SAMPLE ITINERARY

Days 1 - 3: Arrive New Orleans

Today explore the sights, sounds and flavours of New Orleans – ‘The Big Easy’, situated at the mouth of the Mississippi River at the point where it empties into the Gulf of Mexico.

Still in the process of being re-built following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is a vibrant city with a strong French and Spanish heritage. It has fabulous Creole cuisine, mesmerising live music, exotic cocktails, unique dialects and colourful annual celebrations - most notably Mardi Gras, which is held the day before Ash Wednesday just before Easter.

The historic heart of the city is the French Quarter, known for its French and Spanish Creole architecture and vibrant nightlife along Bourbon Street. Soak up the atmosphere on Jackson Square and enjoy a meal in one of its many cafes and restaurants. Seafood is a speciality, as well as red beans and rice, but there is much delicious Creole food to savour including ‘beignets’ (fried dough sprinkled with sugar, served for breakfast), ‘muffuletta’ (an Italian sandwich), ‘gumbo’ (a thick soup), ‘jambalaya’ (meat, vegetables & rice), ‘crawfish etouffee’ (a stew), shrimp po’boy (fried baguette filled with prawns) and ‘bananas foster’ (ice cream dessert).

Top sights include the National World War II Museum, Preservation Hall jazz venue, the historic homes of the Garden District, and New Orleans City Park. You can take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or a quirky ‘Voodoo and Cemetery’ walking tour. In the evening head back to Bourbon Street or the bars, artists and music venues of Frenchmen Street.

Today drive north to Nashville, Tennessee - the country music capital of the world, where aspiring singers come to follow in the footsteps of giants like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton.

A great place to stop en route for lunch is Chattanooga, set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where you will find many quirky attractions. You could also stop a little further along in Lynchburg, where you can tour the Jack Daniel’s whiskey distillery.

Then continue on to Nashville, where you can head straight to Broadway to soak up the atmosphere.

Day 4-5: Memphis

Today drive to the next iconic music city of Memphis, situated on the Mississippi River.

Make sure you arrive in enough time to enjoy dinner with some live music on Beale Street.

Explore Memphis, the birthplace of influential strains of blues, soul and rock n roll.

Be sure to visit Graceland, Elvis Presley’s iconic mansion, as well as the legendary Sun Studio where Presley, Jonny Cash and B.B. King recorded albums. Other music landmarks include the Rock n Soul Museum, Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the Blues Hall of Fame. 

Today is free to relax and enjoy Nashville’s music scene.

Start your day in Downtown, where you can walk down Lower Broadway and check out legendary music venues such as the Ryman Auditorium and Country Music Hall of Fame, before heading to the Johnny Cash Museum & Café. Also look out for the ‘Batman Building’. The Music Row District is home to famous record labels, radio stations and recording studios, including Historic RCA Studio B, where legends such as Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton recorded their hits. Then take a taxi to Centennial Park, where you can see a life-size replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon.

In the afternoon we suggest you visit the Grand Ole Opry, America’s longest running radio show that still hosts rising stars as well as famous musicians - playing not only country music but also folk, Americana, bluegrass and gospel. You can book ahead for a behind-the-scenes tour, and afterwards you can visit Madame Tussauds Nashville.

If there is a performance at the Grand Ole Opry House, consider spending the evening there. Alternatively head to Printers Alley in Downtown, with its vibrant music scene, or quirky East Nashville for a night on the town.

Day 6-7: Drive to Nashville

Onwards to Nashville, Tennessee - the country music capital of the world, where aspiring singers come to follow in the footsteps of giants like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton.

A great place to stop en route for lunch is Chattanooga, set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where you will find many quirky attractions. You could also stop a little further along in Lynchburg, where you can tour the Jack Daniel’s whiskey distillery.

Then continue on to Nashville, where you can head straight to Broadway to soak up the atmosphere..

Day 8: Fly Home

Drop off your hire car, before boarding your flight home.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a room only basis. Economy flights from London and standard car hire are included.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance and an appropriate driving licence. Road laws vary throughout the country, so check the speed limit when crossing into different states. The FCO should also be consulted.