Immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of the soul, rhythm and blues, and country music as you journey down America’s south. Pay tribute to Elvis Presley in fascinating Graceland, prepare your palate for spicy Cajun cuisine in Louisiana, and keep your eyes peeled for alligators in the country’s largest river swamp on this sense-awakening tour.

Day 1 - ARRIVE NASHVILLE (2 Nights)
Welcome to Nashville, Music City USA! A complimentary transfer is provided to the tour hotel. Your Tour Director is at the hotel this afternoon to greet you and answer your questions. Join us at 6 p.m. for a Welcome Drink at the hotel.

Hotel: Gaylord Opryland Resort (SF)

Day 2 - NASHVILLE SIGHTSEEING – LYNCHBURG – GRAND OLE OPRY
This morning, explore the world’s country music capital starting with Music Row, the heart of Nashville’s entertainment industry and home to a number of record labels, radio stations and recording studios such as RCA’s legendary Studio B. Also see historic Printers Alley, the Wildhorse Saloon and the historic Ryman Auditorium, host of performances by all-time greats including Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks. Then head to picturesque Lynchburg for a visit to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Your host and whiskey expert share tales about “Mr. Jack,” the man who created the famous Tennessee whiskey. Watch and learn about the whiskey-making process as it happens, from the iron-free spring that churns the water for the whiskey to the barrel rooms where it slowly ages. You'll then be treated to a 'Be My Guest' Lunch with each course based on the perfect ingredient… Jack Daniel's! Back in Nashville, attend a live evening recording at the Grand Ole Opry, one of the most influential live shows in country music history and the oldest continuous radio program in the United States. (Full Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)

Day 3 - NASHVILLE – MEMPHIS (2 nights)
This morning visit the famous Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, a treasure trove of historic country video clips, recorded music, fabulous costumes, instruments and other memorabilia which tell the story of country music. Next, head to Memphis, the city of soul, rhythm and blues. Enjoy a city tour and learn about Memphis' role in the birth of the Blues and Rock 'n' Roll. See Beale Street, BB King's Blues Club, the Mississippi River and the infamous Lorraine Hotel. This evening is at leisure. (Full Breakfast)

Hotel: Marriott Memphis Downtown (SF)

Day 4 - MEMPHIS – GRACELAND EXCURSION
Today visit Elvis Presley's amazing Graceland, the King's final resting place. Graceland is a one-of-a-kind journey through Elvis' humble beginnings and rise to superstardom with an up-close and personal look at his influence which forever changed music. There is plenty of time to explore the mansion and the many exhibits including Elvis’ cars, custom jets and eclectic collections. Later return to the hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure. (Full Breakfast)

Day 5 - MEMPHIS – NATCHEZ
Enter the state of Mississippi and head downriver to Natchez, a charming town located on a bluff above the Mississippi River. Hundreds of 19th century southern homes still grace the bluff, lovingly preserved to their antebellum grandeur. Viiew the best sights in town and join a guided tour of Stanton Hall, the palatial home of a Mississippi cotton broker, built just before the Civil War. Learn about the gracious lifestyle that existed once upon a time in old Natchez. Tonight, enjoy a Highlight Dinner at a beautiful Natchez mansion, where the elegant service, atmosphere and garb of our hosts bring us back to that bygone era. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

Hotel: Natchez Eola Hotel (F)

Day 6 - NATCHEZ – COTTON COUNTRY – LAFAYETTE
Crossing into Louisiana, stop at Frogmore Cotton Plantation & Gins. Join a costumed guide and get insight into the contrasts between a working cotton plantation of the early 1800s and a modern cotton plantation and gin of today. This afternoon is spent exploring fascinating Cajun Country, a unique blend of French, Creole and Caribbean influences. Experience Cajun culture first-hand during our visit to Vermilionville, a recreated Cajun village re-enacting life in the Acadiana area between 1765 and 1890. See another side of this life in Lafayette, where the beautiful Acadian homes of the wealthy elite line the streets. This evening, bring your dancing shoes and liven things up with a Cajun-style Highlight Dinner and live Cajun music at a local restaurant. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

Hotel: Hilton Lafayette (SF)

Day 7 - LAFAYETTE – SWAMP TOUR – OAK ALLEY – NEW ORLEANS (2 nights)
Look out for alligators and other wildlife on a cruise deep into the bayous and backwaters of the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest river swamp in the United States. Back on land, follow the Mississippi River to Oak Alley Plantation. Here, tour the gracious home and grounds and hear tales about life for both master and slave during the heyday of Louisiana's sugarcane industry. This afternoon, arrive in New Orleans, the "Big Easy." (Full Breakfast)

Hotel: New Orleans Marriott (SF)

Day 8 - NEW ORLEANS SIGHTSEEING & AT LEISURE
New Orleans is known for its great food, fun atmosphere and wonderful music, the happy results of a cultural mix unlike any other in the United States. Led by a local guide, explore this vibrant and colourful city startings with the historic French Quarter, one of America’s oldest and most unique living neighbourhoods. See the French Market and Jackson Square, before heading out to the elegant Garden District, known for its marvellous examples of Greek Revival and Italianate architecture. Next, visit one of the “Cities of the Dead,” and learn about the city’s unusual above-ground burial system. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening, toast your southern journey with your Farewell Dinner at the iconic Court of Two Sisters restaurant. (Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Day 9 - DEPART NEW ORLEANS
A complimentary transfer is provided to New Orleans International Airport. (Full Breakfast)

Sightseeing Highlights
* Nashville Explore the city; visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; attend a live recording at the Grand Ole Opry.
* Lynchburg Join a whiskey expert and tour the Jack Daniel's Distillery, the oldest registered distillery in the USA and producer of the famous "Old No. 7" whiskey.
* Memphis Explore the "Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll.”
* Graceland Visit Elvis Presley's estate, collections and gravesite.
* Natchez Tour the city and visit a historical antebellum mansion.
* Frogmore Plantation Learn about past and present cotton production.
* Lafayette Drive through Cajun Country and tour the city.
* Vermilionville Explore this Creole heritage village with a local guide.
* Atchafalaya Basin Cruise these alligator-infested bayous.
* Oak Alley Visit this historic plantation and tour the beautiful mansion.
* New Orleans Stroll with a guide through the historic French Quarter and Garden District; visit an above-ground cemetery.

Dining Highlights
* Welcome Drink with your Tour Director in Nashville.
* 8 full breakfasts.
* 2 Local Highlight Dinners in Natchez and Lafayette.
* 'Be My Guest' Lunch at Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg.
* Farewell Dinner with wine in New Orleans.

First Class Travel Highlights
* First Class hotel accommodation includes two-bedded rooms with private facilities, all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes.
* Touring by luxury air-conditioned motorcoach with reclining seats and a restroom onboard.
* The services of one top professional Tour Directors.
* A qualified local guide in New Orleans.
* A stylish wallet, tour documents and Welcome on Tour book with map.
* Complimentary airport transfers are provided on Day 1 and Day 9.

PRICES
From approx $1,825 US per person double occupancy