Southern Charms & Florida
| Resort: | Orlando |
| Operator: | Cosmos |
| Destination: | United States Of America |
| Price From: | £1817.00 |
OverviewEnjoy the sights and sounds of the South on this wondrous vacation through the heart of Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. This southern U.S. tour starts with three nights in New Orleans and ends with one night in Orlando. In between, youll stay two nights in Memphis, Nashville, and Savannah, and one night each in Natchez, and Atlanta. Youll also spend time in Baton Rouge, Louisianas capital; Chattanooga, home of the Chattanooga Choo Choo; and St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. Music fans will be delighted by the included visits to Graceland, the lavish home of Elvis Presley; Studio B, Nashvilles oldest surviving recording studio; the Country Music Hall of Fame, with its rare instruments and glittering costumes; and the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, where youll have reserved seating for an unforgettable show. History buffs will enjoy visiting not only St. Augustine, but also the Old World city of New Orleans, with its clanging streetcars, stately mansions, and French Quarter. Youll visit a pre-Civil War home in Natchez, which features fine collections of period furniture and paintings. In Atlanta, youll stop at the grave and eternal flame dedicated to preserving the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. A trolley tour in Savannah highlights many attractions of this historic seaport, including Madison Square, designed in the 1830s. On this southern U.S. tour, youll also enjoy seeing the countryside between cities. Youll drive through the heart of Cajun Country from New Orleans to Baton Rouge and through rural Mississippi from Natchez to Memphis. Between Chattanooga and Atlanta, youll drive through Chattanooga National Forest.
ItineraryDAY 1 NEW ORLEANSWelcome to New Orleans! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions. DAY 2 NEW ORLEANSThe morning is dedicated to the sights and sounds of this Old-World city with a guided tour. First, visit the French Quarter, including St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. Next, learn about the citys unique burial customs at an above-ground cemetery, followed by a leisurely drive down historic St. Charles Avenue to enjoy its stately mansions and clanging streetcars. The remainder of the day is at leisure. DAY 3 NEW ORLEANSA day to explore at your own pace. Stroll through the centuries-old French Quarter or take a carriage ride while listening to tales of voodoo queens and pirates. History enthusiasts can roam through sprawling Victorian mansions and celebrated museums, catching a glimpse of life the way it used to be in the Old South. Tonight, you might like to experience the citys beauty and romance on a 2-hour cruise from the heart of the French Quarter.
DAY 4 NEW ORLEANS – BATON ROUGE – NATCHEZDrive through the heart of Cajun Country to Baton Rouge for an orientation tour that features the Governors Mansion and the State Capitol. Next, on to elegant Natchez, a thriving port in the golden years of the cotton trade. Visit a gracious Pre-Civil-War home featuring fine collections of period furniture and paintings. In the evening, relax and perhaps sip a refreshing mint julep on our optional dinner. DAY 5 NATCHEZ – MEMPHISDrive through rural Mississippi to Memphis. On arrival, acquaint yourself with the town during an included orientation tour. DAY 6 MEMPHIS – VISIT TO GRACELANDA trip to Memphis would not be complete without visiting Graceland, the palatial home of The King, Elvis Presley. Our guided audio tour focuses on the memorial garden and the opulent 15,000-square-foot mansion. Afterward, if you havent done so already, get a taste of Memphis with some authentic southern barbecue or visit the National Civil Rights Museum. This evening, you may want to visit Beale Street and explore more of the melting pot that is delta blues, jazz, rock n roll, R & B, and gospel. DAY 7 MEMPHIS – NASHVILLEThis morning, leave the Home of the Blues as you head for Nashville, the Capital of Country Music. Afternoon arrival in Nashville. This evening, you have reserved seating for an unforgettable show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, a mecca for country musicians since 1925. DAY 8 NASHVILLEIts association with country music has made the name Nashville world famous, but its not just music fans who will find this charming Southern city a delight. Start your day with a visit to RCA Studio B, one of the countrys most revered, and Nashvilles oldest surviving recording studio. Afterward, sightseeing with a local guide includes the recording studios of Music Row, the State Capitol, and Bicentennial State Park. Then, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame with its glittering costumes, rare instruments, and Elvis Presleys solid-gold Cadillac. DAY 9 NASHVILLE -CHATTANOOGA – ATLANTAFirst stop today is Chattanooga, home of the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Then, enter the Peach State of Georgia and journey to its fast-growing metropolis, Atlanta, home of 1996 summer Olympics. An orientation tour, followed by a short visit to the grave and eternal flame dedicated to preserving the legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. DAY 10 ATLANTA – SAVANNAHHead south through rich, rolling farmland to the historic seaport of Savannah for a 2-night stay. On this afternoons guided trolley tour, you will see attractions like the City Market, Forsyth Park, Mercer House, Madison Square (where General Sherman concluded his March to the Sea), Colonial Park Cemetery, and the world-famous River Street. The evening is free to explore this charming city on your own. DAY 11 SAVANNAHA day at leisure. Shop on cobblestoned River Street or stroll among the many squares surrounded by elegant homes and gardens. Dont miss the impressive Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum to learn about Savannahs important role in maritime history. DAY 12 SAVANNAH – ST. AUGUSTINE – ORLANDOTravel into the Sunshine State of Florida, stopping first at St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. You will see the Government House and the Spanish fortress, Castillo de San Marcos, on your orientation tour. Then, drive to magical Orlando.
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