9 Days • 8 Nights
Deep South: Music, History & Soul
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Nashville, the home of country music
- Memphis, the blues, soul and Elvis's Sun Studio
- Civil-rights history along the way
- New Orleans jazz and the French Quarter
- Creole, Cajun and soul-food cooking
- Antebellum plantations and Mississippi Delta blues
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Music City. The evening is free to hear live music on honky-tonk-lined Broadway, followed by a welcome dinner of Southern comfort food.
A day exploring the home of country music, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the historic Ryman Auditorium and, if timings allow, the Grand Ole Opry, with more live music by night.
You drive west to Memphis, the birthplace of the blues, soul and rock and roll. Visit Sun Studio, where Elvis, Johnny Cash and others recorded, and hear live blues on Beale Street.
A day taking in Graceland, Elvis's beloved home, and the powerful National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, a moving day that captures the soul of the South.
You roll south along the Mississippi, following the blues trail through the Delta to the antebellum town of Natchez, with its grand mansions overlooking the great river.
A drive along the river road, with a stop at a historic plantation to learn its complex and sobering history, brings you to New Orleans, where jazz and Creole culture await.
A walking tour of the atmospheric French Quarter, its wrought-iron balconies, Jackson Square and St Louis Cathedral, followed by a Creole lunch and an evening of jazz on Frenchmen Street.
A free day to enjoy the city, a swamp and bayou tour, the Garden District's mansions, a cooking class, or a riverboat cruise, ending with a farewell dinner and more live music.
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight, your ears ringing with the music of the South.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a New Orleans Creole lunch
- Airport transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert guides
- Ground transport, rail or car hire as specified
- National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
- a self-drive vehicle or private touring, Nashville and Memphis music-site visits and a New Orleans walking tour
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & ESTA: Visa Waiver Program travellers (including UK, EU, Australian and many others) need an approved ESTA authorisation before flying; other nationalities need a US B-2 visitor visa. A passport valid for the duration of your stay is required, and we advise you based on your nationality
- Currency & cards: The currency is the US Dollar and cards are accepted virtually everywhere; carry a little cash for tips and small vendors. Prices are usually shown before sales tax, which is added at the register
- Tipping: Tipping is an essential part of US culture and service staff rely on it; budget around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants, and tips for guides, drivers, bartenders and hotel staff, which are not included unless stated
- Distances & getting around: The USA is vast, so itineraries combine domestic flights, rail and self-drive; if driving, remember Americans drive on the right, and we arrange car hire, transfers or flights as needed
- Best time to visit: Timing depends on the region; summer suits the northern parks and coasts, autumn brings spectacular colour to the East, spring and autumn are ideal for the deserts and cities, and winter suits the south and skiing
- Health & insurance: No vaccinations are required, but US healthcare is very expensive, so comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Bring any prescription medicines in their original packaging
- Age & ID rules: The legal drinking age is 21 and photo ID is required to buy alcohol or enter bars regardless of age; some car-hire firms add fees for drivers under 25
- Power & connectivity: Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so bring an adapter; wifi is widespread, and a US eSIM or roaming plan keeps you connected on the road
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this trip mostly about music?
Music is at its heart, but it is equally about history, food and culture, from civil-rights landmarks to Creole cooking and antebellum plantations. Even non-musicians find it one of the most moving and enjoyable ways to see America.
Is it self-drive or guided?
It is designed as an easy self-drive along the classic Nashville to New Orleans route, but we can arrange a private driver-guide throughout if you prefer. City touring is guided either way.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included on most nights, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner. America's dining is a highlight in itself, so most lunches and dinners are left free so you can explore, with recommendations from us.
How do we get around such a large country?
We combine the most efficient options for your route, domestic flights for long hops, scenic rail where it shines, and self-drive or private transfers for touring. Everything is arranged and built into your itinerary.
Do I need an ESTA or visa?
Visa Waiver Program travellers need an approved ESTA before flying; other nationalities need a US visitor visa. We confirm exactly what you need for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to travel?
It depends on the regions in your itinerary, summer for the northern parks, autumn for East Coast colour, spring and autumn for the deserts and cities, and winter for the south. We will advise the best timing for your chosen route.
Is tipping really expected?
Yes — tipping is a genuine part of US culture and service staff rely on it. Budget around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants and tips for guides and drivers; we brief you fully so there are no surprises.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the cities, parks and regions, change the pace, mix self-drive with flights and rail, and tailor hotels to your interests and budget. Every itinerary is a starting point.
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