- Spend three nights in New Orleans and the colourful music scene of Bourbon Street
- Uncover Cajun culture and cuisine on a Mississippi riverboat dinner cruise
- Explore Memphis including Elvis' Graceland and Sun Studio
- Discover Nashville, the country music capital
Southern Soul: New Orleans to Nashville
10 Days
Excluding Flights From
11 Days
from
Culture
Activity Level
Easy
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Classic
Trace the roots of American music along the Mississippi
Discover the cultural landscape that gave birth to the blues, country and rock ‘n’ roll on this tour along the mighty Mississippi. Days move a little slower in the Deep South, as you pass time with a sweet tea or a Jack and Coke, taking in the sights and sounds of Music Row in Nashville, Beale Street in Memphis and along Bourbon Street in New Orleans. You also savour authentic cuisine and enjoy Southern hospitality as you float down the Mississippi on a riverboat cruise.
From May 2026, this adventure is only available as a private departure. Contact us to find out more.
Highlights
Key Information
- Accommodation: 9 Classic nights (hotels)
- Travel by private minibus
- Group normally 4 to 13, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Countries visited: USA
What's Included
- Nine breakfasts and one dinner
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Arrival and departure transfers are available
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
Itinerary
New Orleans Nashville
Fly to New Orleans, transfer to hotel
Those on the group flight will be met at New Orleans Airport and transferred to our hotel.
Welcome to the cultural melting pot of the Deep South, New Orleans, otherwise known as the Big Easy. The eclectic mix of European, Creole and Cajun cultures manifests in every aspect of the architecture, cuisine and musical scene. Depending on the group flight arrival time, a welcome briefing may be held this evening or tomorrow morning.
Accommodation: Wyndham New Orleans – French Quarter (or similar)
Start New Orleans
Welcome to the cultural melting pot of the Deep South, New Orleans, otherwise known as the Big Easy. The eclectic mix of European, Creole and Cajun cultures manifests in every aspect of the architecture, cuisine and musical scene.
Depending on the group flight arrival time, a welcome briefing may be held this evening or tomorrow morning.
Accommodation: Wyndham New Orleans – French Quarter (or similar)
Historical walking tour, Mississippi river dinner cruise
This morning, our leader takes us on a guided historical walking tour around the French Quarter, the oldest neighbourhood in New Orleans. We’ll walk down historic streets, seeing different architectural styles of iconic homes, Jackson Square and listen to jazz as we learn about the history of this unique city.
The afternoon is free for individual sight-seeing, then we come together in the evening to enjoy an included dinner cruise on the Mississippi River, dining on delicious local cuisine influenced by the myriad cultures that make up Louisiana.
Accommodation: Wyndham New Orleans – French Quarter (or similar)
Optional activities in New Orleans
Today is free for you to take in the sights and sounds of Bourbon Street, relax in the Garden District or absorb more of the ambience of the French Quarter. There are several optional tours available, including a thrilling alligator swamp tour, during which you travel north to the town of Slidell to board the swamp boat for two hours, navigating on the West Pearl River and into the Honey Island Swamp. There are over a million alligators in Louisiana, so keep an eye out! You may also see turtles and exotic birds among the cypress trees of the swamp. Your tour leader will be able to help with any reservations you wish to make.
There is plenty to do in New Orleans come evening, not least enjoying some of the many live performances that take place nightly. This includes Preservation Hall, where top jazz musicians play every evening to a small audience in an intimate space – be prepared to wait in line. There will also be the chance to step out of the city and explore the wild river swamplands of Louisiana, where you can head out by boat beneath the cypress trees in search of alligators.
See the Extra Expenses section of our trip notes for more information about optional activities.
Accommodation: Wyndham New Orleans – French Quarter (or similar)
Melrose Estate and on to Natchez
This morning, we visit Melrose Mansion within Natchez National Historical Park, completed in the mid-1800s and now one of the best-preserved estates in the Deep South. A guided tour of the mansion and self-guided tours of the grounds, which includes slave quarters, stables and a carriage house, provide an in-depth understanding of the region’s deep-rooted links to slavery.
Departing the estate, we follow the river road north to the first established settlement on the Mississippi. Natchez, the original capital of the Mississippi Territory, was at the heart of the trade in enslaved people and is the birthplace of the Mississippi riverboat. There is free time to wander the historic district where there are more than 50 antebellum homes and historic churches. Also worthy of a visit is the Under the Hill area made famous by Mark Twain or discover one of the most interesting cemeteries in the South.
