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Trace the roots of American music in the Deep South states of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee. Experience the unique cultural landscape and fascinating history that gave birth to the blues, rock ‘n’ roll and country. Visit the honky tonks of Music City - Nashville and stroll along Memphis' legendary Beale Street - the birthplace of rock’n’roll. Visit Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley and see his humble beginnings in his birthplace in Tupelo.
Relax and gaze out over the cotton fields of Mississippi as you're transported along the historic ‘Blues Highway’ to genteel Natchez, the oldest settlement on the Mississippi River.
The highlight of this 12 day adventure is bound to be New Orleans. Founded in 1718, America’s most sensual city is steeped in history with influences from Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and beyond. It’s a brilliant mosaic of culture, food and music.
There are no forced supplements for single travellers. Accommodation is based on twin-share, so if you're travelling on your own, you'll share with a fellow passenger of the same gender. However, if you'd prefer your own room that can be requested at a supplement.
Operates April - October. Please call for dates and availability.
Welcome to Atlanta! Hip and historic, Atlanta combines the romance of the old south with present-day edge. Trendy museums and restaurants against a backdrop of Gone with the Wind elegance and a powerful Civil Rights story.
A welcome reception will be held tonight to meet your tour leader and fellow travellers.
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For all its small town charm, Birmingham is a sophisticated community with a vibe that you won't necessarily encounter in other like-size cities. Music is plentiful, you'll be surrounded by jazz, blues, gospel, alternative, rock, country, new punk, sacred harp, bluegrass and even reggae!
As the primary site of the Civil Rights Movement, this is where Dr Martin Luther King Jr. and Fred Shuttleworth begin their campaign in the 1960s. Today, Birmingham has matured into a city that acknowledges and embraces the impact of the past, both negative and positive.
The Big Easy is an eclectic mix of European, African, Creole and Cajun cultures which is evident in every aspect of New Orleans' architecture, cuisine and music scene.
Enjoy the live music on every street corner as you stroll around the boutiques in the historic French Quarter. Head to Jackson Square for a cafe au lait and the local pastry speciality - beignets in Cafe Du Monde.
Let the laid-back jazz vibe enchant you at Preservation Hall, the Jazz Museum at the Old Mint, or any of the clubs on Frenchman Street. No visit to New Orleans is complete without spending an evening on bustling Bourbon Street, or taking a walk on the dark side on a Voodoo tour!
Tonight, a Mississippi riverboat jazz and dinner cruise is included.
Stop along Louisiana's 'Great River Road' to explore one of the many magnificent, cotton-era, mansions that line the Mississippi River. Houmas House and Gardens, considered the Crown Jewel of Louisiana's River Road, date back to the 1800s.
Natchez is the oldest settlement on the Mississippi River and is home to the largest concentration of antebellum homes in the USA. You'll be able to take a self-guided tour through the historic district to view these homes and historic churches. In the evening, head for Natchez-Under-the-Hill, once a Mississippi port hang out for pirates and ladies of the night, today it boasts a live music scene!
Your accommodation tonight is in an historic property dating back to the 1840s.
Not all roads are made the same! Today, journey along Highway 61, known as the "Blues Highway". This road rivals Route 66 as the most famous road in American music lore. Countless blues artists have recorded songs about the highway including Sunnyland Slim, James “Son” Thomas and “Honeyboy” Edwards.
On your way to the sleepy Mississippi town of Clarksdale, you'll stop at the Hopson Plantation, the former home of legendary blues pianist Pinetop Perkins.
As well as the fascinating Delta Blues Museum, Clarksdale is also home to a couple of authentic juke joints - Ground Zero and Red's....must-dos for Delta Blues music fans.
Tour the humble two-roomed house that Elvis Aaron Presley was born and raised in Tupelo. The Presley family attended the Assembly of God church where gospel music would become and remain an influence on Elvis his entire life. In 1946, Elvis popped in to the Tupelo Hardware (which is still there today) with his mum. Elvis was keen to purchase a rifle, but Gladys persuaded him to look at guitars instead. The rest, as they say, is history!
Cross the border into Tennessee to the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, Memphis. Memphis is also credited for being the home of the founders and pioneers of various American music genres, including Memphis soul, Memphis blues and gospel. Musicians like Aretha Franklin, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Al Green and B.B. King, and of course Elvis, all had their start in Memphis during the 1950s and 1960s.
A highlight of your stay will be a visit to the Graceland mansion. Walk in the footsteps of The King as you explore the house and grounds. You'll also want to visit legendary Sun Studios, the most famous recording studio in the world, where many great names have recorded through the decades. The Gibson Guitar Factory, Stax Museum and Rock 'N' Soul Museum are also musts for proper music fans.
The powerful National Civil Rights Museum, at the site where Martin Luther King Jnr. was assassinated, is also well worth a visit.
In the evening, head to 'America's Most Iconic Street' - Beale Street, where you can grab a cold beer, some BBQ and enjoy some of the best live music in the world.
Make no mistake though, Nashville is still considered the Holy Grail and the mother church of country music. The Ryman Auditorium, Bluebird Cafe and the Country Music Hall of Fame all need to be on your list of places to visit.
In the evening, head to Broadway and hang out in the lively honky-tonks and live music venues that line this neon-lit street. Want to try your hand a line dancing? Head to the Wild Horse Saloon!.
Before your early evening flight home, you'll swing by the Jack Daniel's distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee for a good old serving of Southern hospitality!
Want to extend your holiday? Perhaps time on a beach in Florida? A train trip to Chicago, New York or Boston? Maybe a visit to Las Vegas or the West Coast? Call Bon Voyage to discuss the options available to you.
