Tastes & Sounds of the South
10 Days from $2,655 per person
Join us for a little honky-tonk, home cookin', hot-footed hoedown and a whole lot of Rock 'n' Roll on this inspiring, at leisure jaunt through the Deep South.
Overview
Join us for a little honky-tonk, home cookin', hot-footed hoedown and a whole lot of Rock 'n' Roll on this inspiring, at leisure jaunt through the Deep South.
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Day 1: Arrive Nashville (3 Nights)
The beating heart of America's Music City will chart your pace as you prepare to embark on a leisurely pilgrimage to discover the tastes and sounds of the South. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception.
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Day 2: Nashville Sightseeing
The famous Nashville Sound comes alive this morning as RCA's Studio B reveals the legends of Elvis Presley, Jim Reeves and Roy Orbison. Dive into Culture and gain insights into the life and music of Johnny Cash during a private performance of original Cash tunes with Johnny and June's granddaughter (or another family member). Our acoustic journey continues with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to see Elvis' Solid Gold Cadillac limousine and Jim Reeves' tuxedo jacket. Discover the iconic and unexpected on a your choice sightseeing experience, exploring either the Johnny Cash Museum or the Ryman Auditorium.
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Day 3: Nashville At Leisure and Sightseeing
Today is a free day for you to explore. Amble through Broadway's honky-tonk scene or perhaps enjoy the gut-busting flavors of homegrown hot chicken and biscuits. This evening, the sounds of country music fill the air as we head to the Grand Ole Opry to watch a performance of America's longest running live radio programe.
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Day 4: Nashville – Memphis (2 Nights)
We head for the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll and meet a musician and Local Specialist amidst the sounds of Blues on Beale Street. This afternoon, perhaps join an optional to the National Civil Rights Museum, home to the former Lorraine Motel, where civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.
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Day 5: Graceland Excursion
Pay a visit to Sun Studios, which sought to immortalize the raw energy of Beale Street, recording the first Rock 'n' Roll single in 1951. Then worship at the altar of the King and head to Graceland, paying tribute to man who changed the face of American popular music and culture. This evening, embark on a your choice dining experience where you choose from a selection of local eateries.
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Day 6: Memphis – Natchez
Visit the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum before travelling to Natchez. Connect with Locals as you meet Joe Stone in his 1850s home and visit the 1804 residence of Esther Carpenter, a former Four Seasons chef, with whom you'll enjoy a traditional three-course Deep South Be My Guest dinner with wine.
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Day 7: Natchez – Oak Alley – New Orleans (3 Nights)
Dive into Culture at Frogmore Plantation and Gins and Make a Difference as you learn about efforts to preserve the cotton plantation heritage of the Mississippi Delta. Continue through the Louisiana countryside to Oak Alley Plantation along a quarter mile canopy of 300-year-old oak trees. The spicy scents of Creole cuisine linger long after this evening's visit to the New Orleans School of Cooking where we enjoy a fun cooking demonstration and a Regional Meal of Creole cuisine.
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Day 8: New Orleans Sightseeing and At Leisure
Let the good times roll in New Orleans today, tracing the cosmopolitan history of one of America's oldest cities with a Local Specialist, stopping at City Park and one of the ornate above-ground cemeteries. Spend the afternoon soaking up the laid-back vibes of The Big Easy.
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Day 9: New Orleans At Leisure
Today is yours to explore the French, Spanish and Creole sights and sounds of New Orleans. If you're feeling adventurous, visit Marie Laveau's Historic Voodoo Museum which traces the mysteries, legends and traditions of voodoo. This evening, join your Travel Director and new friends for a Farewell Dinner at the famed Court of Two Sisters.
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Day 10: Depart New Orleans
For now, it's 'Au Revoir' New Orleans, but not 'Adieu.' Take a transfer to New Orleans International Airport or extend your stay in New Orleans at the Sheraton New Orleans.
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Mar 19 | 22 Mar 19 |
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$2,850pp | Call 1-877-622-9109 | |||
| 23 May 19 | 1 Jun 19 |
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$2,925$2,779pp | Early PaymentPay by Feb 28 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 29 May 19 | 7 Jun 19 |
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$2,925$2,779pp | Early PaymentPay by Feb 28 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 12 Jun 19 | 21 Jun 19 |
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$2,875$2,731pp | Early PaymentPay by Feb 28 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 19 Jun 19 | 28 Jun 19 | $2,875$2,731pp | Early PaymentPay by Feb 28 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 4 Sep 19 | 13 Sep 19 |
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$2,895$2,750pp | Early PaymentPay by Feb 28 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 19 Sep 19 | 28 Sep 19 |
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$2,925$2,779pp | Early PaymentPay by Feb 28 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 25 Sep 19 | 4 Oct 19 | $2,925$2,779pp | Early PaymentPay by Feb 28 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 2 Oct 19 | 11 Oct 19 | $2,925$2,779pp | Early PaymentPay by Feb 28 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 23 Oct 19 | 1 Nov 19 | $2,875$2,731pp | Early PaymentPay by Feb 28 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 30 Oct 19 | 8 Nov 19 | $2,850$2,708pp | Early PaymentPay by Feb 28 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 6 Nov 19 | 15 Nov 19 | $2,795$2,655pp | Early PaymentPay by Feb 28 | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: $1,075.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $108 per person.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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Professional Travel Director
