Country Roads of the Deep South

Discover the Real Deep South During This 12-Day Guided Tour of the U.S.

Fall in love with the Deep South during this 12-day guided tour. Let the lights and music of Nashville wash over you as you walk down Broadway then step behind the scenes of a recording studio where youll meet a TV star and learn the secrets to recording an album. In Memphis, enjoy a private tour of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, a former record studio where Nashville greats recorded their music. At Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, a Local Expert will lead you on an after-hours tour of the mansion. Embrace Cajun Country in Lafayette: here, you will learn about the origins of Cajun music from a local accordion maker, and take a crawfish farm tour, where a Local Expert will help you catch your lunch. In New Orleans, tour the Tabasco Factory, and walk the city with a Local Expert, who will guide you through its vibrant art scene and unique architecture.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Nashville

Welcome to Nashville, the capital of Tennessee and the USAs glittering centre stage. From the Everly Brothers’ Bye Bye Love,” to Roy Orbisons Oh, Pretty Woman,” the streets are paved with talent. Your airport transfer will whisk you to your hotel.Relax and unwind before meeting your Travel Director and mingling with guests at 18:00 followed by a Welcome Dinner with wine.

Day 2

Take centre stage in Nashville

Start your day with an orientation tour of music city. You’ll visit the picturesque Riverfront Park, Tennessee State Capitol and the 132 acre Centennial State Park, where you’ll encounter an exact replica of the Parthenon. Pass by the city’s lively honky-tonks and street performers on Broadway, as you make your way to the Ryman Auditorium, former home of the Grand Ole Opry. Built in 1885 as a building for religious gatherings, it held its first concert in 1892, before opening its doors to Hollywood greats. It is here where Johnny Cash first met June Carter, where bluegrass was born and where country music found an audience. Tonight, head to the famous Grand Ole Opry, the world-renowned country music stage and longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history.

Day 3

A day of legends

Go behind the scenes of a Nashville recording studio. This intimate experience introduces you to a performing artist, musicians and the techniques behind a songs development.Make a stop at Nashvilles Farmers’ Market and Market House to explore its artisanal crafts and produce.Explore Nashville with Insight Choice. Choose to visit Nelsons Green Brier, a local Tennessee distillery and home of the Original Tennessee Whiskey. Alternatively, visit the National Museum of African American Music, which shares the story of the American soundtrack through history and interactive technology.Tonight’s dinner at Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant will introduce you to the colourful flavours of Nashville. Perhaps try the crabmeat cheesecake.

Day 4

Heading back home to Memphis

This morning you’ll head to Memphis. Whether its your first or hundredth time visiting this vibrant city, youll be drawn in by the lively melodies coming from Beale Street.Spend the morning on a sightseeing tour of the city, followed by a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience at the National Civil Rights Museum. While there, youll be guided through five centuries of The Civil Rights Movement history and its impact on our culture today.End your day by joining a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience with a private evening at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The museum is part of The Soulsville Foundation, which aims to prepare young adults for life success and inspire future artists.

Day 5

A day dedicated to the King

Begin you day with a visit to Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock and roll, where music legends, including B.B. King, Johnny Cash and Elvis recorded.Make your way to the magnificent Graceland, the former home of the “King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis Presley.Dinner this evening will be served at The Beauty Shop, a former parlour turned whimsical New American eatery where Elvis ex-wife, Priscilla, was said to get her hair done.

Day 6

Memphis to Greenwood

Travel through the Mississippi Delta down the Mississippi Blues Trail, a route that tells the stories of bluesmen and women.Explore the Delta town of Greenwood at your own pace, before heading to the Viking Cooking School for a hot tamales cooking demonstration – a regional specialty.Later, dine on a mouthwatering dinner at a James Beard Award finalist restaurant that features southern inspired dishes that include produce local to the area.

Day 7