Southern Charms & Florida
Southern Charms & Florida
Southern Charms & Florida
13 Days Starting in NEW ORLEANS and ending in ORLANDO
Visiting: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Natchez, Memphis, Graceland, Nashville, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Macon, Savannah, St. Augustine, Orlando
Tour operator:
Tour code:
8290-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
0-0
Special diets catered:
Please Advise Request
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the South on this wondrous vacation through the heart of Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. This southern U.S. tour starts with three nights in New Orleans and ends with one night in Orlando. In between, you’ll stay two nights in Memphis, Nashville, and Savannah, and one night each in Natchez and Atlanta. You’ll also spend time in Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s capital; Chattanooga, home of the Chattanooga Choo Choo; and St. Augustine, the oldest European-founded city in the United States. Music fans will be delighted by the included visits to Graceland, the lavish home of Elvis Presley; Studio B, Nashville’s oldest surviving recording studio; and the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, where you’ll have reserved seating for an unforgettable show. History buffs will enjoy visiting not only St. Augustine, but also the old-world city of New Orleans, with its historic streetcars and French Quarter, and the LSU Rural Life Museum & Windrush Gardens in Baton Rouge to see what life was like for the laboring classes and different cultural groups in Louisiana during the 18th & 19th centuries. In Atlanta, you’ll stop at the grave and eternal flame dedicated to preserving the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. And in Savannah, you’ll have time to explore the many attractions of this historic seaport, including its 22 charming, iconic Squares. You’ll also enjoy seeing the countryside between cities as you drive through the heart of Cajun Country from New Orleans to Baton Rouge and through rural Mississippi from Natchez to Memphis. From southern cities to southern charm - this tour of the South has it all!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation Name: Sheraton New Orleans
Welcome to New Orleans! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
NEW ORLEANS Welcome to New Orleans! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 2: New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation Name: Sheraton New Orleans
The morning is dedicated to the sights and sounds of this Old-World city with a guided tour. First, visit the French Quarter, including St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. Next, learn about the city’s unique burial customs at an above-ground cemetery, followed by a leisurely drive down historic St. Charles Avenue to enjoy its stately mansions and clanging streetcars. A lavish optional brunch features many of New Orleans’ culinary classics as well as live music. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
NEW ORLEANS The morning is dedicated to the sights and sounds of this Old-World city with a guided tour. First, visit the French Quarter, including St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. Next, learn about the city’s unique burial customs at an above-ground cemetery, followed by a leisurely drive down historic St. Charles Avenue to enjoy its stately mansions and clanging streetcars. A lavish optional brunch features many of New Orleans’ culinary classics as well as live music. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 3: New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation Name: Sheraton New Orleans
A day to explore at your own pace. Stroll through the centuries-old French Quarter or take a carriage ride while listening to tales of voodoo queens and pirates. History enthusiasts may venture out to a plantation to catch a glimpse of life the way it used to be in the Old South. Tonight, you might like to experience the city’s beautiful skyline on an optional jazz dinner cruise from the heart of the French Quarter.
NEW ORLEANS A day to explore at your own pace. Stroll through the centuries-old French Quarter or take a carriage ride while listening to tales of voodoo queens and pirates. History enthusiasts may venture out to a plantation to catch a glimpse of life the way it used to be in the Old South. Tonight, you might like to experience the city’s beautiful skyline on an optional jazz dinner cruise from the heart of the French Quarter.
Day 4: New Orleans,Baton Rouge,Natchez
Location: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Natchez
Accommodation Name: Hampton Inn And Suites Natchez
Drive through the heart of Cajun Country to Baton Rouge. Visit LSU Rural Life Museum & Windrush Gardens that includes 32 historic outbuildings where you can see how life was for the laboring classes in the 18th and 19th centuries. Then go on an orientation tour of the city that features the art deco State Capitol, the tallest in the country. Next, on to Natchez, a thriving port in the golden years of the cotton trade. This evening, perhaps join our optional Dinner and Historic Antebellum Home Tour.
NEW ORLEANS–BATON ROUGE–NATCHEZ Drive through the heart of Cajun Country to Baton Rouge. Visit LSU Rural Life Museum & Windrush Gardens that includes 32 historic outbuildings where you can see how life was for the laboring classes in the 18th and 19th centuries. Then go on an orientation tour of the city that features the art deco State Capitol, the tallest in the country. Next, on to Natchez, a thriving port in the golden years of the cotton trade. This evening, perhaps join our optional Dinner and Historic Antebellum Home Tour.
