Like most of North America, faced with so much choice, you might find it difficult to decide exactly where in the South to start your journey. Therefore, we have tried to make it a little easier by giving you a brief introduction to each of the states we feature, which we hope will give you a taste of what you can expect to see and do in each area. Choose from our pre suggested fly drive itineraries or let us tailor one to suit your own individual needs. Either way, you will love the people, the places, the food and of course, the music!
Visit remarkable Alabama and see where events such as The Rosa Park's Montgomery Bus Boycott took place and the Selma to Montgomery March started, which shaped Civil Rights history. Montgomery was also the starting point of America's Civil War. History aside, friendly Alabama is also home to some beautiful mountain scenery, world class golf, and lovely gulf beaches with warm water. Music fans won't be disappointed as the state, home to Hank Williams is steeped in musical heritage with blues and southern jazz to be enjoyed in bars and clubs across the state.
Featured in our Magnolias, Mountains & Mardi Gras, Music & Mountains of the South and Grand Southern Adventure Itineraries.
Louisiana has one of the most colourful histories of any state, resulting in a rare and exotic mix of nations and cultures, offering you an unforgettable holiday experience. Here you will experience a rich history, world class music, fabulous historical architecture, and wonderful food born of French, African, Spanish and Arcadian origin.
Featured in our Roots of Blues, Sounds of the South, American Rhythms, From Cajun to Cowboys and Magnolias, Mountains & Mardi Gras Itineraries.
If you are looking for great music, great adventure and a great escape then Mississippi is for you! Music enthusiasts can travel the Blues Highway, US Highway 61 from Memphis to Vicksburg and uncover a fascinating tour of the Mississippi Delta that spawned hundreds of music legends such as BB King and Muddy Waters. History buffs can march the steps of the confederacy in Vicksburg, 40 miles west of the state capital Jackson, famous for its National Military Park commemorating the 47 day siege and battle by General Ulysses Grant that change the course of the Civil War.
Featured in our Roots of Blues, Sounds of the South, Magnolias, Mountains & Mardi Gras, Bluegrass to Blues, Tennessee Tunes & Arkansas Ozarks and Grand Southern Adventure Itineraries.
From the Mississippi River to the great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee combines being the capital of American music and being a place to discover the best of America's riveting history and mouthwatering food! With it's music embedded in the culture of the world, Tennessee has given the world legendardy artists such as Elvis, Dolly Parton, BB King and Johnny Cash.
Featured in our Roots of Blues, Sounds of the South, American Rhythms, Bluegrass to Blues, Music & Mountains of the South, Tennessee Tunes & Arkansas Ozarks and Grand Southern Adventure Itineraries.
Explore the beautiful historic of Savannah, Georgia by foot, with its many cobblestone streets and shady squares. The Golden Isles of Jekyll and St Simons Islands on Georgia's Atlantic coast is combined with history and cultural attractions. Stone Mountain State Park is 3,200 acres of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, all within 15 minutes of Downtown Atlanta.
Featured in our Magnolias, Mountains & Mardi Gras, Grand Southern Adventure and Georgia Florida Line Itineraries.
South Carolina has some of America’s most beautiful beaches and resort islands, and there’s a top quality golf course around every corner. The charming antebellum architecture exudes southern grace and style. Visitors to Charleston can wander cobblestone streets lined with antique shops and browse the Old City Market or take a horse-drawn carriage tour to learn about the city's infamous historical characters. Meanwhile, Beaufort is home to yet more historical riches, with it’s historic waterfront houses, built by planters who grew wealthy from cash crops such as rice, indigo and cotton.
Featured in our Music & Mountains of the South and Grand Southern Adventure Itineraries.
North Carolina is full of natural splendour. Here you can enjoy the picturesque beaches and the rugged Outer Banks coastline, and take a slow meandering drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, through beautiful leafy glades and forests, past waterfalls and spectacular mountains. For a change of pace & scene, head for the bright lights of Charlotte, the region’s main city and home to top class entertainment, shopping and dining. Historical interest is never far away in this region – the historic Rosedale Plantation with its extensive gardens and manor house is a must.
Featured in our Grand Southern Adventure Itinerary.
Famous for Bourbon Country, civil war battlefields and beautiful natural parks. Visit the Kentucky Horse Park, enjoy exciting sport and impressive art in Lexington. Enjoy the famous annual Kentucky Derby in Louisville or go for dinner on the Belle of Louisville, the nation's oldest steam-powered paddlewheeler. Go hiking or canoeing on the Green River.
Featured in our Only In America Itinerary.
