Country Roads of the Deep South - Classic Group
Country Roads of the Deep South - Classic Group
Country Roads of the Deep South - Classic Group
12 Days Starting in Nashville (TN) and ending in New Orleans
Visiting: Nashville, Memphis, Greenwood, Natchez, Lafayette, New Orleans
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ASTHAZM20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Fall in love with the Deep South during this 12-day guided tour. Let the lights and music of Nashville wash over you as you walk down Broadway. Take a guided tour of Studio B, Nashville's oldest remaining recording studio. Then head to the Country Music Hall of Fame which preserves, celebrates, and shares the important cultural asset that is country music. In Memphis, enjoy a private tour of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, a former record studio where Nashville greats recorded their music. Get the chance to explore the mansion which was the private retreat of the King of Rock 'n Roll on your own. Embrace Cajun Country and take a crawfish farm tour, where a Local Expert will help you catch your lunch. In New Orleans walk the city with a Local Expert, who will guide you through its vibrant art scene and unique architecture. Then end your trip with a bang and learn all about Mardi Gras, during an exclusive behind the scenes tour of Mardi Gras World, where the magic happens and the extravagant floats are built each year.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Nashville
Location: Nashville
Accommodation: The Banker's Alley Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Fraye, Nashville
Welcome to Nashville, the capital of Tennessee and the USA’s glittering centre stage. From the Everly Brothers' “Bye Bye Love," to Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman," the streets are paved with talent. Relax and unwind before meeting your Travel Director and mingling with guests at 18:00 followed by a Welcome Dinner with wine.
Day 2: Take Centre Stage In Nashville
Location: Nashville
Accommodation: The Banker's Alley Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Fraye, Nashville
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your day with an orientation tour of music city. You'll visit the picturesque Riverfront Park, Tennessee State Capitol and the 132-acre Centennial State Park, where you'll encounter an exact replica of the Parthenon. Pass by the city's lively honky-tonks and street performers on Broadway. Make your way to historic RCA Studio B, Nashville’s oldest remaining recording studio for a guided tour. Studio B became a cradle of the Nashville Sound in the late 1950s and early 1960s with over 35,000 songs being recorded here by iconic artists such as Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and even more recently, Martina McBride and Carrie Underwood. On this guided tour, you will hear the fascinating stories behind the legendary recordings and view some of the original instruments used in producing over 1,000 hit records. We then continue to another home to Nashville royalty, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for a self-guided tour. The museum helps to preserve, celebrate, and share the important cultural asset that is country music. Along with changing exhibitions, you'll discover the enlightening "Sing Me Back Home: Folk Roots to the Present." Which tells the story of country music from its pre-commercial roots in the 19th century through its life today. See original artifacts, photographs and recordings. Tonight, head to the famous Grand Ole Opry, the world-renowned country music stage and longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history for even more Country fun.
Day 3: Choose Your Nashville Exploration
Location: Nashville
Accommodation: The Banker's Alley Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Fraye, Nashville
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we make a stop at the Nashville Farmer’s Market to explore its artisanal crafts and produce. You decide how to discover Nashville this afternoon with Insight Choice. Choose to visit Nelson’s Green Brier, a local Tennessee distillery and home of the Original Tennessee Whiskey for a guided tour of the distillery and tasting of the product. Or join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to The National Museum of African American Music, the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced and inspired by African Americans. This is for music lovers of all generations, inspiring, educating and transforming your appreciation of American music - all while celebrating the central role African Americans play in creating the American soundtrack.
Day 4: Heading Back Home To Memphis
Location: Nashville, Memphis
Accommodation: The Guest House at Graceland, Memphis.
Accommodation Name: The Guest House at Graceland, Memphis.
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you'll head to Memphis. Whether it’s your first or hundredth time visiting this vibrant city, you’ll be drawn in by the lively melodies coming from Beale Street. Spend the morning on a sightseeing tour of the city, followed by your first of two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences today. The first is a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum for a guided tour through centuries of the Civil Rights Movement and its impact on our culture today. The second is your private evening at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The museum is part of The Soulsville Foundation, which aims to prepare young adults for life success and inspire future artists.
Day 5: A Day Dedicated To The King
Location: Memphis
Accommodation: The Guest House at Graceland, Memphis.
