Country Roads Of The Deep South

Depart the UK on your chosen scheduled flight to Nashville, Tennesse. Upon arrival, transfer independently to the Renaissance Hotel, Nashville. Nashville is the ideal place to start to relax and acclimatise before you meet the rest of your tour group and start your Insight escorted tour tomorrow evening.

Today you have a free day in the home of Country Music before meeting your Travel Director and mingling with guests at around 6pm followed by a Welcome Dinner with wine. We recommend a paddle-wheeler cruise down the Cumberland River where you will visit the sights of the waterway’s historic heritage.

Start your day with an orientation tour of music city. You’ll visit the picturesque Riverfront Park, Tennessee State Capitol, and the 132 acre Centennial State Park, where you’ll encounter an exact replica of the Parthenon. Pass by the city’s lively honky-tonks and street performers on Broadway, as you make your way to the Ryman Auditorium, the former home of the Grand Ole Opry. Built-in 1885 as a building for religious gatherings, it held its first concert in 1892, before opening its doors to Hollywood greats. It is here where Johnny Cash first met June Carter, where bluegrass was born and where country music found an audience. Tonight, you’ll head to the famous Grand Ole Opry, the world-renowned country music stage and longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history.

Today you will go behind the scenes of a Nashville recording studio. This intimate experience introduces you to a performing artist, musicians, and the techniques behind a song’s development. Make a stop at Nashville’s Farmers’ Market and Market House to explore its artisanal crafts and produce. Explore Nashville with Insight Choice. Choose to visit Nelson’s Green Brier, a local Tennessee distillery and home of the Original Tennessee Whiskey. Alternatively, visit the National Museum of African American Music, which shares the story of the American soundtrack through history and interactive technology. Tonight’s dinner at Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant will introduce you to the colourful flavours of Nashville. Perhaps try the crabmeat cheesecake.

This morning you’ll head to Memphis. Whether it’s your first or hundredth time visiting this vibrant city, you’ll be drawn in by the lively melodies coming from Beale Street. Spend the morning on a sightseeing tour of the city, followed by a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the National Civil Rights Museum. While there, you’ll be guided through five centuries of The Civil Rights Movement history and its impact on our culture today. End your day with a private evening at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The museum is part of The Soulsville Foundation, which aims to prepare young adults for life success and inspire future artists.

Begin your day with a visit to Sun Studio, the “birthplace of rock and roll”, where music legends, including B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and Elvis recorded. You’ll then make your way to the magnificent Graceland, the former home of the “King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis Presley. Dinner this evening will be served at The Beauty Shop, a former parlour turned whimsical New American eatery where Elvis’ ex-wife, Priscilla, was said to get her hair done.

Travel through the Mississippi Delta down the Mississippi Blues Trail, a route that tells the stories of bluesmen and women. Explore the Delta town of Greenwood at your own pace, before heading to the Viking Cooking School for a hot tamales cooking demonstration – a regional specialty. Later, dine on a mouthwatering dinner at a James Beard Award finalist restaurant that features southern-inspired dishes that include produce local to the area.

Learn more about Southern history and hospitality as you head to Natchez. Tour the historic antebellum mansions, and discover the preservation efforts of later generations to tell the story of African-Americans through the decades, understanding that slavery and cotton allowed plantation owners to build these mansions. Test your mixologist skills as you concoct a traditional Southern cocktail, the Mint Julep. Minty, cooling and with a touch of sweetness, you’re sure to learn a few party tricks to bring back home with you. Enjoy an evening to yourself. Ask your Travel Director for restaurant suggestions and discover one of the wonderful options in town.

Move on to Lafayette for a taste of the Cajun and Creole culture. Get to know more about Cajun culture and how it is defined by its roots. You’ll then head to the Acadian Cultural Center followed by a unique Cajun music experience. A genre rooted in the ballads of the French-speaking Acadians, it is both eclectic and joyous. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner with your fellow travellers.

Start the day with a crawfish farm tour just outside the city. You will be joined by a local expert who will help you catch your lunch the old-fashioned way, using hand nets. You’ll be taught how to prepare a traditional boil, before sitting down to the meal. If crawfish are out of season, you’ll take part in a boil experience with seasonal seafood. Later, enjoy time at leisure or head out on an optional swamp tour.

New Orleans is a lively and dynamic city, known for its vibrant culture and electric jazz festivals. On the way down south, stop at the Tabasco® Factory for a self-guided tour and discover how the world-famous red hot pepper sauce is made. This afternoon, head to the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, where you’ll learn more about the city’s diverse cuisine with a guided tour and included lunch.

Get to know the city with a local expert as you discover each neighborhood’s unique architecture and explore the vibrant art scene. See how the community comes together through celebration. In the afternoon, take your pick of optional activities, perhaps getting to know the local culture through a jazz music experience or by meeting a voodoo specialist. End your day by joining your fellow travellers at a Celebration Dinner at the Palace Cafe – a contemporary and upbeat Creole restaurant at the foot of the French Quarter.

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as your adventure comes to an end where you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to the UK. Alternatively, you may choose to extend your stay in New Orleans.