Deep South & Delta Blues

Welcome to Atlanta and the Southern state of Georgia! Today is free for you
to explore before an evening welcome meeting at 18:00 hrs in your hotel. A
self-guided walking tour of downtown Atlanta is highly recommended and if you
fancy a bite of Southern cuisine, stop by Empire State South.

*Optional Activities:*
• Atlanta History Centre US$17
• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site US$free
• Atlanta Botanical Garden US$19

Head west into Alabama and to the state's largest city - Birmingham. This
city was the primary site of the Civil Rights Movement and where Dr Martin
Luther King Jr. began his campaign of civil disobedience. We recommend a
visit to the Civil Rights Institute for an excellent introduction to the
region's volatile history as you start your journey through the Deep South of
the USA.

*Optional activities:*
• Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham, Alabama US$12

Welcome to the cultural melting pot of the Deep South, New Orleans. Otherwise
known as the `Big Easy', the eclectic mix of European, Creole and Cajun
culture manifests in every aspect of the architecture, cuisine and musical
scene. Take in the sights and sounds of Bourbon Street, relax in the Garden
District and absorb the ambience of the French Quarter, known also as 'The
Quarter'. Founded by French traders in 1718, there are many layers of history
in this city, and all its many attractions combined make it one of the most
visited cities in the USA.
Step back in time to when life was gracefully slow and enjoy an included
Mississippi riverboat dinner cruise, dining on delicious local cuisine that
is directly influenced by the myriad of cultures that together make up
Louisiana. Evenings in New Orleans will be easily spent as there is plenty to
do, not least of all continuing your indulgence and appreciation of American
music by enjoying some of the many live performances that take place nightly
in this vibrant city. This includes the famous Preservation Hall where
top-drawer jazz musicians play every evening to a small audience in an
intimate space - but be prepared to queue! There will also be the chance to
step out of the city and explore the wild river swamplands of Louisiana,
where you can head out by boat beneath the cypress trees in search of
wildlife.

*Optional Activities:*
• Alligator swamp tour, New Orleans US$23-$40
• Mardi Gras World in New Orleans US$20
• New Orleans Voodoo and Graveyard tour US$20
• New Orleans Preservation Hall US$15-$20
• New Orleans jazz clubs US$10-$20
• Scandalous Cocktail history tour US$25

This morning we visit Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. This antebellum
estate was completed in 1828 and with 38 lush acres of gardens, ponds and a
majestic live oak alley, Houma makes for a wonderful stop. Next you follow
the river road north to the very first established settlement on the
Mississippi River. The original capital of the Mississippi Territory,
Natchez, was at the heart of the slave trade and is the birthplace of the
Mississippi riverboat. We recommend a self-guided walking tour through the
streets of Natchez' historic district with over 50 antebellum homes and
historic churches. Also worthy of a visit is the `Under the Hill' area made
famous by Mark Twain, or discover one of the most interesting cemeteries in
the South. 

*Optional Activities:*
• Antebellum mansions, Natchez US$12-$25

Next up is Clarksdale and the Hopson Plantation, which is the former home of
legendary blues pianist Pinetop Perkins. It is also where they tested the
International Harvester automated cotton picker. Your leader will give you
some history including the system of sharecropping and the evolution of the
cotton industry. Clarksdale is also home to the infamous 'Crossroads', where
legend has it that blues musician Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil.
Within the town itself you'll find the Delta Blues Museum, a literal blues
shrine of artefacts and memorabilia, as well as actor Morgan Freeman's Ground
Zero Blues Club. Red's is definitely worth a visit for live music - an
authentic 'juke joint' where you'll be transported to the real heart of the
South!

*Optional Activities:*
• Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale US$10
• Ground Zero Blues Club, Clarksdale US$8

Today we cross into Tennessee. Located near the Mississippi River, Memphis
has a long and colourful past. Legendary forefathers such as Louis Armstrong,
Muddy Waters and the late B.B. King helped to put Beale Street on the musical
map. A highlight of your stay in Memphis is an included excursion to
Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, who influenced country, blues and rock
'n' roll music.

We also have the chance to visit Sun Studio which opened in 1950 and is a
place where many great names have passed through, from Howlin' Wolf to Johnny
Cash; or the Gibson Guitar Factory to be completely immersed in the
fascinating musical heritage of this city. Outside of music, the National
Civil Rights Museum located in the former Lorraine Hotel, at the site where
Martin Luther King was assassinated, is well worth a visit. 

*Optional Activities:*
• Civil Rights Museum in Memphis US$16
• Sun Studio in Memphis US$14
• Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Memphis U$13 (closed Mondays)
• Gibson guitar factory tour, Memphis US$10

We make our way to Nashville today - the undisputed capital of country music.
Home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the famous Wildhorse Saloon,
Nashville offers the perfect opportunity to try some line dancing (select
nights only). Broadway is lined with honky-tonks and intimate live music
venues playing not only country, but all genres of music.

As well as its indelible country music links, Nashville is also the capital
of Tennessee and the state's second largest city after Memphis. Situated on
the banks of the Cumberland River it was established as a major river port by
settlers in 1779. Our time in Nashville is free for you to indulge in your
choice of the many music and entertainment options available (entrance fees
apply). The Grand Ole Opry is the world's longest running radio show and a
recommended highlight. You can enjoy performances at the famous Grand Ole
Opry House located 24 km east of the city. Book before you arrive to avoid
missing out as these shows are popular!

*Optional Activities:*

Grand Ole Opry US$32-$90
Ryman Auditorium tour US$22-$35
Country Music Hall of Fame US$25-$40
Johnny Cash Museum US$19

We make our way back to Atlanta today. There is the option of stopping at
Lynchburg to pay homage to Tennessee's most famous drink! Enjoy a tour of the
Jack Daniel's Whiskey Distillery and a serving of Southern hospitality.
Our tour of the Deep South ends in the modern day metropolis of Atlanta,
known as the New York of the South. If you're staying on be sure to stop by
Glady's Knight's famous Chicken and Waffles restaurant.

This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book
your post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are
planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before
21:00 hrs.

*Optional Activities:*
• Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Distillery US$17-22