The skyscrapers of Chicago are the public face of Illinois; big, bold and exciting, Chicago is also a place to play with great food or music, this is the blues capital of the world and there are many clubs for a great night out. It is also worth visiting Springfield, where Abraham Lincoln lived before becoming President of the United States. Take to the road on one of Illinois’ seven scenic byways out towards the Great Lakes.
Featured in our Roots of Blues Itinerary.
Arkansas may well be one of America’s final undiscovered gems. With much of the state home to the Ozarks, Boston and Ouachita Mountains, it is no surprise that the state is known as one of the best places in the world for mountain-biking. The state also has a musical heritage and is home to both the famous Walmart chain and the Presidential Library of the 42nd President, Bill Clinton.
Featured in our Tennessee Tunes & Arkansas Ozarks Itinerary.
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"Sweet Home Alabama", the very name conjures up an image of a state which epitomises the easy going, laid back lifestyle long associated with the Deep South. Nestled in a region of diverse scenery, Alabama sweeps from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the North to the white sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast in the South. As a result of its involvement in two of the most momentous events in U.S. history, the American Civil War and the national civil rights movement, Alabama has a fascinating history which is played out in key museums and landmarks throughout the state.
Alabama also boasts music legends like Hank Williams and W.C. Handy 'Father of the Blues'. Jimmy Buffett grew up here and many International superstars including Aretha Franklin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Otis Redding and the Rolling Stones recorded here in a region called Muscle Shoals on the banks of the Tennessee River during the 60s and 70s. Follow in the footsteps of history makers like Dr Martin Luther King Jr. and also celebrate some of America's music superstars who blazed a trail through the Deep South during this 14 night tour. Your adventure begins in Nashville, takes in beautiful Alabama and ends in New Orleans.
Welcome to Nashville, home of Country Music and the Grand Ole Opry. Visit the museum of music giants, the Country Music Hall of Fame followed by some fabulous live music in one of many bars and lounges in 'The District', Nashville's downtown entertainment area.
"127 miles"
Day three takes you to a region in the northwest corner of Alabama known as The Shoals, a cluster of cities - Tuscumbia, Florence, Sheffield and Muscle Shoals. Begin your stay by visiting the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia and don't miss some of the most influential recording centres in America, the Muscle Shoals Sounds Studio and the FAME Recording Studio known for their huge contribution to rock, country and R&B music throughout the 60's and 70's. Both studios were used frequently by superstars like Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Paul Simon and Otis Reading who all made classic recordings here and are still active and open for public tours (check ahead for visiting times).
"69 miles"
A short drive brings you to Alabama's 'Rocket City', Huntsville. A two night stay here provides an ideal opportunity to sample some of its exciting day and night time entertainment. Located in the heart of Alabama's Mountain Region, Huntsville hosts numerous music events throughout the year including one of the state's largest - the Big Spring Jam every September. The city's downtown area has a mini entertainment district with venues like Crossroads Cafe and Humprey's showcasing Blues, Jazz, Folk and Rock Music. For shopping and dining, the new Bridge Street Town Centre features over 70 upscale shops and restaurants, a 10 acre lake with gondola rides, water craft rentals and park areas.
By day, visit the U.S Space and Rocket Center, the Earth's largest space museum featuring a full size Space Shuttle, a Saturn V rocket and the actual Apollo 16 capsule. Families can thrill to interactive rides and flight simulators and they can also attend U.S Space Camp. Save time for the Huntsville Botanical Garden where you can enjoy the Alabama sunshine whilst exploring 112 acres of flora and fauna. For a different perspective, go back in time to 1819 by visiting Alabama Constitution Village, the actual site where forty four delegates gathered to forge the way for Alabama's Statehood. Become a part of Alabama's history as villagers dressed in period clothing take you through eight reconstructed Federal style buildings. Another living history museum, Burritt on the Mountain, is a remarkable 14 room mansion built in the shape of an X and is insulated with 2,200 bales of wheat straw. The Historic Park contains restored farm buildings which interpret rural life during 1850 and 1900.
"101 miles"
Birmingham, home to grits, gravy, great culture and gracious folks is a fabulous stop for the next two nights. Its Alabama's largest city, known for its diversity and overlooked by Red Mountain. As well as hosting the famous City Stages Festival every June, a 3- day event featuring 150 acts, Birmingham claims to be the Capital of American Idol due to its reputation for producing a string of talented vocalists. Two of the winners, Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks plus runner up, Bo Bice, all hail from here. Indeed, it's hard to escape the music in this playful city. Throughout the year, Jazz echoes from downtown nightclubs in places like Ona's Music Room and the Blue Monkey. The Five Points entertainment district has music of all types as well as great dining. Folks in Birmingham love to eat and those who visit here will get a taste of some fabulous cuisine whilst enjoying all the arts that the city offers. Jazz enthusiasts would do well to visit 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.
