Arrive into Nashville, better known as the Music City. Nashville is the heart and soul of country music. Whilst in the city, take the time to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame where you can enjoy historic country video clips and recorded music. Also, visit Historic RCA Studio B, ‘The Home of 1,000 Hits’ to get an up-close look at what was once the second home of music legends Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton and more.

Hyatt Place Opryland or similar

Collect your hire car this morning to drive from Nashville to Memphis, around a 3.5 hour journey. Check in to your hotel, the head out to explore!

Before being drawn into the blues clubs along Beale Street, you could visit the interactive Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, or iconic Sun Studio where Johnny Cash and Elvis recorded their first tracks. In the evening, you’ll find live music a plenty, best enjoyed with Memphis-style BBQ!

The next day, a trip to Graceland comes highly recommended. For many, Elvis embodies the American Dream – a poor small-town boy who reached super stardom. On a self-guided tour of the mansion and grounds you’ll get to see Elvis’ gold records, jewel-studded jumpsuits and collection of classic cars, as well as Lisa Marie, the private jet he named after his daughter.

Just let your Travel Consultant know if you would like to pre-book your tickets.

Nashville > Memphis | 213 miles

Hotel Napoleon or similar

Vicksburg was once the centre for the aristocracy whose wealth was based around cotton and lumber. A glimpse of its former glory is evident with the preservation of many historic churches, government buildings and grand homes, dating back to the 19th Century. For the history buff, there’s also Vicksburg National Military Park, the Vicksburg Battlefield Museum and Historic Downtown Vicksburg which offers a variety of restaurants, shops and art galleries.

Memphis > Vicksburg | 251 miles

Cedar Grove Mansion or similar

Continue on to the town of Natchez, the oldest permanent settlement on the Mississippi River and known for the preservation of many historic stately homes including Stanton Hall, one of the most magnificent palatial residences of the southern states. Below the town lies Natchez Under-the-Hill, home to many bars and restaurants and a riverboat casino.

Vicksburg > Natchez | 72 miles

Monmouth Historic Inn or similar

Drive further south into Louisiana. Along the way, consider a stop in Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s capital, here you can learn about the colourful history filled with controversial politics at the Capitol Building and the Old Governor’s Mansion and sample some of the fine Cajun-Creole cuisines at one of the local eateries.

Arriving into New Orleans, drop off your hire car and make your way to your hotel. Then venture out for your first taste of this colourful city!

The Garden District is home to lovely southern houses (some of which are open to tours) and lined with beautiful parks and cafés, or if you are feeling more adventurous, consider an escapade in the swamp. In these mysterious waterways that surround the city, you will get up close encounters with alligators and other exotic creatures.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE – New Orleans City Tour

Absorb the sights and sounds of the world famous French Quarter and historic Jackson Square, travel through historic neighbourhoods and visit one of New Orleans’ historic cemeteries, referred to as ‘Cities of the Dead’. Visit City Park, one of the ten largest urban parks in America, here you can either visit the Morning Call Café or the Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

Natchez > New Orleans | 178 miles

Bienville House or similar

Enjoy this final day of taking in the charm and hospitality of the South. Depart at leisure for the airport for your flight home or onwards to your next destination.