Welcome to Nashville, also known as ‘Music City’ thanks to the influential genres and music stars with roots in the city.

This afternoon, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Reception at the iconic Gaylord Opryland Resort.

Gaylord Opryland Resort (or similar)

Dinner

You’re immediately immersed in ‘Music City’ this morning, as you visit historic RCA Studio B, where legends like Elvis, Dolly Parton and Jim Reeves have recorded. You’ll then be treated to a private performance from one of Johnny Cash’s family members.

Next stop is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where you can see Elvis’ solid gold Cadillac and Jim Reeves’ tuxedo amongst the constantly changing exhibitions. The Nashville music experiences continue into the evening as you’ll head to watch a live show at the famous Grand Ole Opry. This incredible concert is broadcast live on the radio, a tradition that dates back over 100 years.

Gaylord Opryland Resort (or similar)

Breakfast

Your day begins with a visit to the Johnny Cash Museum, where a huge collection of artefacts, interactive exhibits, films and displays chart the life of the ‘Man in Black’.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. There are two experiences that you can add to the tour, or you can simply explore at your own pace. The first of the optional experiences is a tour of the Ryman Auditorium, a renowned music venue that has hosted music legends including Elvis, Johnny Cash, B.B. King and Kings of Leon. Alternatively, opt for an Old Town Trolley Tour, where you can hop on and off at 12 iconic spots around the city.

Gaylord Opryland Resort (or similar)

Breakfast

Welcome to Memphis! Begin on famous Beale Street, lined with blues clubs and barbecue joints, where you’ll meet a local musician who will teach you about Memphis’ musical heritage.

Delve further into Memphis’ history as you visit the National Civil Rights Museum. The museum is built around the Lorraine Motel,where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. A guide will lead you around the museum, sharing stories of important figures and events from throughout the American Civil Rights Movement.

This evening, enjoy a group dinner, sampling traditional Southern dishes.

Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown (or similar)

Breakfast and dinner

Follow in the footsteps of ‘The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’ today. Your first stop is Graceland, Elvis’ Memphis mansion. Take an audio tour of the house, maintained exactly as it was when he lived there, before you visit the museum where you can see his iconic jumpsuits, his gold and platinum records and even his private jets.

Your next stop is Sun Studio, where Elvis was first scouted. On a tour led by a local musician, you’ll get an insight into Elvis’ journey to stardom and learn about the other influential artists that have recorded here.

This evening is free to enjoy at your leisure. You may be able to catch the 5pm Peabody Duck Parade at the Peabody Hotel. During this iconic Memphis tradition, the hotel’s resident ducks parade along a red carpet from the lobby fountain to the lift, which takes them up to their rooftop penthouse. Afterwards, you may like to head back to Beale Street to listen to some live music.

Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown (or similar)

Breakfast

Before leaving Memphis this morning, visit the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. The exhibits tell the story of musical pioneers who overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to shape the genres of blues, country, gospel, soul and rock ‘n’ roll.

Your tour continues to Natchez, a town on the banks of the Mississippi River. Experience renowned Southern hospitality this evening with dinner at one of the region’s historic private homes. Begin with a drinks reception and a private piano performance with Joseph Stone, followed by a dinner hosted by Marsha Colson.

Natchez Grand Hotel & Suites

Breakfast and dinner

As you continue south towards New Orleans, visit Frogmore Plantation to learn about cotton production and the experiences of enslaved people in the American South. Restored buildings and historic equipment dating from the early 1800s provide an insight into plantation life, slavery and the changing methods used to harvest and process cotton.

Sheraton New Orleans Hotel (or similar)

Breakfast

Your time in New Orleans begins with a guided city tour. You’ll stop at City Park, where you can sample beignets, before admiring the grand architecture of the Garden District. Then, learn about the ornate above-ground cemeteries, and the history behind them.

The afternoon is yours to explore how you wish. Optional experiences include a steamboat jazz dinner cruise, accompanied by Grammy-nominated ‘Dukes of Dixieland’, or visit the National WWII Museum.

Sheraton New Orleans (or similar)

Breakfast

The day is yours to explore New Orleans as you wish. Choose from two optional experiences, or explore New Orleans independently. You can join a swamp and bayou tour at the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve, learning about this fascinating habitat as you keep your eyes peeled for alligators, egrets, raccoons, nutria and more. Alternatively, visit the New Orleans School of Cooking for a cookery demonstration and lunch, learning about the flavours of Creole cuisine.

Reconvene with the tour group this evening for a farewell dinner.

Sheraton New Orleans (or similar)

Breakfast and dinner

Your Tastes and Sounds of the South tour draws to a close today. Head to the airport for your journey home or choose to extend your stay in New Orleans. Let our America Experts know if you would like to extend your holiday.