Menu Close

Destinations

USA DEEP SOUTH AND DELTA BLUES

Trace the roots of American music in the Deep South along the mighty Mississippi and experience the unique cultural landscape that gave birth to the blues, country and rock `n’ roll. Days move a little slower in the south, as you pass the time with a sweet tea or a Jack and Coke, taking in the sights and sounds of Music Row in Nashville, Beale Street in Memphis and along Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Savour authentic cuisine and enjoy Southern hospitality as you float down the Mississippi on an included river boat cruise.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Visit Elvis’ birthplace and Graceland
  • Travel the Mississippi River Road to Natchez
  • Experience vibrant Bourbon Street

AT A GLANCE

ITINERARY DETAIL

DAY 1: YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS


Welcome to Atlanta and the Southern state of Georgia for the start of your Deep South USA tour. The day is free for you to explore before an evening welcome meeting at 18:00 hrs in your hotel. A self-guided walking tour of downtown Atlanta is highly recommended and if you fancy a bite of Southern cuisine, stop by Empire State South.

Additional Options For Day 1

• Atlanta History Centre US$17
• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site US$free
• Atlanta Botanical Garden US$19

DAY 2: TO BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA TO LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT


Head west into Alabama and to the state’s largest city – Birmingham. This city was the primary site of the Civil Rights Movement and where Dr Martin Luther King Jr. began his campaign of civil disobedience. Make a visit to the Civil Rights Institute for an excellent introduction to the region’s volatile history as you start your journey through the South.

Daily Summary
Meals: B
Additional Options For Day 2

• Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham, Alabama US$12

DAY 3: INTO THE RAINFOREST


Welcome to the cultural melting pot of the Deep South, New Orleans. Otherwise known as the `Big Easy’, the eclectic mix of European, Creole, and Cajun culture manifests in every aspect of the architecture, cuisine, and musical scene. Take in the sights and sounds of Bourbon Street, relax in the Garden District and absorb the ambiance of the French Quarter, known also as ‘The Quarter’. Founded by French traders in 1718, there are many layers of history in this city, and all its many attractions combined make it one of the most visited cities in the USA.

Mississippi Riverboat Dinner Cruise

Step back in time to when life was gracefully slow and enjoy an included Mississippi riverboat dinner cruise, dining on a delicious local cuisine buffet that is directly influenced by the myriad of cultures that together make up Louisiana. Your evenings in New Orleans will be easily spent as there is much to do, not least of all continuing your indulgence and appreciation of American music by enjoying some of the many live performances that take place nightly in this vibrant city. This includes the famous Preservation Hall where top-drawer jazz musicians play every evening to a small audience in an intimate space – but be prepared to queue! There will also be the chance to step out of the city and explore the wild river swamplands of Louisiana, where you can head out by boat beneath the cypress trees in search of wildlife.

Daily Summary
Tour: Mississippi Riverboat Dinner Cruise
Meals: B

Mississippi Riverboat Dinner Cruise

Step back in time to when life was gracefully slow and enjoy an included Mississippi riverboat dinner cruise, dining on a delicious local cuisine buffet that is directly influenced by the myriad of cultures that together make up Louisiana. Your evenings in New Orleans will be easily spent as there is much to do, not least of all continuing your indulgence and appreciation of American music by enjoying some of the many live performances that take place nightly in this vibrant city. This includes the famous Preservation Hall where top-drawer jazz musicians play every evening to a small audience in an intimate space – but be prepared to queue! There will also be the chance to step out of the city and explore the wild river swamplands of Louisiana, where you can head out by boat beneath the cypress trees in search of wildlife.

Additional Options For Days 3 – 5

• Alligator swamp tour, New Orleans US$23-$40
• Mardi Gras World in New Orleans US$20
• New Orleans Voodoo and Graveyard tour US$20
• New Orleans Preservation Hall US$15-$20
• New Orleans jazz clubs US$10-$20
• Scandalous Cocktail history tour US$25

DAY 6: HOUMAS HOUSE PLANTATION AND GARDENS – NATCHEZ


Gardens, Ponds, and a Majestic Live Oak Alley

This morning you enjoy an included visit to Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. This antebellum estate was completed in 1828 and with 38 lush acres of gardens, ponds, and a majestic live oak alley, Houma makes for a wonderful stop.

Next, you follow the river road north to the very first established settlement on the Mississippi River. The original capital of the Mississippi Territory, Natchez, was at the heart of the slave trade and is the birthplace of the Mississippi riverboat.

