Best of the South: Atlanta to New Orleans
Best of the South: Atlanta to New Orleans
Best of the South: Atlanta to New Orleans
14 Days Starting in Atlanta and ending in New Orleans
Visiting: Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, Asheville, Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SSKYC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
Low, Low
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$6055
$5888 (USD)
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$167
Tour Overview
This fourteen-day Atlanta to New Orleans tour takes you deep into the heart of America’s past for an indepth look at how it shaped today's movement for human rights. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of famous cities where you’ll dig deeper to learn more about the mansions of Savannah, land which once housed vast cotton plantations, the refined elegance of Charleston and the toe-tapping tunes of Nashville, the heartland of country and western music. If you want to do more than just see the sights, this immersive historic tour is calling your name.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Atlanta
Location: Atlanta
Accommodation: Hotel
Welcome to Georgia! Your adventure begins in Atlanta with a 6 pm welcome meeting at your hotel, where you’ll meet your local leader and get an overview of the next couple of days. If you arrive early, maybe explore Atlanta on foot – this city is known for its thriving hip-hop scene and prominent role in Civil Rights history, so there’s lots to explore.
Day 2: Atlanta
Location: Atlanta
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast this morning, it’s time to immerse yourself in 33 acres of historic houses, gardens and award-winning exhibitions with a specialist guide at the Atlanta History Center. Here, you’ll explore the past like never before. The center is part of a global network of historic sites and museums that connect past struggles to today’s movements for human rights. Then, you’ll head to the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site, where you’ll learn more about where Martin Luther King was born, where he lived and worked, and his legacy as a leader. Tonight, hit up your leader for some good local restaurants for dinner.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 3: Savannah
Location: Savannah
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Mornin' sunshine! Hit the road bright and early to make the journey to Savannah this morning. In 1946, Lady Astor referred to Savannah as 'a beautiful lady with a dirty face' in reference to the crumbling, faded majesty of the city's 18th and 19th-century mansions. Due to plenty of restoration work, Savannah's face may no longer be dirty, but she's still a city of contradictions with hidden delights. When you arrive, you’ll join an expert guide for a tour of Bonaventure Cemetery, widely regarded as one of the world's most beautiful cemeteries. Take in its Southern gothic glory as you learn more about this famous spot that has inspired everyone from poets to nature lovers and filmmakers. After, you might like to check out Savannah’s antebellum mansions, towering oak trees and colonial buildings on a stroll around town. In the evening, maybe head out on a ghost tour of old Savannah or seek out spirits of a different kind at one of the city’s many lively bars.
Included Activities:
-
Day 4: Savannah
Location: Savannah
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Take it easy this morning before meeting up at 11 am for a three-hour walking tour that blends the city’s history with some of its best and most delicious eats. This fascinating food tour visits spots like a not-so-ordinary pub, an award-winning honey store and a traditional British pie shop highlighting dishes consumed by some of Savannah’s earliest settlers. This afternoon is all yours, so make the most of it!
Included Activities:
-
Day 5: Charleston
Location: Charleston
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Leave Savannah in the rear-view mirror and drive to Charleston. When you arrive, you might like to grab some lunch before joining a Black History walking tour with an expert guide who’s an educator, historian and writer. Discover the ‘lost stories’ of Charleston's rich history as you stroll around town and immerse yourself in its complex past. The afternoon is yours to explore Charleston at your own pace. Perhaps book a food tour to discover more flavors of the South.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
Day 6: Asheville
Location: Asheville
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Bid farewell to Charleston after breakfast this morning and drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains to the charming town of Asheville. Home to the country’s best breweries and some of North Carolina’s finest barbecue, Asheville also boasts an incredible folk music scene. Arriving in the mid-afternoon, you’ll join your leader for a guided walking tour of the downtown area, packed with galleries and artist studios. After, you may wish to visit the Biltmore House and Gardens, an opulent Gilded Age mansion famous for being America's largest home. Tonight, maybe check out one of the town's boutique brew houses or join your group for an optional dinner.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
Day 7: Nashville
Location: Nashville
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
This morning you’ll take a scenic drive to Nashville – the country music capital. When you arrive, you’ll be introduced to this famous toe-tapping town during an orientation walk with your leader. In the late afternoon, come together again with your group to taste world-famous Tennessee whiskeys and moonshine on a distillery tour, followed by a true-blue Nashville hot chicken dinner. This Tennessee twist on fried chicken originated right here in Nashville during the Great Depression and has been a local favourite ever since. Order it extra spicy for a real kick – don't worry, you can turn down the heat if you're not feeling the burn.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 8: Nashville
Location: Nashville
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today you're free as a bird to explore Nashville. You may like to check out the Nashville murals, visit the much-loved Goo Goo candy store, or swing by the Johnny Cash Museum. Tonight, there's a meeting at 6 pm to welcome any new travellers joining the next stage of your itinerary. After, head out on a leader-led walking tour of the city and then join your group for an optional welcome dinner.
Included Activities:
-
Day 9: Nashville
Location: Nashville
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning after breakfast, dive straight into the city’s history with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame. This fabulous piano-shaped building is a work of art and contains Elvis’ gold Cadillac (among other impressive memorabilia). Then, cruise across town to Studio B, where Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison and ‘The King’ Elvis Presley have all laid tracks – today, you’ll even be joining this prestigious list! Meet with a professional sound engineer for your own recording session and find out what it takes to create the Nashville sound. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city – you may like to check out the Nashville murals, visit the much-loved Goo Goo candy store, or swing by the Johnny Cash Museum.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 10: Memphis
Location: Memphis
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Hit the road this morning and make tracks for Memphis – a city overflowing with musical history and legends. Your first stop is the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Here at the original location of Stax Records in downtown Memphis, you'll learn the story of the Memphis sound where stars like Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes got their starts. You'll even have a chance to cut a rug on their dance floor as you listen to Stax tracks. The rest of the day is yours to discover the sights and sounds of Memphis. No visit to this city would be complete without checking out Beale Street, lined with traditional blues clubs – you can ask your leader where the locals hang out tonight so you can avoid the tourist hotspots.
