Day 1 - Atlanta
Arrive in Atlanta, and transfer to our hotel, the Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Airport South, and settle in for an evening of relaxation. Overnight Atlanta.
Day 2 - Atlanta, Chattanooga & the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
Our time in Atlanta begins with a look back at some of the most integral people in Atlanta’s past. We start at the Martin Luther King Center and Church, which pays homage to the man himself, as well as to the civil rights movement that he piloted. Continuing to the Margaret Mitchell House, we see where the author wrote her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Gone with the Wind. Take some free time for lunch in the city ahead of our departure from Atlanta by coach. Our route takes us to Chattanooga, where on arrival, we board the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway and take a journey on the world's steepest railway track, overlooking the city below and the Tennessee River. Later, we transfer by coach to our hotel. Overnight Chattanooga.
Day 3 - Jack Daniel’s Distillery/Grand Ole’ Opry
The journey continues today as our coach takes us through Tennessee to Lynchburg, the capital of Moore County. Moore County has been “dry” since the days of prohibition, which makes its main attraction all the more extraordinary: Jack Daniel's Distillery. After a tour and tasting at the distillery, we continue to Nashville and check-in at our hotel, the Hyatt Place Nashville Opryland. This evening, we visit the legendary Grand Ole Opry. Founded as a radio station in 1925, this famous music venue still hosts the same regular broadcast today, now with a popular extended format, in addition to regular stage shows. We enjoy live music performed on “country's most famous stage” as a wonderful introduction to Nashville's music heritage. Overnight Nashville.
Day 4 - Nashville Sightseeing
Since the 1940s, Nashville has been synonymous with country music, thanks to its collection of recording studios on Music Row and the Ryman Auditorium, home of the Grand Ole Opry for three decades. A guided tour this morning introduces us to these sites and more, and later, we visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, the world's largest music museum. During your time at the museum, peruse the vast collections of photographs and musical instruments, and listen to interviews that weave the web of country music. Overnight Nashville.
Day 5 - At Leisure in Nashville
Take the day to explore Music City at your own pace. For another taste of country music history, visit the Johnny Cash Museum and Cafe, which boasts an impressive collection of artifacts from the Man in Black’s career. You may wish to visit Centennial Park to see the full-scale model of the Parthenon or to wander the trails around Radnor Lake. Andrew Jackson’s home, the Hermitage, is a beautiful example of Greek Revival architecture, as is the Belle Meade Plantation. While you explore, make a stop at one of the local restaurants for a famous Nashville hot chicken sandwich and a glass of sweet tea. Staying out until the sun goes down brings to life all the offerings of Broadway. Overnight Nashville.
Day 6 - En Route to Memphis/Tennessee Delta Heritage Center
We continue our journey through Tennessee as we set out for Memphis by coach. En route, we pause in Jackson, where you have free time for lunch on your own and sightseeing downtown. The next stop on the day’s trip is in Brownsville, specifically the Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, a series of museums dedicated to the history of the south. We complete our voyage as we arrive in Memphis later this afternoon. The rest of the day is yours at leisure to get acquainted with the city. Overnight Memphis.
Day 7 - Graceland and Sun Studio
Memphis was famously home to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, and we kick off our time here with a visit to Graceland, Elvis' 14-acre mansion. During your time here, view his preserved living quarters, as well as his private aircraft and car collections. This afternoon introduces us to the sights of Memphis' extraordinary musical history. We visit Sun Studio, which lays claim to being the birthplace of rock and roll and boasts a roster that featured Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. Overnight Memphis.
Day 8 - Amtrak’s City of New Orleans and the Oak Alley Plantation
We transfer to Memphis Central Station this morning to board our train, Amtrak's City of New Orleans. The train takes us from Tennessee, through Mississippi and into Louisiana. Legend says that the blues spread along this route by rail. The pretty, floral towns of Brookhaven and McComb lead into the exotic Cajun swamps of the Louisiana Bayou, and we take the train as far as Hammond. From Hammond, we transfer by coach to the Oak Alley Plantation for a guided tour. This restored house stands as a testament to both the grand lives of Louisiana landowners and the suffering of those enslaved here. Peel back the layers of history of the house, sometimes referred to as the “Grande Dame of the Great River Road, as you explore its lavish interiors and its grounds. Later, we continue by coach to New Orleans and check-in at our hotel, the Sheraton Hotel, New Orleans. Overnight New Orleans.
Day 9 - The French Quarter and Paddle Steamer Cruise
One of the most beloved areas in New Orleans lies ahead this morning as we explore the renowned French Quarter. During our tour, we stop at Café Du Monde for beignets, a delicious deep-fried choux pastry, and coffee. After, take some free time to meander through the French Quarter on your own. Perhaps visit Jackson Square, wander through the French Market or grab a drink at the oldest building operating as a bar in America, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. Later this afternoon, we board a traditional paddle steamer for a delightful sightseeing cruise along the Mississippi River. During our time onboard, enjoy a live performance from the ship's jazz band - a fabulous background to our historic cruise. After disembarking, your evening is at leisure. You may wish to head to Bourbon Street to enjoy more live jazz music and the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Overnight New Orleans.
Day 10 - New Orleans at Leisure
Your entire day is free to soak up the splendor of New Orleans. Roaring with life, the Big Easy is known as the South's party city, thanks to Mardi Gras, yet year-round there is a sense of spirited adventure and playfulness here. Wander through the colorful streets to soak in the eclectic atmosphere and the stunning architecture that stretches back centuries. Discover the role of voodoo in the city’s history at the New Orleans’ Historic Voodoo Museum or explore the tombs of Lafayette Cemetery. Overnight New Orleans.
Day 11 - En Route to Houston
Leaving New Orleans behind this morning, we travel to Houston on Amtrak’s Sunset Limited. Enjoy the changing scenes as we cross Louisiana and enter the great state of Texas. On arrival, we make our way to our hotel and settle in for the evening. Overnight Houston.
Day 12 - Houston Sightseeing
Enjoy an introduction to Houston today with a guided tour of the city's main landmarks. Highlights of our excursion include Allen's Landing and NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. Following the tour, the rest of the day is yours to continue your explorations independently. There are many other interesting museums, such as the Houston Museum of Natural Science and The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The city is also home to fantastic parks, including Hermann Park, Memorial Park and Buffalo Bayou Park. Houston also boasts a thriving music scene, and there are plenty of places to catch a show. Overnight Houston.
Day 13 - Tour Conclusion
Your tour of the South concludes this morning as we transfer to Houston’s international airport.
Destination & Sightseeing
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