Accommodation Name: The Guest House at Graceland, Memphis.
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning it's off to Graceland, where you will get to explore the mansion, the private retreat of the King of Rock 'n Roll, where he went for reprise when not on the stage or in the movies. The tour of Graceland Mansion includes the living room and the famous Jungle Room. Then visit the Entertainer Career Museum with hundreds of artifacts and photos from significant events in Elvis’ life as well as the Presley Motors Automobile Museum. Then we continue onto Sun Studios for an authentic guided tour led by a local musician. Learn all about the recording studio where Elvis got his start along with so many of the greatest and therefore known as "The Birthplace of Rock'n'roll." Dinner this evening will be served at The Beauty Shop, a former parlour turned whimsical New American eatery where Elvis’ ex-wife, Priscilla, was said to get her hair done.
Day 6: Memphis To Greenwood
Location: Memphis, Greenwood
Accommodation: The Alluvian, Greenwood.
Accommodation Name: The Alluvian, Greenwood.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel through the Mississippi Delta down the Mississippi Blues Trail, a route that tells the stories of local businessmen and women. Your Travel Director will give you background information on Greenwood’s significance in the Civil Rights Movement, being a centre for protests and voter registration struggles from 1962 to 1965. Head to the Viking Cooking School for a hot tamales cooking class. Later, enjoy a delicious three course meal with wine before returning to the hotel.
Day 7: Moving On To Natchez
Location: Greenwood, Natchez
Accommodation: Natchez Grand Hotel, Natchez
Accommodation Name: Monmouth Historic Inn and Gardens, Natchez
Meals Included: Breakfast
Learn more about Southern history and hospitality as you head to Natchez. Tour a historic Antebellum mansion and discover the preservation efforts of later generations to tell the story of African-Americans through the decades, understanding that slavery and cotton allowed plantation owners to build these mansions. Test your mixologist skills as you concoct a traditional Southern cocktail, the Mint Julep. Minty, cooling and with a touch of sweetness, you're sure to learn a few party tricks to bring back home with you. Arrive at your hotel where you will enjoy an evening to yourself. Ask your Travel Director for restaurant suggestions and discover one of the wonderful options in town.
Day 8: Natchez To Lafayette
Location: Natchez, Lafayette
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette.
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Move on to Lafayette for a taste of the Cajun and Creole Countryside.  Get ready for a boat tour of a lifetime through moss-draped cypress trees, where graceful egrets perch just out of the reach of lingering alligators. Explore the diverse natural beauty and rich ecological systems of America's largest and most mysterious swamp ecosystem, the Atchafalaya Basin Swamp. A Native Cajun tour guide will explain from personal experience what it is like to live on a houseboat or survive off the swamp, while pointing out the abundant plants of the area and getting you up close and personal with the wildlife.
Day 9: Lafayette For Food Lovers Relaxed Start
Location: Lafayette
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette.
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, start the day with a visit to the Acadian Cultural Centre to learn more about the people, music, and sounds that give Lafayette its distinct and charming character. This evening you will join a Local Expert for a tour of their crawfish pond. If you visit during Crawfish season, catch your dinner the old-fashioned way, using hand nets, then enjoy a cooking demonstration before your authentic Cajun meal.
Day 10: Welcome To The Big Easy
Location: Lafayette, New Orleans
Accommodation: New Orleans Marriott, New Orleans
Accommodation Name: New Orleans Marriott, New Orleans
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
New Orleans is a lively and dynamic city, known for its vibrant culture and electric jazz festivals. On the way down south, take a spicy stop at the Tabasco® Factory for a self-guided tour and discover how the world-famous red hot pepper sauce is made. A family recipe - TABASCO® Brand products are made by McIlhenny Company, founded by Edmund McIlhenny in 1868 on Avery Island, Louisiana. This afternoon, enjoy a regional meal highlighting the flavours of New Orleans. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 11: Festivities In New Orleans Relaxed Start
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation: New Orleans Marriott, New Orleans
Accommodation Name: New Orleans Marriott, New Orleans
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get to know the city with a Local Expert, as you discover each neighborhood's unique architecture and explore the vibrant art scene. See how the community comes together through celebration. Enjoy an exclusive behind the scenes tour of Mardi Gras World, where the magic happens and the extravagant, vibrant floats are built each year. One of the Mardi Gras World certified artists will lead you through designing your very own Mardi Gras mask and creating your masterpiece, premium felt backed mask with glitter, feathers and more to take back as an eclectic memento of your time in The Big Easy. Show off the piece of art you just made by enjoying a masquerade themed dinner on the Mardi Gras Plaza, which boasts a stunning view of the Mississippi River.