Accommodation: Guest House Natchez (or similar)
To Clarksdale
Next up is Clarksdale and the Hopson Plantation, the former home of legendary blues pianist Pinetop Perkins. It is also where they tested the International Harvester automated cotton picker. Your leader will tell you the history, explaining the system of sharecropping and the evolution of the cotton industry. Clarksdale is also home to the Crossroads, where legend says blues musician Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil. Within the town itself is the Delta Blues Museum, a shrine of blues artefacts and memorabilia, plus actor Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club. Red’s is definitely worth a visit for live music: an authentic juke joint showcasing the real heart of the South.
Accommodation: Hampton Inn Clarksdale (or similar)
On to Memphis, visit the Civil Rights Museum
Today we cross into Tennessee. Near the Mississippi River, Memphis has a long and colourful past. Legendary forefathers such as Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters and BB King put Beale Street on the musical map.
Outside of music, the National Civil Rights Museum is located in the former Lorraine Hotel, at the site where Martin Luther King was assassinated. We pay a visit to understand better this vital part of US, and global, history.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown or Comfort Inn Memphis (or similar)
Elvis' Graceland and Sun Studio
A highlight of your stay in Memphis is an included excursion to Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. We spend several hours taking an audio-guided tour of the mansion, seeing the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s gold records, jewelled jumpsuits and famous Jungle Room with its green shagged carpets. We can pay our respects in the Meditation Garden, where Elvis and members of his family have been laid to rest.
We also stop by Sun Studio, which opened in 1950 and is where many great names have passed through, from Howlin’ Wolf to Johnny Cash.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown or Comfort Inn Memphis (or similar)
Nashville, Tennessee
We leave Memphis today and head to Nashville, the undisputed capital of country music. Home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Wildhorse Saloon, Nashville is the perfect opportunity to try line dancing (select nights only). Broadway is lined with honky-tonks and intimate live music venues playing all genres of music.
Accommodation: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Nashville (or similar)
Explore Nashville
Today is free to explore Nashville, the capital of Tennessee and the largest city in the state. On the banks of the Cumberland River, it was established as a port by settlers in 1779 but is best known for music. There are many venues to visit, but most famous of all is the Opry House, 15mi (24km) east of the city. This historic concert venue is synonymous with country music, hosting regular live performances that showcase the best of the genre. Book before you arrive to avoid missing out as these shows are popular.
See the Extra Expenses section of our Trip Notes for more information about optional activities.
Accommodation: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Nashville (or similar)
End Nashville
Our tour of the Deep South ends in Nashville. If you’d like to spend extra time exploring this country music Mecca, please speak to your sales representative.
Airport transfer for return flight
Our adventure comes to an end this morning in Nashville and we transfer to the airport to catch our return flight.
Arrive London
Hotels
We spend nine nights in hotels. The accommodations on this itinerary were chosen for their friendly atmosphere and proximity to the highlights.
Single rooms can be booked for a single supplement at the time of booking (subject to availability).
Trip Experts
Sarah Ahern
Product Manager
Reviews
Add your own reviewBirthplace of so much great music
For much of my life I’ve enjoyed the musical genres originating in the Southern US. What this trip did was to put it all together – the evolution of music set against the political and economic history of the area. Fascinating and enjoyable.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hard to pick one. Preservation Hall and Grand Ole Opry were musical highlights. The Civil Rights Museum was so moving - located at the motel where MLK was assassinated - and very comprehensive. The Country Music Hall of Fame was worth at least half a day.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jay quite simply, made the trip. The bus journeys were enlivened with his knowledge and fabulous playlist designed to accompany the history and progression of musical styles as we journeyed north. He joined in the group banter in the bus, drove safely, worked hard, unloading and loading luggage, and was very helpful at ferrying us around even to optional activities.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book ahead for Preservation Hall and the Grand Ole Opry. Some of our group were disappointed not to get in or be seated r standing at the very back. The food was not to my taste - deep fried pecan pie anyone? And vegetables were hard to find with limited choice. I bought supplies at a health food store for my lunches (there was an ice box in the bus) Some prices were a shock . My last night dinner (1 course with veg and 2 glasses average wine) was $62 - then with sales tax, 20% obligatory gratuity and an extra tip for kitchen staff, the final bill was $93. The trip notes suggestions for tips for the guide are way out, considering that he drove, hauled luggage, saved us some taxi fares. $12-$15 pp per day is a more like it. Given the shocking amount of plastic waste (polystyrene plates and plastic cutlery) you might want to consider taking some travel cutlery with you.
