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Tastes and Sounds of the South

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Operated by Trafalgar
Tripcode: DTSSZM20
Overview
Destination:
United States
United States Of America
Start:Nashville, United States Of America
Finish:New Orleans, United States Of America
Duration:10 days
Type:Group tour (max 45)
Travel Period
March 2025 - December 2026
Join us for a little jazz, home cookin' from local Southerners, country music and a whole lot of Rock 'n' Roll on this inspiring American South tour showcasing the rich culture of Memphis, Nashville, Natchez and New Orleans, plus a trip to Elvis’s iconic Graceland.
Sightseeing highlights
  • Explore RCA Studio B, Sun Studios on a guided tour led by a local musician, Memphis on a musical city tour, Frogmore Plantation, and discover how to make iconic dishes at the New Orleans School of Cooking
  • Discover Nashville
  • Visit Grand Ole Opry, The Johnny Cash Museum, Graceland, Rock N Soul Museum, and Country Music Hall of Fame for a private performance of original Johnny Cash tunes with one of Johnny’s family members
  • Nashville: The famous Nashville Sound comes alive this morning as RCA's Studio B reveals the legends of Elvis Presley, Jim Reeves and Roy Orbison. 'Dive into Culture' and gain insights into the life and music of Johnny Cash during a private performance of original Cash tunes with one of Johnny's family members.
Iconic Experience
  • See a live Performance at the Grand Ole Opry
  • Nashville: See a live musical performance at the Grand Ole Opry - the show that made country music famous. The Grand Ole Opry is dedicated to honouring country music’s rich history and dynamic present, showcasing a mix of country legends and the current chart-toppers who have followed in their footsteps.
  • Nashville: Visit the Johnny Cash Museum which features the world's largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia in the world. Walk through the life of the 'Man in Black' through interactive exhibits, films, and displays.
  • Memphis: Memphis is the home of blues, soul, and rock n' roll music. Enjoy a Music city tour including Beale Street, a National Historic Landmark and one of the most iconic streets in U.S. filled with restaurants, live music venues and shops - right in the heart of downtown Memphis.
  • Memphis: Explore the lavish mansion and private retreat of Elvis Presley and get an intimate look into his Rock N' Roll life.
  • Memphis: Take in the historic Sun Studios on a guided tour led by a local musician. Opened in 1950 this storied studio is where Elvis got his start, along with many other all-time greats.
  • Memphis: Take a trip to the Memphis' Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and explore the birth of rock and soul music. The museum tells the story of musical pioneers who, for the love of music, overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to create the music that shook the entire world.
  • New Orleans: Get to know the city with a Local Expert - from the Garden District to the French Quarter, Uptown to Treme, you'll get to know and better understand what makes this vibrant city tick.
  • New Orleans: Taste the melting pot of cultures of New Orleans in this hands on cooking experience. Learn to make iconic southern dishes such as gumbo, red beans, dirty rice, etoufee and a creole bread pudding. Don't worry you'll also get to dine on these dishes and more, leaving with a full stomach and the knowledge to make these authentic dishes at home for friends and family.
Dive Into Culture
  • Nashville: You'll gain insights into the life and music of Johnny Cash during a private performance of original Johnny Cash songs with one of Johnny's family members. This is a unique opportunity to not only hear a family member play his music but to also have a private experience with them one on one to ask questions and connect.
  • Natchez: Discover how they preserve their Mississippi Delta cotton plantation heritage with costumed guides at the Frogmore Plantation.
Standard inclusions
  • 4 Dinner (D)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • All transport and transfers shown
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
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Itinerary
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Howdy Nashville
The beating heart of America's Music City will chart your pace as you prepare to embark on a leisurely pilgrimage to discover the tastes and sounds of the South. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner.
Hear the Rhythm of Nashville Dive Into Culture
The famous Nashville Sound comes alive this morning as RCA Studio B reveals the legends of Elvis Presley, Jim Reeves and Roy Orbison. Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the life and music of Johnny Cash during a private performance of original Cash tunes with one of Johnny's family members. Our acoustic journey continues with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to see Elvis' Solid Gold Cadillac limousine and Jim Reeves' tuxedo jacket. This evening, enjoy a live show at the iconic Grand Ole Opry.
Discover the History of the Nashville Sound
Continue your discovery of Nashville by exploring the Johnny Cash Museum. With the remainder of the day at your leisure choose to visit the Ryman Auditorium, where Johnny & June first met, a hop-on-hop-off trolley, or a memorable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® visit to the National Museum of African American Music - celebrating the music genres created, inspired and influenced by African Americans. Or perhaps you'll enjoy the opportunity to amble through Broadway's honky-tonk scene or enjoy the gut-busting flavours of homemade chicken or biscuits.
Sway To The Blues Of Memphis Make Travel Matter
Head to Memphis' famous Beale Street, the birthplace of Blues, Soul, and Rock 'n' Roll, for a tour where we'll meet a musician and Local Specialist to learn about the musical heritage of Memphis. Continue your Memphis sightseeing with a visit to the Lorraine Motel where civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically assassinated and one of the most significant locations of the Civil Rights Movement. Then MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® as you explore one of the most significant sites in town and one of the premier heritage and cultural museums, the National Civil Rights Museum. “Walk through history” in interactive exhibits that show how the heroes and lessons from the civil rights movement continue to impact equality all over the world. Enjoy a Regional Dinner of Southern cuisine this evening, capping off your tour of Memphis, past and present.
Visit The Home Of The King
Worship at the altar of the King, Elvis Presley, and head to Graceland, paying tribute to the man who changed the face of American popular music and culture. Then, pay a visit to Sun Studios, which sought to immortalize the raw energy of Beale Street, recording the first Rock 'n' Roll single in 1951. This evening is free.
Taste Southern Charm In Natchez Connect with Locals
Kick off the day’s sightseeing with a musical morning at the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum exploring the blues, country, and gospel of the rural South before leaving for Natchez, Mississippi. You’ll arrive in Natchez on the banks of the Mississippi, surrounded by the antebellum homes. The best way to experience Natchez is with a taste of Southern hospitality and you’ll experience all this and more at tonight’s memorable Be My Guest experience at one of the region’s beautiful historic, private homes for a meal. Connect With Locals as hosts who have lived in the area for generations open their doors and share their stories as you enjoy dinner and backyard cocktails like Planter’s Punch paired with elevated Southern fare.
Explore the South's Story
Today your travels take you deeper into an important part of Southern history. On this morning’s visit to a working cotton plantation, Frogmore Plantation and Gins, learn about Natchez planters and slavery in the South. Tour the property boasting 19 restored antebellum structures and equipment dating from the early 1800's including a Smithsonian quality steam gin listed on the National Register. You’ll learn how cotton was made and most importantly gain a better understanding of slavery in the South. Your tour brings you back into the present with a stop at its currently operating 900 bales-per-day cotton gin.
Venture Into New Orleans
Let the good times roll in New Orleans today, tracing the cosmopolitan history of one of America's oldest cities with a Local Specialist, stopping at City Park and one of the ornate above-ground cemeteries. Spend the afternoon soaking up the laid-back vibes of The Big Easy. The afternoon is yours to explore on your own.
Entice Your Senses In New Orleans
Today is yours to explore the French, Spanish and Creole sights and sounds of New Orleans. Why not join an optional experience at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park exploring the scenic swamp and bayou, or take a stroll down Magazine Street for plenty of regional food and shopping. This evening, join your Travel Director and new friends for a memorable dinner including a private cooking demonstration hosted by a local chef showcasing Creole flavours at the New Orleans School of Cooking.
Until Next Time New Orleans
For now, it's ‘Au Revoir' New Orleans, but not ‘Adieu'. Make your own way to New Orleans International Airport or extend your stay in New Orleans.
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Travellers

