Trace Tennessee's jazz and juke joints and the bourbon and bluegrass plains of Kentucky horse-racing country.
Trace Tennessee's jazz and juke joints and the bourbon and bluegrass plains of Kentucky horse-racing country along this Deep South musical meander to The Big Easy.
Immerse yourself in the elegance and style of the South. Your interlude with Dixieland begins in Charlotte. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Hilton Charlotte Center City
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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Cambria
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
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 into the lives of a great family once considered American Royalty. We continue to the iconic UNESCO-listed Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stop at the Sugarlands Visitor 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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Black Fox Lodge
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the beautiful natural landscapes of the Smoky Mountains, so named for the "smoky" mist of blue haze that surrounds these peaks. Consider a visit to Dollywood, owned by country music legend Dolly Parton and embark on an evening of invigorating fun, stampeding at Dolly Parton's famous Dinner Attraction.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner Show
Dixie Stampede is an extraordinary dinner show with thirty-two magnificent horses and a cast of top-notch riders. They will thrill you with daring feats of trick riding and competition, pitting North against South in a friendly and fun rivalry. You will enjoy a barrel full of music, dancing, special effects and family friendly comedy along the way. Celebrate as the North and South join together in a patriotic salute of Red, White and Blue featuring COLOR ME AMERICA, written and recorded by Dolly herself. The Patriotic Grand Finale soars with flying Doves of Peace, luminous costumes and fireworks, reminding you of the pride and spirit of America.
Adult Price: $58.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Dollywood Theme Park Admittance Tickets
Single day admission includes an entire day of access to the best rides, shows and attractions in the Smoky Mountains.
Adult Price: $83.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 5
Pigeon Forge – 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.
'Dive into Culture' today, saddling up for a soulful encounter with the equine residents of a local horse retirement farm, where you'll Make a Difference by contributing to the dignified retirement of thoroughbreds whose careers have come to an end. 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, we 'Connect with a Local', and enjoy a hosted 'Be My Guest' dinner at the Muhammad Ali Center with a local guest.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 7
Louisville Sightseeing
After an orientation tour, choose to spend the morning at the Kentucky Derby Museum where you may imagine the thundering sounds of thoroughbred hoofs on the celebrated Churchill Downs racetrack as you visit the home of the Kentucky Derby since 1875. Feel the thrill of the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports" or perhaps head to the Louisville Slugger Museum showcasing the story of the Louisville Slugger baseball bats in baseball and in American history. Then spend the afternoon at leisure before we tuck into a traditional Kentucky Regional Dinner.
Satisfy the petrol-head in you with a visit to Bowling Green's National Corvette Museum where you can admire the sleek lines and engineering feats of this all-American sports car. Leave your need for speed behind and continue south into Tennessee, arriving in Nashville this afternoon to meet your new travel companions.
Tune into the intoxicating sights and sounds of Music City this morning. Find your rhythm as your 'Dive into Culture' at RCA's Studio B and gain insights into the life and music of Johnny Cash during a private performance of Cash tunes with Johnny's granddaughter (or another family member). We'll visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and explore the 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 enjoy a tour of the Ryman Auditorium.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 10
Nashville At Leisure and Sightseeing
Write your own song of the South on a full day at leisure before heading to the Grand Ole Opry, the home of American music since 1925. Take an optional walk in the footsteps of country music's superstars and get an exclusive look at what happens behind the scenes of the show that made country music famous.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Backstage at the Grand Ole Opry
There's nothing like a backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry House - it's a must-see for everyone in Music City! Walk in the footsteps of country music's superstars and get an exclusive look at what happens behind the scenes of the show that made country music famous! Your knowledgeable guide will share stories about the Opry and country music greats, past and present (from Minnie Pearl to Carrie Underwood, you might say), show you photos from the Opry's biggest moments in history and take you to the artist entrance - where legends, new artists, and superstars alike enter the Opry House on the night of an Opry show. You may even have the chance to step on stage and into the famed wooden circle as decades of artists have done. Tours may also make a stop in Studio A, a live television studio and former home of HEE HAW. Approx. duration: 1 hour
Adult Price: $33.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 11
Nashville – Memphis (2 Nights)
From country to blues, we head for the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll on Beale Street, where we'll meet a musician and Local Specialist to learn about the musical heritage of Memphis. Our final stop today is the former Lorraine Motel, where civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. was gunned down. Perhaps visit the National Civil Rights Museum, home to the former Lorraine Motel, where civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Enjoy a Regional Dinner this evening.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Crowne Plaza
Visit Graceland to worship at the altar of the King of Rock 'n Roll. Our next stop is Sun Studio, which recorded the first Rock 'n' Roll single. This evening, perhaps enjoy the sounds of Beale Street with your new friends.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 13
Memphis – Natchez
Kick off this morning's musical interlude at the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum before heading to Natchez. 'Connect with Locals' at a 1850s private residence of Joe Stone, who performs on his 1903 Steinway grand piano. We head to the 1804 residence of Esther Carpenter, a former Four Seasons chef, with whom we'll enjoy a traditional three-course Deep South dinner.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 14
Natchez – Oak Alley – New Orleans (3 Nights)
'Dive into Culture' at Frogmore Plantation and Gins to discover the Mississippi Delta's cotton plantation heritage. We continue through the Louisiana countryside to Oak Alley Plantation where the spicy scents of Creole cuisine will linger long after our visit to the New Orleans School of Cooking comes to an end. Enjoy a fun cooking demonstration before indulging in a Regional Dinner of Creole cuisine.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Sheraton New Orleans
Trace the cosmopolitan history of one of America's oldest cities with a Local Specialist, stopping at City Park and one of the famous above-ground cemeteries. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring New Orleans. This evening, consider an optional jazz cruise on the Mississippi River.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Steamboat Natchez Jazz Dinner Cruise
Enjoy your evening in New Orleans aboard the newly minted City of New Orleans steamboat for a jazz dinner cruise on the Mississippi River. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner while taking in lovely views of downtown New Orleans all while enjoying the sounds of the Grammy nominated "Dukes of Dixieland". A full bar is also available for your pleasure. Approx. duration: 2 hours
Adult Price: $86.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 16
New Orleans At Leisure
Today is yours to explore the sights and sounds of the Big Easy. Take an optional boat trip into the Louisiana swamps or explore the streets of the French Quarter and sample the city's cuisine, which Mark Twain once described "as delicious as the less criminal forms of sin". This evening, join new friends for a Farewell Dinner at the famed Court of Two Sisters.
