USA Deep South and Delta Blues

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. Accommodation: Standard hotel, Meals: (none)

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

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. Accommodation: Standard hotel, Meals: (B)

Optional activities:
• Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham, Alabama US$12

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 ambience 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.

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. Accommodation: Standard hotel, Meals: (B)

Optional Activities:
• 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

Two days to explore New Orleans. “The Big Easy” is renowned for its distinct music and lively festivals, like the Mardi Gras; the French Quarter with its French and Spanish Creole architecture and vibrant nightlife along Bourbon Street and fascinating sites like the Saint Louis and Lafayette Cemeteries. New Orleans is often described as being the most unique city in the United States because of its multi-cultural, multi-lingual heritage. It certainly is “one of a kind”! Accommodation: Standard hotel, Meals: (B, D on day 4)

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. 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’. Accommodation: Historic Property, Meals: (B)

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

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. 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 artefacts 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! Accommodation: Standard hotel, Meals: (B)

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

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.

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. Accommodation: Standard hotel, Meals: (B)

Optional Activities:
• 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

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.

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! Accommodation: Standard hotel, Meals: (B)

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

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. If you’re staying on be sure to stop by Glady’s Knight’s famous Chicken and Waffles restaurant. The tour ends at approximately 5:00pm. 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 9:00pm. Meals: (B)

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