Day 12: Depart New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as your adventure comes to an end. Departure to the airport will be at leisure.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, and 4 dinners with wine.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are provided at various locations including the National Museum of African American Music, National Civil Rights Museum, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Graceland, Sun Studio, and more.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Hotel Fraye in Nashville, The Guest House at Graceland in Memphis, The Alluvian in Greenwood, Monmouth Historic Inn and Gardens in Natchez, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Lafayette, and New Orleans Marriott in New Orleans.
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Transportation
Travel in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Travel Director
A highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
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Porterage
Porterage is included, with bags being carried and promptly delivered to your hotel door.
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Tips and Taxes
Hotel and restaurant tips are included, as well as all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
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Wi-Fi
Stay connected with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Enhanced Hygiene Protocols
Enhanced hygiene protocols are in place, including sanitization of coaches and availability of hand sanitizer.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style on Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and maintained to very high standards.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Hotel Fraye in Nashville, The Guest House at Graceland in Memphis, The Alluvian in Greenwood, Monmouth Historic Inn and Gardens in Natchez, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Lafayette, and New Orleans Marriott in New Orleans.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Additional Included Highlights
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
Insight Experiences
- New Orleans: Enjoy an exclusive behind the scenes tour of Mardi Gras World, where the magic happens and the extravagant, vibrant floats are built each year. One of the Mardi Gras World certified artists will lead you through designing your very own Mardi Gras mask and creating your masterpiece, premium felt backed mask with glitter, feathers and more to take back as an eclectic memento of your time in The Big Easy.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
- We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of unique experiences can I expect in Nashville?
In Nashville, you can expect a variety of unique experiences including a guided tour of the historic RCA Studio B, a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry. You also have the option to visit Nelson's Green Brier distillery or the National Museum of African American Music.
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What activities are included in Memphis?
In Memphis, you will visit the National Civil Rights Museum for a guided tour, explore Graceland Mansion, and take a guided tour of Sun Studios. Additionally, you will have a private evening at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and dine at The Beauty Shop, a former beauty parlour turned eatery.
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What culinary experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several culinary experiences such as a hot tamales cooking class at the Viking Cooking School in Greenwood, a visit to the New Orleans School of Cooking for a demonstration and tasting of Creole and Cajun dishes, and a traditional Southern cocktail-making session in Natchez. You will also enjoy an authentic Cajun meal in Lafayette.
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What kind of cultural and historical sites will I visit?
You will visit several cultural and historical sites including the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, an Antebellum mansion in Natchez, and the Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette. In New Orleans, you will explore the Garden District, Uptown, Treme, and the French Quarter.
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What kind of natural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a boat tour through the Atchafalaya Basin Swamp in Lafayette, where you will explore the diverse natural beauty and rich ecological systems of America's largest swamp ecosystem. You will also have a guided tour of a crawfish pond in Lafayette.
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What special activities are planned in New Orleans?
In New Orleans, you will have an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Mardi Gras World, where you will design your own Mardi Gras mask. You will also visit the Tabasco Factory for a guided tour and enjoy a regional meal highlighting the flavors of New Orleans.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in a variety of accommodations including Hotel Fraye in Nashville, The Guest House at Graceland in Memphis, The Alluvian in Greenwood, Monmouth Historic Inn and Gardens in Natchez, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Lafayette, and New Orleans Marriott in New Orleans.
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Are there any special dining experiences included?
Yes, special dining experiences include a Welcome Dinner with wine in Nashville, dinner at The Beauty Shop in Memphis, a mouthwatering dinner at Fan and Johnny's in Greenwood, and a Celebration Dinner in New Orleans.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to very high standards, with physical distancing measures implemented.
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What measures are in place for health and safety during the tour?
Enhanced hygiene protocols are in place to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols. Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for use throughout the day.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD 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 insight vacations 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.
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Terms and Conditions