This morning, wake energised for a tour of this historic city. Bold and bright street art, spicy dishes and a thriving hip-hop scene make Atlanta one of America’s most vibrant destinations.
Take a moment to reflect on the life and work of Doctor Martin Luther King Junior as you visit his National Memorial and Historic Park, including the breathtaking Behold statue – a spectacular sculpted bronze work made to honour the late Civil Rights leader, reflecting his legacy in its dynamic form, at once gentle and galvanising.
Later, depart Atlanta for Chattanooga and the sights of Tennessee.
Start the day with a filling breakfast, then hop aboard the Incline Railway. It may be its renowned history of steam trains that put Chattanooga on the map, but today you’ll travel one of the world’s steepest passenger railways on your way to panoramic views from the top of Lookout Mountain. Beneath this soaring peak lies the astounding Ruby Falls – America’s tallest underground waterfall.
Upon your return to Chattanooga, spend the rest of your day at leisure, and maybe seek out a decadent Moon Pie – the town’s original graham cracker and marshmallow treat.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before departing for Lynchburg and the historic Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Take a tour of this landmark spot where Jack Daniel’s signature Tennessee whiskey has been produced for over 150 years, learning the artful sugar-maple-charcoal mellowing process that gives No. 7 its unique smoothness.
After your invigorating visit, follow rhythm and melody on your way to Nashville, the country music capital.
Today, set out to follow the footsteps of musical giants on a guided tour of Nashville. Learn all about the ‘Nashville Sound’ pioneered at RCA Studio B, then track the rise of the genre from its roots with a trip to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
This evening, take your seat at the one-and-only Grand Ole Opry. This country music institution has been broadcasting live performances from the Opry House for almost 100 years, turning the spotlight on the best and brightest acts in country, bluegrass, folk and gospel, such as Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. Prepare for an unforgettable evening at the heart of the country music scene.
Bid farewell to Nashville and follow the road to Tupelo, Mississippi, where the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll was born. Witness the humble childhood home of Elvis Presley and take the opportunity to learn about this young boy’s fateful rise to rock royalty.
Continue to Memphis in the afternoon for an orientation tour, immersing yourself among the colourful signs and bluesy beats of Beale Street. Home to the pioneering Sun Studio, Memphis’ influence on blues, gospel and numerous other music genres lives on in its legendary recording industry.
Gather your energy over breakfast, then make your pilgrimage to Graceland. Former home to Elvis himself, this beautiful estate draws on memorabilia from his life to tell a story of one of music’s most beloved figures. Marvel at the astounding collection of vintage cars and private planes owned by the King at the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum, then return to the grounds to soak up the atmosphere of this famed residence.
Spend your afternoon freely exploring Memphis and choose to seek out the live music that this city is built upon. Catch snippets of Delta blues and spine-tingling gospel down Beale Street, then pick a club for a shot of whiskey and some electrifying live music.
Depart neon Memphis and travel to the small town of Natchez and its mossy tree-lined avenues. Cross the border to Louisiana and go deeper into the region’s extensive and tumultuous history with a visit to Frogmore Cotton Plantation & Gins.
Spend your evening in the reflective quiet of this little town.
Start your morning with breakfast before a visit to the Greek Revival residence and house museum of Stanton Hall. Continue on your way to New Orleans with a shortcut over the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway – once recognised as the longest overwater bridge in the world.
Arrive in New Orleans ready to explore this lively metropolis. The afternoon is yours for the taking, so choose to spend it wandering the picturesque streets of the French Quarter or stepping into one of the myriad music venues that fill the streets with sweet harmony.
Anchored in the hometown of jazz, you can spend the next two days discovering the lively street scene, phenomenal foodie culture and historic houses of this cosmopolitan sprawl.
Perhaps you want a closer look at the jaw-dropping float construction at Mardi Gras World – a kaleidoscope of colour and creativity. Stroll the idyllic Audubon Park and get a feel for the flora of the region. Culinary connoisseurs should follow their noses to the French Quarter and a dish of jambalaya or a mouth-watering po-boy sandwich. All should pay a visit to Cafe Du Monde for a dessert of powdery soft beignets and cafe au lait.
Optional activities:
- Steamboat NATCHEZ live jazz and dinner cruise (surcharges apply).
Wave au revoir to magical New Orleans early this morning and carry on your way to Alabama. Stop at Monroeville for a visit to the courthouse made famous by the film adaptation of Harper Lee’s literary classic ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’.
Later, arrive in Montgomery for an evening at your leisure.
Take in the rich history of Montgomery with a focus on the Civil Rights Movement started in the 1950s. Playing a pivotal role in the work of Civil Rights leaders, Montgomery is home to the Dexter Parsonage Museum which offers a critical look at the social movement and historic efforts within the house where Doctor Martin Luther King Junior once lived.
Visit The Hank Williams Museum to discover the history of country music’s first superstar, then wind your way back to Atlanta. After this fascinating spin around the South, your musical adventure concludes upon arrival at Atlanta Airport (ATL).