Tastes and Sounds of the South

Tastes and Sounds of the South

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10 Days From

$3587

$3228

Tastes and Sounds of the South

10 Days Starting in Nashville, USA and ending in New Orleans, USA

Visiting: Nashville, Memphis, Natchez, New Orleans

Tour operator:

Trafalgar

Tour code:

DTSSZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $3587 $3228 Operator discount: -$359

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of the American South with the "Tastes and Sounds of the South" tour. This cultural adventure begins in Nashville, where you'll dive into the rich musical heritage at RCA Studio B and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Experience the legendary Grand Ole Opry and enjoy a private performance of Johnny Cash tunes. In Memphis, explore the birthplace of blues and rock 'n' roll, visit Graceland, and delve into civil rights history at the National Civil Rights Museum. Continue to Natchez for a taste of Southern hospitality and a visit to a working cotton plantation. Conclude your journey in vibrant New Orleans, where you'll savor Creole flavors and explore the city's unique cultural tapestry. With luxury accommodations and expert guidance, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of the South's iconic music, history, and cuisine.

Highlights

  • Explore RCA Studio B and Sun Studios on a guided tour led by a local musician in Memphis.

  • Visit the Grand Ole Opry, The Johnny Cash Museum, Graceland, Rock N Soul Museum, and Country Music Hall of Fame.

  • Experience the famous Nashville Sound at RCA's Studio B, learning about legends like Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison.

  • Discover the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, built around the former Lorraine Motel.

  • Join a host in Natchez for an evening of true southern hospitality and explore two beautiful homes.

  • Tour Frogmore Plantation to learn about Natchez planters and slavery in the South.

  • Enjoy a private cooking demonstration of Creole flavors at the New Orleans School of Cooking.

Itinerary

Expand All

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: 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

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: 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

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

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

    An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.

  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

    Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, is included.

  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities

    All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.

  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

    All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.

  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

    Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included.

  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

    Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included.

  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

    Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are included.

  • All transport and transfers shown

    All transport and transfers shown in the itinerary are included.

  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi

    Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) is included.

  • Optional Experiences and free time

    Optional experiences and free time are included.

show more

What's Not Included

Airport transfers are not included.

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

  • What unique musical experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a guided tour of RCA Studio B and Sun Studios led by a local musician, a private performance of original Johnny Cash tunes with one of Johnny's family members, and a live show at the iconic Grand Ole Opry.

  • How does the tour incorporate cultural and historical learning?

    The tour includes visits to significant cultural and historical sites such as the National Civil Rights Museum, the Johnny Cash Museum, and Frogmore Plantation. It also offers insights into the life and music of Johnny Cash and the history of the Nashville Sound.

  • What culinary experiences can participants expect during the tour?

    Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to make iconic dishes at the New Orleans School of Cooking and enjoy a Be My Guest experience with Southern hospitality in Natchez, including a meal at a historic private home.

  • What is the significance of the visit to the National Civil Rights Museum?

    The National Civil Rights Museum is built around the former Lorraine Motel, the site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. It is devoted to the American Civil Rights Movement and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.

  • What is the 'Be My Guest' experience in Natchez?

    In Natchez, the 'Be My Guest' experience involves an evening of Southern hospitality where participants can explore two beautiful Natchez homes and enjoy a meal with hosts who share their stories and local culture.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1947

  • 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.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Renato Arrieta  

Best tour I joined so far

14-Jan-2023

My first time with Trafalgar and I see no reason why I should not join them again.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
King Ng, Lafayette, California  

Very well planned trip with timely breaks during the coach ride..

08-Nov-2021

It was a well organized tour group and we hit lots of interesting and beautiful scenes. Like our previous trips with Trafalgar, tourists were treated with well manner and professional tour guide/director, making our trip very enjoyable and delightful!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Egypt

14-Jan-2023

We really did see the best of Egypt and beyond. Our tour guide, Mohammad, guided us through the rich history and the urban and rural life of such a unique and delightful country. We felt very safe and pampered.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Marshal Daguio  

Wonderful Best Of Turkey

06-Nov-2021

It was my first time with Trafalgar Tour and I had a wonderful trip from day 1 till the last day. The Tour Director, Yocel Atik is very knowledgeable and Excellent. The health director and coach driver are helpful and supportive as well. The hotels selected were comfortable especially Rixos Hotel and Movenpick Hotel. The Best of Turkey is better than I expected.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Barbara, Canada  

Irish Experience

09-Nov-2021

I am single and travel alone. I always feel secure and well-looked after when I travel with Trafalgar

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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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