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- Civil Rights and Music Trails in the Deep South
Civil Rights and Music Trails in the Deep South
From £2,211 pp
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13 nights
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Economy Flights
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Available January - December
Enjoy the warm southern charm, tasty cuisine, and slower pace of life on this magical journey that looks back at the Deep South’s musical and civil rights heritage. Learn about the moving and life changing Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta, Birmingham and Montgomery and the iconic music cities of Nashville, Memphis and the less known but equally important ‘Hit recording capital of the world’ Muscle Shoals.
What's Included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- Accommodation for 13 nights
- 12 days intermediate car hire with fully inclusive insurance, 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
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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
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Holiday Map
Explore our interactive map to discover your holiday route and key points of interest.
Start
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Point of interest
Your day-to-day plan
Day 1-2
Arrival Atlanta
Arrive in the ‘Peach State’ of Georgia and its cosmopolitan capital city Atlanta for a two-night stay. There is so much to see in the city including many pretty parks and gardens, trendy and distinctive neighbourhoods, and world-class attractions. Visit the well-known World of Coca Cola and learn about this iconic drink brand and even get to drink some in the ‘tasting room’. The Georgia Aquarium houses over 70 amazing habitats where you can see penguins, sealions, dolphins and sharks. Another must visit is to the boyhood home of Martin Luthur King and to the moving National Centre for Civil and Human Rights.
Day 3-4
Atlanta to Montgomery, 161 miles
Pick up your car and drive south-west into ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ and to the states capital city Montgomery. A compact and pristine city, Montgomery lies on the Alabama River and is regarded as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement. World-changing events took place here including the Bus Boycott, which began when Rosa Parks famously refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus. Visit the interesting Rosa Parks Library and Museum to learn about her story and the positive changes her brave actions led to. You can also visit the church where Martin Luther King was a pastor. Visit the Hank Williams Museum in downtown to see many of the famous country singers’ memorabilia including his baby blue Cadillac. For a drink and a delicious dinner head to the lively Alley entertainment district.
Day 5-6
Montgomery to Birmingham, 91 miles
Head north to Alabama’s largest city Birmingham which played a vital role in the civil rights movement as it was the centre of the struggle for the civil rights of African-Americans. Learn about their actions at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and their successes in introducing civil rights for all American citizens. The Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, just a short walk away is the city’s most famous civil rights landmark, where on the 15 September 1963, a bomb planted by the Ku Klux Klan tragically killed four young girls. Dining is a pleasant experience in the city with an array of fantastic restaurants that are some of the best in the USA.
Day 7-8
Birmingham to Muscle Shoals, 166 miles
Travel to the north-west corner of Alabama, to Muscle Shoals to learn about the states musical history that makes it the ‘hit recording capital of the world’. Before heading to Muscle Shoals make a stop in Huntsville and learn about space travel at the U.S. Space and Rocket Centre. With some interesting and fun interactive activities there is so much to learn and experience! Carry on to Muscle Shoals where world famous artists came to record their hit records. Tour the Fame Recording Studio founded by Rick Hall and tour the studios where artists including Etta James, Ottis Redding and Aretha Franklin made hit songs. Also visit Muscle Shoals Sound Studio where artists including Tina Turner recorded and find the secret bar! Stay in the nearby town of Florence for two nights.
Day 9-11
Muscle Shoals – Memphis, 200 miles
Today we visit the states of Mississippi and Tennessee as we continue our musical theme to visit Tupelo where Elvis Presley was born. Visit his humble childhood home, his family’s church, and the Tupelo Hardware store where Elvis was bought his first guitar. Continue to Memphis, Elvis’ beloved hometown and home of the ‘blues’, rock ‘n’ roll and soul. Visit Graceland and tour Elvis’s home and see some of his most loved possessions including his planes, classic cars, and glitzy jumpsuits. Music is around every corner in Memphis including Sun Studios where Elvis recorded some of his hits and the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. In the evening visit lively Beale Street to watch the street entertainers, listen to live music and enjoy barbecue food!
Day 12-13
Memphis to Nashville, 212 miles
Enjoy a change of music genre as we head to Nashville, the ‘Country Music Capital of the World’. Buy some cowboy boots, have a drink and listen to some live country music in one of the many fun honky tonk bars! Don’t miss a memorable visit to RCA Studio B where many country songs were recorded by artists including Elvis Presley. Head to one of the largest music museums the Country Music Hall of Fame and end your holiday with a country music concert in the iconic Grand Old Opry!
Day 14
Homeward Bound
Last day to revel in the warm southern charm before dropping off your car and boarding your flight back to the UK.
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