Operator
Trafalgar

The best of the world unlocked for you. Imagine unmissable experiences you’ve always dreamed of, getting to know the locals and having everything taken care of every step of the way.   Here's what you'll experience: Must-sees to local secrets: Visiting bucket list sites are a highlight of travelling, however, travelling on your own can make them hard work. Don’t queue with other sightseers for hours, with Trafalgar our experts unlock doors –  think exclusive access to the Vatican out of hours or a tour of Versailles and its grounds with an expert. This, coupled with the intimate glimpses and hidden gems our local specialists show you, are the life-changing experiences that make you feel like an insider, not a tourist. One-of-a-kind experiences: Thanks to our global network you’ll unlock local access to communities and people around the world. Our 100+ Be My Guest experiences are a signature Trafalgar exclusive, where you will enjoy the hospitality of locals as you are welcomed into their homes to hear their stories and learn about their cultures. In every destination, you’ll also enjoy unique “Stays with stories” accommodation: more than just a place to rest your head, they are part of the heritage and fabric of the communities you visit.  Responsible travel at heart: When you choose Trafalgar, you are choosing to make your travels a force for good and support our goal to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®. We recognise our responsibility to ensure we make a positive impact on the planet we call home, the people we visit, and the rich wildlife we find. We ensure that the impacts of our business and your travels are positive in two ways: through our TreadRight Foundation, and our 5-year sustainability strategy How We Tread Right.

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Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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