Southern Charms & Florida

Southern Charms & Florida

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13 Days From

$3036

$2649

Southern Charms & Florida

13 Days Starting in New Orleans, LA, USA and ending in Orlando, FL, USA

Visiting: New Orleans, Natchez, Baton Rouge, Memphis, Graceland, Nashville, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Savannah, Orlando, St. Augustine

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

8290-2024

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 43

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, History, Music

From: $3036 $2649 Operator discount: -$387 -13%

NB: Prices correct on 31-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the South on this wondrous vacation through the heart of Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. This southern U.S. tour starts with three nights in New Orleans and ends with one night in Orlando. In between, you’ll stay two nights in Memphis, Nashville, and Savannah, and one night each in Natchez, and Atlanta. You’ll also spend time in Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s capital; Chattanooga, home of the Chattanooga Choo Choo; and St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States.

Music fans will be delighted by the included visits to Graceland, the lavish home of Elvis Presley; Studio B, Nashville’s oldest surviving recording studio; the Country Music Hall of Fame, with its rare instruments and glittering costumes; and the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, where you’ll have reserved seating for an unforgettable show. History buffs will enjoy visiting not only St. Augustine, but also the Old World city of New Orleans, with its clanging streetcars, stately mansions, and French Quarter. You’ll visit a pre-Civil War home in Natchez, which features fine collections of period furniture and paintings. In Atlanta, you’ll stop at the grave and eternal flame dedicated to preserving the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. A trolley tour in Savannah highlights many attractions of this historic seaport, including Madison Square, designed in the 1830s.

On this southern U.S. tour, you’ll also enjoy seeing the countryside between cities. You’ll drive through the heart of Cajun Country from New Orleans to Baton Rouge and through rural Mississippi from Natchez to Memphis.

Highlights

  • Enjoy the sights and sounds of the South on this wondrous vacation through the heart of Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida

  • Spend time in Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s capital; Chattanooga, home of the Chattanooga Choo Choo; and St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States

  • Music fans will be delighted by the included visits to Graceland, the lavish home of Elvis Presley; Studio B, Nashville’s oldest surviving recording studio; the Country Music Hall of Fame, with its rare instruments and glittering costumes; and the world-famous Grand Ole Opry

  • Stop at the grave and eternal flame dedicated to preserving the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr

Places You'll See

Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis

Wyndham Garden Orlando - Universal/I-Drive

Sheraton New Orleans

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown

Holiday Inn Savannah Historic District

Hampton Inn And Suites Natchez

The Inn At Opryland, Gaylord Hotel

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : New Orleans

Location: New Orleans

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sheraton New Orleans

Welcome to New Orleans! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

Day 2 : New Orleans

Location: New Orleans

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sheraton New Orleans

The morning is dedicated to the sights and sounds of this Old-World city with a guided tour. First, visit the French Quarter, including St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. Next, learn about the city’s unique burial customs at an above-ground cemetery, followed by a leisurely drive down historic St. Charles Avenue to enjoy its stately mansions and clanging streetcars. A lavish optional brunch features many of New Orleans’ culinary classics as well as live music. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 3 : New Orleans

Location: New Orleans

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sheraton New Orleans

A day to explore at your own pace. Stroll through the centuries-old French Quarter or take a carriage ride while listening to tales of voodoo queens and pirates. History enthusiasts may venture out to a plantation to catch a glimpse of life the way it used to be in the Old South. Tonight, you might like to experience the city’s beautiful skyline on an optional jazz dinner cruise from the heart of the French Quarter.

Day 4 : New Orleans,Baton Rouge,Natchez

Location: Natchez, New Orleans, Baton Rouge

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hampton Inn And Suites Natchez

Drive through the heart of Cajun Country to Baton Rouge for an orientation tour that features the art deco State Capitol, the tallest in the country. Next, on to elegant Natchez, a thriving port in the golden years of the cotton trade. Visit a gracious Pre-Civil-War home featuring fine collections of period furniture and paintings. In the evening, relax on our optional Dinner and Historic Antebellum Home Tour.

Day 5 : Natchez,Memphis

Location: Memphis, Natchez

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis

Meals Included: Breakfast

Drive through rural Mississippi to Memphis. On arrival, acquaint yourself with the town during an included orientation tour. Don’t miss the optional excursion to the Birthplace of Rock and Roll, Sun Studio, followed by dinner and a drink on Beale St. where you’ll explore more of the melting pot that is Delta blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, R & B, and gospel.

Day 6 : Memphis,Visit To Graceland

Location: Memphis, Graceland

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis

Meals Included: Breakfast

A trip to Memphis would not be complete without visiting Graceland, the palatial home of “The King,” Elvis Presley. Our guided audio tour focuses on the memorial garden and the opulent 15,000-square-foot mansion. Afterward, if you haven’t done so already, get a taste of Memphis with some authentic southern barbecue, visit the National Civil Rights Museum, or experience the world-famous Duck March at the elegant Peabody Hotel.

Day 7 : Memphis,Nashville

Location: Memphis, Nashville

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Inn At Opryland, Gaylord Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, leave the “Home of the Blues” as you head for Nashville, the “Capital of Country Music.” Afternoon arrival in Nashville. This evening, you have reserved seating for an unforgettable show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, a mecca for country musicians since 1925.

