Southern USA Escorted Tour
Offer Details
Experience the music, history and unmistakable character of the American South on this unforgettable 7-night escorted tour. From the colourful streets of New Orleans and the grand antebellum homes of Natchez to the blues heritage of Memphis and the country music capital of Nashville, discover some of the most fascinating destinations in the Southern USA.
Travel in comfort by air-conditioned coach with an experienced Tour Manager and enjoy a carefully planned itinerary combining guided sightseeing, scenic journeys and plenty of opportunities to explore independently. Along the way, discover legendary music venues, historic landmarks and vibrant Southern cities before finishing your journey in Atlanta.
Tour Highlights
* Explore the historic French Quarter in New Orleans
* Enjoy free time to discover the food, music and culture of New Orleans
* Travel through Louisiana and Mississippi to historic Natchez
* Visit Baton Rouge, Louisiana's state capital
* Discover the antebellum heritage of Natchez
* Experience Memphis, the birthplace of the blues
* See famous Beale Street and explore Memphis' musical heritage
* Optional visit to Graceland, the legendary home of Elvis Presley
* Discover Nashville, the heart of country music
* Visit Music Row and see the iconic Ryman Auditorium
* Enjoy a city tour of Nashville
* Stop in Chattanooga, home of the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo
* Finish your journey in Atlanta, Georgia
* Optional experiences including a New Orleans plantation tour, evening jazz cruise and VIP Elvis experience
What's Included
* 7 nights' accommodation in carefully selected hotels
* Comfortable air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
* Experienced Tour Manager and driver
* Multilingual tour services
* Porterage of one bag per person
* Breakfast included in Natchez and Atlanta
* Indirect flights from London Heathrow to New Orleans
* Return flights from Atlanta to London Heathrow
* 5kg hand luggage and 20kg checked baggage per person
Optional Extras
Make your Southern USA experience your own with a choice of optional experiences and extensions:
* Private arrival or departure transfers in New Orleans or Atlanta
* Extra nights in New Orleans or Atlanta
* Plantation tour from New Orleans
* Evening jazz cruise in New Orleans
* VIP Elvis experience in Memphis
* Graceland visit
Arrive in New Orleans, one of America's most distinctive and atmospheric cities. Famous for its vibrant music scene, Creole and Cajun influences, historic architecture and legendary cuisine, New Orleans is the perfect starting point for your Southern USA adventure.
After settling into your hotel, you'll have time to relax and begin getting acquainted with the city. This evening, meet your Tour Director, who will introduce you to the itinerary and offer recommendations for making the most of your time in New Orleans.
Overnight: New Orleans
Today is yours to experience New Orleans at your own pace. Explore the atmospheric French Quarter, where wrought-iron balconies, colourful buildings and historic streets create one of America's most distinctive cityscapes.
Take time to browse the shops, sample some of the city's famous Creole cuisine or simply soak up the sounds of live jazz drifting through the streets.
For those looking to discover more of Louisiana's history, an optional plantation tour offers the chance to visit one of the grand historic estates surrounding New Orleans. Alternatively, consider an evening jazz cruise along the Mississippi River.
Overnight: New Orleans
Leave New Orleans behind and travel north through Louisiana towards Baton Rouge, the state's capital. Enjoy a brief city tour before continuing towards historic Natchez.
The journey takes you through the landscapes of the Mississippi River region and along part of the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway. Your destination is Natchez, one of the oldest European settlements on the Mississippi River and a city renowned for its beautifully preserved antebellum architecture.
Take time to admire the grand historic homes and learn more about the fascinating, and often complex, history of the American South.
Overnight: Natchez
Continue north through the Mississippi River Valley towards Memphis, Tennessee, a city synonymous with American music.
Memphis played a defining role in the development of the blues, soul and rock 'n' roll, and you'll have the opportunity to discover its musical heritage on a guided city tour. See historic Beale Street, the famous centre of Memphis' nightlife and blues scene, and explore the city's historic waterfront and Front Street.
For music fans, an optional visit to Graceland, the legendary former home of Elvis Presley, is a must.
Overnight: Memphis
Today, continue your musical journey from the home of the blues to the capital of country music.
Arrive in Nashville and discover the city's famous musical landmarks, including Music Row and the iconic Ryman Auditorium. With live music spilling from venues throughout the city, Nashville has an energy all of its own.
Spend some time exploring downtown Nashville, browse the shops and galleries, or discover the city's famous food scene before enjoying an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Nashville
Enjoy a morning city tour exploring more of Nashville's fascinating history and musical heritage.
See some of the city's famous recording studios and landmarks associated with country music, while learning how Nashville became one of America's most important music centres. You'll also have free time to explore at your own pace.
For the perfect Nashville evening, consider an optional dinner and live music show, giving you the chance to experience the city's legendary entertainment scene after dark.
Overnight: Nashville
Leave Nashville behind and head south towards Chattanooga, a scenic city on the Tennessee River with a fascinating industrial and railway heritage.
Discover the revitalised downtown area and riverfront before continuing into Georgia towards Atlanta, the final destination of your Southern USA adventure.
With attractions including the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola and the historic neighbourhoods of the city, Atlanta offers plenty to explore. Your Tour Director can provide recommendations for making the most of your time.
Overnight: Atlanta
Enjoy a final morning in Atlanta before your return flight to the UK.
If you'd prefer to extend your Southern USA adventure, why not add an extra night or two in Atlanta? This gives you more time to explore the city's attractions, discover its fascinating civil rights history or simply relax before heading home.
Your Southern adventure may be coming to an end, but the memories of New Orleans, Natchez, Memphis, Nashville and Atlanta will stay with you long after you've returned home.