Arrive at Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati Airport before a short drive to Covington, Kentucky, overlooking the Ohio River and the cityscape of Cincinnati, where you can relax after your journey.

Embassy Suites Cincinnati – RiverCenter or similar

Stroll across the Roebling Suspension Bridge (a prototype of the Brooklyn Bridge) spanning the Ohio River and take in the Cincinnati River Front with its parks, baseball and American football stadiums, plus neighbouring entertainment and dining districts.

The banks of the Ohio River in Cincinnati meant freedom to entrapped enslaved people, and the striking National Underground Railroad Freedom Center portrays three centuries of slavery from its introduction into the Americas to its abolition at the end of the American Civil War.

Before there was Las Vegas… there was Newport, Kentucky. Rising from the profits of bootlegging during Prohibition, this little town quickly became the premier US gaming destination and worth a visit during your stay.

Embassy Suites Cincinnati – RiverCenter or similar

Depart Covington and head south toward Lexington, the self-named “Horse Capital of the World”. Lexington, is home to over 450 Thoroughbred and Standardbred farms, with many open to the public. For an authentic equine experience, visit the Kentucky Horse Park, the world’s only park dedicated exclusively to the horse.

In April or October, take in an afternoon of racing at Keeneland Race Course, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Covington > Lexington | 82 miles

Hilton Lexington/Downtown or similar

Depart Lexington and head west to Louisville.

Louisville is the centre for distilling Bourbon in Kentucky. Even non-drinkers will have heard of brands such as Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, but there are a further 18 distilleries listed on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. It is possible to visit and take a tour at most of the distilleries, with the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in the centre of town and Jim Beam on the outskirts. Alternatively take a walk along Whiskey Row and try a sample at the rooftop bar and restaurant at Copper & Kings.

Louisville is also the home of the Kentucky Derby, held each May at Churchill Downs. There is racing at Churchill Downs in April, May, June, October and November, and the track is open for tours year-round. The next-door Kentucky Derby Museum offers an excellent hands-on experience and a magnificent audio-visual display that captures the Derby Day atmosphere on a 360° screen.

For something different visit the Ali Centre to learn more about the life and legacy of the great Muhammad Ali, and don’t miss the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory also in town.

Lexington > Louisville | 75 miles

The Seelbach Hilton or similar

Travel on to Owensboro, the heart of Kentucky bluegrass music. You can visit the birthplace and homestead of the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe, in Rosine.

The Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Museum in Owensboro is dedicated to the international history of bluegrass music and honours bluegrass pioneers and other legends. There is a wide variety of tours, jam sessions, concerts and festivals available locally, so be sure to check who’s playing whilst you’re in town.

For dinner, perhaps head to the Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn in Owensboro. Foodies, celebrities and even former president Bill Clinton love the barbecue here. It is here that you can try the Kentucky speciality – mutton Bar-B-Q.

Louisville > Owensboro | 110 miles

Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Waterfront or similar

Follow the Ohio River to Paducah, a UNESCO Creative City. Discover the National Quilt Museum. Here, you can experience the art of today’s quilters, but you can also take part in a quilt-making workshop that will bring you even closer to this amazing art.

See the colourful revitalization of the Lower Town Arts District of 19th-century architecture in Historic Downtown. Tour the Hotel Metropolitan and learn of its famous guests such as Billie Holiday and B.B. King.

Owensboro > Paducah | 128 miles

Holiday Inn Paducah Riverfront or similar

This morning, continue your journey along the Mississippi River to Memphis. Walk in the footsteps of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll at Elvis’ home, Graceland. The full Graceland experience will take you from Elvis’ humble beginnings through his rise to superstardom.

Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and B.B. King all recorded at Sun Studio. Founded by Sam Phillips in 1950, this studio became the heart of the Memphis sound. You can learn all about the historic studio on a guided tour.

Whilst you are here, be sure to enjoy the live music, sizzling soul food, exotic gift shops on Beale Street and a chance to dance the night away.

Paducah > Memphis | 195 miles

The Peabody Hotel or similar

Today you can visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Walk through the labyrinth of exhibits that promote and preserve the legacy of American soul music and its contributions internationally, highlighting musical giants such as Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, the Staple Singers and Booker T. & the MGs.

