Tastes and Sounds of the South
Tastes and Sounds of the South
Tour Overview
Join us for a little jazz, home cookin' from local Southerners, country music and a whole lot of Rock 'n' Roll on this inspiring American South tour showcasing the rich culture of Memphis, Nashville, Natchez and New Orleans, plus a trip to Elvis’s iconic Graceland.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Howdy Nashville
Location: Nashville
Accommodation: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Accommodation Name: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Meals Included: Dinner
The beating heart of America's Music City will chart your pace as you prepare to embark on a leisurely pilgrimage to discover the tastes and sounds of the South. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Hear The Rhythm Of Nashville Dive Into Culture
Location: Nashville
Accommodation Name: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
The famous Nashville Sound comes alive this morning as RCA Studio B reveals the legends of Elvis Presley, Jim Reeves and Roy Orbison. Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the life and music of Johnny Cash during a private performance of original Cash tunes with one of Johnny's family members. Our acoustic journey continues with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to see Elvis' Solid Gold Cadillac limousine and Jim Reeves' tuxedo jacket. This evening, enjoy a live show at the iconic Grand Ole Opry.
Day 3: Discover The History Of The Nashville Sound
Location: Nashville
Accommodation Name: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue your discovery of Nashville by exploring the Johnny Cash Museum. With the remainder of the day at your leisure choose to visit the Ryman Auditorium, where Johnny & June first met, a hop-on-hop-off trolley, or a memorable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® visit to the National Museum of African American Music - celebrating the music genres created, inspired and influenced by African Americans. Or perhaps you'll enjoy the opportunity to amble through Broadway's honky-tonk scene or enjoy the gut-busting flavors of homemade chicken or biscuits.
Day 4: Sway To The Blues Of Memphis Make Travel Matter
Location: Nashville, Memphis
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Head to Memphis' famous Beale Street, the birthplace of Blues, Soul, and Rock 'n' Roll, for a tour where we'll meet a musician and Local Specialist to learn about the musical heritage of Memphis. Continue your Memphis sightseeing with a visit to the Lorraine Motel where civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically assassinated and one of the most significant locations of the Civil Rights Movement. Then MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® as you explore one of the most significant sites in town and one of the premier heritage and cultural museums, the National Civil Rights Museum. “Walk through history” in interactive exhibits that show how the heroes and lessons from the civil rights movement continue to impact equality all over the world. Enjoy a Regional Dinner of Southern cuisine this evening, capping off your tour of Memphis, past and present.
Day 5: Visit The Home Of The King
Location: Memphis, Graceland, Memphis
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Worship at the altar of the King, Elvis Presley, and head to Graceland, paying tribute to the man who changed the face of American popular music and culture. Then, pay a visit to Sun Studios, which sought to immortalize the raw energy of Beale Street, recording the first Rock 'n' Roll single in 1951. This evening is free.
Day 6: Taste Southern Charm In Natchez Connect With Locals
Location: Memphis, Natchez
Accommodation: Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel
Accommodation Name: Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Kick off the day’s sightseeing with a musical morning at the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum exploring the blues, country, and gospel of the rural South before leaving for Natchez, Mississippi. You’ll arrive in Natchez on the banks of the Mississippi, surrounded by the antebellum homes. The best way to experience Natchez is with a taste of Southern hospitality and you’ll experience all this and more at tonight’s memorable Be My Guest experience at one of the region’s beautiful historic, private homes for a meal. Connect With Locals as hosts who have lived in the area for generations open their doors and share their stories as you enjoy dinner and backyard cocktails like Planter’s Punch paired with elevated Southern fare.
Day 7: Explore The South's Story
Location: Natchez, New Orleans
Accommodation: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sheraton New Orleans
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today your travels take you deeper into an important part of Southern history. On this morning’s visit to a working cotton plantation, Frogmore Plantation and Gins, learn about Natchez planters and slavery in the South. Tour the property boasting 19 restored antebellum structures and equipment dating from the early 1800's including a Smithsonian quality steam gin listed on the National Register. You’ll learn how cotton was made and most importantly gain a better understanding of slavery in the South. Your tour brings you back into the present with a stop at its currently operating 900 bales-per-day cotton gin.
Day 8: Venture Into New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sheraton New Orleans
Meals Included: Breakfast
Let the good times roll in New Orleans today, tracing the cosmopolitan history of one of America's oldest cities with a Local Specialist, stopping at City Park and one of the ornate above-ground cemeteries. Spend the afternoon soaking up the laid-back vibes of The Big Easy. The afternoon is yours to explore on your own.
Day 9: Entice Your Senses In New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sheraton New Orleans
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is yours to explore the French, Spanish and Creole sights and sounds of New Orleans. Why not join an optional experience at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park exploring the scenic swamp and bayou, or take a stroll down Magazine Street for plenty of regional food and shopping. This evening, join your Travel Director and new friends for a memorable dinner including a private cooking demonstration hosted by a local chef showcasing Creole flavors at the New Orleans School of Cooking.
Day 10: Until Next Time New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Meals Included: Breakfast
For now, it's ‘Au Revoir' New Orleans, but not ‘Adieu'. Make your own way to New Orleans International Airport or extend your stay in New Orleans.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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All transport and transfers shown
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Optional Experiences and free time
What's Not Included
Airport transfers are not included
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
Dive Into Culture
- Nashville: You'll gain insights into the life and music of Johnny Cash during a private performance of original Johnny Cash songs with one of Johnny's family members. This is a unique opportunity to not only hear a family member play his music but to also have a private experience with them one on one to ask questions and connect.
- Natchez: Discover how they preserve their Mississippi Delta cotton plantation heritage with costumed guides at the Frogmore Plantation.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar 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 trafalgar 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