All American Music Tour
Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans & the Mississippi Blues Trail
When it comes to American music, all roads lead to the Deep South. There’s no better way to understand the life of Deep South USA than to take a tour through its musical landscape – soulful blues, brassy jazz, country twang, Cajun accordions, riverboat calliopes and gospel choirs.
Our 12-day road trip takes you the best of the Deep South, from Nashville - once home to Johnny Cash and now the Kings of Leon - to New Orleans - the birthplace of jazz.
This tailor-made tour is easily amended to suit your needs, so if you’d like more time hanging out in the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll, Memphis, or listening to Greenwood’s blue notes, just let your USA specialist know.
Days 1-2: Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the home of country music and the Grand Ole Opry. Be sure to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and pay a visit to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery or bag yourself some bargains at the Opry Mills outlet shopping centre. An evening of live music in one of the honky tonk bars on Broadway is a must.
Days 3-4: Memphis, Tennessee
Commanding the Mississippi River from high bluffs and renowned as the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll and the home of the blues, Memphis is perhaps the most atmospheric city in the South. We challenge you not to dance your way round the Smithsonian Rock ’n’ Soul Museum. Be sure to visit Graceland, Sun and Stax Studios, Beale Street (where blues legend B.B. King owns a bar) and the Gibson Guitar Factory.
Day 5: Greenwood, Mississippi
Greenwood’s historic downtown, located on the banks of the Yazoo River, is filled with carefully restored buildings that escort you back in time. It was one of the most important cotton producing centres in the world and still a mecca for lovers of the Blues. In nearby Indianola, the new B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretative Center tells the astonishing story of King’s life and his 60- year career. Be sure to make time for a cooking class at the Viking Cookery School and learn how to prepare Southern dishes and delicacies.
Days 6-7: Natchez, Mississippi
Travel along the lower section of the Natchez Trace Parkway (a National Scenic Trail) to Natchez, the oldest permanent settlement on the Mississippi with some 500 beautiful antebellum (pre- Civil War) buildings and mansions. Natchez Under-the-Hill, overlooking the river, was once a lair for gamblers, thieves and riverboat roughnecks, but is now a thriving entertainment area with restaurants, bars and casinos.
Day 8: Lafayette, Louisiana
At the heart of Cajun Country is Lafayette, the Capital of French Louisiana. Visit majestic plantation homes and living Cajun Museums that depict the history of the Cajuns. See and experience the beauty and fun of an air boat excursion on the Louisiana bayous by taking a leisurely swamp tour, experience cultural traditions of the Cajuns and Creoles, sample authentic cuisine and practice line dancing in bustling dancehalls with Cajun music second to none.
Days 9-12: New Orleans, Louisiana
Set out early for the 24-hour city of New Orleans: the Big Easy, birthplace of jazz, a sultry melting pot of French, Spanish, Creole and Southern styles. The famous French Quarter is lined with historic buildings, wrought-iron balconies and hidden courtyards; swanky antiques stores, live street entertainers and fabulous street vendors offering typical Louisiana fare. Enjoy charming river-boats, intimate live music venues, tax-free shopping and exciting nightlife, whilst being fuelled by a diet of sumptuous Cajun & Creole cuisine.
All American Music Tour itinerary map
To book, call 0845 643 6548
To book this travel offer, call one of our tailor-made travel experts now, quoting reference WEX101289.
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