Dixieland and Rhythms

Dixieland and Rhythms

The beautiful South comes alive on this wonderful vacation featuring locations that have played a role in the evolution of American music. This southern U.S. tour starts with two nights in Chicago, ends with two nights in New Orleans, includes two nights in Nashville and Memphis, and an overnight in St. Louis. Enjoy a sightseeing tour or an orientation tour in each of the cities. Highlights of this tour include places near and dear to music lovers’ hearts. In Nashville, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, with its rare instruments and Elvis Presley’s “solid-gold” Cadillac, and RCA Studio B, Nashville’s oldest remaining recording studio and where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and many more stars recorded their biggest hits. You’ll also enjoy the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, a must for any country music fan and where you’ll have reserved seating for a show. In Memphis, see where the film, “Walk the Line,” was filmed and visit Graceland, Elvis’ palatial estate. Other tour highlights include a trip to the top of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. A visit to the Tina Turner Museum plus the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center. Discover the life of B.B. (Blues Boy) King, from his humble beginnings to his big break on Beale Street in Memphis. In Louisiana, perhaps enjoy an optional boat cruise through the swampy waterways. On this southern U.S. tour, you’ll also have plenty of time to explore on your own or to join optional outings. In Memphis, you may want to join an optional excursion to Sun Studio or visit a blues club on famous Beale Street. In New Orleans, you may want to visit a plantation or shop in the French Quarter. For music lovers and those desiring to experience the South, this value-minded tour is the perfect vacation!

What's Included:

• Return Flights
• Services of a tour director
• Daily sightseeing
• Accommodation
• Selected meals
• All airport taxes

Day 1: Chicago

Welcome to the “Windy City.” Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

Day 2: Chicago

Included sightseeing shows off the city’s landmarks, then an afternoon at leisure. Maybe ride the elevator to the top of Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, stroll in Grant Park, or cruise on the Chicago River.

Day 3: Chicago - St. Louis

Travel across the fertile Illinois farmlands to St. Louis, “Gateway to the West.” An orientation tour includes a trip to the top of the GATEWAY ARCH National Park, which commemorates the city’s key role in westward expansion. Visit the museum under the Arch, celebrating Lewis and Clark’s famous expedition 200 years ago.

Day 4: St. Louis - Nashville

Recross the Mississippi River today and roll southeast to Paducah on the Ohio River. Late-afternoon arrival in Nashville.

Day 5: Nashville

Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Nashville’s famous landmarks and the Music Row recording studios. Tour historic RCA STUDIO B, cradle of the “Nashville Sound” in the 1960s and where stars such as Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Willie Nelson, and the Everly Brothers recorded many of their biggest hits. Afterward, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame with its glittering costumes, rare instruments, and Elvis’ “solid-gold” Cadillac! Tonight, enjoy reserved seating for a show at the world-famous Grand Old Opry, a mecca for country musicians.

Day 6: Nashville - Memphis

Cross Tennessee to Memphis, “Home of the Blues” and a city with a distinct Southern flavour. Enjoy an orientation tour on arrival and see where the film Walk the Line was filmed. Join the optional excursion to Sun Studio, where rock ‘n’ roll was first recorded, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 7: Memphis

Visit to Graceland. A good portion of the day is devoted to Graceland, Elvis Presley’s beautiful estate. Your guided audio tour focuses on the memorial garden, and the opulent 15,000-square-foot mansion. Return to Memphis mid-afternoon and if you haven’t done so already, get a taste of Memphis with some southern barbecue at Central BBQ. Perhaps stop by the Gibson Guitar Factory for a tour or visit the National Civil Rights Museum. This evening, you may want to visit famous Beale Street, and explore the melting pot of delta blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, R and B, and gospel.

Day 8: Memphis - Amtrak City of New Orleans train - New Orleans

Providing the locomotion for today’s journey through the state of Mississippi and into the Mississippi River Delta is the City of New Orleans, the famous train of story and song. Cotton fields and catfish ponds slide past on the way to New Orleans. The evening is free to begin exploring this lively city.

Day 9: New Orleans

A full morning is dedicated to the sights and sounds of New Orleans, featuring a guided tour that includes the French Quarter landmarks, St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and a visit to a unique above-ground cemetery. This afternoon, join an optional cruise through the winding waterways of Louisiana’s swamp lands. For shoppers, Canal Street and the French Quarter offer an array of specialty shops and boutiques. This evening, perhaps join an optional Mississippi River dinner cruise aboard an authentic steamboat to enjoy a delightful buffet dinner, complete with live jazz—the perfect finale to a memorable touring adventure of the South.

Day 10: New Orleans

Your tour ends this morning.