RHYTHMS OF THE SOUTH - 11 days, 1 country and 4 cities

Day 1 -  ARRIVE NASHVILLE (3 DAYS)

Good old-fashioned Southern hospitality, charm and big smiles welcome you to 'Music City', Nashville. A hub of country music enthusiasts, Nashville attracts musicians, song writers and performers and ready explorers like you. The careers of some of the biggest names in the music industry started right here in the basement studios of Music Row or on stage at the famous Grand Ole Opry. Meet up with your Travel Director this afternoon, then relax before a big day in this vibrant city to begin your US South value tour.

Accommodation: The Inn at Opryland, Nashville

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Day 2 - NASHVILLE SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

Nashville is the ultimate traveler’s playground. Visit Riverfront Park, Tennessee State Capitol and Centennial State Park, where you're transported to Athens with their very own Parthenon. Icons checked off, visit Music Row, stopping off at RCA Studio B where legends like Dolly Parton and the Everly Brothers recorded albums. No trip to Nashville would be complete without a snoop around the iconic Country Music Hall of Fame, home to memorabilia from Elvis, Hank Williams and Loretta Lynn and more. Scout out the tastiest hot chicken and biscuits on your own this afternoon before this evening's included visit to hear a live show of America's longest running live radio program. 

Accommodation: The Inn at Opryland, Nashville

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• BACKSTAGE AT THE GRAND OLE OPRY - Don’t miss your chance for a backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry. Walk in the footsteps of country music's superstars and peek behind the scenes of the show that made country music famous! You can almost hear the hits as your guide shares stories about the Opry and country music legends from Minnie Pearl to Carrie Underwood. View photos from the Opry's biggest moments in history and go through the artist entrance where legends, new artists, and superstars enter the Opry House. You may even have the chance to step on stage and into the famed ‘wooden circle’. Adults: US$ 39.00

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Day 3 - NASHVILLE FREE TIME

Ready to continue your deep dive into country music with Choice Optionals on your US South value tour? There's no better choice than the Ryman Auditorium, where you can watch music magic come to life at the 'Soul of Nashville' theatre. On a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, opt to check out Nashville's newest museum - The National Museum of African American Music that tells the story of American music through interactive technology. This afternoon, choose to join a hop-on-hop-off trolley tour to see all the top sites. The night is young! If you’re feeling in the mood, get out into the action and experience a honky tonk under the neon lights of Broadway.

Accommodation: The Inn at Opryland, Nashville

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOURS - NASHVILLE - Whether you’re a history buff of just a lover of Nashville, discover America's heritage on Old Town Trolley Tours. Travel back in time while seeing the top attractions on this all-day, hop-on/hop-off trolley tour of 15 locations throughout the city. You’ll love being able to board the trolley where and when you like, taking your pick of Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, Musicians Hall of Fame, Marathon Motor Works, Centennial Park and more. Adults: US$ 66.00
• SOUL OF NASHVILLE - One of the best ways to learn about the greats of Nashville? By visiting the Ryman Auditorium -- one of the most active and celebrated venues in music. Delve into the artists, seekers, creators, rule-breakers and rebels who have made their mark on the famous stage, from Elvis to Emmylou Harris, Johnny Cash, B.B. King to Kings of Leon and more. Fun fact? This former home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974 was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Adults: US$ 25.00
• NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC - MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® with your visit to the National Museum of African American Music, the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans. This choice experience is for music lovers of all generations and inspires, educates, and transforms your appreciation of American music all while celebrating the central role African Americans play in creating the American soundtrack. The National Museum of African American Music is the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans.  The museum’s expertly curated collections share the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to bring the musical heroes of the past into the present.  NMAAM is the premier global destination for music lovers of all generations and inspires, educates, and transforms your appreciation of American Music.  Their mission is to educate the world, preserve the legacy, and celebrate the central role African Americans play in creating the American soundtrack. This experience directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 11: Sustainable Communities. Adults: US$ 27.00