Located at the historic Lorraine Motel where civil rights leader Dr Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, the National Civil Rights Museum is the only museum of its kind in the country that gives an overview of the American Civil Rights Movement from 1619 to the present.

In the evening. you can watch the biggest light show on the Mississippi River, and enjoy cocktails at the Hu Rooftop. “Mighty Lights” takes place every hour on the hour from sundown to 22:00.

The Peabody Hotel or similar

There’s still plenty to see and do in Memphis.  Why not visit the Memphis Music Hall of Fame? It honours many of the greatest musicians of all time, who created this city’s musical legacy and shook the world to it core!

Visit the former Memphis Pyramid arena that reopened in 2015 as one of America’s largest retail stores. Take a ride on the first standing elevator in the nation and catch the amazing view of the mighty Mississippi and the city of Memphis from the glass observation deck.

Enjoy a farewell drink at Earnestine and Hazel’s with its legendary jukebox and reputation as the inspiration for The Rolling Stones’ Honky Tonk Women.

The Peabody Hotel or similar

Follow historic Highway 61 from Memphis to the Mississippi Delta.

Begin your Mississippi Delta tour at the Gateway to the Blues Museum & Visitor Center, located on Blues Highway 61 and housed in an original 1895 train depot. It is the perfect start for your journey into the unique blues music heritage of the Delta.

Clarksdale’s Delta Blues Museum houses exhibits that focus on the musical legacy that bluesmen have left for the entire world to enjoy whilst the state-of-the-art GRAMMY Museum Mississippi in Cleveland covers all genres of music and tells the story of the GRAMMY and its winning artists through interactive exhibits.

Memphis > Cleveland | 112 miles

The Cotton House or similar

Continue on Highway 61 to Vicksburg and then take I-80 west to Jackson.

The Vicksburg National Military Park stands in commemoration of the 47-day campaign for Vicksburg. Guides, licensed by the National Park Service, are available for tours of the park and the city.

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson promotes a greater understanding of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement, while the next-door Museum of Mississippi History showcases 15,000 years of history in the state.

Explore the Historic Fondren District, Highland Village and the new development at The District at Eastover, all with a wide array of Jackson-owned eateries and boutique shops.

Cleveland > Jackson | 125 miles

Hilton Garden Inn Jackson Downtown or similar

Follow the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway from Jackson to Natchez.

Natchez, the jewel of the Mississippi River, is a “must” on any Southern road trip. It is the oldest permanent settlement on the Mississippi River and in the 1850s had more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in America. Many of the historic homes in Natchez are open daily for tours, and additional homes and gardens are opened to visitors during the annual Spring and Autumn Pilgrimages.

Perched on a natural bluff above the Mississippi River with 30-mile views of the river both north and south, Natchez has some of the best sunsets on Ol’ Man River, which are best enjoyed while sipping a beverage in a rocking chair on the porch of one of the bars in Natchez-Under-The-Hill

Jackson > Natchez | 103 miles

Monmouth Historic Inn or similar

Follow the Southern section of Highway 61 from Natchez to New Orleans.

Start your day with a visit to Café Du Monde, one of the most iconic spots in New Orleans, for their famous beignets and coffee. From there, take a stroll around the historic French Quarter and explore its colourful architecture, street performers, and charming boutiques.

Make your way to Jackson Square, where you can take in the sights and sounds of the street performers and artists, or visit the stunning St. Louis Cathedral. From there, head to the nearby Louisiana State Museum, which offers a fascinating look at the history and culture of the city and state.

For dinner, head to the lively and vibrant Frenchmen Street, known for its live music venues and great food options. Enjoy some Cajun or Creole cuisine, and then catch a show at one of the many jazz clubs in the area.

Natchez > New Orleans | 175 miles

Holiday Inn Chateau Lemoyne or similar

Enjoy a full day in the ‘Big Easy’. Why not take a guided walking tour of the Garden District, one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in the city, and see the beautiful historic homes, lush gardens, and historic landmarks?

Alternatively, stop by the National World War II Museum, which offers an extensive collection of artefacts, interactive exhibits, and immersive experiences.

Visit Bourbon Street, the most famous street in New Orleans, for a night out on the town. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, live music, and unique bars and restaurants.

Holiday Inn Chateau Lemoyne or similar

So it’s ‘au revoir’ from New Orleans, but if you want to continue the party, why not ask your consultant to add an extra night’s stay.