Music Cities of America – Motown, Rock ‘n’ Roll & Chicago Blues
Music Cities of America – Motown, Rock ‘n’ Roll & Chicago Blues
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Music Cities of America – Motown, Rock ‘n’ Roll & Chicago Blues
10 Days Starting in Chicago, United States and ending in Washington DC, United States
Visiting: Chicago, Pontiac, Illinois, Detroit, Cleveland, Alexandria, Washington DC, Mount Vernon, United Kingdom
Tour operator:
Tour code:
98386
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Shining the spotlight on the USA’s most legendary musicians, this deep dive into the cities of the Great Lakes celebrates the best of the country’s technological, cultural, and natural marvels.
The music of the United States comes to life with a journey around the most influential sites in jazz, blues, and Motown’s history. From Muddy Waters, the ‘Father of Chicago Blues’, and the Jackson Five to Stevie Wonder and Bob Dylan, walk in the footsteps of the world’s most influential musicians. Discover a wealth of technological wonders, alongside the ground-breaking rhythms that took the world by storm and take in the unspoiled natural landscapes that influenced era-defining American innovation from the Great Lakes to Washington DC, the nation's capital.
Take to Chicago, with its famous architecture, and discover the city’s vibrant relationship with the blues. Explore the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, home to an impressive collection of themed memorabilia, in rural Pontiac and trace the main sights of America's ‘Mother Road’. Chart the origins of Detroit’s Motown, the record label that helped put some of the world’s biggest jazz and blues stars on the map, with a tour of its original studio, Hitsville U.S.A. Continue through Motor City, so named for its historic automobile industry, and celebrate American creativity with a visit to the Henry Ford Museum, which showcases technological feats performed in the U.S. Finally, you’ll conclude your tour with a stay in riverside Alexandria with a visit to Washington DC.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day One – Fly to Chicago
Location: Chicago
Accommodation Name: hotel
Make the trip across the Atlantic to the USA. You’ll be greeted on arrival by your tour manager before checking into your Chicago hotel and spending your first evening at leisure.
Day Two – Optional sightseeing tour of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Accommodation Name: hotel
Begin your holiday with an optional tour of the ‘Windy City’, home to the Chicago blues, where you’ll experience the bustling city streets that once hosted the likes of Muddy Waters, the ‘Father of the Chicago Blues’ and Willy Dixon. You’ll start at the renowned Macy’s, with a self-guided audio tour of this National Historic Landmark located on State Street where you’ll also find hundreds of shopping outlets. Next, discover the delights of the Magnificent Mile and get a bird's eye view of the city from the 360 Chicago Observation Deck at the John Hancock Centre.The final highlight of the day is a cruise, allowing you to gaze up at the city’s tallest landmarks from the Chicago River. The terracotta-faced Wrigley Building and neo-gothic Tribune Tower mark the start of a cruise encompassing all three of the Chicago River’s branches. You’ll then travel beneath the DuSable Bridge, a moveable overpass, before passing by the Salt Shed, where Chicago’s music industry continues to thrive. Keep an eye out for the Art Deco Lyric Opera House as you round out your tour on the river’s southern banks. Alternatively, you can spend a day at leisure instead from the comfort of your hotel or amidst Chicago’s shopping areas, cafés, and green spaces. However you choose to spend your day, enjoy downtime this evening to enjoy the city’s nightlife.
Day Three – Included tour along Route 66 to Pontiac
Location: Pontiac, Illinois
Accommodation Name: hotel
Set off along the infamous Route 66 today. Deeply ingrained in popular culture, this iconic road stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles and spans over 2,400 miles. Today’s journey through Illinois will take you to some of its most recognisable landmarks.Starting at the 'Begin Route 66' sign on East Adams Street, you’ll travel along the Mother Road, towards Pontiac, Illinois - a town steeped in Americana. Experience the distinctly rural atmosphere of small-town America with visits to Pontiac's charming collection of cafés, diners, and stores. Spend time admiring the town’s 25 colourful murals, which showcase Pontiac’s economic, social, and political past, and the world’s largest Route 66 shield mural at the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, which houses an impressive collection of 1960s memorabilia. The museum also features a Music of the Civil War exhibit, which charts the social origins of jazz and blues. A short walk down the street, you can also discover the cultural impact classic cars had on towns and cities across America with a visit to the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum. After a busy day’s exploration, you’ll travel back along Route 66 to Chicago.
