The Best of the Deep South - Mardi Gras special departure

After all the anticipation, your holiday starts today! Maybe you’ll treat yourself to a celebratory drink at the airport before your flight to Atlanta, Georgia. When you arrive, we’ll drive you to your hotel for an overnight stay and after time to freshen up, we’ll come together for our welcome drink.

Atlanta is a dynamic city with a fascinating history. Founded in 1837 as a community at the end of the Western and Atlantic railroad, it was virtually burnt to the ground during the US Civil War. Undeterred, the city rose from the ashes and became the centre of the Civil Rights movement in the 20th century. On this morning’s tour, you’ll discover its many highlights including the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr., Centennial Olympic Park and the impressive Georgia State Capitol building.
Later we'll drive to Nashville for a two night stay. On your free evening be sure to explore the city's Broadway and Honky Tonk Highway, a strip of venues where there is live music 365 days a year.

We have a fabulous music-themed day in store for you today. It begins as you step inside the hallowed halls of Studio B, which has been dubbed the ‘birthplace of the Nashville Sound’, a popular style of country music. It was built in 1957 and over two decades, many hits were recorded here by artists including Elvis Presley. Standing in the very studio where he recorded ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight?’ with the lights dimmed and his incredible voice flowing from the speakers, is sure to be a truly special moment. You’re also going to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, an incredible museum packed full of exhibits and music-themed memorabilia.
There's one more exciting experience to come if you choose to attend an optional evening of live music at the Grand Ole Opry. Take your seats for the world-famous show where some of today’s best artists celebrate the joy of country music.

The next great musical city you'll visit is Memphis, standing proudly on the bluffs of the Mississippi River. When we arrive this afternoon, we're going to set off together to discover some of its many highlights. They include the Riverfront, historic Cotton Row, and Beale Street, the home of the blues. On this iconic street, music emanates from every open door, and street performers entertain the crowds. You could perhaps head back here for a drink and dinner this evening.

Memphis is synonymous with Elvis Presley, and today we're going to find out about this connection. Our first visit is to Sun Studios, where the 'King of Rock 'n' Roll' made his first recordings back in 1954.
This is followed by Graceland, where we'll take a fascinating guided tour of the opulent mansion that was his home from 1957 until his death in 1977. Here you can fully immerse yourself in his career and personal life, exploring the famous Jungle Room, living room, kitchen, TV room, pool room and other highlights. The tour ends at the Meditation Garden, where Elvis is buried alongside his parents. This is sure to be a wonderful highlight of your holiday, and you can round it off by enjoying dinner wherever you fancy in Memphis – ask your Holiday Director for recommendations if you wish.

Today has been left free for you to explore more of Memphis at leisure. Maybe you'll choose to visit the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the former Lorraine Motel. Dr Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated at this very spot in April 1968 and the museum’s fascinating exhibits tell inspiring stories about the history of the American Civil Rights Movement. There are plenty of other options too, including the Stax Museum of American Soul.
Alternatively, if you enjoyed your visit to Graceland yesterday, today's optional excursion is sure to be tempting. Why not come with us to Tupelo, to see the house where Elvis was born. You'll also get to visit a fantastic museum displaying one of the most remarkable collections of Elvis memorabilia in the world.

We’re going to take to the road today, leaving Memphis behind and crossing the border into Mississippi. We’ll travel through the Mississippi Delta, said to be the birthplace of the Delta Blues – a style of Blues music that developed in the early 20th century. Making a stop in the small town of Indianola, we’ll visit the BB King Museum to learn about the life and music of the legendary ‘King of the Blues’.
After time for lunch, our journey will continue to Vicksburg.

As we head deeper south, we're going to make a stop in Natchez, a historic town on the banks of the Mississippi River. This laid-back destination is filled with grand mansions and we’ll visit one today to learn about southern life in the antebellum period, before the Civil War. We’ll admire the stunning architecture of this palatial home and see some of the antiques it was originally furnished with.
Our ultimate destination today is the 'Big Easy', or New Orleans, home to another musical genre - jazz. When we arrive, a sightseeing tour will introduce us to many of the city’s highlights, including the stunning triple-steepled St Louis Cathedral, and cemeteries filled with unique, white-marble above-the-ground tombs.
Your hotel is located just steps from New Orleans’ famous French Quarter. It is the city’s vibrant heart and oldest district, and tonight you are free to make your own discoveries. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from, so why not head out and see what’s on offer for dinner.

You’re going to uncover the charm of the French Quarter and learn all about its history on a walking tour this morning. A Local Guide will lead us through the historic streets and point out highlights including Jackson Square, Pirate's Alley, and the world-famous Bourbon Street. The walk ends at a restaurant, where we’ll enjoy a buffet brunch accompanied by live jazz, in a pretty outdoor courtyard.
The rest of the day is yours to explore the galleries and boutiques of the French Quarter, or if you prefer, you could perhaps head to City Park and discover the Botanical Garden or the New Orleans Museum of Art. We also offer an optional swamp and bayou tour, where you’ll glide through the tranquil beauty of Louisiana’s waterways by boat, looking out for alligators, raccoons and more.

Mardi Gras, 'The Big Easy', is a celebration where travellers from all over the world come together to witness the display of green, purple, and gold. The parade is a time-honoured tradition combining a strong cultural heritage with the spirit of revelry. Your Holiday Director will issue you with your ticket for the special parades. The city's streets come alive with these colourful parades, magnificent costumes, and an infectious sense of joy. Be immersed in the mix of French, Spanish, African, and Creole influences that make Mardi Gras a truly wonderful experience.

Your holiday comes to an end today, so make the most of your last few hours before we drive you to the airport in good time for your flight home.

After an overnight flight, you will arrive back in the UK today.