Tastes and Sounds of the South -10 days, 1 country and 5 cities

Day 1 - HOWDY NASHVILLE

The beating heart of America's Music City will chart your pace as you prepare to embark on a leisurely pilgrimage to discover the tastes and sounds of the South. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception. 

• Accommodation: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville
• Included Meals: Welcome Reception

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Day 2 - HEAR THE RHYTHM OF NASHVILLE

The famous Nashville Sound comes alive this morning as RCA Studio B reveals the legends of Elvis Presley, Jim Reeves and Roy Orbison. Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the life and music of Johnny Cash during a private performance of original Cash tunes with one of Johnny's family members. Our acoustic journey continues with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to see Elvis' Solid Gold Cadillac limousine and Jim Reeves' tuxedo jacket. This evening, enjoy a live show at the iconic Grand Ole Opry.

Accommodation: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville

Included Meals: Breakfast

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• RCA'S STUDIO B, NASHVILLE - The famous Nashville Sound comes alive this morning as RCA's Studio B reveals the legends of Elvis Presley, Jim Reeves and Roy Orbison. 'Dive into Culture' and gain insights into the life and music of Johnny Cash during a private performance of original Cash tunes with one of Johnny's family members.
• CASH ON CASH - You'll gain insights into the life and music of Johnny Cash during a private performance of original Johnny Cash songs with one of Johnny's family members. This is a unique opportunity to not only hear a family member play his music but to also have a private experience with them one on one to ask questions and connect.
• VISIT GRAND OLE OPRY LIVE PERFORMANCE - See a live musical performance at the Grand Ole Opry - the show that made country music famous. The Grand Ole Opry is dedicated to honouring country music’s rich history and dynamic present, showcasing a mix of country legends and the current chart-toppers who have followed in their footsteps.

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Day 3 - DISCOVER THE HISTORY OF THE NASHVILLE SOUND

Continue your discovery of Nashville by exploring the Johnny Cash Museum. With the remainder of the day at your leisure choose to visit the Ryman Auditorium, where Johnny & June first met, a hop-on-hop-off trolley, or a memorable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® visit to the National Museum of African American Music - celebrating the music genres created, inspired and influenced by African Americans. Or perhaps you'll enjoy the opportunity to amble through Broadway's honky-tonk scene or enjoy the gut-busting flavours of homemade chicken or biscuits.

Accommodation: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville

Included Meals: Breakfast

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• JOHNNY CASH MUSEUM - Visit the Johnny Cash Museum which features the world's largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia in the world. Walk through the life of the 'Man in Black' through interactive exhibits, films, and displays.
• SOUL OF NASHVILLE - It’s more than a Nashville landmark. Ryman Auditorium is one of the most active and celebrated venues in modern music. Generations of artists, seekers, creators, rule-breakers and rebels have made their mark on the famous stage. From Elvis to Emmylou Harris, Johnny Cash to Wu-Tang Clan, Paul Simon to Tom Petty, B.B. King to Kings of Leon, the Ryman is a source of inspiration where legendary moments are still in the making. Discover this iconic downtown Nashville landmark and former home of the Grand Ole Opry, where the stage has more stories to tell than we could ever count. This American music treasure is hallowed ground for creative souls of all kinds. The Mother Church is where artists, dreamers, fans and curious visitors tap into the magic that has powered Nashville’s cultural engine for more than a century - and shows no signs of slowing down. Self-guided. 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. 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 is for music lovers of all generations as it inspires, educates, and transforms your appreciation of American music. 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. This experience directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 11: Sustainable Communities. Adults: US$ 27.00
• OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOURS - NASHVILLE - Discover the rich heritage of America and some of its most enthralling destinations on board Old Town Trolley Tours. For more than a quarter of a century, Old Town Trolley Tours have been treating guests to a journey back in time while touring the most interesting and popular attractions. This all day hop-on/hop-off pass allows guests to board the trolley at any of its 15 locations throughout Nashville. Stops include Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, Musicians Hall of Fame, Marathon Motor Works, Centennial Park, and many more. Adults: US$ 66.00

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Day 4 - SWAY TO THE BLUES OF MEMPHIS

Head to Memphis' famous Beale Street, the birthplace of Blues, Soul, and Rock 'n' Roll, for a tour where we'll meet a musician and Local Specialist to learn about the musical heritage of Memphis. Continue your Memphis sightseeing with a visit to the Lorraine Motel where civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically assassinated and one of the most significant locations of the Civil Rights Movement. Then MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® as you explore one of the most significant sites in town and one of the premier heritage and cultural museums, the National Civil Rights Museum. “Walk through history” in interactive exhibits that show how the heroes and lessons from the civil rights movement continue to impact equality all over the world. Enjoy a Regional Dinner of Southern cuisine this evening, capping off your tour of Memphis, past and present.

Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• VISIT THE NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM - The museum is built around the former Lorraine Motel, which was the site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the most visible spokesman and leader in the American civil rights movement. The museum is devoted to the thousands of people who were a part of the entire American Civil Rights Movement. It is one of the nation's premier heritage and cultural museums.
• MUSIC TOUR OF MEMPHIS - Memphis is the home of blues, soul, and rock n' roll music. Enjoy a Music city tour including Beale Street, a National Historic Landmark and one of the most iconic streets in U.S. filled with restaurants, live music venues and shops - right in the heart of downtown Memphis.

