America's Music Cities
From £2,468 pp
- 15 nights
- Economy flights
- Available May - October
This self-drive will have you singing all the way from Chicago to New Orleans as you soak up the many genres of music that still mark the world music landscape to this day. During your journey you will experience world famous Route 66, the well-known music cities of Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans, with additional stops at the hidden gems of Muscle Shoals and Tupelo. This is the ultimate trip for music fans!
What's Included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- Accommodation for 15 nights
- Graceland Elvis Experience Tour including Airplanes
- 10 days intermediate car hire with insurance coverage, unlimited mileage, and taxes
Special Offers
Take advantage of the following offers on this holiday
Save up to £500 per booking
Book by 31st October and take advantage of our exclusive savings
• Save £500 on bookings over £10,000
• Save £350 on bookings between £7,500 - £9,999
• Save £300 on bookings between £5,000 - £7,499
• Save £250 on bookings between £2,500 - £4,999
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
- Day(s)
- Hour(s)
- Minute(s)
- Second(s)
Discounted Hotel Rates
Save up to 15% on hotel prices
This month, we’re delighted to be offering savings of up to 15% on selected hotels. Book by 31st October 2024.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
- Day(s)
- Hour(s)
- Minute(s)
- Second(s)
Holiday Map
Explore our interactive map to discover your holiday route and key points of interest.
Start
Finish
Stops
Point of interest
Your day-to-day plan
Arrive in Chicago
Upon arrival make your own way to your hotel for the next three nights where you will experience Chicago which is home to stunning architecture, lakefront beaches and the beautiful Chicago River. Whilst exploring the city make sure you get a photo of the official start of the Route 66 sign, located at the junction of Michigan Avenue & Adams Street and a ‘selfie’ at the famous ‘Bean’. For magnificent views of the city, head to the top of the Willis Tower, one of the tallest buildings in North America or take a cruise along the Chicago River. By night discover character filled jazz bars and the city’s thriving theatre scene.
Chicago to St Louis, 310 miles
After collecting your rental car, prepare for an unforgettable journey along Historic Route 66. Your journey, as you travel southwest, embraces the spirit of the Mother Road as you visit Joliet which was on the original Route 66 path and the town of Pontiac, home to the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and its iconic Route 66 mural. Continue to Springfield, which Abraham Lincoln called his home for many years. Time permitting visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to learn about the life of the former US President, before continuing to St Louis, the largest city along Route 66. During your time in St Louis, head to the top of the Gateway Arch, the nation's tallest monument or visit the Budweiser Anheuser-Busch Brewery.
St Louis to Nashville, 317 miles
Head southeast today to Music City USA – Nashville, stopping off in Clarksville, a bustling city with a rich tobacco trade heritage along the way. Spend three nights in Nashville soaking up its musical heritage, history, and honky tonks! Learn about country music at the Country Music Hall of Fame, or about the life of Johnny Cash at his museum or see live music at the famous Grand Ole Opry.
Nashville to Tupelo, 220 miles
Another interesting musical city awaits today as we head to Muscle Shoals, the ‘hit recording capital of the world’ in the 1960’s which contributed to the success of rock n’ roll, country, and R&B music. Visit the FAME Recording Studio where artists including Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding and the Rolling Stones recorded their hit songs. Continue to Tupelo, Mississippi to visit Elvis’ humble childhood home adorned with memorabilia including photos and costumes and the nearby family church where he sang his first song.
Tupelo to Memphis, 108 miles
Today we head to Elvis’s much-loved hometown of Memphis, home of the blues, soul, and rock n’ roll. Music is around every corner in Memphis with nightly live music on Beale Street, and many must-see musical attractions including the Rock n’ Soul Museum, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Sun Studios. Included during your stay is a visit to Elvis’s beloved home Graceland and his final resting place.
Memphis to Natchez, 312 miles
Follow the path of the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway through lush forests passing significant sights that look back at Mississippi’s history from the prehistoric American Indians to the 19th century. Make a stop in Indianola at the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Centre, dedicated to the Delta Blues and the legendary artist B.B. King, before continuing to Natchez, the oldest permanent settlement on the Mississippi River. Experience true southern charm by visiting one of the many antebellum homes, stroll around the pretty downtown area or spend an evening in one of the juke joints.
Natchez to New Orleans, 171 miles
Today head to our final music city, New Orleans a melting pot of French, African, Caribbean, and Spanish cultures. A place where you can sample creole cuisine and where jazz music can always be heard. After dropping your car off, stroll around the different historic districts, have a drink at the famous Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone, head to lively Jackson Square and Bourbon Steet or join a lunch or dinner cruise on an authentic paddle wheeler along the mighty Mississippi River.
Homeward bound
After a relaxing final morning, it is time for the short journey to the airport for your homebound flight.
Related Itineraries
This holiday requires an ESTA for entry to the United States, for full details and to apply please see below:
Please note selected national parks in the USA require reservations for vehicles in order to enter the parks. Reservations are required in advance. This is in addition to purchasing a national park entrance ticket. Early booking is recommended.
Further information on the parks, where vehicle reservations are required and how to book can be found on:
USA National Parks