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Day 4 - NASHVILLE – MEMPHIS (3 NIGHTS)

From one music obsessed city to another, your next stop is Memphis! Home to "The King", music is the life blood of this toe-tapping city. Dive straight in with a stroll down bluesy Beale St, past the Memphis Pyramid and Peabody Hotel. See the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, was assassinated and one of the most significant sites of the Civil Rights Movement. With the rest of the day free, choose to visit the Rock N' Soul Museum, learning the story of the birth of rock and soul music. Then groove over to Beale Street for a Southern BBQ dinner and live music.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• ROCK AND SOUL MUSEUM & BLUES CITY CAFÉ - Rock n’ roll fans, we’ve got you covered with a self-guided visit to the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Trace the story of musical pioneers who overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to make the sounds that shook the world. Inspired with new ideas, dine in the footsteps of former musicians like BB Kings, Ike Turner and Hank Williams at the famous Blues City Café on Beale Street.  Adults: US$ 59.00

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Day 5 - MEMPHIS SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

Rise and shine food fanatics, your day starts with a taste of Southern favorites at the popular Memphis spot, The Arcade. Top off the morning at Sun Studio, where Elvis was first discovered back in 1954, learn the legacy left behind by the 'King of Rock n' Roll'. Attention Elvis fans, today you make the pilgrimage to Graceland, touring the King’s iconic mansion and private planes.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown

Included Meals: Iconic Breakfast

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Day 6 - MEMPHIS FREE TIME

How to go big on your final day in the Home of the Blues, Soul, and Rock-n-Roll? Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Choice Experience Civil Rights History & Culture tour led by a local historian including the National Civil Rights Museum and Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum. This tour visits the most significant places of the Civil Rights Movement in Memphis that will leave you reflecting on the tragic history of those that fought tirelessly for equality. In the late afternoon you can join the Backbeats Musical Mojo Tour aboard the nation’s only music bus diving deep into Blues Music.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• MEMPHIS CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORY & CULTURE TOUR - MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® and get the full story of the Civil Rights movement in Memphis and learn about the heroes that inspired the future of the city during the Civil Rights History & Culture Tour. Your three-hour in-depth tour with a local expert includes the National Civil Rights Museum and the Slave Haven Underground Railway Museum. This experience directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Adults: US$ 75.00
• BACKBEATS MUSICAL MOJO TOUR - The Home of the Blues comes alive on this city tour aboard the nation's only music bus, Backbeats Musical Mojo Tour! Your professional Beale Street musician guide plays and sings favorites from the city's musical heritage while entertaining you with comedy, history and behind-the-scenes stories of your favourite Memphis personalities. Tap your toes and sing along as you see the sites that put Memphis on the map. Adults: US$ 34.00

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Day 7 - MEMPHIS – NATCHEZ (1 NIGHT)

Today on your US South value tour, pull into Natchez on the banks of the Mississippi where the unique architecture of the South flaunts its style in antebellum homes. Feel like taking a closer look? Visit an Antebellum Classical Revival mansion, Stanton Hall. Thirsty after all this exploring? Wet your whistle with a Choice Experience mixology class learning how to make a Mint Julep on the grounds of the National Historic Landmark, the Dunleith Historic Inn, followed by a delicious Southern feast.

Accommodation: Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• SOUTHERN MIXOLOGY CLASS AND DINNER - Bottoms up! Indulge this evening sipping the South’s finest cocktails with a mixology class and dinner. Not only will you use fresh ingredients shaken or stirred with flair by a local bartender, but you’ll get to kick back with local bites prepared especially for you. Step behind the bar and learn to make an iconic Mint Julep. You’ll love the combination of bourbon, mint and crushed ice that is perfect during warm weather. Is your mouth watering yet? Adults: US$ 87.00
• NATCHEZ PILGRIMAGE - STANTON HALL - In 1857, Irish immigrant and cotton merchant Frederick Stanton began construction on the home of his dreams: a palatial Greek Revival style residence in the heart of Natchez. Marble mantel pieces were imported from New York, ornate gasoliers were purchased from Philadelphia, and immense mirrors were ordered from France. The facade of Stanton's home was equally impressive with its Corinthian columns and delicate cast iron railings. Officially designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974, the building is now furnished much as Frederick originally intended and offers a glimpse into the domestic life of a wealthy Natchez family. Enjoy a 30 minute walking tour of the home, plus time to enjoy the picturesque grounds at your leisure. Adults: US$ 25.00