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Day 5 - VISIT THE HOME OF THE KING

Worship at the altar of the King, Elvis Presley, and head to Graceland, paying tribute to the man who changed the face of American popular music and culture. Then, pay a visit to Sun Studios, which sought to immortalize the raw energy of Beale Street, recording the first Rock 'n' Roll single in 1951. This evening is free.

Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown

Included Meals: Breakfast

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• VISIT GRACELAND - Explore the lavish mansion and private retreat of Elvis Presley and get an intimate look into his Rock N' Roll life.
• HISTORIC SUN STUDIO - Take in the historic Sun Studios on a guided tour led by a local musician. Opened in 1950 this storied studio is where Elvis got his start, along with many other all-time greats.

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Day 6 - TASTE SOUTHERN CHARM IN NATCHEZ

Kick off the day’s sightseeing with a musical morning at the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum exploring the blues, country, and gospel of the rural South before leaving for Natchez, Mississippi. You’ll arrive in Natchez on the banks of the Mississippi, surrounded by the antebellum homes. The best way to experience Natchez is with a taste of Southern hospitality and you’ll experience all this and more at tonight’s memorable Be My Guest experience at one of the region’s beautiful historic, private homes for a meal. Connect With Locals as hosts who have lived in the area for generations open their doors and share their stories as you enjoy dinner and backyard cocktails like Planter’s Punch paired with elevated Southern fare.  

Accommodation: Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel, Natchez

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY AT NATCHEZ - Join your host for an evening of true southern hospitality and an opportunity to explore the sights and sounds of two beautiful Natchez homes.
• ROCK N SOUL MUSEUM - Take a trip to the Memphis' Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and explore the birth of rock and soul music. The museum tells the story of musical pioneers who, for the love of music, overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to create the music that shook the entire world.

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Day 7 - EXPLORE THE SOUTH'S STORY

Today your travels take you deeper into an important part of Southern history. On this morning’s visit to a working cotton plantation, Frogmore Plantation and Gins, learn about Natchez planters and slavery in the South. Tour the property boasting 19 restored antebellum structures and equipment dating from the early 1800's including a Smithsonian quality steam gin listed on the National Register. You’ll learn how cotton was made and most importantly gain a better understanding of slavery in the South. Your tour brings you back into the present with a stop at its currently operating 900 bales-per-day cotton gin. Next up: The Big Easy, where we are introduced to Creole cuisine at the New Orleans School of Cooking.

Accommodation: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• VISIT THE FROGMORE PLANTATION - Discover how they preserve their Mississippi Delta cotton plantation heritage with costumed guides at the Frogmore Plantation.
• NEW ORLEANS SCHOOL OF COOKING - Taste the melting pot of cultures of New Orleans in this hands on cooking experience. Learn to make iconic southern dishes such as gumbo, red beans, dirty rice, etoufee and a creole bread pudding. Don't worry you'll also get to dine on these dishes and more, leaving with a full stomach and the knowledge to make these authentic dishes at home for friends and family. 

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Day 8 - VENTURE INTO NEW ORLEANS

Let the good times roll in New Orleans today, tracing the cosmopolitan history of one of America's oldest cities with a Local Specialist, stopping at City Park and one of the ornate above-ground cemeteries. Spend the afternoon soaking up the laid-back vibes of The Big Easy. The afternoon is yours to explore on your own.

Accommodation: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• NEW ORLEANS TOUR - Get to know the city with a Local Expert - from the Garden District to the French Quarter, Uptown to Treme, you'll get to know and better understand what makes this vibrant city tick.
• STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ JAZZ DINNER CRUISE - Enjoy your evening in New Orleans aboard the newly minted City of New Orleans steamboat for a jazz dinner cruise on the Mississippi River. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner while taking in lovely views of downtown New Orleans all while enjoying the sounds of the Grammy nominated "Dukes of Dixieland". A full bar is also available for your pleasure. Adults: US$ 103.00
• THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM - Visit the WWII Museum, designated by Congress as America’s official museum about World War II, The National WWII Museum features a rich collection of artifacts that bring history to life. Discover the most impactful event of the 20th century and the legacy of the greatest generation in thought-provoking exhibits—including the newest exhibit, The Arsenal of Democracy: The Herman and George Brown Salute to the Home Front—and explore the American experience in the war that changed the world. From D-Day galleries, to the soaring US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center and the groundbreaking Campaigns of Courage, this world-renowned history museum is designed to inspire visitors of all ages in the lessons of World War II and the stories of heroism, tragedy, and liberation. Adults: US$ 32.00

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Day 9 - ENTICE YOUR SENSES IN NEW ORLEANS

Today is yours to explore the French, Spanish and Creole sights and sounds of New Orleans. Why not join an Optional Experience at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park exploring the scenic swamp and bayou. Perhaps visit Mardi Gras World for a peek into what makes the New Orleans festival so popular or take a stroll down Magazine Street for plenty of regional food and shopping. This evening, join your Travel Director and new friends for a Farewell Dinner.

Accommodation: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• SWAMP & BAYOU TOUR WITH TRANSPORTATION - Take a fascinating boat trip into the Louisiana swamps and bayous through part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park. Native guides will reveal the mysteries of the swamps and bayous as you observe the nesting grounds of alligators, egrets, raccoons, nutria, and many other species. Adults: US$ 27.00

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Day 10 - UNTIL NEXT TIME NEW ORLEANS

For now, it's ‘Au Revoir' New Orleans, but not ‘Adieu'. Make your own way to New Orleans International Airport or extend your stay in New Orleans.

Included Meals: Breakfast