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
Meal Summary
14 Meals: 9 full breakfasts, 5 dinners.
Included Highlights
Dive into Culture
- Delve into the life and foot-tapping tunes of Johnny Cash with a member of his family
Connect with Locals
- Join a pianist and a chef for an evening of true southern hospitality and an opportunity to explore the sights and sounds of two beautiful Natchez estates
Local Specialist
- For sightseeing in Memphis, New Orleans
Sightseeing Highlights
- City tour in Memphis, New Orleans
- Orientation of Nashville
- Visit Graceland, Oak Alley Plantation, Frogmore Plantation, Rock 'n' Soul Museum, Sun Studios, Country Music Hall of Fame
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Nashville
Backstage at the Grand Ole Opry
There's nothing like a backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry House - it's a must-see for everyone in Music City! Walk in the footsteps of country music's superstars and get an exclusive look at what happens behind the scenes of the show that made country music famous! Your knowledgeable guide will share stories about the Opry and country music greats, past and present (from Minnie Pearl to Carrie Underwood, you might say), show you photos from the Opry's biggest moments in history and take you to the artist entrance - where legends, new artists, and superstars alike enter the Opry House on the night of an Opry show. You may even have the chance to step on stage and into the famed wooden circle as decades of artists have done. Tours may also make a stop in Studio A, a live television studio and former home of HEE HAW. Approx. duration: 1 hour
Adult Price: $29
Memphis Sun Records Studio Visit
Experience a guided tour of the legendary Sun Records Studio, the “Most Famous Recording Studio in the World.” Learn how the blending of Blues and Country music came together in the Big Bang of Rock N’ Roll. Hear the outtakes from sessions, see loads of memorabilia, and re-live the history of the studio that launched the musical careers of Johnny Cash, B.B. King, Charlie Rich, Little Milton, Roy Orbison, Howlin’ Wolf, Carl Perkins, Rosco Gardon, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley and many other music legends! Approx. duration: 1.5 hours.
Adult Price: $15
Elvis Presley Birthplace Park in Tupelo with transportation from Memphis
Travel from Memphis, Tennessee to Tupelo, Mississippi to see the birthplace of Elvis Presley, aka the King of Rock 'n' Roll. See the home where Elvis lived for 13 years, and journey to other sites dedicated to his life during a 2-hour guided tour of Elvis Presley Birthplace Park.
Adult Price: $75
Graceland
Graceland - Elvis Experience Upgrade to VIP Tour
Die-hard fans will want to make the most of their visit to Graceland with this VIP Tour option. In addition to all of the added features accessed with the Elvis Experience, VIP guests at Graceland will have access to an exclusive, VIP Exhibit and front-of-the-line privileges for the Graceland Mansion tour which can be reused anytime during your stay.
Adult Price: $39
Graceland Mansion - VIP Tour Upgrade
Die-hard fans will want to make the most of their visit to Graceland with this VIP Tour upgrade. In addition to all of the added features accessed with the Elvis Experience, VIP guests at Graceland will have access to an exclusive, VIP Exhibit, and front-of-the-line privileges for the Graceland Mansion tour which can be reused anytime during your stay.
Adult Price: $64
New Orleans
Steamboat Natchez Jazz Dinner Cruise
Enjoy your evening in New Orleans aboard the newly minted City of New Orleans steamboat for a jazz dinner cruise on the Mississippi River. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner while taking in lovely views of downtown New Orleans all while enjoying the sounds of the Grammy nominated "Dukes of Dixieland". A full bar is also available for your pleasure. Approx. duration: 2 hours
Adult Price: $86
Swamp And Bayou Tour
After a short motorcoach ride across the Mississippi River, take a fascinating boat trip into the Louisiana swamps and bayous through part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park – Barataria Preserve. Native guides will reveal the mysteries of the swamps and bayous and you will discover how the seafood from these bountiful waters provides a wide assortment of delectable local dishes! Observe the nesting grounds of alligators, egrets, raccoons, nutria, and many species of snakes. Transportation included. Approx. duration: 2.5 hours
Adult Price: $53
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
Reviews
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Gratuity
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend $4-5 per person/per day for your driver and $6-7 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 dollars per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