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Day 8 - NATCHEZ – NEW ORLEANS (3 DAYS)

Cute cafes, voodoo and the mansions of the Garden District . . . every day in NOLA is cause for celebration. The world's longest continuous bridge over water marks your arrival in 'The Big Easy'. A Local Specialist shows off the top sights including the city's many unique cemeteries, taking a peek around the elaborate stone crypts and mausoleums. Perhaps hit Burbon Street for a classic Big Easy evening.

Accommodation: La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham New Orleans Downtown

Included Meals: Breakfast

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Day 9 - NEW ORLEANS SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

Today on your US South value tour discover how everything in New Orleans is larger than life with a full free day. Have your fortune told in Jackson Square, stroll the French Quarter or eat your way around the city. If the swamps and bayous are on your list, a Choice Experience will get out on the water with a pontoon boat trip where a local guide will keep a keen eye out so you can spot 'gators, eagles, snakes and egrets.

Accommodation: La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham New Orleans Downtown

Included Meals: Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• SWAMP & BAYOU TOUR WITH TRANSPORTATION - Get ready for a wild adventure! Board your pontoon boat for a cruise through Louisiana's Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve with local guides who’ll share their in-depth knowledge of the region. With an open-air deck for panoramic viewing, spot alligators, egrets, raccoons and more as you cruise these wild wetlands on this afternoon adventure. Adults: US$ 27.00

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Day 10 - NEW ORLEANS FREE TIME

It’s your final full day in NOLA, make sure you go out in style with plenty of Choice Experiences to tempt. Why not join a Choice Experience cooking demonstration to learn how you can recreate some of the city’s tastiest Cajun and creole dishes ? The New Orleans School of Cooking is hosted by local chefs who share tips and stories. Or visit the WWII Museum, designated by Congress as America’s official museum about World War II. Jazz fans can opt into a Jazz Dinner Cruise on the Mississippi River accompanied by a live band. What a way to end your trip!

Accommodation: La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham New Orleans Downtown

Included Meals: Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• NEW ORLEANS SCHOOL OF COOKING - If good food sounds like you, this is your chance to watch entertaining chefs prepare a classic Cajun/Creole meal while you learn about the history of New Orleans cuisine. Feast on traditional dishes like Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo and Chicken & Smoked Sausage Jambalaya. Or, dig into chicken and/or crawfish Etouffee -- a Cajun and Creole dish served over rice. Adults: US$ 49.00
• STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ JAZZ DINNER CRUISE - You won’t want to miss your chance to sip, savour and groove your way along the Mississippi aboard the Steamboat Natchez. On this a jazz dinner cruise, tuck into a freshly prepared dinner while taking in views of downtown New Orleans all while enjoying the sounds of the Grammy nominated "Dukes of Dixieland". Adults: US$ 103.00
• VISIT THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM IN NEW ORLEANS - Attention, history buffs. Don’t miss your chance to visit the National WWII Museum, a museum that tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. What better way to discover history than through immersive exhibits including life-sized dioramas, personal storytelling and innovative technology? You’ll have lots to share the war from various perspectives, including the home front, the soldiers' experiences and the global impact of the conflict. Adults: US$ 32.00

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Day 11 - DEPART NEW ORLEANS

With the bluesy beats of Beale Street and the smiles of Nashville still fresh in your mind, your trip comes to an end. Delicious Southern food still fresh in your thoughts, say goodbye to your new friends as you head your separate ways. If you can't bear to leave NOLA just yet, you can also choose to extend your US South value tour.

Included Meals: Breakfast