Southern Sounds

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

The morning is dedicated to the sights and sounds of this Old World city on a guided sightseeing 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.

Depart New Orleans this morning for Indianola, hometown of the legendary musician B.B. King. Visit the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center to learn about B.B (Blues Boy) King’s 60-plus year career. Learn about his time as a sharecropper to his big break on Memphis’ Beale Street and the international music star he became. Artifacts, images, and a guitar studio, where visitors can play instruments, bring it all to life. Afterward, journey to Memphis, where you spend the next two nights.

This morning, experience this amazing city on your guided city sightseeing tour. Your expert Local Guide knows the history of Memphis like no one else—including the inside, “backstage” stories from the folks who were there. For music lovers, a visit to the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, which traces Memphis’ cultural and musical past. End the day with a visit to Sun Studio, probably the most famous recording studio in the world, where rock ‘n’ roll was first recorded. Hear outtakes from sessions, stand in the very same spot that Elvis first recorded, see memorabilia, and relive the history of the studio that launched the careers of Johnny Cash, BB King, and many other music legends.

Today is dedicated to a guided audio tour of Graceland. Experience life as Elvis did by walking through the decadent and quirky rooms where he felt truly at home. Finish your tour of Graceland with a visit to the Meditation Garden, where Elvis often went to reflect on life, and where he is now laid to rest along with members of his family. You’ll also be able to board “The King’s” private jet! Tonight check in to the Guest House at Graceland.

Today, we head to Nashville—“Music City USA.” Upon arrival, go behind the scenes of the music industry by visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame with its glittering costumes, rare instruments, and Elvis Presley’s “solid-gold” Cadillac. Overnight in the heart of “Music City.” This evening, join the optional outing and be entertained with songs from so many of country music’s greats!

Nashville is the ideal destination for music fans, history buffs, and lovers of the South. Start your day with a visit to RCA Studio B, Nashville’s oldest surviving recording studio and one of the country’s most important. Between 1957 and 1977, more than 35,000 songs were recorded here, including 262 Elvis Presley recordings. Studio B is a “must-see” for any music fan, but especially for those who love Elvis. Afterward, enjoy an orientation tour of the city, passing by famous Music Row recording studios, the center of the recording industry, which first developed in the 1950s. Tonight, see an unforgettable show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, the world’s premier country music venue since 1925 and the setting for the nation’s longest-running music show.

Your vacation ends this morning. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore “Music City USA” further.