Birmingham also has a fantastic range of museums ranging from Native American and Renaissance art to one that documents one of it's most important roles in the history of Civil Rights conflict and reconciliation, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Nearby Kelly Ingram Park which was the staging ground for Civil Rights rallies and demonstrations during the tumultuous 1960s is also a moving and educational place to visit. The Barber Motorsports Park and Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum are a must for motor enthusiasts and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Zoo are just some of the city's other great attractions.
"91 miles"
Moving south to Montgomery, Alabama's State Capital is the birthplace of both the Civil War and Civil Rights. The Civil Rights Memorial and Rosa Park's museum should not be missed. Country Music lovers can visit the Hank Williams Museum which documents the life of this famous music pioneer known for such classics as "Hey Good Lookin" and "Cold Cold Heart".
"170 miles"
The historic port city of Mobile, which is one of the oldest cities in America, is your home for the next two nights. It boasts the original Mardi Gras which started in 1703 and is still celebrated every year two weeks before lent as part of a calendar of musical events. Visit the Mobile Carnival museum for an insight into the fascinating history of the revellers, brilliant costumes and colourful floats. Mobile was also the scene of an important naval struggle in 1864 when the outnumbered Confederate fleet were forced to surrender and this is documented at the Mobile Museum which details over 300 years of the City's history.
Mobile Bay is an exclusive entertaining, indulgent and relaxing destination. It features delicious seafood and an array of bars, restaurants and live music venues – just what you would expect from Jimmy Buffet's hometown. The Lo Da Entertainment District has over 20 establishments with live music on different nights of the week. Stop by 'Veets' for a late night drink and live bands. Felix's Fish Camp overlooking Mobile Bay has entertainment most nights and great views over the water. If you're visiting in the Fall, you'll be lucky enough to see the city's 3 day BayFest Music Festival. This has jazz as it's main ingredient but there is continuous music for every taste. Spot of Tea on Dauphin Street is a favourite for breakfast and a nice place to stroll around as you admire the buildings on Cathedral Square. A drive through the nearby Oakleigh Garden Historic District allows you to take a look at some of the city's finest late 19th century residences. During your two night stay, take a trip a few miles down the road to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach which provide 32 miles of pristine white sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Live bands perform at beachfront bars like the Florabama, Pink Pony Pub and The Hangout.
"50 miles"
Alabama's Gulf Shores provide white sandy beaches which are both perfect for a family holiday, and a quieter alternative to the heavily crowded beaches of Florida. The Gulf Shores provide a family friendly environment full of sunbathing, watersports and golfing opportunities, as well as plenty of theme parks and attractions which are great for kids.
"196 miles"
Finish your tour in the exotic city of New Orleans which overflows with history, culture and an energy that reverberates throughout the city. Aside from the legendary Bourbon street nightlife, there is a wealth of experience for all the family in the form of boat swamp tours, street car rides, the National World War II museum, the Aquarium, Mardi Gras World and more.
Daily departures throughout the year.
Please call us on (01892) 779900 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. stating your travel dates, and preferred standard of accommodation for a detailed & competitively priced quotation.
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The American South breathes music. This tour leads from the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans to French-speaking Lafayette where Cajun and zydeco music provide a soundtrack to those steamy Southern nights. In the Mississippi Delta you'll see the plantations where blues was born. From Memphis, one of America's most lively and colourful cities, the likes of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Otis Redding stormed the charts the world over with rock & roll and soul. Finally, you'll roll into Nashville, 'Music City USA', where country and bluegrass battle in the bars and clubs of Second and Broadway.
Welcome to Nashville, ‘Music City USA’, home of country music and some of America’s biggest recording companies. Trawl the outstanding music venues of Second and Broadway or head out to the Grand Ole Opry, the ‘church’ of country music.
With two full days to explore Nashvillebe sure to visit the famous Ryman Auditorium, the new Country Music Hall of Fame or RCA’s Studio ‘B’ where Elvis Presley recorded over 200 of his best-loved hits. Or you might choose to wander Music Row hoping – like thousands before you – to be ‘spotted’ by a talent scout!