Day Four – Travel to Detroit with visits to St. Joseph and Ann Arbor
Location: Detroit
Accommodation Name: hotel
Leave Chicago this morning for a drive along the Lake Michigan waterfront to Detroit, the home of Motown. You’ll stop off in the city of St. Joseph. Set on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, this city has two historic lighthouses, which acted as important beacons for ships crossing the Great Lakes for almost 200 years. There will be time to take in the panoramic views over the water and have lunch on your account. Your second stop of the day will be vibrant Ann Arbor, famous for its cultural sites and research institutions. For those interested in American history, the city’s University of Michigan campus offers a range of buildings, from the Museum of Natural History to the ornate Law Quadrant. You can also explore its walkable downtown and wander around Gallup Park on the Huron River. Finally, continue to Detroit, where you’ll check into your hotel.
Day Five – Included visits to the Motown Museum and The Henry Ford
Location: Detroit
Accommodation Name: hotel
This morning you’ll take on Detroit, the birthplace of Motown. Feel the soulful rhythm of the city this morning as you discover its rich history with an orientation of its downtown and lakefront areas. Starting on the banks of Lake St. Clair, drive through Hart Plaza, a public square that hosts the district’s annual ‘Jazz Fest’, and the Fox Theatre, known for hosting famous Motown musicians. After a short drive north, you’ll come upon Cadillac Place, formerly the General Motors Building, which once housed one of America’s most prolific car manufacturers. You’ll then immerse yourself in the world of Motown music, with a visit to the world-renowned Hitsville U.S.A. which propelled musical legends, from Diana Ross and the Supremes, Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five, to Marvin Gaye, to stardom. This building, previously the record label’s original headquarters, now houses the Motown Museum, which celebrates the ‘Sound of Young America’ which rose to worldwide fame in the 1960s. You’ll be guided by a local who will reveal the stories behind the wide collection of artefacts, memorabilia, and original sheet music, and see Studio One, where some of the greatest jazz and blues performers of all time recorded. Nicknamed ‘Motor City’ largely due to the work of Henry Ford, Detroit was once considered the automobile capital of the world. A visit to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex, showcases the technological feats of America through the century. Named for its founder, the property now preserves culturally significant items and memorabilia. Highlights include the presidential limousine of John F. Kennedy, the Rosa Parks bus, and Thomas Edison’s laboratory.
Day Six – Travel to Cleveland and included tour of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame
Location: Cleveland
Accommodation Name: hotel
This morning, your musical pilgrimage will take you to the rock ‘n’ roll capital of the world, Cleveland. On arrival, you’ll head over to Cleveland’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, set in an impressive glass pyramid and offering an insight into the development of one of the world’s most celebrated genres throughout the ages. You can start by discovering the trailblazers that propelled rock to popularity, like Robert Johnson, the world’s first rockstar. You can then catch a live performance on the Klipsch Stage before continuing to The Garage, which emulates a rock studio and the Hall of Fame where rockstars, from Bob Dylan and AC-DC to Johnny Cash and The Beatles, are displayed in an immersive gallery. The museum also pays ode to one of the best rock albums of all time, Pink Floyd’s The Wall, and the ‘Legends of Rock’ exhibit celebrates the genre’s far-reaching impact on wider modern culture. Head back to the hotel this evening.
Day Seven – Travel to Washington DC
Location: Alexandria
Accommodation Name: hotel
You’ll board the coach this morning and drive to beautiful Alexandria with its welcoming, old-world downtown on the banks of the Potomac River and to check into your hotel.
Day Eight – Full day visit to Washington DC and optional morning guided tour
Location: Washington DC
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take breakfast early this morning and cross the Potomac into Washington DC where you’ll have time to explore the city at your leisure. Alternatively, for a closer view of the American capital, you can join an optional morning tour of some of Capitol Hill’s most iconic sights.Take in the domed Capitol building, one of the central pillars of American politics, which houses the nation’s Senate and House of Representatives. Here, you’ll also find the Library of Congress and the US’ Supreme Court Building. Stops at a collection of poignant memorials follow, dedicated to some of the most influential events and figures in North America’s history, with calls at the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial. You can also catch a glimpse of the country’s famous White House, the official residence of the US’ president, from the pristine lawns of the National Mall.This afternoon, you’ll be free to find lunch and enjoy the city at your own leisure, perhaps paying a visit to some of Washington DC’s world-class museums and galleries. From the Smithsonian Institution, a research complex which houses ten different museums, to the National Portrait Gallery and Constitution Gardens, there’ll be plenty of captivating attractions to discover in the US’ capital.