Included Activities:
-
Day 11: Memphis
Location: Memphis
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast this morning, you’ll head to the National Civil Rights Museum at the former Lorraine Motel – where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated – for a dose of history that is both confronting and inspirational. Then you'll visit Memphis’s most iconic site – Graceland! Elvis’s former home and final resting place, a visit to Graceland is like stepping back into the 1970s, with a glamourous and kitschy twist. Explore a fascinating world of green shag-carpet ceilings and yellow vinyl walls while getting a sneak peek into the glitzy side of the Deep South.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 12: New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today you’ll be road-tripping from Memphis to New Orleans, arriving in the afternoon. Jazz is not just a part of the city’s history – it’s alive and kicking! When you arrive, join a local expert for a Black Heritage & Jazz tour to explore sites like Congo Sqaure, known as the birthplace of jazz, Louis Armstrong Park, and the Treme neighbourhood with time for shopping on Bayou Street. The evening is yours to explore further – your leader will have some great recommendations on where to grab a bite to eat and listen to more live music.
Included Activities:
-
Day 13: New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a free day to explore New Orleans at your own pace. Then later this afternoon, you’re in for a real treat – not only famed for its music scene, the food in New Orleans is some of the best in the country, and today you’ll learn about Creole and Cajun cuisine at a local cooking school. Find out how to create one of the region’s most beloved dishes with a demonstration, then get hands-on and try it yourself. Tuck into the finished product for dinner with your group. This evening, why not check out a jazz club on Frenchman Street or join the party on Bourbon Street?
Included Activities:
-
Day 14: New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning after breakfast, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like, you can book an optional jazz brunch at The Court of Two Sisters – a gorgeous outdoor courtyard dining area where you can enjoy some delicious brunch specialities while live jazz plays –a great way to end your music trail! If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.
Optional Activities:
-
What's Included
-
Atlanta - Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site
-
Atlanta - Atlanta History Centre – Curated private tour
-
Charleston – Black History walking tour with a local guide
-
Savannah – Walking Food tour
-
James Island - McLeod Plantation and Historic Site guided tour
-
Nashville - BBQ and Whiskey dinner
-
Nashville – Leader led walking tour
-
Nashville - Country Music Hall of Fame + Studio B Tour
-
Memphis - Sun Studio Visit
-
Memphis - Graceland, The Home of Elvis Presley
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
-
International Travel
Transport
- AIRPORT TRANSFERS IN THE USA & CANADA
- We recommend taxis and rideshare services like Lyft and Uber when traveling to and from hotels in the USA and Canada. These services are widely available across North America, offering convenient and accessible transportation options. Private transfers in North America incur high costs and present an increased risk of missed connections due to their fixed schedules. In contrast, taxis and rideshares offer both cost-effectiveness and flexibility, ensuring a smoother journey. With transparent pricing, GPS tracking, and on-demand availability, we believe that taxis and rideshare apps not only offer a reliable alternative to private transfers but also provide a secure, trustworthy, and budget-friendly transportation option for our customers.
- NORTH AMERICA VEHICLES
- Our large fleet of 15-passenger vans are fully equipped with air-conditioning system, V8 engines and any camping or cooking equipment needed for your trip. Most have cloth-upholstered seats and carpeted interior with radio or CD players. Your luggage is typically transported in a trailer which is towed behind the van.
- The vans are regularly serviced by a well-established network of maintenance and service facilities throughout the continent. However, unforeseen maintenance problems can still occur while on the road and we appreciate the patience of our travellers as we make necessary repairs as quickly as possible.
- While your group will have a van for all included activities on the trip, the services of the van and leader may not be available for your use during free time, or after you have arrived for the day. If you need a special trip into town you may need to arrange transport or a taxi.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Important Information
- 1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. Please make your own way to the Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.
- 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Check out our Q&As
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Yes
-
Are flights included in this tour?
No
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
-
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, except optional activities
-
Is this trip right for you
The South gets mighty steamy in the summertime. Pack appropriately, drink plenty of water and you might even grow to love it. September through to November is hurricane season, so if you’re travelling over this period you should pack a rain jacket and waterproof shoes.
You're in the Deep South of the USA, so expect a lot of (delicious) fried food and barbecue. Vegetarians may have fewer options, as a lot of southern cuisine is meat-based. -
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
tourhub Discount Available - Sign In
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024 Nov
2024 Dec
2024 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025
Thursday - Wednesday
Jul 04, 2024 - Jul 17, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Jul 18, 2024 - Jul 31, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Aug 01, 2024 - Aug 14, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Aug 15, 2024 - Aug 28, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Sep 05, 2024 - Sep 18, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Sep 19, 2024 - Oct 02, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Oct 03, 2024 - Oct 16, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Oct 17, 2024 - Oct 30, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Oct 31, 2024 - Nov 13, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Nov 14, 2024 - Nov 27, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Dec 05, 2024 - Dec 18, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Dec 19, 2024 - Jan 01, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Mar 20, 2025 - Apr 02, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
May 08, 2025 - May 21, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
May 15, 2025 - May 28, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
May 29, 2025 - Jun 11, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Jun 19, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Jun 26, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Jul 24, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Oct 23, 2025 - Nov 05, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Nov 06, 2025 - Nov 19, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Dec 04, 2025 - Dec 17, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details. -
Terms and Conditions
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."