If there’s music in your heart, then you’ve felt the pull of the great Southern cities of New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville. From rhythm and blues, to jazz, rock ‘n roll and country, these three cities and the miles of highway in between them have served as the birthplace and breeding ground of some of the greatest tunes ever written. This is a tour to tap your toes to, with plenty of live performances sprinkled throughout your days touring major musical milestones like Elvis’s Graceland, the Grand Ol’ Opry, and the crossroads in Mississippi where Robert Johnson traded his soul to the Devil in exchange for a talent never before seen in this world. History, heritage, and good ol’ Southern charm will accompany you on this dance through America’s greatest musical capitals.
Degree of Difficulty –
Arrive in New Orleans and transfer to your hotel. Meet your guide in the lobby this afternoon for your walking tour of the French Quarter, still markedly different from English settlements in the Northeast. This evening, dabble in the culinary tradition at your welcome dinner at Muriel’s Jackson Square. Start the next morning with a boat trip through the heart of Southern Louisiana’s swamplands, on a tour of the Lafitte Swamps. The Barataria swamps are considered the “Crown Jewel” of the Louisiana Purchase. The area offers some of the most spectacular scenery of all the Louisiana swamps and bottom lands, highlighted by the primitive beauty of the cypress trees rising from the water and the sweet smell of wild azaleas in the air. Spot turtle, nutria, heron, owl, egret, and alligator. View moss-draped cypress trees, fascinating plant life and the creatures who make their homes here. Enjoy a picnic lunch of local specialties, and in the evening, dinner followed by a jazz performance at one of the many famous music venues. DRURY INN & SUITES.
(Welcome D; B, Picnic L, D)
Your day begins with a walking tour of the Garden District followed by Mardi Gras World, where you can watch as floats are being built, don some of the festival’s finery and sample a piece of the iconic King Cake. Travel on to the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park to explore the origins, development, and progression of New Orleans Jazz. Educational activities come in the form of guided Ranger tours of sites significant to jazz history, live performances at the Old Mint and French Market, and musical lectures that demonstrate the various influences contributing to the development of jazz. This evening you are at liberty to explore the city’s languorous boulevards on your own. DRURY INN & SUITES.
(B,L)
Depart NOLA and visit the bucolic confines of the historic Oak Alley Plantation, located on the Mississippi River, where you’ll visit an antebellum estate called Bon Sejour. After lunch (on your own) at a nearby Inn, drive to Vicksburg, which is rich in history with Civil War sites, antebellum homes, multi-cultural diversity, traditional cuisine and music. THE COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT.
(B,D)
Visit the Vicksburg National Military Park, the site of a Civil War Battle that has become a monument. Discover four Mississippi Blues Trail markers commemorating Highway 61 South, the Red Tops, and famous blues musicians Willie Dixon and Marcus Bottom. Learn through words and images of blues men and women stories about their lives and history. You will be joined by a licensed battle guide, who will narrate your drive in the park. Stop by the junction of Highway 49 where legend has it that Robert Johnson, the godfather of the blues, sold his soul. Head to the Delta Blues Museum and have lunch at Abe’s Barbecue, before driving to Memphis, another city influenced by the blues, country music, and, of course, Rock and Roll. PEABODY HOTEL.
(B,L)
Your first morning in Memphis will feature a walking tour of the city, stopping by the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and the National Civil Rights Museum. Enjoy lunch at Central BBQ, one of the top BBQ joints in Memphis. In the afternoon, take a tour of the legendary Sun Records, the birth of Rock and Roll and the place where Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley began their successful careers. The rest of the day is free to explore the city on your own. Next day, you’re headed to Graceland, Elvis Presley’s mansion and museum. In the afternoon, visit the Memphis Zoo, home to more than 3,500 animals. Tonight, attend your second performance (blues or jazz) at one of the many famous music venues, perhaps at Beale Street. PEABODY HOTEL.
(B,L; B,D)
Hit the road to Nashville, known as Music City or the Athens of the South. En route, stop for a tour at Leipers Fork Distillery and taste some of their whiskey. Visit Franklin, a historic town known for its open mic nights, good all southern cooking, distilleries, trendy shops, and wide-open spaces. Enjoy lunch on your own and time to explore Franklin before completing your journey to Nashville, where you’ll visit Music Row for dinner and live music. Start the next morning with a visit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and RCA Studio B, Nashville’s oldest remaining recording studio. Take a guided tour and learn about the history of the studio, the artists, and the country music scene. Your music tour ends with your visit to the Ryman Auditorium, also known as Grand Ole Opry House, and Union Gospel Tabernacle. Tonight, meet up with the group for your farewell dinner. DRURY PLAZA HOTEL.
(B,D; B, Farewell Dinner)
Your tour has come to an end as you transfer to the Airport for your flight home, bringing with you the sights, the history and the songs of the South!
(B)
Bid the rest of the group returning home farewell and resume your tour with a drive to Louisville, home to famous distilleries, Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum, all of which you will experience during your stay. Explore Mammoth Caves National Park en route, and sip bourbon directly from their makers, from small batch artisans to Jim Beam. Head to the races with the Kentucky Derby Museum and a stop by Churchill Downs to feel the spirit of America’s most beloved equestrian event. Visit champions and competitors-to-be at the Kentucky Horse Park, a monument to the special relationship between man and horse. You’ll remember the end of this journey as a classic ride into the sunset.
Prices vary by season and package. Please inquire by phone at (800) 627-1244 or email info@classicescapes.com for more information and a pricing estimate.
Maximum group size: No restrictions, although we recommend a maximum of 28 travelers.
YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES:
- Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
- Transfers from Airport to the hotel in New Orleans and from hotel to Airport in Nashville on the main program, returning from the Louisville airport on the extension. (Please note one group transfer will be supplied each way. Anyone not arriving on group schedule, will require a personal transfer at additional cost.)
- All transfers and excursions by private vehicle.
- Services of driver/guides throughout the tour.
- American breakfast daily; other meals as indicated in itinerary.
- All applicable hotel and lodge taxes and gratuities.
- All attraction admission fees.
- Service projects as per itinerary.
- Complimentary baggage tags.
Having a subtropical climate, New Orleans is very pleasant during the Spring and Fall and very hot and humid during the summers. The winters are cool, but daily averages are generally in the low 60’s. Our program is offered year-round, but the ideal times to visit would be October through April. For our longer program that also visits Tennessee, it can be hot and muggy during the summers with short, wet, and cold winters. For both of our programs Summer is best avoided.
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