Tastes and sounds of Southern USA

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 travelers for a Welcome Reception. 
Hotel - Sheraton Grand Nashville
Welcome Reception

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. Then, you will have the opportunity to watch the Grand Ole Opry.
Breakfast

Day 3
Discover the history of the Nashville sound
Continue our discovery of Nashville on a Your Choice sightseeing experience, exploring either the Johnny Cash Museum or the Ryman Auditorium. With an afternoon on your own, amble through Broadway's honky-tonk scene or perhaps enjoy the gut-busting flavours of homegrown hot chicken or biscuits.
Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Backstage at the Grand Ole Opry
There's nothing like a backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry House - it's a must-see for everyone in Music City! Walk in the footsteps of country music's superstars and get an exclusive look at what happens behind the scenes of the show that made country music famous! Your knowledgeable guide will share stories about the Opry and country music greats, past and present (from Minnie Pearl to Carrie Underwood, you might say), show you photos from the Opry's biggest moments in history and take you to the artist entrance - where legends, new artists, and superstars alike enter the Opry House on the night of an Opry show. You may even have the chance to step on stage and into the famed wooden circle as decades of artists have done. Tours may also make a stop in Studio A, a live television studio and former home of HEE HAW. Approx. duration: 1 hour

Adult Price: $34.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
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, Centennials Park, and many more. Approx. duration 2 hours.

Adult Price: $44.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

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 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.
Hotel - Hu
Breakfast, regional dinner

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.
Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Elvis Experience Upgrade to VIP Tour
Die-hard fans will want to make the most of their visit to Graceland with this VIP Tour option. In addition to all of the added features accessed with the Elvis Experience, VIP guests at Graceland will have access to an exclusive, VIP Exhibit and front-of-the-line privileges for the Graceland Mansion tour which can be reused anytime during your stay. Approx. duration: N/A

Adult Price: $39.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

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. Follow the path of the famous Natchez Trace scenic road, originally established as a footpath by Native Americans and later used by explorers, traders and travelers. 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 backyard cocktails like Planter’s Punch paired with elevated Southern fare. 
Hotel - Magnolia Bluffs
Breakfast, Be My Guest dinner

Day 7
Sample the flavours of New Orleans
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 will be stopping for the evening.
Hotel - Sheraton New Orleans
Breakfast, regional dinner

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.
Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
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. Approx. duration: 2 hours

Adult Price: $26.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
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. Approx. duration: 2 hours

Adult Price: $87.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

Day 9
Entice your senses in New Orleans
Today is yours to explore the French, Spanish and Creole sights and sounds of New Orleans. If you're feeling adventurous, visit Marie Laveau's Historic Voodoo Museum. This evening, join your Travel Director and new friends for a Farewell Dinner.
Breakfast, farewell dinner

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Swamp And Bayou Tour
After a short motorcoach ride across the Mississippi River, take a fascinating boat trip into the Louisiana swamps and bayous through part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park – Barataria Preserve. Native guides will reveal the mysteries of the swamps and bayous and you will discover how the seafood from these bountiful waters provides a wide assortment of delectable local dishes! Observe the nesting grounds of alligators, egrets, raccoons, nutria, and many species of snakes. Transportation included. Approx. duration: 2.5 hours

Adult Price: $53.00*

* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

Day 10
Until next time, New Orleans
For now, it's ‘Au Revoir' New Orleans, but not ‘Adieu'. Take a transfer to New Orleans International Airport or extend your stay in New Orleans at the Sheraton New Orleans.
Breakfast