Rhythms of the South
Rhythms of the South
Rhythms of the South
11 Days Starting in Nashville, USA and ending in New Orleans, USA
Visiting: Nashville, Memphis, Natchez, New Orleans
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SRHYZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Rhythms of the South" tour and immerse yourself in the heart of American music and culture. Begin your journey in Nashville, the cradle of country music, where you'll explore iconic sites like Studio B and the Grand Ole Opry. Travel to Memphis to experience the legacy of Elvis at Sun Studios and Graceland, and savor a classic Southern breakfast. Discover the rich history of the South's Antebellum estates in Natchez before heading to the vibrant city of New Orleans. Here, enjoy a city tour, visit unique cemeteries, and indulge in Creole cuisine. With expert guides, luxury accommodations, and many meals included, this tour offers an unforgettable cultural adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Nashville (3 Days)
Location: Nashville
Accommodation Name: hotel
Good old-fashioned Southern hospitality, charm and big smiles from locals will welcome you to 'Music City', otherwise known as Nashville. A place of pilgrimage for country music enthusiasts, Nashville attracts musicians, song writers and performers and this city is certainly responsible for the evolution and popularity of the country genre we know and love. The careers of some of the biggest names in the music industry started right here in the basement studios of Music Row or on stage at the famous Grand Ole Opry, and you'll notice this legacy is apparent all across town. Settle into your hotel and meet up with your Travel Director this afternoon, then retire to your room to enjoy a relaxing evening at your leisure.
Day 2: Nashville Sightseeing And Free Time
Location: Nashville
Accommodation Name: hotel
Day 3: Nashville Free Time
Location: Nashville
Accommodation Name: hotel
Ready to continue your country music education today on your own? If so there's no better option than the Ryman Auditorium, where you can take a self-guided tour and watch music magic come to life through the 'Soul of Nashville' theatre Optional Experience. Check out Nashville's newest museum - The National Museum of African American Music that tells the story of American music through interactive technology. The night is young! If you’re feeling in the mood, get out into the action and experience a honky tonk under the neon lights of Broadway!
Day 4: Nashville – Memphis (3 Nights)
Location: Memphis
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown
From one music obsessed city to another, you'll leave Nashville this morning and travel to Memphis. Home to "The King" who needs little introduction, music is the life blood of this toe tapping city with bluesy Beale St. a fine example of this. Arriving here you'll dive straight in with an orientation tour viewing the impressive Memphis Pyramid and the historic Peabody Hotel. Next, see the Lorraine Motel, perhaps one of the most significant site of the entire Civil Rights Movement, the very place where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. With an afternoon and evening free, you might want to check out our Optional Experiences. You could visit the Rock N' Soul Museum, which displays wonderfully curated exhibits that tell the story of the birth of rock and soul music before grooving on over to Beale Street for a BBQ dinner at a lively joint that serves up Southern treats accompanied by live music, naturally.
Day 5: Memphis Sightseeing And Free Time
Location: Memphis
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Prepare to start your morning with a taste of the local Memphis cuisine that is sure to have your mouth watering. We hope you didn't peak too soon on last night's dinner, because this morning's Iconic Breakfast is Southern food, served with the same hospitality you'll find all throughout this city. You'll likely find yourself rolling out of a classic all-American diner, full of good eats and ready for all the excitement your next stop has to offer. Arrive at Sun Studio, where Elvis was first discovered back in 1954 and where you'll experience the legacy left behind by the 'King of Rock n' Roll' himself. Today will be a special one for Elvis fans as you have the chance to make the pilgrimage to Graceland.
Day 6: Memphis Free Time
Location: Memphis
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown
It's your final day in Memphis today so be sure to make the most of it before bidding a fond farewell to the Home of the Blues, Soul, and Rock-n-Roll. With your day at leisure, perhaps consider a Civil Rights History & Culture tour including the National Civil Rights Museum and Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum. This museum is a complex of two historic buildings and houses extensive cultural exhibits that trace five centuries of history. Your visit will leave you nothing less than a moving experience from the tragic history of those that fought tirelessly for equality at this tribute and in-depth dive into American history. In the late afternoon you can join the Backbeats Musical Mojo Tour and dive deep into Blues Music.
Day 7: Memphis – Natchez (1 Night)
Location: Natchez
Accommodation Name: hotel
Under the guidance of your passionate Travel Director, you’ll soon understand how, and why, this important thoroughfare was originally established as a footpath by Native Americans and was later used by explorers, traders and travelers, including the Ohio River Valley boatmen who were known as 'kaintucks'. We’ll arrive on the banks of the Mississippi as we pull into Natchez, where the unique architecture of the South could be further understood as you explore the antebellum homes that are scattered here on our Optional Experience. These large mansions were originally built as plantation homes and remained untouched throughout history. If you feel like taking a closer look, you’ll have the chance to visit an Antebellum Classical Revival mansion, Stanton Hall. In the evening, join an optional mixology class at the National Historic Landmark - the Dunleith Historic Inn, followed by a delicious elevated Southern dinner.
Day 8: Natchez – New Orleans (3 Days)
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation: La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham New Orleans Downtown
Accommodation Name: La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham New Orleans Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Heading further south today, travel over the world's longest continuous bridge over water as you journey towards 'The Big Easy'. Famed for its Mardi Gras celebrations and diverse culture, everything in New Orleans is a little larger than life. The weddings are bigger, the funerals are louder, the food is unique, and every single day is a cause for celebration. Meeting up with a Local Specialist on arrival you'll head out on a city tour. You'll also visit one of the city's many unique cemeteries, taking a peek around the elaborate stone crypts and mausoleums. Tonight, we recommend you sample some good Creole cooking, and in our opinion there's only one place to go for the best food in town - the New Orleans institution, Dooky Chase.
