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Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee

Rhythms of the Deep South Self-Drive

15-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,930 pp incl. flights

Summary

Short description

Discover the music and culture of America's vibrant southern states

Highlights

  • Explore the unique culture of the Deep South in Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee
  • Spend evenings in the jazz bars and dance halls that gave starts to some of the most important musical movements of the 20th century
  • Call in to Elvis's former home, Graceland, and the iconic Sun Studio
  • Taste your way through the region's culinary landscape, from delicious BBQs to spicy Cajun classics
  • Party in New Orleans and shop in Atlanta as you enjoy the freedom of an all-American road trip

In Brief

  • 2 Nights Atlanta
  • 2 Nights Nashville
  • 3 Nights Memphis
  • 2 Nights Natchez
  • 1 Night Lafayette
  • 3 Nights New Orleans

About

Recommended for:
April holidays | City | Food & wine | History & culture | June holidays | Music & Special Events | November holidays | Self-drive

Discover a rich and innovative culture, history and heritage on this Deep South fly-drive, taking in Louisiana, MississippiTennessee and Georgia. You'll begin in Atlanta, a city famed for its rich African-American heritage, distinctive neighbourhoods, eclectic restaurants and association with the Civil War drama, Gone With The Wind. It's then a scenic hop north through Chattanooga to Nashville, the home of country music, before the Natchez Trace Parkway brings you to Tupelo and Memphis, where you'll look forward to a day at Elvis' beloved home – Graceland. Finally, after exploring some of Natchez's 500 antebellum mansions, you'll head on, via Cajun Country, to New Orleans' bourbon-soaked jazz bars.

Day by day itinerary

Days 1-2
UK/Atlanta

Enjoy included airport lounge access before your flight to Atlanta, the capital of the Peach Tree State. Collect your hire car and make your way to your chosen hotel, conveniently located in the downtown area of the city. The following day is free to explore Atlanta at your leisure. Visit the World of Coca Cola, enjoy the city's great restaurants and explore Underground Atlanta, a vast subterranean shopping and entertainment district . If you prefer, head out of the city and enjoy a drive along Georgia's Antebellum Trail, enjoying the scenery and neoclassical architecture that characterised the southern United States during the 19th century. 

Stay: Atlanta Marriott Marquis (Superior) or Loews Atlanta (Deluxe)

Days 3-4
Nashville

Leaving Atlanta behind, you'll drive to Nashville, the home of country music and the world-famous Grand Ole Opry. This weekly country-music stage concert has played host to the likes of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and, more recently, Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks. With two days to explore, you'll have ample time to take in the sights, including the Jack Daniels Distillery and the Country Music Hall of Fame to a host of downtown honky tonk bars. 

Stay: Holston House Nashville (Superior)

Days 5-7
Memphis

Your journey through America's musical heartland continues, this time in Memphis, the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll and home of the Blues. We challenge you not to dance your way around the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, and be sure to visit Elvis' former home at Graceland, the iconic Sun Studio and neon-clad Beale Street. And, for a true all-American dining experience, make sure you head to Rendezvous; it's been serving up some of the city's best smoked ribs since 1948.

Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Memphis Downtown (Standard) The Peabody (Superior)

Days 8-9
Natchez

On today's drive to Natchez, perhaps pause at Greenwood on the Yazoo River. A former cotton producing centre, it remains a mecca for Blues fans. Be sure to visit the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretative Centre in nearby Indianola to explore the astonishing story of King’s life and his 60-year career in music.

Then, travel on to Natchez itself, the oldest permanent settlement on the banks of the Mississippi, to explore some of the region's 500 pre-civil war mansions all set to a backdrop of gorgeous river views and delicious Southern food. Take a walking tour of the Natchez's historic centre, take to the waters on a Mississippi cruise, hitch a ride on a horse drawn carriage and discover the city's sometimes tragic past at the African-American History Museum. And, at the Natchez National Historical Park, the city's most elegant antebellum homes help bring it all to life.

Stay: Monmouth Historic Inn (Standard & Superior)

Day 10
Lafayette

Today's journey brings you into Cajun country and the town of Lafayette, the unofficial capital of French Louisiana. Spend the day exploring the city, with ambling strolls along the banks of the Vermillion River and lazing afternoons exploring the flavours of the Deep South at some of Lafayette's wonderful Cajun restaurants. Then, in the evening, take the chance to experience the unique atmosphere and pulsating music of the city's dance halls.

Stay: Doubletree by Hilton Lafayette

Days 11-13
New Orleans

Head to New Orleans where you'll drop off your hire car. Famed for its French Quarter and colourful annual Mardi Gras – when music, parades, picnics and floats turn the city into one huge party – the Big Easy is among the United States' most energising cities. You'll have three days here to take in its renowned music venues and sample menus of the tastiest Creole and Cajun cuisine.

Stay: Bienville House (Standard) or Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans (Superior)

Meals: B (Standard)

Days 14-15
New Orleans/UK

Make your way to New Orleans airport in time for your overnight flight to the UK, arriving on day 15. Alternatively extend your stay with a relaxing break on the beaches of Pensacola in the Florida Panhandle, followed by a tour of Montgomery, Alabama, where, in 1955, Rosa Parks left her indelible mark on the history of the United States, galvanising the Civil Rights Movement across the country.

Map

Pricing

Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.

Accommodation rating: Standard Superior Deluxe

15-day tailor-made self-drive
from £2,930 pp incl. flights

Standard

Low Season

from £2,930 pp. incl. flights

High Season

from £3,590 pp. incl. flights

Includes:

  • Complimentary UK airport lounge access
  • Return flights between the UK and Atlanta and New Orleans and the UK
  • 11 days Compact car hire including personalised road book
  • 13 nights accommodation in a mixture of 3* (Standard) and 4* (Superior) hotels on a room only basis (one breakfast included

High season: June-September

Terms & Conditions

Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.

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Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0636 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

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Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
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Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ATOL & ABTOT protected