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. In the evenings consider a dinner cruise on a paddlewheel riverboat or a dinner theatre experience, both offering exceptional entertainment and cuisine.

Hyatt Place Opryland or similar

Leaving Nashville behind, travel on to the home of blues, Memphis. Your first stop should be Graceland, Elvis Presley’s 14-acre estate, followed by a visit the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll”, Sun Studios, where you can enjoy a fascinating tour and listen to audio presentations of some of the earliest recordings made there. After, visit the original studio itself, the exact same room where the likes of Johnny Cash and Elvis recorded their first tracks. In the evening, take a stroll down historic Beale Street where blues has been playing for more than half a century.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE – Graceland Mansion Tour
Over the 20 years Elvis lived here, Graceland created countless memories for the many friends and relatives who were a part of Elvis’ life. Because Graceland was so close to Elvis’ heart, it also holds deep meaning to his legions of fans from around the world. For many, the Elvis Presley mansion embodies the American Dream – a poor small-town boy who reached super stardom and changed pop culture and the world forever. Other than his daughter and his music, Graceland was probably Elvis’ greatest pride and joy. For fans of Elvis Presley, Graceland is the ultimate pilgrimage. Graceland tours offer a very personal look inside the home of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Crowne Plaza Memphis 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.

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.

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. After, continue on to New Orleans, a modern city with a historic soul.

Venture out of the city’s centre to the Garden District, this elegant neighbourhood is home to lovely southern homes (some of which are open to tours) and lined with beautiful parks and cafes, 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.

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.