Escorted Tours and Holidays

Day 1 : Arrive Charlotte

Your Dixieland encounter begins in Charlotte.  This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers during a Welcome Reception. 

Day 2 : Charlotte – Asheville

This morning, after a city orientation, learn about the history and heritage of NASCAR at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.  Enjoy lunch on your own in downtown Charlotte before heading to Asheville.

Day 3 : Asheville – Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Pigeon Forge (2 Nights)

Explore the elegance of yesteryear, starting your day with a self-guided visit to the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned home in America and former luxurious homestead of George and Edith Vanderbilt.  Stroll through acres of landscaped gardens and gain insight in to the lives of a great family once considered American Royalty.  We continue to the iconic UNESCO-listed Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Stop at Sugarlands Vistor Center and explore 19th Century wilderness settlement life.  We'll also visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, then travel through the centre of the park.  We overnight in Pigeon Forge.

Day 4 : Pigeon Forge Free Time

Spend a day at leisure to explore the beautiful natural landscapes of the Smoky Mountains or consider an optional visit to Dollywood, owned by country music legend Dolly Parton.

Day 5 : Pigeon Forge to Lexington

Drive through Kentucky's Wilderness Road Heritage Highway stopping en route in Berea.  Upon arrival in Lexington visit Alltech Brewing & Distilling Co., offering the unique distinction of being a brewery and distillery, for a tour and tasting.

Day 6 : Lexington – Louisville (2 nights)

Saddle up for a soulful encounter with the equine residents of a local horse retirement farm.  Then delve into the equestrian heritage of this bluegrass city at the Kentucky Horse Park or explore the International Museum of the Horse, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.  This evening connect with a local and enjoy a hosted dinner at the Muhammad Ali Centre.

Day 7 : Louisville Sightseeing

Head to Churchill Downs, the legendary thoroughbred racetrack that has hosted The Kentucky Derby since 1875. Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum and then an afternoon at leisure.  This evening, tuck into a Regional Meal of authentic Kentucky cuisine.

Day 8 : Louisville – Bowling Green – Nashville (3 Nights)

In Bowling Green, stop at the Corvette Museum showcasing the American sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette. 

This afternoon, arrive in Music City - Nashville and explore at your leisure. Check out the live music scene in the famous Honky Tonk bars along Broadway or take part in line-dancing lessons in the legendary Wild Horse Saloon.    

Day 9 : Nashville Sightseeing

At RCA's Studio B this morning, 'meet' another music legend with a Cultural Insight into the life and music of Johnny Cash.  A private performance of Cash tunes with Johnny's granddaughter (or another family member), will be a highlight.  Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for a collection of memorabilia from stars such as Hank Williams and Garth Brooks. Later, embark on a your choice sightseeing experience, exploring the Johnny Cash Museum or a tour of the Ryman Auditorium.

Day 10 : Nashville At Leisure and Sightseeing

Write your own song of the South on a full day at leisure before heading to Nashville's number one attraction, the Grand Ole Opry. For more than 90 years the world's most famous country stars have graced this stage.  
There are always surprises at the shows, and you never know when famous members like Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, and Dierks Bentley may be stopping by!

Day 11 : Nashville – Memphis (2 Nights)

Head for the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll on Beale Street.  Meet a musician and Local Specialist to learn about the musical heritage of Memphis. The former Lorraine Hotel, where civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, is the backdrop for the National Civil Rights Museum.  Then enjoy a free evening experiencing the legendary Blues bars along one of the USA's most famous streets.  

Day 12 : Graceland Excursion

Head to the home of the world's most famous performer, Graceland, and pay tribute to the man who changed the face of American popular music and culture. Spend time here touring The King's home, strolling the grounds and visiting the museum before heading to nearby Sun Studios. 

You'll adore tiny Sun Studios, the acclaimed Birthplace of Rock N' Roll and home to the 'Million Dollar Quartet' - Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee and Carl Perkins. Here in 1951 the first Rock 'n' Roll single was recorded. On your guided tour of this world-famous studio you'll take a journey back in time and learn about the legendary recording artists that made their mark here.    

Tonight, enjoy a 'your choice dining experience' where you choose from a selection of local eateries.

Day 13 : Memphis – Natchez

Tour the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum before heading to Natchez, one of the south's prettiest towns and home to America's highest concentration of antebellum homes.

Tonight, enjoy a Be My Guest dinner beginning at the private residence of Joe Stone, whose 1850s home features a gallery collection of rare maps, a quaint billiards hall and exquisite ornamental glasswork. Joe performs on his Steinway grand piano before heading to the 1804 residence of Esther Carpenter, a former Four Seasons chef, with whom you'll enjoy a traditional four-course Southern dinner.

Day 14 : Natchez – Oak Alley – New Orleans (3 Nights)

Join costumed performers at Frogmore Plantation and Gins, once a working cotton farm, before meandering through the charming Louisiana countryside.  Impressive Oak Alley Plantation, on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, dates back to the 1850s.  This mansion is one of the most photographed in the USA and considered the 'The Great Dame' of The Great River Road.  

The spicy scents of Creole cuisine linger on this evening's visit to the New Orleans School of Cooking, nestled in the heart of the historic French Quarter, where we will enjoy a fun cooking demonstration before your evening.

Day 15 : New Orleans Sightseeing and At Leisure

Delve into the fascinating history of 'The Big Easy' this morning on a tour with a local guide before enjoying free time to explore every delightful nook and cranny of America's most sensuous city.

Day 16 : New Orleans At Leisure

Today is free before joining your Travel Director and new friends for a Farewell Dinner at the famed Court of Two Sisters Restaurant.

Consider a Mississippi River jazz cruise on an authentic paddlewheeler, a visit to the impressive National WWII Museum, enjoy the eclectic boutiques along Magazine Street, or jump on the Streetcar to the beautiful Garden District of New Orleans.  Don't forget to stop in historic Jackson Square and enjoy traditional beignets at famous cafe Du Monde!

Day 17 : Depart New Orleans

It's time to leave The Big Easy and depart for the UK.

Want to extend your time in the Deep South? Longer in New Orleans? Perhaps an East Coast city stopover on the way home? Time on the beach? All Bon Voyage holidays can be tailor made, please call for further details.