A wonderful exploration of a part of the US that has a ton to offer
The trip itinerary was well thought out. A great journey through some very diverse and fascinating towns and cities, with good food, warm people, amazing music, history, civil rights and varied experiences along the way. I honestly wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did and I don’t think I’ve ever learned so much on a holiday before. The Mississippi Delta is fascinating.
Most Inspirational Moment
There so many great experiences on this trip that it's hard to choose. Overall, the music! But also the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis is wonderful.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mike is a truly superb trip leader. Simply the best! Great driver, fun, unflappable and extremely knowledgeable. He MADE the trip - 100%. The drives from one city to another were fascinating thanks to his commentary, deep knowledge of music and history and wonderful playlists. He didn't just recommend places we could visit for music and great food, he took us there. If you followed his suggestions you really couldn't go wrong. He went above and beyond. I'd be happy to do any other trip that he was guiding, irrespective of destination.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Definitely spend extra days pre-trip in New Orleans. There's so much to do. Make sure you tip everyone who's working. It's non-negotiable. This might make it a more expensive trip than you thought so be prepared. It's well worth going to the Grand Ole Opry. If you love jazz, blues, rock and roll or country music you have to do this trip (and even if you don't, you will by the time it's over!)
A wonderful trip across five states that immerses you in the music, cuisine and culture of America’s Deep South.
This trip promised a lot on paper, and delivered so much more in reality, exceeding my expectations. Our group leader managed to cram so much in, while at the same time allowing a nice degree of freedom for us to do our own exploration and choose our own optional activities. The tour began with a deeply moving and affecting look at the civil rights movement, covering the life of Martin Luther King Jr (where he was born, the church at which he preached, his memorial garden and tomb; later on we would visit the place where he was assassinated); the slave trade and its role in creating wealth for the plantation owners and the country as a whole; and the continued oppression of the freed slaves after the Civil War and their struggle for basic human rights. As we went on, the focus shifted toward the music that was created on the plantations, the way it developed and seeped into mainstream culture in America before spreading across the world. While this was very informative and educational, there were plenty of lighter moments too and we were a great group who had a lot of laughs along the way. As well as visiting sites that were significant to the music history, there were opportunities to hear live music – jazz, blues and country – at many locations from New Orleans to Nashville. A wonderful experience that we will continue to savour for a very long time.
Most Inspirational Moment
It has to be day 8 on the itinerary, which I named “Super Saturday”: the day we left Clarksdale for Memphis, going down to the Crossroads at Clarksdale where legend has it Robert Johnson sold his soul to the Devil for the gift of music; spending 4 hours at Graceland visiting Elvis’ house and the extensive collection of memorabilia on display in the adjacent museums; an emotional visit to the historic Sun Studios to see exactly where Elvis made his first recordings; a meal of dry-rubbed ribs at Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous restaurant, a favourite of Elvis’; a walk along bustling Beale Street in the evening before dropping into The Blues City Cafe to hear real Delta blues played by Blind Mississippi Morris, then riding the trolley car back to the hotel. Days don’t get any better than that!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Invariably one of things that makes an Exodus trip such a memorable experience is the quality of its group leaders, and this trip was no exception. I must confess one or two within the group wondered if Lana Haugberg would be up to the job: relative young, petite in stature, she would be working solo as both driver and guide throughout the long trip. But any initial doubts were soon dispelled: word got round that she had just completed an ultra race in which she ran 120 miles in 24 hours, and we also learned that she is a very experienced driver, having taken television film crews across America. In the course of the trip, Lana drove 1500+ miles as well as giving us detailed information about all locations and sites visited. Lana explained all options on offer, particularly for the free days, and made herself available to support individual choices. She was careful to advise on personal safety and ensure everyone knew the safest options for transport. Nothing was too much trouble, and Lana did everything within her power to make the trip run smoothly and to give us the best possible experience. A few examples: she had put together a Spotify playlist of music appropriate to each destination and leg of the itinerary; she purchased a folding step to facilitate access in and out of the minibus, which had a high drop; and while the group was enjoying a self-guided walking tour of Natchez, she checked everyone into the hotel, unloaded the luggage and took the bags to our individual rooms so that we could all go straight there to rest after a long day on the road. She was always cheerful, attentive and responsive, able to engage with everyone in our group, and always good company.