Day 5: Natchez,Memphis
Location: Natchez, Memphis
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive through rural Mississippi to Memphis. On arrival, acquaint yourself with the town during an included orientation tour. Don’t miss the optional excursion to the Birthplace of Rock and Roll, Sun Studio, followed by dinner and a drink on Beale St. where you’ll explore more of the melting pot that is Delta blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, R & B, and gospel.
NATCHEZ–MEMPHIS Drive through rural Mississippi to Memphis. On arrival, acquaint yourself with the town during an included orientation tour. Don’t miss the optional excursion to the Birthplace of Rock and Roll, Sun Studio, followed by dinner and a drink on Beale St. where you’ll explore more of the melting pot that is Delta blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, R & B, and gospel. (B)
Day 6: Memphis,Visit To Graceland
Location: Memphis, Graceland
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis
A trip to Memphis would not be complete without visiting Graceland, the palatial home of “The King,” Elvis Presley. Our guided audio tour focuses on the memorial garden and the opulent 15,000-square-foot mansion. Afterward, if you haven’t done so already, get a taste of Memphis with some authentic southern barbecue, visit the National Civil Rights Museum, or experience the world-famous Duck March at the elegant Peabody Hotel.
MEMPHIS–VISIT TO GRACELAND A trip to Memphis would not be complete without visiting Graceland, the palatial home of “The King,” Elvis Presley. Our guided audio tour focuses on the memorial garden and the opulent 15,000-square-foot mansion. Afterward, if you haven’t done so already, get a taste of Memphis with some authentic southern barbecue, visit the National Civil Rights Museum, or experience the world-famous Duck March at the elegant Peabody Hotel.
Day 7: Memphis,Nashville
Location: Memphis, Nashville
Accommodation Name: The Inn At Opryland, Gaylord Hotel
This morning, leave the “Home of the Blues” as you head for Nashville, the “Capital of Country Music.” Afternoon arrival in Nashville. This evening, you have reserved seating for an unforgettable show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, a mecca for country musicians since 1925.
MEMPHIS–NASHVILLE This morning, leave the “Home of the Blues” as you head for Nashville, the “Capital of Country Music.” Afternoon arrival in Nashville. This evening, you have reserved seating for an unforgettable show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, a mecca for country musicians since 1925.
Day 8: Nashville
Location: Nashville
Accommodation Name: The Inn At Opryland, Gaylord Hotel
Its association with country music has made the name “Nashville” world famous, but it’s not just music fans who will find this bustling Southern city a delight. Start your day with a visit to RCA Studio B, one of the country’s most revered, and Nashville’s oldest surviving recording studio. Afterward, sightseeing includes the recording studios of Music Row, a life-size reproduction of the Parthenon, the State Capitol, and Bicentennial State Park. The remainder of the day is free. Perhaps take an optional excursion to the Country Music Hall of Fame with its glittering costumes, rare instruments, and Elvis Presley’s “solid gold” Cadillac.
NASHVILLE Its association with country music has made the name “Nashville” world famous, but it’s not just music fans who will find this bustling Southern city a delight. Start your day with a visit to RCA Studio B, one of the country’s most revered, and Nashville’s oldest surviving recording studio. Afterward, sightseeing includes the recording studios of Music Row, a life-size reproduction of the Parthenon, the State Capitol, and Bicentennial State Park. The remainder of the day is free. Perhaps take an optional excursion to the Country Music Hall of Fame with its glittering costumes, rare instruments, and Elvis Presley’s “solid gold” Cadillac.
Day 9: Nashville,Chattanooga,Atlanta
Location: Chattanooga, Atlanta
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown
First stop today is Chattanooga, home of the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Then, enter the “Peach State” of Georgia and journey to its fast-growing metropolis, Atlanta, home of 1996 summer Olympics. An orientation tour, followed by a visit to the National Park Visitor Center that honors civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
NASHVILLE–CHATTANOOGA–ATLANTA First stop today is Chattanooga, home of the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Then, enter the “Peach State” of Georgia and journey to its fast-growing metropolis, Atlanta, home of 1996 summer Olympics. An orientation tour, followed by a visit to the National Park Visitor Center that honors civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
Day 10: Atlanta,Savannah
Location: Atlanta, Macon, Savannah
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Savannah Historic District
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head south through rich, rolling farmland to the historic seaport of Savannah for a 2-night stay. En route, make a lunch stop in Macon, “Where Soul Lives”, and home of music greats Little Richard and Otis Redding. Arrive in Savannah and begin soaking up its sultry charms. Stroll the historic squares shaded by huge live oak trees and surrounded by charming churches and elegant homes.