Daily Summary
Tour: Gardens, Ponds, and a Majestic Live Oak Alley
Meals: B

Why not go on a self-guided walking tour through the streets of Natchez’ historic district with over 50 antebellum homes and historic churches. Worthy of a visit is the `Under the Hill’ area made famous by Mark Twain, or explore one of the most interesting cemeteries in the South. You’ll overnight in the historic Briars B&B which offers the charm of the ‘Old South’.

Additional Options For Day 6

• Elvis Birthplace Museum, Natchez US$12
• Antebellum mansions, Natchez US$12-$25

DAY 7: CLARKSDALE, HOME OF THE DELTA BLUES


Evolution of the Cotton Industry

Next, it’s onto Clarksdale and the Hopson Plantation, which is the former home of legendary blues pianist Pinetop Perkins. It is also where they tested the International Harvester automated cotton picker. Your leader will give you some history including the system of sharecropping and the evolution of the cotton industry that shaped life for so many in this region.

Daily Summary
Tour: Evolution of the Cotton Industry
Meals: B

Clarksdale is also home to the infamous `Crossroads’, where legend has it that blues musician Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil. Within the town, you’ll find the Delta Blues Museum, a literal blues shrine of artifacts and memorabilia, as well as actor Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club. Red’s is definitely worth a visit for live music – an authentic `juke joint’ where you’ll be transported to the real heart of the South!

Additional Options For Day 7

• Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale US$10
• Ground Zero Blues Club, Clarksdale US$7

DAYS 8 – 9: DISCOVER MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, A LONG AND COLOURFUL PAST


See the humble beginnings of `The King’ with a visit to the birthplace of Elvis in Tupelo, before crossing into Tennessee. Located near the Mississippi River, Memphis has a long and colourful past. Legendary forefathers such as Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters and the late B.B. King helped to put Beale Street on the musical map. A highlight of your stay in Memphis is an included excursion to Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, who influenced country, blues and rock ‘n’ roll music.

Daily Summary
Tour: Visit the Birthplace of ‘The King’ and the home of Elvis ‘Graceland’
Meals: B

You also have the chance to visit the iconic Sun Studio which opened in 1950 and is a place where many great names have passed through, from Howlin’ Wolf to Johnny Cash, and you may like to visit the Gibson guitar factory to completely immerse yourself in the fascinating musical heritage of this city. There’s also an opportunity to hear gospel music on Sunday morning (*excluding New Orleans Jazz Festival departure). Outside of music, the National Civil Rights Museum located in the former Lorraine Hotel, at the site where Martin Luther King was assassinated, is well worth a visit.

Additional Options For Days 8 – 9

• Civil Rights Museum in Memphis US$15
• Sun Studio in Memphis US$12
• Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Memphis U$12 (closed Mondays)
• Gibson guitar factory tour, Memphis US$10

DAY 12: END WITH SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA


Indulge in Music and Entertainment

From Memphis, you make your way to Nashville – the undisputed capital of country music. Home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the famous Wildhorse Saloon, Nashville offers the perfect opportunity to try some line dancing. Broadway is lined with honky-tonks and intimate live music venues playing not only country but all genres of music.

Daily Summary
Meals: B

As well as its indelible country music links, Nashville is also the capital of Tennessee and the state’s second-largest city after Memphis. Situated on the banks of the Cumberland River it was established as a major river port by settlers in 1779. Your time in Nashville is free for you to indulge in your choice of the many music and entertainment options available (entrance fees apply). The Grand Ole Opry is the world’s longest-running radio show and a recommended highlight. You can enjoy performances at the famous Grand Ole Opry House located 24 km east of the city. Book before you arrive to avoid missing out as these shows are popular!

Additional Options For Days 10 – 11

• Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville US$25-$40
• Ryman Auditorium tour, Nashville US$20-30
• Grand Ole Opry tour, Nashville – US$32-$90

DAY 12: END WITH SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA


Make your way towards Atlanta where you have the option of stopping in at Lynchburg where you can pay homage to Tennessee’s most famous drink by enjoying a tour of the Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Distillery for a serving of Southern hospitality. Your tour of the Deep South ends in the modern-day metropolis of Atlanta, known as the New York of the South.

Daily Summary
Meals: B

If you’re staying on be sure to stop by Glady’s Knight’s famous Chicken and Waffles restaurant. The tour ends at approximately 5:00 pm. We recommend you add at least one-night post-tour, which we can book for you. However, if you are planning to fly home this evening please do not book a flight that departs before 9:00 pm.

Additional Options For Day 12

• Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Distillery US$17-22

TRIP DETAILS

Call for dates and pricing 

Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that information posted on our website is correct at the time of publication, however trip details are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however, we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators.

Speak to an expert 1-888-202-8262