Fly Drive USA

Depart the UK on your chosen scheduled flight to Atlanta, Georgia. Upon arrival, collect your rental car and drive to your hotel in the Buckhead region of the city.

Today you will travel north into the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee, where your first stop is Chattanooga. Don’t miss Glen Miller’s Chattanooga Choo Choo! Stop at the actual ‘Choo Choo’, before visiting Ruby Falls and Lookout Mountain for spectacular views.

Sightseeing in Chattanooga

This morning, make the short drive to Nashville, which is the home of Country Music and the infamous Grand Ole Opry. Your stay for two nights allows you to include a visit to the museum of music giants, the Country Music Hall of Fame, followed by some live music in one of many bars and lounges in the District, Nashville’s downtown entertainment area. You may choose to enjoy a cabaret dinner cruise aboard the General Jackson showboat, which provides another great opportunity to relax and experience the music – all whilst sailing down the Cumberland River.

Sightseeing in Nashville

Traverse along the Music Highway to Memphis, renowned as the birthplace of Rock’n’Roll and home of the Blues. During your two night stay, Elvis’ mansion Graceland is a ‘must see’, along with a tour of Sun Studio’s and a visit to historic Beale Street where you can party through the night. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Smithsonian’s Rock’n’Soul Museum and the Gibson Guitar are also well worth a visit.

Sightseeing in Memphis

Now its on to the northwest corner of Alabama where a cluster of cities – Tuscumbia, Florence, Sheffield and Muscle Shoals line the banks of the Tennessee River. During your two night stay in The Shoals region, see some of the most influential recording centres in America. Renowned for their huge contribution to rock, country and R&B music throughout the 60’s and 70’s, Muscle Shoals Sounds Studio and FAME Recording Studio were used frequently by superstars like Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Paul Simon and Otis Reading who all made classic recordings here. The Fame Studio is still active and open for tours. Take in some great live music at venues throughout Florence, Sheffield and Muscle Shoals.

Sightseeing in Muscle Shoals

Today you will move on to Huntsville which is home to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and also hosts one of the state’s largest music events, the Big Spring Jam every September. Washington Square in the city’s downtown area has a mini entertainment district with live music. Check out a selection of venues as some showcase great Blues, others Jazz, Folk and Rock. Our favourites are Crossroads Cafe and the Jazz Factory.

Sightseeing in Huntsville

Your next stop is Birmingham, home of the Civil Rights Institute which conveys the history of the Civil Rights Movement. It also adds its own stamp to the music world with its famous City Stages Festival every June. No matter when you visit, Jazz echoes from downtown nightclubs in places like Ona’s Music Room and the Blue Monkey, throughout the year. The Five Points entertainment district has music of all types and some great dining too. Jazz enthusiasts must not miss the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame which pays tribute to great artists with ties to Alabama like Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton.

Sightseeing in Birmingham

Moving south, your next stop is the historic port city of Mobile, one of the oldest cities in America. It’s home to the original Mardi Gras which started in 1703 and is still celebrated every year two weeks before Lent. Mobile features delicious seafood and an array of bars, restaurants and live music venues – which is what you would expect from Jimmy Buffet’s hometown. During your two night stay, take a trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach which provide 32 miles of pristine white sandy beaches stretched along the Gulf of Mexico. Live bands perform at beachfront bars like the Florabama, Pink Pony Pub and The Hangout. LuLu’s at Homeport Marina known as Jimmy Buffett’s Sister’s Place is also great for local bands. The Wharf Ampitheatre, located at the Wharf shopping and dining complex in Orange Beach, has various acts Wednesday through Sunday.

Sightseeing in Mobile

The final two days of your itinerary are spent in Montgomery, Alabama’s State Capital and the birthplace of both the Civil War and Civil Rights movement. This is where Hank Williams lived from 1937 to 1948. The Hank Williams Museum documents the life of this Country Music pioneer famous for such classics as “Hey Good Lookin” and “Cold Cold Heart”. Follow the Hank Williams Trail south to Mount Olive where he was born and to Georgiana his boyhood home.The Jubilee Cityfest held here in May is a great fun filled treat for all music lovers but the music is enjoyed year round too at venues like 1048 Jazz and Blues, Montgomery Brew Pub and The Olive Room.

Make the short drive back to Atlanta International Airport, where you return your rental car and check in for your flight back to the UK.