Day 1 – Atlanta

Arrive into Atlanta Airport and transfer independently to the first tour hotel. Meet your Tour Leader at 6pm to learn about the adventure ahead. Overnight Atlanta.

Day 2 – Atlanta to Nashville

Heading out of Atlanta you take the road towards Nashville, stopping at Lynchburg where you can pay homage to Tennessee's most famous stop by enjoying a tour of the Jack Daniel's Whiskey Distillery for a serving of southern hospitality. From here you make your way to Nashville - the undisputed capital of country music. It is home to the famous Wildhorse Saloon and Country Music Hall of Fame, which offers the perfect opportunity to try some line dancing. Broadway is lined with honky-tonks and live music venues playing not only country, but all music genres - the perfect introduction to the Deep South. Overnight Nashville.

Day 3 – Nashville

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 enjoy indulging in your choice of the many music and entertainment options available. There are entrance fees for the various sites and shows you wish to attend however. 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 14 kilometres (9 miles) east of the city. Make sure you should book these before arriving to avoid missing out. Overnight Nashville.

Day 4 – Nashville to Memphis

Located near the Mississippi River, Memphis has a long and colourful past. Legendary forefathers such as Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters and B.B. King helped to put Beale Street on the musical map. A highlight of your stay in Memphis is an included excursion to 'Graceland', the home of Elvis Presley, who is the biggest influence on country, blues and rock & roll music. Overnight Memphis.

Day 5 – Memphis

Enjoy a full day in Memphis. Take the chance to visit Sun Studio which opened in 1950 and is a place where many great names have passed through. Outside of music you may also like to pay a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum, located in the former Lorraine Hotel where Martin Luther King was assassinated, or visit the Gibson guitar factory to completely immerse yourself in the fascinating musical heritage of this city. Overnight Memphis.

Day 6 – Memphis to Tupelo and Clarksdale

See the humble beginnings of ‘The King’ with an included visit to the birthplace of Elvis in Tupelo, Mississippi. Continue to Clarksdale to visit a plantation and learn about the rich 20th century history including the system of sharecropping and the evolution of the cotton industry. Clarksdale is also home to the legendary Crossroads at the junction of Highway 49 and the fabled Highway 61 where legend has it a blues musician sold his soul to the devil. Within the city you’ll find the Delta Blues Musuem, a literal blues shrine of artefacts and memorabilia and actor Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club. Overnight Clarksdale.

Day 7 – Clarksdale to Natchez

Follow the river road south 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. Enjoy a day to explore; possibly take a self-guided tour through the streets of Natchez’ 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. Overnight in the historic Eola Hotel, which dates back to 1927 and offers the charm of the Old South.

Day 8 – Natchez to New Orleans

Visit Houmas today for an included visit to Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. This antebellum estate was completed in 1828 and with 38 acres of lush gardens, ponds and a majestic live oak alley, Houmas makes a wonderful stop. Continue on to the major metropolis of the Deep South – New Orleans – and overnight.

Day 9 / 10 – New Orleans

Otherwise known as ‘The Big Easy’ this fascinating city is an eclectic mix of European, Creole and Cajun culture which is manifest 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, known also as ‘The Quarter’. Founded by French traders in 1718, there are many layers of history in this city, and all its many attractions combined make it one of the most visited cities in the USA. Step back in time to when life was slow and graceful and enjoy an included Mississippi riverboat dinner cruise, dining on the famous and delicious local cuisine buffet that is directly influenced by the myriad of cultures that together make up Louisiana. Your evenings in New Orleans will be easily spent as there is much to do, not least of all continuing your indulgence and appreciation of American music by enjoying some of the many live performances that take place nightly in this vibrant city. This includes the famous Preservation Hall where top-drawer jazz musicians play every evening to a small and intimate audience – but be prepared to queue! Overnight New Orleans.

Day 11 – New Orleans to Birmingham

Continue east today into Alabama and on to the state’s largest city – Birmingham. This city was the primary site of the Civil Rights Movement and where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. began his campaign of civil disobedience. Overnight Birmingham.

Day 12 – Birmingham to Atlanta & end of tour

You will have the opportunity to visit Birmingham’s Civil Rights institute (entrance not included) before returning to Atlanta where your journey will conclude. The tour ends at 5pm.

Please call one of our travel experts on 020 7616 9949 to tell us your requirements