Fly-Drive Holidays
Sample itineraries
Alabama Highlights Tour
From £1225
Holidays to Alabama offer something special. Alabama's breath takingscenic views, enchanting historic landmarks and unforgettablehospitality are legendary. Mix in the lively port city of New Orleansand the Country Music Capital, Nashville, and you've got yourself adelightful taste of the intriguing Deep South, USA.
Highlights:
- The historic French Quarter of New Orleans
- Beaches of the Gulf Shore, Alabama
- Grand Ole Opry
-
Honky Tonk Bars of Nashville
- Civil Rights Museum
-
Mobile - home of the Mardi Gras
- Antebellum Homes
- Lookout Mountain
- Rock City
- Ruby Falls
Price per person includes:
- Return flights to Atlanta, Georgia
- Airport taxes
-
10 nights accommodation in sought after locations
- 10 days mid-size car hire
- A personalised road book which is a complete guide to travelling within North America and provides bespoke driving instructions for your holiday.
Prices are based on off-season travel. Please call or email for costs for your preferred date of travel.
Day 1 Atlanta
Distance: 165 miles
Travel today to Alabama's historic capital, Montgomery, renowned in the Deep South for its charm and ambience. The city contains many landmarks and museums dedicated to the fight for freedom, none so poignant as the Civil Rights Memorial where a circular black granite table records the names of those who died in the struggle.
The region also has a strong history associated with the American Indians with Tuscaloosa taking its name from Choctaw Indian Chief Tushkauloosa, meaning Black Warrior. Among the attractions is Moundville Archaeological Park which includes a reconstructed Indian village.
Days 2-3 Montgomery to Gulf Shores
Distance: 217 miles
Gulf Shores/Orange Beach have been virtually untouched by tourism and are havens for those who want the beach but not the crowds that go with it.
With 32-miles of sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 50-miles from Mobile, Gulf Shores is a great place to relax and enjoy beach activities on your holiday. As well as this there are numerous attractions, nature and wildlife parks, golf courses, hiking and biking.
Day 4 - 5 Gulf Shores to New Orleans, Louisiana
Distance: 190 miles
Set out early for 'The Big Easy', an engaging amalgam of cultures and contradictions. Explore the French Quarter, where old brick and iron-tatted buildings reflect both French and Spanish influence. Stroll along the narrow streets of this walking neighbourhood, visit the antique shops and jazz clubs and experience Cajun and Creole cooking at its best.
Travel on the famed 'Streetcar Named Desire', walk through the historic garden district or sail on the Mississippi for an afternoon or evening cruise.
Day 6 New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama
Distance: 143 miles
Travel now to Alabama's Gulf Coast and its 32-miles of pristine sandy Beaches. Mobile, a seaport situated at the mouth of the Mobile River, is the largest town on the Gulf. It is one of the oldest cities in the US and celebrates its 300th birthday in 2002 having been colonised by the French in 1702. Mobile is also the original home of Mardi Gras, with the first event taking place in 1703. The colourful carnival takes place two weeks before Lent each year while jazz is the main ingredient of the city's three-day BayFest music festival held each autumn.
Day 7 Mobile to Birmingham, Alabama
Distance: 259 miles
Nestled in the southern foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and with the mighty Tennessee River cutting through the landscape, Alabama's northern region is probably the best for outdoor adventure.
The north has eight of Alabama's state parks, the largest being Oak Mountain, 15 miles south of Birmingham with its miles of walking, hiking and mountain bike trails. Whilst in Birmingham itself, visit more Civil rights landmarks and head to Five Points South for restaurants, bars and nightlife.
Day 8 Birmingham to Huntsville, Alabama
Distance: 102 miles
In Huntsville, visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Centre. This plays an integral part in the national aerospace program and has earned Huntsville the tag 'Rocket City'. It is the largest space museum in the world where visitors can take a crash course in astronaut training and experience life on Mars!
Day 9 Huntsville to Nashville, Tennessee
Distance: 121 miles
Drive to Nashville, home of Country Music in America and the Grand Old Opry. Visit the homes and museums of these music giants, or visit the Country Music Hall of Fame. Dance to today's hot country sounds at the Wildhorse Saloon or sail aboard the General Jackson Showboat on the Cumberland River.
Day 10 Nashville to Chattanooga, Tennessee
Distance: 133 miles
Incorporated in 1851, Chattanooga began as an outpost on the border of the Cherokee Nation and developed into a diverse city with a variety of manufacturing, cultural and commercial activities. Don't miss theTennessee Aquarium, Ruby Falls and the Chattanooga Choo Choo!
Day 11 Chattanooga to Atlanta
Distance: 116 miles
Travel South today, into the Appalachian Mountains, en route to Atlanta for your flight home.