Day Nine – Optional tour to Mount Vernon and return flight
Location: Mount Vernon
Accommodation Name: hotel
Enjoy picturesque Alexandria under your own steam. Why not watch the world go by from the Potomac waterfront or delve into the rich history of the city’s historic downtown areas?If you’d prefer, you can also opt to join a tour to Mount Vernon - the former residence and plantation of the USA’s first president, George Washington – with guided tours of the mansion and grounds.Built and expanded throughout the 18th century, the Mount Vernon Mansion has presided over the United States’ entire history, from its secession from the British Empire to the modern day and is rife with stories just waiting to be discovered. You’ll get a glimpse into the triumphs of one of the country’s most celebrated leaders, and the lives of the slaves that helped shape the estate throughout the centuries, with a guided tour of the mansion itself. You’ll then have the chance to learn about the estate’s agricultural history with a guided tour of the grounds, complete with five farms and tobacco plantations, ahead of stops at the estate’s working gristmill and whiskey distilleries. Finally, round out your tour with a visit to the Washington family tombs, the final resting place of America’s first president.Later this evening, you’ll return to the airport for your overnight flight home.
Day 10 – Arrival back in the UK
Location: United Kingdom
You’ve reached the swansong of your time in the USA and Canada, landing back home with musical memories to last a lifetime.
What's Included
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Eight nights’ accommodation in Chicago (3 nights), Detroit (2), Cleveland (1) and Alexandria (2), with one night on the aircraft
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Ample time to explore Chicago
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A tour of downtown Detroit followed by entry to Hitsville U.S.A, the Motown Museum, and the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
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A full day in Washington DC
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Drive along Route 66 with a visit to Pontiac
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Visit St. Joseph on Lake Michigan and historic Ann Arbor
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Return flights to Chicago and from Washington DC
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Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
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Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
Brochure change
This itinerary has been changed since our brochure went to print and varies from that shown in the brochure. The last two nights are now spent in Alexandria, close to Washington DC, as opposed to Niagara Falls. The remainder of the itinerary and overall duration remains unchanged.Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 30 minutes.Passports and visas
Foreign Office travel advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.Tipping
Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person's earnings. The customary gratuity for a coach driver is $5 per person per day for the driver and $7 per person per day for the tour manager.
It is normal to tip 15-20 per cent of the bill for a taxi or in a restaurant, and to leave a dollar or so per drink in a bar.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on any coach forming part of your holiday; regular stops will be made though for your comfort en route. The majority of hotels in North America are non-smoking throughout including in all bedrooms. In general smoking outside is acceptable, but do look out for signs prohibiting this close to public entrances or bus stops.On your flight
All outbound flights depart and arrive on the same day. All return flights leave in the evening and land in the UK the next day. On-board meals will usually include lunch and a snack on outward flights, and dinner and breakfast on flight home. Soft drinks are complimentary, but some airlines will charge for alcoholic drinks.Luggage allowance
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.Hotel rooms
Standard hotel rooms in North America will contain one or two double- or queen-sized beds, and it is not possible to add extra beds to the room. Parties consisting of more than two travellers, but who have only booked one room, will be expected to make use of the two beds provided. If this is a concern, you may wish to consider booking more than one room for your group.Special departures
Christmas Lights in Memphis – November and December 2023 and 2024See Graceland lit and decorated for Christmas, Elvis-style, inside and out, and kick off the holiday season with a spot of Stateside Christmas shopping.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout the tour. Return flights to Chicago and from Washington DC are included, ensuring a seamless journey across the iconic music cities of America.Accommodation
Enjoy eight nights of comfortable accommodation in Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, and Alexandria, with one night spent on the aircraft. Each city offers a unique experience, from the bustling streets of Chicago to the historic charm of Alexandria.Passports and Visas
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.Changes to your hotel
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect to see at the Motown Museum in Detroit?
At the Motown Museum, you will immerse yourself in the world of Motown music, exploring the original headquarters of the record label. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, memorabilia, and original sheet music, and you will see Studio One, where some of the greatest jazz and blues performers recorded.
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What is included in the visit to the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland?
The visit to the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame includes exploring exhibits that showcase the development of rock music, live performances on the Klipsch Stage, and displays in The Garage, which emulates a rock studio. You will also see the Hall of Fame gallery featuring rockstars like Bob Dylan and The Beatles.
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What are the highlights of the Route 66 tour to Pontiac?
The Route 66 tour to Pontiac includes visiting the 'Begin Route 66' sign, exploring Pontiac's collection of cafes, diners, and stores, admiring 25 colorful murals, and visiting the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, which features a Music of the Civil War exhibit and a collection of 1960s memorabilia.
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What can I do during the full day visit to Washington DC?
During the full day visit to Washington DC, you can explore the city at your leisure or join an optional morning tour of Capitol Hill's iconic sights, including the Capitol building, Library of Congress, and various memorials. You can also visit world-class museums and galleries like the Smithsonian Institution.
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What is the optional tour to Mount Vernon about?
The optional tour to Mount Vernon includes a guided tour of the mansion and grounds of George Washington's former residence. You will learn about the estate's history, explore its agricultural past, and visit the Washington family tombs.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1983
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Fitness to Travel
We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.
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Low Deposit
Newmarket Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 35% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of newmarket holidays charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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