"212 miles"
Continue South to Memphis, the place where blues came of age and where rock & roll was born. We recommend you park the car at your centrally-located hotel and walk over to Beale Street for a night of great music. Beale Street was a key arena in which bluesmen from BB King to Howlin’ Wolf made their names. BB King’s Blues Club is now one of Beale Street’s best clubs.
Tour Graceland and Sun Studios or visit the exceptional Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum in the new Gibson Guitar factory. Here you’ll learn about the incredible contribution Memphis has made to blues, soul and gospel music. Drive out to the Full Gospel Tabernacle where Al Green is the resident preacher or explore the city’s many musical sites. You might choose to visit the National Civil Rights Museum housed in the old Lorraine Motel, the place where Dr Martin Luther King was assassinated. It’s one the most moving and insightful museums in the States.
"77 miles"
Probably America’s most significant blues town, illustrious one-time Clarksdale residents include John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters and Ike Turner. Visit the outstanding Delta Blues Museum and drive out to Stovall Plantation where Muddy Waters grew up. This evening you might tour the town’s many ‘juke-joints’ – authentic blues bars – or you could dine at Hollywood star and local Morgan Freeman’s restaurant.
"154 miles"
Leave Clarksdale on Highway 61 – the ‘Blues Highway’ – to Clarksdale. On the way you might want to stop to find the graves of Charley Patton and Robert Johnson and Dockery Plantation where Charley Patton defined the Delta blues. Continue to Jackson, the state capital of Mississippi. You have one night here to explore Farish Street, where the likes of Sonny Boy Williamson II and Robert Johnson were discovered, and the city’s many blues clubs.
"44 miles"
From Jackson take the I-20 West to the Mississippi River town of Vicksburg which played a big part in the American Civil War when in 1862 it was besieged by Northern troops for 47 days. Find the past well preserved in Civil War battle scenes and charming antebellum mansions, in quaint tucked away stores and cozy antique shops.
"72 miles"
Perched 200 feet above the Mississippi River, Natchez is the oldest civilized settlement on the river. Once the richest town in the US, Natchez is still dripping in antebellum finery. Explore the many plantation houses and enjoy some of the best restaurants on this tour.
"134 miles"
Lafayette, capital of the French-speaking Cajun South and home to Cajun and zydeco music. Get to know this sleepy, Southern town where music and dancing are part of everyday life.
"135 miles"
Drive across swampy Louisiana on Highway 61 to New Orleans. Drop off your hire car Downtown and take a cab to your hotel in New Orleans Historic French Quarter. Spend the next few days getting to know the Big Easy and its many sights and sounds. Take a steamboat trip on the Mississippi and sample some of the fabulous Creole cuisine that New Orleans is world famous for. Spend three nights in New Orleans before flying home.
Daily departures throughout the year.
Please call us on (01892) 779900 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. stating your travel dates, and preferred standard of accommodation for a detailed & competitively priced quotation.
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Spend time exploring the sultry streets of the Big Easy before heading north into the vast expanse of the Mississippi Delta where blues grew up on plantations like Dockery. Here you'll feel the ghosts of Charley Patton and Robert Johnson as you drift north through beautiful Delta cotton fields and past evocative crossroads. There will be time to hear blues in authentic 'juke-joints' before moving on to Memphis, the birthplace of rock & roll and home to Sun Studios and Graceland. Then you'll fly to St Louis with its sizzling music scene before hitting the road to Chicago where Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf brought blues to the attention of the world.
Arrive at New Orleans International Airport and pick up your hire car for the drive downtown. Explore New Orleans including the US Mint Jazz Museum, Jackson Square, Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. No other city in America can boast such intrigue or romance. Another full day to get to know the Big Easy and its many sights and - more importantly - sounds. You might choose to take a steamboat trip along the Mississippi or you might decide to sample the city's Creole cuisine; New Orleans is also famous for its food.
"189 miles"
Drive from the gluey swampland of Louisiana to Jackson, state capital of Mississippi. You have one night here to explore Farish Street, where the likes of Sonny Boy Williamson II and Robert Johnson were discovered, and the city's many blues clubs.
"116 miles"
Leave Jackson and head across the Delta to Greenwood, putting you as deep in the Delta blues as you can get. This sleepy town is the country's second largest cotton exchange after Memphis, and has a lovely Grand Boulevard lined with graceful mansions. On the way you might want to use our 'Deep Delta Guide' to find the graves of Charley Patton, Robert Johnson and others as well as a series of key blues landmarks. You'll have one night to explore the juke-joints of Greenville's Nelson and Walnut Streets or to try your luck in one of the town's many casinos.
