Southern Explorer
Southern Explorer
Southern Explorer
14 Days Starting in New York, USA and ending in Miami, USA
Visiting: New York, Washington, Roanoke, Gatlinburg, Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans, Pensacola, Orlando, Miami
Tour operator:
Tour code:
USE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 30
Age range:
18-70
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Beach Tours, Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Music
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the Southern Explorer, a captivating 14-day journey through the eastern USA, starting in the bustling streets of New York and concluding on the sun-drenched beaches of Miami. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and leisure, with visits to iconic landmarks in Washington D.C., the charming town of Gatlinburg, and the vibrant music scenes of Nashville and Memphis. Experience the unique allure of New Orleans with an optional Mississippi Riverboat cruise, and explore the wonders of Orlando, including a visit to the Kennedy Space Center. Enjoy comfortable stays in centrally located 3 and 4-star hotels, with complimentary Wi-Fi and the guidance of experienced tour leaders. With organized orientation walks and optional activities, this tour provides a seamless and enriching travel experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the diverse cultural tapestry of the USA.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: New York
Location: New York
Accommodation Name: Martinique NY on Broadway - 4 Star
Welcome to New York City! Meet your group and tour leader in the evening for an informal welcome at the hotel.
Until then, feel free to roam the famed streets of New York like a local or rest up for our great adventure ahead! AccommodationMartinique NY on Broadway - 4 Star
Day 2: New York – Philadelphia – Washington D.C.
Location: New York
Accommodation Name: Washington Hilton - 4 Star (or similar)
We depart New York for Philadelphia, where we spend the morning exploring the gorgeous historic district of the “City of Brotherly Love” and the birthplace of a nation.
See landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, and stroll through Independence National Historic Park and Mall.
Then continue to the nation's iconic capital, Washington, D.
C.
AccommodationWashington Hilton - 4 Star (or similar) Included ActivitiesSightseeing of Independence HallSightseeing of Liberty Bell
Day 3: Washington D.C.
Location: Washington
Accommodation Name: Washington Hilton - 4 Star (or similar)
Ready to explore the capital inside out? Tag along your expert guide to learn all about the marvellous sights such as the U.
S.
Capitol Building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the White House and Arlington National Cemetery, site of the JFK Memorial.
Enjoy your personal leisure time in the afternoon, perhaps visit some of the many museums including the famous Smithsonian Institute or simply stroll the banks of the Potomac River.
AccommodationWashington Hilton - 4 Star (or similar) Included ActivitiesSightseeing of Washington D.
C.
Day 4: Washington, D.C. - Williamsburg - Roanoke
Location: Washington
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Tanglewood - 3 Star (or similar)
Our journey continues to Willamsburg, Virginia's colonial capital.
Visit the the Duke of Gloucester Street and discover the city's impressive public buildings, authentic colonial houses and the college of William and Mary.
Then we ride inland towards Roanoke, where we spend the night.
AccommodationHoliday Inn Tanglewood - 3 Star (or similar) Included ActivitiesSightseeing of Williamsburg
Day 5: Roanoke - Blue Ridge Mountains - Great Smoky Mountains - Gatlinburg
Location: Roanoke
Accommodation Name: Edgewater Hotel & Conference Center - 3 Star (or similar)
Watch the charming landscape as we drive along the Blue Ridge Mountains, setting up the scene for the fascinating Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
In the afternoon, we arrive in Gatlinburg with abundant evening time to spend at your leisure.
Explore the unique resturants and cafes on the high street before a refreshing rest at the hotel.
AccommodationEdgewater Hotel & Conference Center - 3 Star (or similar) Included ActivitiesPanoramic Sightseeing of Great Smoky Mountains
Day 6: Gatlinburg - Nashville
Location: Gatlinburg
Accommodation Name: The Inn at Opryland, A Gaylord Hotel - 3 Star (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, our adventure takes us through Knoxville, the third largest city of Tennessee, to Music City USA, Nashville! Arriving early in the afternoon, absorb the buzing music scene and the modern skyline of the city at your own tempo.
AccommodationThe Inn at Opryland, A Gaylord Hotel - 3 Star (or similar) Meals IncludedBreakfast
Day 7: Nashville - Memphis
Location: Nashville
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown - 3 Star (or similar)
Without skipping a beat, we travel on to Memphis! The city is acclaimed for blues music and home to the legendary Sun Records, where immortal artists as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded albums.
Take a tour of the city with your guide to explore Beale Street, the ever-beating heart of blues.
In the afternoon, you can join an optional tour to Graceland, the former home of the one and only Elvis Presley.
AccommodationCrowne Plaza Memphis Downtown - 3 Star (or similar) Included ActivitiesMemphis City Tour Optional ActivitiesGraceland Tour
Day 8: Memphis - Jackson - New Orleans
Location: Memphis
Accommodation Name: Hilton New Orleans Riverside - 4 Star (or similar)
We delve further south and into Mississippi, the 'Magnolia State'.
