Day 1 - UK to Atlanta
You will make your way to the airport for your flight to Georgia's capital Atlanta today.
Day 2 - Atlanta - Nashville
Nashville is both the capital of Tennessee and the country music capital of the world. This is where we spend the next two nights, with a sightseeing tour of its highlights included. Get to know your travelling companions better over a welcome dinner this evening. B, D
Day 3 - Nashville
Today we'll visit Studio B, which became famous in the 1960s for its part in the Nashville Sound, which revived the popularity of country music. We'll also head to the Country Music Hall of Fame to see a huge collection of artefacts connected with the genre.
The perfect way to end the day is with an optional evening concert at the Grand Ole Opry, one of the most important venues for country music anywhere in the world. B
Day 4 - Nashville - Muscle Shoals
Another day inspired by music begins with a visit to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame to see exhibits ranging from gold discs to costumes worn by the likes of Hank Williams and the Commodores. We also step inside the FAME Studios, where music legends such as Aretha Franklin, Little Richard and Otis Redding have recorded, as well as the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. B
Day 5 - Tupleo - Memphis
We make our way to another great musical city today – Memphis, which is located on the banks of the Mississippi River.
En route we call at Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis Presley. We'll see the house where he was born and visit a museum which is home to one of the finest collections of Elvis memorabilia in the world. B
Day 6 - Memphis
Today we'll learn more about Elvis, starting with a visit to Sun Studios, where he made his first recordings. Next, we'll head to Graceland, the opulent mansion where the King of Rock 'n' Roll lived until his untimely death in 1977. Later you can explore Memphis at your own pace. A stroll along Beale Street, which is lined with blues clubs, restaurants, shops and bars, is a great way to soak up the city's vibrant atmosphere. B
Day 7 - Memphis - Natchez
We'll leave Memphis today and head to Natchez, a historic river town on the banks of the Mississippi. This laid back destination is filled with grand mansions and we’ll visit one today to learn about southern life in the “antebellum” period, before the civil war. Stanton Hall was built in 1859, and was occupied by Union troops during the American Civil War. Our guided tour here will give us a fascinating glimpse into the life of wealthy cotton merchant, Frederick Stanton, and his family. B
Day 8 - Natchez - New Orleans
New Orleans is our destination today, and we'll stay here for three nights. Also known as the 'Big Easy', this exciting city is the home of jazz, and our hotel is located steps away from the French Quarter. We'll enjoy an included sightseeing tour on arrival.
This evening, why not head in to the French Quarter with your travelling companions to enjoy a drink and a meal and soak up the lively atmosphere of this iconic area, where music spills from every doorway. B
Day 9 - New Orleans
This morning we'll discover even more of New Orleans on an included walking tour of the French Quarter. We'll finish at a restaurant for a buffet brunch accompanied by live jazz music, served in a pretty outdoor courtyard.
The rest of the day is all yours to explore the galleries and boutiques of the French Quarter, or join an optional Louisiana swamp and bayou tour. B
Day 10 - New Orleans at leisure
Today you can spend the day making your own discoveries in New Orleans. You could return to the French Quarter, explore some of the city's museums or stroll through one of the lovely parks.
This evening, if you want to enjoy a real southern experience, why not join our optional excursion. You'll board an authentic paddle steamer and cruise along the Mississippi River with dinner. B
Day 11 - New Orleans
Today we'll head to the airport in New Orleans for our overnight flights to the UK.
Day 12 - UK
Arrive back in the UK today.