"58 miles"
Drive north along Highway 61 - the 'Blues Highway' - through the Delta to Clarksdale, America's most significant blues town. On the way you'll pass Dockery Plantation where Charley Patton defined the Delta blues. Illustrious one-time Clarksdale residents include John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters and Ike Turner. Visit the outstanding Delta Blues Museum and drive out to Stovall Plantation where Muddy Waters grew up.
"79 miles"
Continue north along the 'Blues Highway' to Memphis, the place where blues came of age and where rock & roll was born. We recommend you park the car at your centrally-located hotel and walk over to Beale Street for a night of great music. Beale Street was a key arena in which bluesmen from BB King to Howlin' Wolf made their names. BB King's Blues Club is now one of Beale Street's best clubs.
A full day to explore Memphis. Tour Graceland and Sun Studios or visit the exceptional Rock 'n' Soul Museum in the new Gibson Guitar factory. Here you'll learn about the incredible contribution Memphis has made to blues, soul and gospel music. Another full day in Memphis - you'll find it easy to fill your time. Drive out to the Full Gospel Tabernacle where Al Green is the resident preacher or explore the city's many musical sites. You might choose to visit the National Civil Rights Museum housed in the old Lorraine Motel, the place where Dr Martin Luther King was assassinated. It's one the most moving and insightful museums in the States.
"291 miles"
Drive north along Highway 61 - the 'Blues Highway' - to St Louis, America's great 'gateway city' or relax and take an Amtrak train. Check in at your hotel then spend the evening roaming the funky Soulard district, home to one of the best blues scenes in the US. Look out for local legends Henry Townsend and Johnnie Johnson. A day in St Louis. Ride to the top of the amazing 630-foot Gateway Arch which dominates the city's skyline. Then visit Scott Joplin's House where the ragtime innovator penned such hits as 'Maple Leaf Rag' and 'The Entertainer'.
"Fly 304 miles"
Turn in your hire car at St Louis Airport and fly across the Midwest to Chicago, the place where blues really came of age. After the journey you might want to head into the Loop for some Italian-American cooking or to a soul food joint for 'smothered pork and beans'. Where do you start? You could focus on the South Side's many blues landmarks like Muddy Waters's house and the Checkerboard Lounge or you could head for the mainstream attractions like the lakeshore or Navy Pier. Spend the day checking out the Loop and some of Chicago's great museums before a night on the town. Choose between the North Side with its world-famous blues venues or head down to Buddy Guy's club. Then there's the South Side with clubs like Lee's Unleaded where raw electric blues pounds night after night. Spend three nights in Chicago before flying home.
Daily departures thoughout the year.
Please call us on (01892) 779900 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. stating your travel dates, and preferred standard of accommodation for a detailed & competitively priced quotation.
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Short on time? Don’t want to drive far? Then you don’t need to miss these three great cities on this 10 night itinerary. This tour of the Deep South is lands bordered by the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. This area has so much to offer, from the civil war history of Mississippi and the cajun country in Louisiana to the country music of Tennessee and the jazz and blues of New Orleans.
Welcome to Nashville, ‘Music City USA’, home of country music and some of America’s biggest recording companies. Trawl the outstanding music venues of Second and Broadway and visit RCA’s Studio ‘B’ where Elvis Presley recorded over 200 of his best-loved hits. Be sure to visit the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
"212 miles"
Departing Nashville, your next stop will be Memphis, the place where blues came of age and rock & roll was born. Beale Street was a key arena in which bluesmen from BB King to Howlin’ Wolf made their names .BB King’s Blues Club is now one of this famous Street’s best clubs. Don't miss out on the chance to tour Graceland and Sun Studios or visit the exceptional Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum in the new Gibson Guitar factory.
Amtrak train service
This morning you will need to drop off your hire car at the Airport and take the Amtrak train service to New Orleans. On arrival take a cab take a cab to your hotel in New Orleans Historic French Quarter. Spend tonight experiencing the wide range of restaurants and bars that this fascinating city has to offer. Over the next few days get to know the Big Easy and its many sights and sounds. Take a steamboat trip along the Mississippi and sample some of the fabulous Creole cuisine that New Orleans is world famous for. No other city in America can boast such intrigue or romance.
Depart this morning or instead choose from one of our exciting ‘add ons’ such as spending a few days on the beach on Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast. Alternatively, embark upon a 7 night Caribbean Cruise from New Orleans.
Daily departures throughout the year.
Please call us on (01892) 779900 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. stating your travel dates, and preferred standard of accommodation for a detailed & competitively priced quotation.