ATLANTA–SAVANNAH Head south through rich, rolling farmland to the historic seaport of Savannah for a 2-night stay. En route, make a lunch stop in Macon, “Where Soul Lives”, and home of music greats Little Richard and Otis Redding. Arrive in Savannah and begin soaking up its sultry charms. Stroll the historic squares shaded by huge live oak trees and surrounded by charming churches and elegant homes. (B)
Day 11: Savannah
Location: Savannah
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Savannah Historic District
A day at leisure. Perhaps explore the city on the optional Hop on/Hop off Trolley and see attractions like City Market, Forsyth Park, and the Mercer House, or spend time shopping on cobblestoned River Street. Don’t miss the chance to sample some Low Country cuisine at one of the many restaurants.
SAVANNAH A day at leisure. Perhaps explore the city on the optional Hop on/Hop off Trolley and see attractions like City Market, Forsyth Park, and the Mercer House, or spend time shopping on cobblestoned River Street. Don’t miss the chance to sample some Low Country cuisine at one of the many restaurants.
Day 12: Savannah,St. Augustine,Orlando
Location: Savannah, St. Augustine, Orlando
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Garden Orlando - Universal/I-Drive
Travel into the “Sunshine State” of Florida, stopping first at St. Augustine, the oldest European founded city in the United States. You will see the Government House and the Spanish fortress, Castillo de San Marcos, on your orientation tour. Then, drive to magical Orlando.
SAVANNAH–ST. AUGUSTINE–ORLANDO Travel into the “Sunshine State” of Florida, stopping first at St. Augustine, the oldest European founded city in the United States. You will see the Government House and the Spanish fortress, Castillo de San Marcos, on your orientation tour. Then, drive to magical Orlando.
Day 13: Orlando
Location: Orlando
Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the “Sunshine State” further.
ORLANDO Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the “Sunshine State” further.
What's Included
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Accommodations
Stay in comfort at selected hotels: Natchez: Hampton Inn and Suites Natchez, Memphis: Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis, Nashville: The Inn at Opryland, Gaylord Hotel, Atlanta: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown, Savannah: Best Western - Savannah, Orlando: Wyndham Garden Orlando - Universal/I-Drive.
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Guided Tours
Explore vibrant cities and historical sites with guided tours in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Savannah, St. Augustine, and Orlando.
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Special Experiences
Enjoy unique experiences including a show at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, a visit to Graceland in Memphis, and a tour of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Park Visitor Center in Atlanta.
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Meals Included
2 Breakfasts provided during the tour.
What's Not Included
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Meals Not Listed
Meals not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions, including most lunches and dinners, are not covered.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions and personal spending are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included in the tour package.
Meals
6 Breakfasts
Accommodation
New Orleans:Fairfield Inn by Marriott New Orleans Downtown/French QuarterNatchez:Holiday Inn Express & Suites NatchezMemphis:Doubletree Hotel Memphis DowntownNashville:The Inn at Opryland, Gaylord HotelAtlanta:Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta DowntownSavannah:Best Western - SavannahOrlando:Wyndham Garden Orlando - Universal/I-Drive
Check out our Q&As
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What cities will the tour visit?
The tour will visit New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Natchez, Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Savannah, St. Augustine, and Orlando.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, 2 breakfasts are provided during the tour.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Highlights include exploring New Orleans, visiting Graceland in Memphis, enjoying a show at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, touring Chattanooga and Atlanta, strolling through Savannah, and stopping at St. Augustine before heading to Orlando.
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What type of accommodations can be expected?
Accommodations include the Hampton Inn and Suites in Natchez, Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis, The Inn at Opryland, Gaylord Hotel in Nashville, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown, Best Western in Savannah, and Wyndham Garden Orlando - Universal/I-Drive.
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Are there any guided tours included?
Yes, there are guided tours in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Savannah, St. Augustine, and Orlando.
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What is not included in the tour package?
Meals not listed, optional excursions, personal spending, travel insurance, and airport transfers are not included.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Apr 16, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025Wednesday - Monday
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Oct 22, 2025 - Nov 03, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.