Purely Escorted Tours

Day 1: ARRIVE NASHVILLE (3 NIGHTS)

Enjoy your complimentary private V.I.P. door-to-door transfer to your UK departure airport. 

Welcome to Music City! Get settled at your hotel and enjoy some time on your own this afternoon to explore. At 6 p.m., gather at the hotel with your Travel Director and fellow travelling companions for a Welcome Reception at a downtown honky­tonk with a whiskey and moonshine tasting.

Meal(s) Welcome Reception

Hotel Renaissance Nashville Hotel

Day 2: NASHVILLE SIGHTSEEING

Start the morning with a sightseeing tour of Nashville! No visit to Nashville is complete without a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. See memorabilia from stars such as Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn and Garth Brooks as you explore this shrine to country music. Gain A Unique Insight into the life and music of Johnny Cash during a private performance and discussion with Johnny and June’s son, John Carter Cash. John (or a member of his family) entertains with his own original music, as well as a few numbers made famous by his legendary family. Ask your own questions about the legend at a meet and greet. Wrap up your exploration of musical history with a tour of RCA’s Studio B, one of the world’s most successful recording studios where musicians such as Elvis Presley recorded their iconic sounds. Explore the world’s country music capital, starting with Music Row, the heart of Nashville’s entertainment industry, and home to record labels, radio stations and recording studios. Tonight, enjoy a Regional Meal.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Regional Meal

Hotel Renaissance Nashville Hotel

Day 3: NASHVILLE – SIGHTSEEING & AT LEISURE 

The day is yours to discover Nashville as you wish. Perhaps visit the famous Ryman Auditorium or enjoy some live music at a honky tonk on Broadway street. This evening, head to the Grand Ole Opry, home to America’s longest­running live radio program. Dinner is on your own tonight to venture out and sample delicious Southern cuisine.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

Hotel Renaissance Nashville Hotel

Day 4:  NASHVILE ­ - MEMPHIS (2 NIGHTS)

This morning, hit the highway to Memphis along the Mississippi Delta. Upon arrival in Memphis, visit the National Civil Rights Museum before joining a A Local Expert who shares stories about Beale Street and Sun Studios, the Birthplace of Rock N’ Roll. See the hotel where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated and savour the late­afternoon light on the Big Muddy. Enjoy the evening at leisure to explore or embark on a culinary adventure and enjoy a delectable meal at one of Memphis’ many restaurants.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

Hotel Sheraton Memphis Downtown

Day 5: GRACELAND EXCURSION

Graceland is as much an object of pilgrimage as a museum dedicated to the late, great Elvis Presley. From the flowers and painted signs outside the gates, to the tear­streaked cheeks of fans inside, see the effect that Elvis and his music had on popular American culture. Marvel at the Jungle Room, the private jets, custom cars and walls full of gold and platinum records. Stroll the grounds and you just might find yourself humming "Blue Suede Shoes;" if so, don't worry, there's leisure time this afternoon to pick up a pair before joining your travelling companions for Your Choice Dining.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast,Your Choice Dining 

Hotel Sheraton Memphis Downtown

Day 6: MEMPHIS – NATCHEZ

This morning, enjoy an exclusive tour of the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum before it opens to the rest of the public. Then depart for Natchez. Founded by the French in 1716, Natchez was home to a flowering antebellum culture. Take in more of the nation’s Southern history in Natchez and see the gracious homes overlooking the river. Tonight, enjoy an incredible evening highlighting Southern hospitality at a A Be My Guest dinner. Explore the private residence of Joe Stone, whose home, built in the 1850s, contains a gallery collection of rare maps, a quaint billiards hall, and exquisite ornamental glasswork. Joe performs on his 1903 Steinway grand piano and delves into the meaning and inspiration behind each piece of music as you enjoy a cocktail. Later, head over to the residence of Esther Carpenter, built in 1804, to hear the stories, past and present, about this historic estate in Natchez. Esther, a former Four Seasons Chef and once named one of the Top 20 women chef’s in America by USA Today, hosts a four­course dinner with wine featuring a true taste of Natchez and the Deep South.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining

Hotel Natchez Grand Hotel

Day 7: NATCHEZ – OAK ALLEY – NEW ORLEANS (3 NIGHTS) 

After breakfast, stop at Frogmore Plantation and Gins to learn about the white gold of the Mississippi Delta. With your costumed hosts, Local Specialists, on a visit to a reconstructed 19th century cotton plantation and compare it to the modern-day operation that produces more than 900 bales each day. From Natchez, travel to the countryside to marvel at Oak Alley Plantation. This classic antebellum home sits on the Mississippi River and amazes visitors with its quarter mile canopy of 300-year-old live oak trees. Late this afternoon, arrive in New Orleans. This evening, visit the New Orleans School of Cooking located in the heart of the French Quarter. Discover the flair of Creole cuisine during a fun cooking class before enjoying your culinary creations during a Regional Meal.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast,Regional Meal

Hotel Astor Crowne Plaza

Day 8: NEW ORLEANS SIGHTSEEING & AT LEISURE 

Delight in a hearty New Orleans breakfast and coffee before today's exploration of the Crescent City. Join a tour with a Local Specialist and see the atmospheric French Quarter and Jackson Square, originally called Place d'Armes when it was the centre of the old city, and tour one of the city's above-ground cemeteries. This afternoon, enjoy some leisure time.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

Hotel Astor Crowne Plaza

Day 9: NEW ORLEANS AT LEISURE

Enjoy a leisurely day to explore this vibrant city. If you're feeling adventurous, head out to the bayou for a guided tour deep into the swamps. Look out for alligators! Or stay downtown and stroll Magazine Street, visit Marie Laveau's Historic Voodoo Museum or catch a little jazz piano while cooling off and watching the world go by. This evening, join your Travel Director and travelling companions for a Farewell Dinner at the famed Court of the Two Sisters.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Hotel Astor Crowne Plaza

Day 10: DEPART NEW ORLEANS OR EXTEND YOUR STAY

Extend your stay in New Orleans or say ‘Au Revoir' to the Big Easy this morning with a complimentary transfer provided to New Orleans International Airport.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast 

On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting car for your return private V.I.P. door-to-door transfer home.