on a leisurely pilgrimage to discover the tastes and sounds of the South. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.  Hotel - Renaissance Nashville & Included Meals - Welcome Reception

Day 2: Nashville Sightseeing

The famous Nashville Sound comes alive this morning as RCA's Studio B reveals the legends of Elvis Presley, Jim Reeves and Roy Orbison. 'Dive into Culture' and gain insights into the life and music of Johnny Cash during a private performance of original Cash tunes with Johnny's granddaughter (or another family member). Our acoustic journey continues with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to see Elvis' Solid Gold Cadillac limousine and Jim Reeves' tuxedo jacket. Discover the iconic and unexpected on a your choice sightseeing experience, exploring either the Johnny Cash Museum or the Ryman Auditorium. Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 3: Nashville At Leisure and Sightseeing

Today is a free day for you to explore. Amble through Broadway's honky-tonk scene or perhaps enjoy the gut-busting flavours of homegrown hot chicken and biscuits. This evening, the sounds of country music fill the air as we head to the Grand Ole Opry to watch a performance of America's longest running live radio programme. Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 4: Nashville – Memphis (2 Nights)

We head for the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll and meet a musician and Local Specialist amidst the sounds of Blues on Beale Street. This afternoon, perhaps visit the National Civil Rights Museum, home to the former Lorraine Motel, where civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Enjoy a Regional Dinner this evening. Hotel - Crowne Plaza & Included Meals - Breakfast, Regional Dinner

Day 5: Graceland Excursion

Worship at the altar of the King and head to Graceland, paying tribute to the man who changed the face of American popular music and culture. Then, pay a visit to Sun Studios, which sought to immortalise the raw energy of Beale Street, recording the first Rock 'n' Roll single in 1951. This evening is free. Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 6: Memphis – Natchez

Kick off this morning's musical interlude at the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum before saying so long to Memphis, bound for the city of Natchez. With a little French flair and a flowering antebellum culture, Natchez is the perfect showcase of Southern history and hospitality, which you'll have an opportunity to experience when you 'Connect with Locals' in their gracious homes. Meet Joe Stone in his 1850s home and visit the 1804 residence of Esther Carpenter, a former Four Seasons chef, with whom you'll enjoy a traditional three-course Deep South 'Be My Guest' dinner with wine. Hotel - Magnolia Bluffs & Included Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest

Day 7: Natchez – Oak Alley – New Orleans (3 Nights)

'Dive into Culture' at Frogmore Plantation and Gins and 'Make a Difference' as you learn about efforts to preserve the cotton plantation heritage of the Mississippi Delta. Continue through the Louisiana countryside to Oak Alley Plantation along a quarter mile canopy of 300-year-old oak trees. The spicy scents of Creole cuisine linger long after this evening's visit to the New Orleans School of Cooking where we enjoy a fun cooking demonstration and a Regional Dinner of Creole cuisine. Hotel - Sheraton New Orleans & Included Meals - Breakfast, Regional Dinner

Day 8: New Orleans Sightseeing and At Leisure

Let the good times roll in New Orleans today, tracing the cosmopolitan history of one of America's oldest cities with a Local Specialist, stopping at City Park and one of the ornate above-ground cemeteries. Spend the afternoon soaking up the laid-back vibes of The Big Easy. Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 9: New Orleans At Leisure

Today is yours to explore the French, Spanish and Creole sights and sounds of New Orleans. If you're feeling adventurous, visit Marie Laveau's Historic Voodoo Museum. This evening, join your Travel Director and new friends for a Farewell Dinner at the famed Court of Two Sisters. Included Meals - Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 10: Depart New Orleans

For now, it's 'Au Revoir' New Orleans, but not 'Adieu'. Take a transfer to New Orleans International Airport or extend your stay in New Orleans at the Sheraton New Orleans. Included Meals - Breakfast