Nashville, Memphis & New Orleans

This multi-centre holiday to America takes in three of the most popular cities in the American South, Memphis, Nashville and New Orleans, all on the banks of the great Mississippi River. Each is known for its own particular style of music and cuisine, rock ‘n roll and soul food in Memphis, country music and Southern comfort food in Nashville, and jazz and Creole in New Orleans.

Nashville is a mecca for country music fans. Visit Opryland the home of the world-famous country music show, the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which details the history of country music through various costumes, manuscripts and instruments. The museum also houses several temporary exhibitions which feature Country Music Hall of Fame inductees. Away from the music scene visitors can explore the 1853 Greek Revival mansion at Belle Meade Plantation. East of Nashville lies the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a designated International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.

Your holiday will continue in Memphis, famous as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, legendary ‘King of Rock ‘n Roll’ and site of Graceland. Memphis is known for music, not only rock ‘n roll but also for blues and soul. Music fans from all over the world stroll down legendary Beale Street in the downtown area, here you will have ample opportunity to sample the famous Memphis soul food and enjoy the entertainment in any of the 25 music venues along the route.

Next, you’ll travel further south to New Orleans, famous for its jazz, Creole cuisine and the ‘big easy’ lifestyle. Bourbon Street is known for its extravagant carnivals and parades, the annual Mardi Gras in particular. The French Quarter comes to life at night. Revel in a giant street party with throngs of people dancing to the strains of jazz music coming from the numerous bars that stay open all night.