After a short motorcoach ride across the Mississippi River, take a fascinating boat trip into the Louisiana swamps and bayous through part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park – Barataria Preserve. Native guides will reveal the mysteries of the swamps and bayous and you will discover how the seafood from these bountiful waters provides a wide assortment of delectable local dishes! Observe the nesting grounds of alligators, egrets, raccoons, nutria, and many species of snakes. Transportation included. Approx. duration: 2.5 hours
Adult Price: $53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 17
Depart New Orleans
Your unforgettable encounter through America's South at its end, we take a transfer to New Orleans International Airport or consider extending your stay in New Orleans at the Sheraton New Orleans.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 4
Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner Show
Dixie Stampede is an extraordinary dinner show with thirty-two magnificent horses and a cast of top-notch riders. They will thrill you with daring feats of trick riding and competition, pitting North against South in a friendly and fun rivalry. You will enjoy a barrel full of music, dancing, special effects and family friendly comedy along the way. Celebrate as the North and South join together in a patriotic salute of Red, White and Blue featuring COLOR ME AMERICA, written and recorded by Dolly herself. The Patriotic Grand Finale soars with flying Doves of Peace, luminous costumes and fireworks, reminding you of the pride and spirit of America.
Adult Price: $58.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 4
Dollywood Theme Park Admittance Tickets
Single day admission includes an entire day of access to the best rides, shows and attractions in the Smoky Mountains.
Adult Price: $83.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 10
Backstage at the Grand Ole Opry
There's nothing like a backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry House - it's a must-see for everyone in Music City! Walk in the footsteps of country music's superstars and get an exclusive look at what happens behind the scenes of the show that made country music famous! Your knowledgeable guide will share stories about the Opry and country music greats, past and present (from Minnie Pearl to Carrie Underwood, you might say), show you photos from the Opry's biggest moments in history and take you to the artist entrance - where legends, new artists, and superstars alike enter the Opry House on the night of an Opry show. You may even have the chance to step on stage and into the famed wooden circle as decades of artists have done. Tours may also make a stop in Studio A, a live television studio and former home of HEE HAW. Approx. duration: 1 hour
Adult Price: $33.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 15
Steamboat Natchez Jazz Dinner Cruise
Enjoy your evening in New Orleans aboard the newly minted City of New Orleans steamboat for a jazz dinner cruise on the Mississippi River. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner while taking in lovely views of downtown New Orleans all while enjoying the sounds of the Grammy nominated "Dukes of Dixieland". A full bar is also available for your pleasure. Approx. duration: 2 hours
Adult Price: $86.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 16
Swamp And Bayou Tour
After a short motorcoach ride across the Mississippi River, take a fascinating boat trip into the Louisiana swamps and bayous through part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park – Barataria Preserve. Native guides will reveal the mysteries of the swamps and bayous and you will discover how the seafood from these bountiful waters provides a wide assortment of delectable local dishes! Observe the nesting grounds of alligators, egrets, raccoons, nutria, and many species of snakes. Transportation included. Approx. duration: 2.5 hours
Adult Price: $53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Spend the evening at the Muhammad Ali Center with a hosted dinner. Join Joe and Esther for an evening of true southern hospitality and an opportunity to explore the sights and sounds of two beautiful Natchez homes. (Days 6, 13)
DIVE INTO CULTURE
Visit Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farms which is raising awareness for all equines in need. Delve into the life and foot-tapping tunes of Johnny Cash with a member of his family. Meet costumed guides at the Frogmore Plantation. (Days 6, 9, 14)
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Visit a farm for retired thoroughbreds. (Day 6)
LOCAL SPECIALISTS
For sightseeing in Memphis and on a reconstructed cotton plantation near New Orleans. (Days 11, 14)
Sightseeing highlights
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CITY TOUR in Memphis, New Orleans
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ORIENTATION of Charlotte, Asheville, Nashville, Louisville
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VISIT Nascar Hall of Fame, Biltmore Estate, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Kentucky Horse Park or International Museum of the Horse, Alltech Brewing and Distillery, Kentucky Derby Museum or Louisville Slugger Museum, Corvette Musuem, RCA's Studio B, the Country Music Hall of Fame, Graceland, Rock 'n' Soul Museum, Oak Alley Plantation, Frogmore Plantation, Grand Ole Opry, Sun Studios
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels all tried and trusted
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Handcrafted Highlights
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and local charges included
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
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VIP entry to many sights
Spirit of the South Trip Reviews
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Crossovers: All 2019 departure dates will operate as per the 2019 brochure. Itineraries, durations, hotels and inclusions may vary. Please inquire at the time of booking.
"For history buffs, The National World War II museum in New Orleans cannot be missed. You'll need at least half a day to see it all here, so plan accordingly. The best way to get there is to ride on an iconic New Orleans streetcar."Drew Walker, Travel Director
Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
