Feel the excitement build as you arrive into Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati Airport, where your hire car will be waiting for you.

It’s only a short drive Covington, Kentucky, where you’ll be spending your first two nights. You’ll find a great selection of restaurants and bars, serving local bourbon, along Madison Avenue and in Mainstrasse Village.

Make sure to wander down to the Ohio River to see the impressive Roebling Suspension Bridge (a prototype of the Brooklyn Bridge) and the Cincinnati cityscape across the water.

Embassy Suites Cincinnati – RiverCenter or similar

Stroll across the Roebling Suspension Bridge to explore the Cincinnati River Front with its parks, and 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.

For the evening, why not book a sunset riverboat cruise on the Belle of Louisville?

Embassy Suites Cincinnati – RiverCenter or similar

Depart Covington and head south 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 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 also racing in April, June, October and November, and the track is open for tours year-round. The Kentucky Derby Museum next-door has a magnificent audio-visual display that captures the Derby Day atmosphere on a 360° screen.

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

Covington > Louisville | 98 miles

The Seelbach Hilton or similar

Travel on to Owensboro, the heart of Kentucky bluegrass music.

Here, you’ll find the Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Museum, dedicated to the history of bluegrass music, honouring the genre’s early pioneers and other legends.

Owensboro plays host to a wide variety of tours, jam sessions, concerts and festivals, 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 BBQ.

Louisville > Owensboro | 110 miles

Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Waterfront or similar

From bluegrass to country!

With two nights in Nashville you have time to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, and the intimate Johnny Cash Museum, which honours the eventful life of the country legend.

After which, it’s time to put on your dancing shoes and hop between the honky-tonks that line Lower Broadway. There’ll be plenty of country classics, but also rock, soul, blues, Americana and other genres.

A night at the Grand Ole Opry also comes recommended. Recorded live for radio, the show usually features upcoming artists along with Nashville stalwarts. Take the after-show tour if you’d like to see why the stars hang out before performing.

Owensboro > Nashville | 128 miles

Holston House or similar

This morning, continue your musical journey to Memphis.

After checking in to your hotel, you could check out the famous Sun Studio, where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King all recorded tracks, or the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, home to Isaac Hayes’ customised blue and gold Cadillac!

Make sure to also visit the immersive, and moving, National Civil Rights Museum, located at the historic Lorraine Motel, where Dr Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

In the evening, head to Beale Street for live music and sizzling soul food.

Nashville > Memphis | 210 miles

The Peabody Hotel or similar

No holiday to Memphis would be complete without paying homage to ‘The King’ at Graceland, his home 20 years. Here, you’ll learn how a poor small-town boy reached super stardom, changing pop culture forever. Plus you’ll get to see his fabulous collection of vintage cars and motorcycles.

In the evening, head to the river to see the De Soto and ‘Big River Crossing’ bridges illuminated in the nightly ‘Might Lights’ display. Then enjoy another night of live music on Beale Street!

If you would like to stay at the Guesthouse at Graceland, please ask your Travel Consultant.

The Peabody Hotel or similar

Follow historic Highway 61 from Memphis to the Mississippi Delta.

After around 40 minutes, you’ll reach the Gateway to the Blues Museum & Visitor Center, housed in an original 1895 train depot. There are some stylish and well loved guitars on show, plus you can record you own blues song!

You may also wish to stop at Clarksdale’s Delta Blues Museum, before you reach Cleveland, itself home to the state-of-the-art GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, which tells the story of the prestigious music awards, and some of its winning artists, through interactive exhibits.

If you would like to add a night in Clarksdale to go to the famous Ground Zero Blues Club, just let your Travel Consultant know.

Memphis > Cleveland | 112 miles

The Cotton House or similar

En route to Natchez, a stop in Vicksburg is recommended, to explore the monuments and memorials of the National Military Park, which is located on the site of a pivotal battle in the American Civil War.

In the 1850s, Natchez 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, Natchez has some of the best sunsets around, best enjoyed while sipping a beverage in a rocking chair on the porch of one of the bars in Natchez-Under-The-Hill.

Cleveland > Natchez | 180 miles

Monmouth Historic Inn or similar

Follow the Southern section of Highway 61 from Natchez to New Orleans, the last stop on your Deep South road trip.

With two nights, you have lots of time to explore. After picking up a beignet or two at the famous Café Du Monde, start with a stroll through the historic French Quarter, with its colourful architecture and boutique shops, emerging at Jackson Square, overlooked by the iconic St. Louis Cathedral.

The picturesque Garden District is an enjoyable 45-minute ride from Jackson Square on the historic St. Charles Streetcar (Line 12). The National World War II Museum is recognised as one of the best attractions in the State.

For the evenings, try Frenchman Street for live music and Cajun or Creole cuisine, or Bourbon Street if you fancy going out-out!

Natchez > New Orleans | 175 miles

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 Travel Consultant to add an extra night’s stay?