Rhythms of the Road

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

Chicago is known for its iconic architecture, world class museums, and beautiful waterfront. Sightseeing includes landmarks like the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), and Navy Pier followed by an afternoon at leisure. Consider visiting the extraordinary Art Institute of Chicago or stroll along Michigan Avenue, better known as the Magnificent Mile. Enjoy an optional river cruise to take in the Windy City’s amazing architecture, then go deep with a slice (or three) of iconic Chicago deep-dish pizza!

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

Recross the Mississippi River and roll southeast to Paducah, Kentucky on the Ohio River. Have time for lunch there and perhaps pay a visit to the National Quilt Museum to view quilts that truly are works of art. Late-afternoon arrival in Nashville. This evening consider joining the optional dinner with a Nashville Songwriter and hear their songs and stories about being a professional tunesmith.

Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Nashville, the Country Music Capital of the World. Visit the famous landmarks and the Music Row recording studios. Then tour historic RCA Studio B, cradle of the 1960s “Nashville Sound” where stars such as Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Willie Nelson, and the Everly Brothers recorded many of their biggest hits. Perhaps join the optional excursion to the Country Music Hall of Fame to see glittering costumes, rare instruments, and a king-sized set of wheels a.k.a. Elvis Presley’s “solid-gold” Cadillac. Tonight, enjoy reserved seating for a toe-tapping show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, a mecca for country musicians.

Depart Nashville and visit the Tina Turner Museum in the one-room schoolhouse attended by a young Anna Mae Bullock (a.k.a. Tina Turner). See the collection of the “Queen of Rock’s” memorabilia, including costumes, gold records and even her high school yearbook! Afterward, cross Tennessee to Memphis, “Home of the Blues” and a city with a distinct Southern flavor. Enjoy an orientation tour on arrival and see where scenes from the movie “Walk the Line” were filmed. Later, consider an optional excursion to where rock-n-roll was first recorded at Sun Studio, followed by dinner on historic and bluesy Beale Street.

Enjoy time today at Graceland, Elvis Presley’s beautiful estate. Your guided audio tour focuses on the opulent 15,000-square-foot mansion and the Meditation Garden where Elvis, and his daughter and grandson, are laid to rest. Also see Elvis’ custom jets and his favorite automobiles. Return to Memphis mid-afternoon and, if you haven’t done so already, perhaps get a taste of Memphis with some southern barbecue or a visit to the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.

Today, make your way through the state of Mississippi. Visit 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. An evening arrival in New Orleans allows time for exploring this lively city on your own.

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 and Jackson Square, and a visit to a unique above-ground cemetery. This afternoon, join an optional tour of one of the many plantation homes in southern Louisiana. The architecture and beauty of these homes alone is impressive and the stories that go with them are even better. Or cruise down bayous with moss-draped cypress trees to seek out alligators on a Louisiana Swamp Tour. This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional Mississippi River dinner cruise, complete with live jazz—the perfect finale to a memorable touring adventure of the South.

Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the “Big Easy” further.