Musical Nashville is yours to discover. Upon arrival at Nashville International Airport, you will be met and escorted to your luxury downtown accommodation, Union Station Hotel. Once a bustling train station, your historic hotel celebrates Nashville’s creative art scene with a stained-glass ceiling, large-scale sculptures, custom chandeliers and original commissioned artwork. The first of many foodie experiences to come on your tour of the Deep South, join your Traveling Concierge for a wine-paired Welcome Dinner as you toast to what's to come in this vibrant city.
The best of Nashville’s music scene awaits today, but not before visiting Riverfront Park, the Tennessee State Capitol and the sprawling Centennial State Park before stopping at the famous Music Row. Join the ranks of superstar musicians teaming up with a professional sound engineer to record a song at historic Studio B -- Nashville’s oldest remaining recording studio – in a rare, choir-style recording session hearing hits as they were originally written. At the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, join an esteemed singer/songwriter to learn the stories behind the biggest hits sung by country music stars such as Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn and Garth Brooks. Today's musical finale awaits at the one and only Grand Ole Opry or "country's most famous stage," for a live performance and, if you are travelling on a Chairman's Collection departure, meeting with a Grammy-winning legend.
Delve into the birthplace of Blues, Soul and Rock ’n’ roll in Memphis where you’re treated to a captivating tour of Elvis’ Graceland. As you marvel at the mansion set on 13.8 acres of land and explore the King’s artifacts, you’ll see the effect that Elvis and his music had on American culture. In this rare opportunity to get to know the personal side of "The King," inspect Elvis’ amazing collection of gold and platinum records, flashy jumpsuits, movie memorabilia and his iconic Pink Cadillac. Step aboard Elvis’ customized airplanes to see how he traveled in the luxurious Lisa Marie that includes a living room and private bedroom and features gold-plated seatbelts, leather-covered tables and 24-karat gold-flecked sinks.
Reflect upon a key moment in history on a Make Travel Matter Experience at the moving National Civil Rights Museum housed in the former Lorraine Motel. Take your time in the museum of interactive, emotive exhibits that share the culture and lessons from the American Civil Rights Movement. Continue your exploration of Memphis with a backstage pass to the oldest BBQ restaurant in Memphis and the inventor of putting coleslaw on a pulled pork sandwich – Leonard’s Pit Barbecue. Meet a top grilling expert Clint Cantwell over a hosted lunch of the signature succulent pulled pork sandwich paired with tempting sides including slaw, ribs and other BBQ classics on a rare event that usually only local insiders get to experience. Personalize your exploration of the Memphis music scene visiting the Sun Studio, "The Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll" led by a local musician or learn more about the history of slavery at the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum.
Follow the path of the famous Natchez Trace to Natchez where the unique architecture of the American South comes to life in antebellum homes. Showing off grand pillars, sprawling balconies and ornate ballrooms, the homes in Natchez were the residences of the largest number of millionaires in the U.S. in the 1800s. Personalize your afternoon in Natchez delving into the history of its mansions touring an 1850s home’s interiors and grounds. Or, visit the Dunleith Historic Inn and join the Bar Manager for a mixology class highlighting the history, craft and tastes of two seasonal cocktails. Your sips of the South continue upon arrival at Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens where you’ll delight your palate learning the science behind the iconic Mint Julep before a delectable three-course dinner in the stunning main house
Gain valuable insight into the history of the South visiting Frogmore Plantation and Gins. Explore the property viewing the original, preserved cotton gin as you learn about both the agriculture of cotton and the sobering history of slavery at this historically important site. Then have a window into the daily life of a sugarcane plantation in the era of wealthy Sugar Barons at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. After a day of thought-provoking sites, arrive in New Orleans for your stay at luxurious, four-star Ritz Carlton New Orleans set in a historic 1908 Beaux Arts Maison Blanche building in the French Quarter.
Team up with a Local Expert to explore the sights of The Big Easy passing ornate buildings with brilliantly colored flowers tumbling out of balconies learning about the many cultures that have found a home here. Trace the cosmopolitan history, stopping in French Quarter, Garden District and City Park. Past and present meet on a visit to one of the city's hauntingly beautiful above-ground cemeteries of elaborate memorials set in the lush surroundings the city is famous for. The afternoon is yours to dive into your curiosities. Soak in the spirit of the city on a tour of Mardi Gras World seeing firsthand what it takes to bring Mardi Gras to life. Or, visit the National WWII Museum and immerse yourself in the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world
Dive into the multi-layered natural and cultural history of the Mississippi River Delta on an exclusive tour. Visit off-the-beaten path spots including the New Orleans Lakefront Airport, built in 1934 and one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the country. Delve into the world of wildlife in the wetlands watching wading birds and alligators. Then explore the quaint “Islenos” fishing villages where America’s seafood has been harvested for centuries over Bayou-side lunch of fresh catch or jambalaya and conversation with a local fisherman. This evening, whet your appetite on a VIP tour of the Southern Food and Beverage Museum with one of its curators followed by a hands-on private cooking class and feast of New Orleans iconic dishes such as jambalaya, gumbo and NOLA Style bananas foster
After one final decadent breakfast, bid 'au revoir' to the Big Easy. Sit back and relax as your complimentary transfer escorts you to the Louis Armstrong Airport. Or, choose to extend your stay in this tempting city
Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.
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