Day 9: New Orleans Sightseeing And Free Time
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation: La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham New Orleans Downtown
Accommodation Name: La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham New Orleans Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Waking up with an extra NOLA induced spring in your step, today is entirely free for you to explore and perhaps try an Optional Experience. With the day ahead of you, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time. Head back to the cute cafes and decadent mansions of the Garden District, have your fortune told in Jackson Square or eat your way around the many incredible restaurants and cafés that dot around the city as you refuel from your adventures. If the swamps and bayous are on your list, there’s the Option to get out on the water with a boat trip through the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Led by a local guide who’ll share their in-depth knowledge of the region they’ll keep a keen eye out so you can, spot 'gators, eagles, snakes and egrets as you cruise these wild wetlands on this afternoon adventure.
Day 10: New Orleans Free Time
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation: La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham New Orleans Downtown
Accommodation Name: La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham New Orleans Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s your final full day in NOLA and the final day of your trip, so make sure you go out in style. Why not join an Optional Experience cooking demonstration to learn how you can recreate some of the city’s tastiest dishes once you return home. The New Orleans School of Cooking is hosted by local chefs who share tips and stories, plus there are plenty of tasters to keep appetites at bay. Or visit the WWII Museum, designated by Congress as America’s official museum about World War II, The National WWII Museum features a rich collection of artifacts that bring history to life. Jazz fans can opt into a Jazz Dinner Cruise on the Mississippi River, accompanied by the sounds of the Grammy nominated band Dukes of Dixieland, played by a live band.
Day 11: Depart New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Meals Included: Breakfast
With the bluesy beats of Beale Street and the smiles of Nashville still fresh in your mind, your trip will come to an end today. Delicious Southern food still fresh in your thoughts and undoubtedly richer in memories, you'll say goodbye to your new friends as you head your separate ways. If you can't bear to leave NOLA just yet, you can also choose to extend your stay.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver will accompany you throughout your journey.
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Cherry-Picked Hotels
Stay in cherry-picked hotels that are all tried and trusted.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences.
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Meals
Many meals are included during your tour.
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Luxury Air-Conditioned Coach
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi available in most countries.
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Choice Optional Experiences
Enjoy an extensive variety of choice optional experiences.
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City Orientation Tours
City orientation tours are included to help you get acquainted with each destination.
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Iconic Breakfast
Enjoy an iconic breakfast at Memphis' oldest café for a typical Southern-style breakfast.
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Studio B and Country Music Hall of Fame
Explore Studio B, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and enjoy an evening at the Grand Ole Opry.
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Sun Studios and Graceland
Visit Sun Studios where Elvis recorded some of his revolutionary albums before heading to his home, Graceland, to tour the mansion.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as the Ryman Auditorium tour, Rock N' Soul Museum visit, and Civil Rights History & Culture tour are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for the Travel Director, driver, and local specialists are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with luxury air-conditioned coaches equipped with Wi-Fi, providing a comfortable and connected journey between Nashville, Memphis, Natchez, and New Orleans.
Accommodation
Enjoy your stay at cherry-picked hotels, including the Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown and La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham New Orleans Downtown, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of breakfast can I expect in Memphis?
In Memphis, you will enjoy an Iconic Breakfast at a classic all-American diner, featuring Southern food served with the city's renowned hospitality.
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What are some of the key musical experiences on this tour?
The tour includes visits to Studio B and the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, an evening at the Grand Ole Opry, a tour of Sun Studios where Elvis recorded some of his revolutionary albums, and a visit to Graceland in Memphis.
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What kind of local specialists will we meet during the tour?
You will meet a Local Specialist in New Orleans who will guide you on a city tour, including a visit to one of the city's unique above-ground cemeteries.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional experiences available, including a tour of the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, a visit to the Rock N' Soul Museum in Memphis, a Civil Rights History & Culture tour, and a mixology class at the Dunleith Historic Inn in Natchez.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi available in most countries.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour includes stays at cherry-picked hotels that are all tried and trusted, such as the Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown and La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham New Orleans Downtown.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes many meals, such as an Iconic Breakfast in Memphis and other meals as specified in the itinerary.
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What kind of activities are available in New Orleans?
In New Orleans, you can explore the Garden District, have your fortune told in Jackson Square, enjoy local cuisine, take a boat trip through the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, or join an Optional Experience cooking demonstration at the New Orleans School of Cooking.
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What historical sites will we visit in Memphis?
In Memphis, you will visit the Lorraine Motel, the site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, and you can also explore the National Civil Rights Museum and Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum.
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What can I expect on the last day of the tour in New Orleans?
On the last day in New Orleans, you can choose to extend your stay or say goodbye to your new friends as you head your separate ways, with memories of the tour's highlights still fresh in your mind.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty and joy of taking a guided vacation with Costsaver is that you get to meet, travel and make friends with people from all over the world.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Costsaver is part of The Travel Corporation, which has been in business for over 100 years.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Costsaver is proud to be a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation started in 2008. To date the charity has donated over US$2 million to assist underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism initiatives around the globe.
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Low Deposit
Costsaver requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of costsaver 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.
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Terms and Conditions