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 of southern aristocracy, its wealth built on cotton and lumber. A glimpse of its former glory remains in the preservation of many historic antebellum churches, government buildings and grand mansions dating back to the 19th century. For history buffs, Vicksburg is also a key Civil War destination, home to Vicksburg National Military Park, one of the best preserved battlefields in America, along with the Vicksburg Battlefield Museum. Round off your visit in the Historic Downtown District, offering a variety of restaurants, shops and art galleries.

Memphis > Vicksburg | 251 miles

Cedar Grove Mansion or similar

Continue on to Natchez, the oldest permanent settlement on the Mississippi River and one of the South’s best preserved historic towns. Renowned for its collection of antebellum mansions, Natchez is home to Stanton Hall, one of the most magnificent stately homes in the southern states, along with many other historic properties open for tours. Below the town lies Natchez Under-the-Hill, a lively riverside district home to bars, restaurants and a riverboat casino.

If your visit coincides with October, look out for the Natchez Balloon Festival, when the skies above the Mississippi River fill with colourful hot air balloons for one of the town’s most popular annual events.

Vicksburg > Natchez | 72 miles

Monmouth Historic Inn or similar

Continue your journey south into Louisiana, with the option to stop in Baton Rouge, the state capital. Discover Louisiana’s fascinating and often controversial political history at the impressive State Capitol and the historic Old Governor’s Mansion, before enjoying some of the state’s renowned Cajun and Creole cuisine at a local restaurant.

Continue on to New Orleans, where you can drop off your hire car and settle into your hotel before heading out to experience your first taste of this captivating city.

Take time to explore the elegant Garden District, renowned for its beautifully preserved Southern homes, historic streets, leafy parks and inviting cafés. For a change of pace, you could venture beyond the city on a guided swamp tour, travelling through Louisiana’s mysterious waterways in search of alligators and other native wildlife.

As evening approaches, follow the sounds of live music to Frenchmen Street, one of the best places in New Orleans to experience authentic jazz in a relaxed and atmospheric setting. With its intimate music venues and local character, it offers a wonderful alternative to the bright lights and bustle of Bourbon Street.

The following day, enjoy a New Orleans City Tour, taking in the sights and sounds of the world-famous French Quarter and historic Jackson Square. Travel through some of the city’s distinctive neighbourhoods and visit one of its atmospheric historic cemeteries, known as the ‘Cities of the Dead’. Continue to City Park, one of America’s largest urban parks, where you can relax at the historic Morning Call Café or explore the beautiful Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

No visit to New Orleans would be complete without experiencing its legendary food. Sample local favourites such as a classic po’boy, hearty gumbo or traditional jambalaya, and be sure to leave room for warm, sugar-dusted beignets served alongside a coffee at one of the city’s much-loved cafés.

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.