Driving through the state capital, Jackson, we continue to Lousiana and New Orleans.
See up close the home of the infamous costume parade on Mardi Gras and why New Orleans is called the 'Big Easy'.
Enjoy round-the-clock nightlife, a buzzing live-music scene and spicy, fascinating heritage with influences of American, French and African cultures.
In the evening, you can familiarise yourself with the Creole culture on an optional Mississippi Riverboat dinner cruise with live tunes by a Dixieland jazz band.
AccommodationHilton New Orleans Riverside - 4 Star (or similar) Optional ActivitiesMississippi Riverboat dinner cruise
Day 9: New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation Name: Hilton New Orleans Riverside - 4 Star (or similar)
The day is yours to enjoy at leisure! Soak in the French flavor and splendor of New Orleans oozing in the air.
Venture the French Quarter with its distinctive iron balconies hanging over narrow streets of cobblestone.
Climb atop an infamous New Orleans levee to grasp how these unique engineering projects safeguard the city against nature.
Frequent one of the trendy live music venues.
AccommodationHilton New Orleans Riverside - 4 Star (or similar)
Day 10: New Orleans - Gulf Of Mexico - Pensacola
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation Name: Courtyard by Marriott Pensacola - 3 Star (or similar)
Following the Mississippi Gulf Coast through Mobile, we travel to the city of Pensacola.
Here we will take a tour of one of the top 10 rose gardens in the United States, the Bellingrath Home! Then, visit Pensacola Beach to roam among sea oats dancing in the wind and dip your toes in the warm turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
AccommodationCourtyard by Marriott Pensacola - 3 Star (or similar) Included ActivitiesThe Bellingrath Home visitSightseeing of Pensacola Beach
Day 11: Pensacola - Orlando
Location: Pensacola
Accommodation Name: Delta Hotels Orlando Celebration - 3 Star
We continue east towards central Florida taking a panoramic route through Ocala, a region renowned for thoroughbred horses and fields of citrus.
Our next stop will be the fantasyland of thrilling entertainment, Orlando! Arrive in Orlando around 6pm, explore the town on your terms and have a good night's rest for an adventrous day tomorrow.
AccommodationDelta Hotels Orlando Celebration - 3 Star Included ActivitiesPanoramic Sightseeing of Ocala
Day 12: Orlando
Location: Orlando
Accommodation Name: Delta Hotels Orlando Celebration - 3 Star
Make the most of Orlando, the 'City Beautiful' for yourself! You can explore the city in depth, recharge by the pool, or up the adrenaline with a visit to one of Orlando's world-famous attractions such as Universal Studios, Walt Disney World or Sea World! AccommodationDelta Hotels Orlando Celebration - 3 Star
Day 13: Orlando - Kennedy Space Center - Miami
Location: Miami
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Miami Beach-Oceanfront - 3 Star (or similar)
Departing sunny Orlando, we ride on to the distinguished Kennedy Space Center, home of United States' space programme! Visit the centre in fascination of the amazing feats accomplished with tremendous efforts to expand humanity's horizon.
We continue to Miami to land on the famous Miami Beach, always vibrant and diverse! We will arrive at the hotel around 7pm, enjoy the evening at your leisure.
AccommodationHoliday Inn Miami Beach-Oceanfront - 3 Star (or similar) Included ActivitiesKennedy Space Center visit
Day 14: Miami
Location: Miami
Our trip will end in Miami after we bid our farewells and check-out of the hotel by 11:00am.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 & 3 star hotels
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Meals
1 Breakfast
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Transportation
A/C coach or mini-bus
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Tour Guiding
Services of experienced tour leaders
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Orientation Walks
Organised orientation walks at some of the towns visited
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Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary hotel and coach Wi-Fi ( where available )
What's Not Included
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Any flights not mentioned above
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Travel Insurance
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Meals not stated above
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Items of a personal nature
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Tips and gestures
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Entrance fees to the sights and museums
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Optional activities
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Other services not stated in the itinerary
Add Ons
Local Payment: £0
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort with an air-conditioned coach or mini-bus, allowing you to spend less time on the road and more time exploring the destinations.
Accommodation
Stay in the comfort of 3 and 4-star hotels with central locations and great facilities throughout your journey, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Southern Explorer tour?
The tour provides accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels, ensuring comfort with central locations and great facilities.
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Are meals included in the Southern Explorer tour?
The tour includes 1 breakfast. Other meals are not included and will need to be arranged separately.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Transportation is provided by an air-conditioned coach or mini-bus, ensuring a comfortable journey between destinations.
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Is there a tour guide available during the Southern Explorer tour?
Yes, the services of experienced tour leaders are included to guide you through the various destinations.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities such as a Mississippi Riverboat dinner cruise in New Orleans and a tour of Graceland in Memphis.
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What is the starting and ending point of the Southern Explorer tour?
The tour starts in New York and ends in Miami.
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Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in hotels and on the coach where available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 20 years
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Free Date Changes
Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.