Southern Soul Escorted Tour | New Orleans to Nashville

Days 1-3

New Orleans

Welcome to the cultural melting pot of the Deep South, New Orleans. Otherwise known as the ‘Big Easy’, the eclectic mix of European, Creole and Cajun culture manifests in every aspect of the architecture, cuisine and musical scene. Take in the sights and sounds of Bourbon Street, relax in the Garden District and absorb the ambience of the French Quarter. Founded by French traders in 1718, there are many layers of history in this city evidenced by the buildings and language which combine to make it one of the most visited cities in the USA.

Step back in time to when life was gracefully slow and enjoy an included Mississippi riverboat dinner cruise, dining on a delicious local cuisine buffet that is directly influenced by the myriad of cultures that together make up Louisiana. You will be spoilt for choice as to how to spend your evenings in New Orleans, the quantity and quality of restaurants, bars and music venues is truly mind-blowing.. Check out the famous Preservation Hall, where top-drawer jazz musicians play every evening to a small audience in an intimate space – but be prepared to queue! There will also be the chance to take an excursion out of the city and explore the wild river swamplands of Louisiana, where you can head out by boat beneath the cypress trees in search of alligators and other wildlife. Other options include the haunted French Quarter ghost tour, the Voodoo and Graveyard tour as well as Mardi Gras World.

3 nights in New Orleans – Breakfast included daily and 1 dinner

Day 4

New Orleans to Natchez

This morning you enjoy an included visit to Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. This antebellum estate was completed in 1828 and boasts 38 lush acres of gardens, ponds and a majestic live oak alley as well as a glorious house. Next you follow the river road north to the very first established settlement on the Mississippi River. The original capital of the Mississippi Territory, Natchez was at the heart of the slave trade and is the birthplace of the Mississippi riverboat. Why not go on a self-guided walking tour through the streets of Natchez’s historic district with over 50 antebellum homes and historic churches. Worthy of a visit is the ‘Under the Hill’ area made famous by Mark Twain or explore one of the most interesting cemeteries in the South.

1 night in Natchez – Breakfast included

Day 5

Natchez to Clarksdale

Next it’s onto Clarksdale and the Hopson Plantation, which is the former home of legendary blues pianist Pinetop Perkins. It is also where they tested the International Harvester automated cotton picker. Your leader will give you some history including the system of sharecropping and the evolution of the cotton industry that shaped life for so many in this region. Clarksdale is also home to the infamous ‘Crossroads’, where legend has it that blues musician Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil. Within the town you’ll find the Delta Blues Museum, a literal blues shrine of artefacts and memorabilia, as well as actor Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club. Red’s is worth a visit for live music – an authentic ‘juke joint’ where you’ll be transported to the real heart of the South!

1 night in Clarksdale – Breakfast included

Days 6-7

Clarksdale to Memphis

Memphis has a long and colourful past. Legendary forefathers such as Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters and the late B. B. King helped to put Beale Street on the musical map, but arguably its best known son is Elvis Presley. A highlight of your stay in Memphis is bound to be an included excursion to Graceland, his home.

You also have the chance to visit the iconic Sun Studio which opened in 1950 and is a place where many great names have passed through, from Howlin’ Wolf to Johnny Cash, and you may like to visit the Gibson guitar factory to completely immerse yourself in the fascinating musical heritage of this city. There’s also an opportunity to hear gospel music on Sunday morning. In addition to music, the National Civil Rights Museum located in the former Lorraine Hotel, at the site where Martin Luther King was assassinated, is well worth a visit, as is the Stax Museum of American Soul Music (closed Mondays).

2 nights in Memphis – Breakfast included each day

Days 8-9

Memphis to Nashville

From Memphis make your way to Nashville – the undisputed capital of country music. Home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the famous Wildhorse Saloon, Nashville offers the perfect opportunity to try some line dancing. Broadway is lined with honky-tonks and intimate live music venues playing not only country, but all genres of music.

As well as its indelible country music links, Nashville is also the capital of Tennessee and the state’s second largest city after Memphis. Situated on the banks of the Cumberland River it was established as a major river port by settlers in 1779. Your time in Nashville is free for you to indulge in your choice of the many music and entertainment options available. The Grand Ole Opry is the world’s longest running radio show and a recommended highlight. You can enjoy performances at the famous Grand Ole Opry House located 24km east of the city. Book before you arrive to avoid missing out as these shows are popular! You might also like to book a tour of the Ryman Auditorium or the Johnny Cash Museum.

2 nights in Nashville – Breakfast included both nights

Day 10

Nashville

The escorted tour ends in Nashville.  We can add on a self drive post tour itinerary or you would simply fly back to the UK or on to the next part of your North America holiday.  Please ask us for ideas.