Itinerary

Arrive in one of the USA’s most iconic southern cities: Nashville!

The capital of country music, the city is known for striking a chord with music lovers of any genre. Get settled into your hotel and then spend the rest of the day getting introduced to Nashville’s legendary music scene.

Start with the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum where you can follow the evolution of Country music in the context of American history and see an expansive collection of Country music memorabilia from the likes of artists such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift and more.

Afterwards, head next door to tour the renowned Studio B where Country artists still record to this day. Then sit back and relax to the sounds of live music in one of Nashville’s many honkytonks in the centre of the city.

Spend the morning continuing your musical journey by exploring the extensive collection and interactive exhibits at the National Museum of African American Music.

The only museum devoted to the contributions of African-American musicians and artists from Gospel, Rock N Roll, Blues, Pop and Jazz, you can even take a collection of your favourite songs home from your visit.

During the afternoon, take a self-guided tour of the Ryman Auditorium – where some of the greatest talents in Country music have performed – or, before your evening concert, take a Backstage Guided Tour of the mecca of Country music itself, the Grand Ole Opry. Your evening concert will be at the Grand Ole Opry where Country legends and upcoming stars still perform to this day. You never know just who you’ll get to see until you attend!

Leave Nashville first thing in the morning and arrive in Memphis after a 3-hour road trip.

Get settled into your beautiful hotel, the Napoleon, and start your time there with a tour of Graceland, the home and refuge of Elvis Presley during his incredible career. Left just as it was when he died that fateful August in 1977, the Graceland complex is extensive and carefully curated. You will get to visit his mansion and the various museums on the site showcasing his cars, clothes and private jets

If you still have time or energy after this expansive tour, stop for a visit at Sun Studio, where some of the greatest Rock N Roll and Country musicians, including Elvis recorded their songs.

See another side of history in Memphis by starting your morning with a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum, housed in the former Lorraine Hotel where civil rights activist, Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.

Tracing the history of the Civil Rights Movement from the 17th century to the present, this museum offers a better understanding of the struggles African Americans encountered during this difficult period in American history.

Spend the late afternoon exploring historic Beale Street – the literal birthplace of the Blues – whose musical heritage dates back to the 1920s when bars and clubs first experimented with musical genres. Located just around the corner from your hotel, you’ll hear the sounds of sweet tunes and find plenty of joints where you can stop for a drink or dinner come evening.

Depart Memphis in the morning for a 4.5 hour road trip to Natchez in Mississippi with a stop along the way in the city of Jackson.

Known for its significance in the Civil Rights Movement, Jackson is home to the moving Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, which hold its entire history, and the landmark Mississippi State Capitol building, both of which are well worth a visit.

Arrive in Natchez, a city that embodies the opulence and wealth of the South prior to the American Civil War. Take in some of the city’s beautiful historic homes and streets at your leisure before having dinner – try one of the restaurants overlooking the river for one of the best sunsets you’ll see in the region.

Spend the morning touring two architecturally astounding historic homes: The Burn and Monmouth Inn.

Once crowned the jewel of the Mississippi, Natchez is rich in both architecture and history, and there’s no better place to explore America’s antebellum era.

Spend the afternoon taking a private walking tour around Natchez to round off your stay and dine at the 1818 Restaurant for dinner come evening – it’s a local favourite.

Depart Natchez in the morning to the capital of French Louisiana, Lafayette. The heart of Cajun culture, the city is a fascinating mix of food, music and linguistic history.

Visit the Tabasco Factory on Avery Island for a self-guided tour – or for a private cooking class in Cajun cuisine – just south of Lafayette and then take the scenic drive through their Jungle Gardens before arriving in the city’s downtown district. You’ll be staying overnight at the charming historic plantation, Maison Mouton.

Spend the evening listening to live Cajun and Zydeco music at the plantation or at one of Lafayette’s live music venues. You can also dine at a place like the Bon Temps Grill if you want to try some signature Cajun dishes.

Depart Lafayette in the morning for a short one hour drive to Louisiana’s striking capital, Baton Rouge. After arriving and dropping your bags off at your hotel, spend the day taking a Private Walking Tour of Downtown Baton Rouge. You will tour the city’s ‘new’ State Capitol – which is the tallest in the United States and offers spectacular panoramic views of the city – and the ‘old’ State Capitol with its captivating Gothic castle-like architecture. Recharge in the evening with a delicious dinner at local favourite Stroubes.

On your way to New Orleans this morning, delve into life before the American Civil War by stopping at two renowned plantations for tours. Houmas House & Gardens, once one of the largest sugar plantations in the South, has majestic gardens filled with fountains and lush vegetation – perfect for strolling through – and an excellent restaurant for lunch called Carriage House. Next up is America’s most famous and most photographed plantation and historic mansion, Oak Alley, with its breathtaking beauty that is a must-see in person.
Arrive late afternoon in the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans and after getting settled into your hotel – which has a fascinating history in and of itself – enjoy a VIP jazz show at one of New Orleans’ most authentic jazz clubs, Fritzel’s.

New Orleans is a feast for the senses, so start the day with a French Quarter Walking Tour to discover the typical narrow streets, laced balconies and private courtyards of this iconic part of the city. Award-winning restaurants and cafés can be found across the city, but if you’re looking for an adventure, have lunch on a Mississippi River Cruise or enjoy a meal after a Creole cooking class. The rest of the day can be spent exploring New Orleans at your leisure, with various museums, historic sites and excellent shopping found throughout.

Depart New Orleans for the idyllic shores of Orange Beach in Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The 3-hour journey can be broken up with a stop in Bayou Le Batre, the seafood capital of Alabama, or you can simply continue along the Coastal Connection of the National Scenic Byway for spectacular views. Arrive at The Lodge at Gulf State Park for two days of rest and relaxation. Your accommodation offers a secluded location with pristine waters, warm white sands and fresh daily seafood. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach or explore the wildlife preserves within Gulf State Park.

Spend the day relaxing on the beach while listening to sounds of waves rolling against the shore, go swimming in the clear, warm waters, take a ferry to one of the nearby islands or indulge in a leisurely stroll along the beach to the nearby preserve of Bon Secur National Wildlife Park. It’s located just down the road and showcases the indigenous inhabitants of the area in their undisturbed natural habitat.

Quaint, peaceful and full of Americana, a night in Covington is the perfect way to round off your journey through the Deep South. Head to Covington first thing in the morning and arrive at The Southern Hotel. Stylish and luxurious, it’s a wonderful place to spend your last night. Spend the day taking a relaxing bike ride along the beautiful St. Tammany Trace or stroll the town’s downtown with its boutique shops and cosy restaurants. Come evening take a walk along the shores of nearby Lake Pontchartrain before or after dinner.