Day 8 : Nashville

Location: Nashville

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Inn At Opryland, Gaylord Hotel

Its association with country music has made the name “Nashville” world famous, but it’s not just music fans who will find this bustling Southern city a delight. Start your day with a visit to RCA Studio B, one of the country’s most revered, and Nashville’s oldest surviving recording studio. Afterward, sightseeing with a local guide includes the recording studios of Music Row, a life-size reproduction of the Parthenon, the State Capitol, and Bicentennial State Park. Then, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame with its glittering costumes, rare instruments, and Elvis Presley’s “solid-gold” Cadillac.

Day 9 : Nashville,Chattanooga,Atlanta

Location: Nashville, Chattanooga, Atlanta

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown

First stop today is Chattanooga, home of the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Then, enter the “Peach State” of Georgia and journey to its fast-growing metropolis, Atlanta, home of 1996 summer Olympics. An orientation tour, followed by a visit to the National Park Visitor Center that honors civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.

Day 10 : Atlanta,Savannah

Location: Savannah, Atlanta

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Savannah Historic District

Meals Included: Breakfast

Head south through rich, rolling farmland to the historic seaport of Savannah for a 2-night stay. On this afternoon’s guided trolley tour, you will see attractions like the City Market, Forsyth Park, Mercer House, Madison Square (where General Sherman concluded his “March to the Sea”), Colonial Park Cemetery, and the world-famous River Street. The evening is free to explore this charming city on your own.

Day 11 : Savannah

Location: Savannah

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Savannah Historic District

A day at leisure. Explore the city with your included Hop on/Hop off Trolley ticket. Shop on cobblestoned River Street or stroll among the many squares surrounded by elegant homes and gardens. Don’t miss the chance to sample some Low Country cuisine at one of the many restaurants.

Day 12 : Savannah,St. Augustine,Orlando

Location: Orlando, St. Augustine, Savannah

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Wyndham Garden Orlando - Universal/I-Drive

Travel into the “Sunshine State” of Florida, stopping first at St. Augustine, the oldest European founded city in the United States. You will see the Government House and the Spanish fortress, Castillo de San Marcos, on your orientation tour. Then, drive to magical Orlando.

Day 13 : Orlando

Location: Orlando

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

What's Included

  • Meals

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Fully Guided

  • Transport

    Private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi

What's Not Included

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

Meals

4 breakfasts

Accommodation

Sheraton New Orleans

Located on historic Canal Street just steps from the French Quarter, the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel is a short walk from Bourbon Street, the Aquarium of the Americas, IMAX Theater, Riverwalk Marketplace and the assortment of renowned restaurants, boutiques, and live music clubs. The hotel has an outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, business center, gift shop, concierge service, Internet access, restaurant, lounge, and room service.

Hampton Inn and Suites Natchez

Our Natchez hotel offers easy access to shops, nightlife and restaurants in the renowned Under-the-Hill area.

Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis

The Beale Street Entertainment District is home to the Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis. They are conveniently close to the Fedex Forum, Autozone Stadium, and Liberty Park Fairgrounds. Each of their 192 tastefully decorated guest rooms emits a welcoming and soothing warmth. Each room has a Keurig with a selection of Kcups, a full-size ironing board, two phones with voice mail and a modem, and free high-speed wireless internet access.

The Inn at Opryland, Gaylord Hotel

The ideal location of The Inn at Opryland brings all the excitement of Music City allowing easy access to Nashville's world-famous attractions. On-site conveniences include restaurants, a large indoor pool and a newly renovated fitness center. Guestrooms feature complimentary weekday newspapers, coffeemakers, and high-speed wired Internet access.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown

Holiday Inn Express Atlanta Downtown, is located just 3 blocks from the MARTA Peachtree Center Station and is easily accessible to all the favorites like the Georgia Aquarium, Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Centennial Olympic Park and the Tabernacle and more. Their accommodations also offer free Wi-Fi and free hot breakfast daily.

Holiday Inn Savannah Historic District

In the heart of the Savannah Historic District and just a short walk from River Street, this hotel is in the perfect place to explore the city. It is close to shopping, dining and entertainment in City Market.

Wyndham Garden Orlando - Universal/I-Drive

Within minutes of the theme parks in Orlando, the Wyndham Garden Orlando - Universal/I Drive has lots to offer. Newly Opened in 2020 this hotel offers an outdoor pool and lots more.

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the maximum group size?

    Usually max 43 people

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes, 5 years or above

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

Trustpilot
Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

Trustpilot
John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

Trustpilot
Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

Trustpilot
Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

Trustpilot

1 Select your preferred date

Wednesday - Monday

Apr 16, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025
$3121 $2734

Operator discount: -$387

Wednesday - Monday

May 21, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025
$3121 $2734

Operator discount: -$387

Wednesday - Monday

Jun 18, 2025 - Jun 30, 2025
$3121 $2734

Operator discount: -$387

Wednesday - Monday

Sep 17, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025
$3121 $2734

Operator discount: -$387

Wednesday - Monday

Oct 22, 2025 - Nov 03, 2025
$3036 $2649

Operator discount: -$387

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.