Advice for Potential Travellers
* the itinerary may change due to circumstances: embrace the options your group leader gives you. On our trip the Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham was closed, so we took a detour to Montgomery to visit the Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace & Justice, a very moving exhibition. It was not possible to book the Lynchburg option for the final day due to possible departure flight logistics, but our group leader came up with a pleasantly surprising alternative. * there will be plenty of opportunities to do your own thing at the different cities visited. * be prepare to be shocked by the amount of single-use plastics, particularly in hotels, and a lack of recycling facilities - maybe take your own travel cutlery. * try the local food and drink: have a Hurricane in NOLA, eat beignets, gumbo, jambalaya, and catfish (delicious!) there; try dry rubbed ribs in Memphis, or southern fried chicken; drink Jack Daniels in Tennessee. But there are plenty of alternatives if you fancy a change. * beware American sized portions: consider sharing with another person. Many portions are more than enough for two. * there are some long days on the road, but frequently broken up with comfort breaks and lunch stops at a variety of interesting places. Bring your own playlists and ear buds, if you like to chill out to your personal music along the way.
Deep South - the story of the Blues and music of America
If you’re into music (especially The Blues) and want to understand where it all started and developed, this is the trip for you. Starting with the background of the Civil Rights movement and visiting iconic sites such as the bridge at Selma and the museums in Atlanta and Birmingham, we followed the development of the Blues from New Orleans through Clarksdale, Memphis and finally Nashville. We experienced a wide range of live music – gospel, blues, jazz, country, rockabilly, bluegrass etc and saw the places where it all began. It was a truly entertaining and memorable trip from the beginning to the end made even more special by our awesome guide, Jay.
Most Inspirational Moment
Historically - walking over the bridge at Selma, which although not on the original itinary, was made possible by our guide. Musically - listening to great Blues band at a Juke Joint called 'Reds' in Clarksdale.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Top bloke. On a scale of 1-10 we would score him 12 Jay Burleson knew his music, knew the history and did all he could to make the trip special for us. (eg he found out one of the worlds best blues guitarists was playing in a cafe on the outskirts of Nashville and helped us get to see him play!)
Advice for Potential Travellers
Embrace it all - every day and every night - you can always rest when you get home!
Good music trip
This is a great trip if you’re keen to experience the USA Deep South Music and history. Great experience of New Orleans, Martin Luther King and the civil rights movements, Elvis and the music history of Memphis and Nashville. The trip is with Grand American Adventures- Exodus sister Company. You travel in a small tour bus driven by your guide. We were lucky we had 9 people on the trip as any more would have been a squeeze. A few early starts and longest drives on the road were 5-6 hours but had plenty of rest stop breaks. There’s a lot to see and do plus the music & dvds on the van helped get us in the mood and educate us to each area.
Most Inspirational Moment
New Orleans is great and the included steamboat dinner on the Mississippi was fantastic. Would also highly recommend the Honey Island swamp tour, we saw much more wildlife than just alligators. Elvis Birthplace & Graceland also amazing.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader Nicole was fantastic, she went above and beyond and was really helpful. There were a few timing issues which meant a couple of important sights were rushed. Sadly her boyfriend turned up for the last 4 days which turned the trip a little sour and spoilt the group dynamic.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It’s a great trip but do your research. If you’re not into the music scene then this trip might not be for you. Food is great and atms are everywhere.
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Saturday
16 Aug 2025 16 Aug 2025
Monday Tuesday
25 Aug 2025 26 Aug 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price Usually £ 4799Now £ 4229Saving £ 570 Usually £ 4799Now £ 4229Saving £ 570
Optional Single Supplement +£ 1175
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
11 Oct 2025 11 Oct 2025
Monday Tuesday
20 Oct 2025 21 Oct 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price Usually £ 4549Now £ 4249Saving £ 300 Usually £ 4549Now £ 4249Saving £ 300
Optional Single Supplement +£ 1175
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
18 Apr 2026 18 Apr 2026
Monday Tuesday
27 Apr 2026 28 Apr 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price Usually £ 4799Now £ 4499Saving £ 300 Usually £ 4799Now £ 4499Saving £ 300 Book with £ 1124 deposit Book with £ 1124 deposit
Optional Single Supplement
+£ 1300
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip Notes
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Southern Soul: New Orleans to Nashville
10 Days
Excluding Flights From
11 Days
from