Rhythms Of The South Escorted Tour

Welcome to Nashville, "Music City, U.S.A." Get settled in at your hotel before meeting your Travel Director this afternoon.
Hotel: Quality Inn Nashville Downtown-Stadium

This morning, tour Nashville, passing historic Riverfront Park, the Tennessee State Capitol and Centennial State Park, home to the world's only full-scale reproduction of the ancient Parthenon in Athens. Explore the vibrant heart of Nashville's entertainment industry at Music Row. Visit Studio B where the Everly Brothers and Dolly Parton recorded some of their albums. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to see memorabilia from Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn and Garth Brooks. Your afternoon is free. This evening, attend a live recording session at the Grand Ole Opry, home to America's longest-running live radio program.

A full day at leisure in Nashville to do as you please. Chose from the variety that Nashville has to offer, perhaps visit the Johnny Cash museum, or journey to the Belle Meade Plantation, or maybe visit the Ryman Auditorium, home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974. Your Travel Director will be on hand to help plan your day.

This morning, drive to Memphis, a city steeped in music history from BB King to Elvis. On arrival in Memphis, enjoy an orientation tour of the city. See iconic sites like the massive Memphis Pyramid and the luxurious Peabody Hotel. Check out the mighty Mississippi as it winds through town and stop in the Victoria Village neighbourhood to see fabulous houses from an elegant era. This evening is at leisure to sample the music scene on Memphis' famous Beale Street.

Start the day with an Iconic Breakfast of Southern fare served family-style at one of the oldest cafés in Memphis. Next, visit Sun Studios where Elvis was discovered, followed by a pilgrimage to the museum dedicated to the late Elvis Presley, Graceland. Back in town, perhaps visit the famous Gibson Guitar Factory, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the National Civil War Museum at the Lorraine Motel or the Stax Museum of American Soul Museum. Your Travel Director will be on hand to help you plan your time in Memphis.

Enjoy Memphis at your leisure or as an option, travel to Tupelo, Mississippi, the birthplace of Elvis Presley.

Set out for Natchez on the Mississippi River and drive along a portion of the famous Natchez Trace Parkway through exceptional scenery. Used by American Indians, "Kaintucks," settlers and future presidents, you'll learn why the Old Trace played an important role in American history. As you arrive, you will see some of Natchez's many beautiful antebellum homes that remained untouched during the plight of the South.

Head south to New Orleans, travelling over the world's longest overwater bridge. On arrival in New Orleans, soak up the "Big Easy" as you are joined by a Local Specialist for a city tour. Highlights include the French Market, Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, the Garden District and an above-ground cemetery with elaborate stone crypts and mausoleums. This evening is free.

The day is yours to explore New Orleans with many optional activities. Perhaps visit the French Quarter with a jazz brunch, head out to the swamps to see alligators or take an evening jazz cruise along the Mississippi.

Today, you have the entire day to explore this vibrant city on your own-visit a jazz club, Oak Alley or take a cooking class. The choice is entirely yours.

Bid farewell to New Orleans and your newfound friends or extend your stay at the Wyndham in New Orleans.