Itinerary Expand all Day 1 Start Atlanta Welcome to Atlanta and the Southern state of Georgia! Today is free for you to explore before an evening welcome meeting at 18:00 hrs in your hotel. A self-guided walking tour of downtown Atlanta is highly recommended and if you fancy a bite of Southern cuisine, stop by Empire State South. Optional Activities:• Atlanta History Centre US$17• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site US$free• Atlanta Botanical Garden US$19 Accommodation: La Quinta Atlanta Airport North (or similar) Day 2 To Birmingham, Alabama to learn about the history of the Civil Rights Movement Head west into Alabama and to the state's largest city - Birmingham. This city was the primary site of the Civil Rights Movement and where Dr Martin Luther King Jr. began his campaign of civil disobedience. We recommend a visit to the Civil Rights Institute for an excellent introduction to the region's volatile history as you start your journey through the Deep South of the USA. Optional activities:• Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham, Alabama US$12Accommodation: Hampton Inn Birmingham Colonnade 280 (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Days 3-5 Three days to discover lively New Orleans, the cultural melting pot of the Deep South 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 culture manifests in every aspect of the architecture, cuisine and musical scene. Take in the sights and sounds of Bourbon Street, relax in the Garden District and absorb the ambience of the French Quarter, known also as 'The Quarter'. Founded by French traders in 1718, there are many layers of history in this city, and all its many attractions combined make it one of the most visited cities in the USA.Step back in time to when life was gracefully slow and enjoy an included Mississippi riverboat dinner cruise, dining on delicious local cuisine that is directly influenced by the myriad of cultures that together make up Louisiana. Evenings in New Orleans will be easily spent as there is plenty to do, not least of all continuing your indulgence and appreciation of American music by enjoying some of the many live performances that take place nightly in this vibrant city. This includes the famous Preservation Hall where top-drawer jazz musicians play every evening to a small audience in an intimate space - but be prepared to queue! 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 wildlife. Optional Activities:• Alligator swamp tour, New Orleans US$23-$40• Mardi Gras World in New Orleans US$20• New Orleans Voodoo and Graveyard tour US$20• New Orleans Preservation Hall US$15-$20• New Orleans jazz clubs US$10-$20• Scandalous Cocktail history tour US$25 Accommodation: The Blake Hotel (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Houmas House Plantation and Gardens - Natchez This morning we visit Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. This antebellum estate was completed in 1828 and with 38 lush acres of gardens, ponds and a majestic live oak alley, Houma makes for a wonderful stop. Next you follow the river road north to the very first established settlement on the Mississippi River. The original capital of the Mississippi Territory, Natchez, was at the heart of the slave trade and is the birthplace of the Mississippi riverboat. We recommend a self-guided walking tour through the streets of Natchez' historic district with over 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. Optional Activities:• Antebellum mansions, Natchez US$12-$25 Accommodation: The Guest House Natchez (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 To Clarksdale Next up is Clarksdale and the Hopson Plantation, which is the former home of legendary blues pianist Pinetop Perkins. It is also where they tested the International Harvester automated cotton picker. Your leader will give you some history including the system of sharecropping and the evolution of the cotton industry. Clarksdale is also home to the infamous 'Crossroads', where legend has it that blues musician Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil. Within the town itself you'll find the Delta Blues Museum, a literal blues shrine of artefacts and memorabilia, as well as actor Morgan Freeman's Ground Zero Blues Club. Red's is definitely worth a visit for live music - an authentic 'juke joint' where you'll be transported to the real heart of the South! Optional Activities:• Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale US$10• Ground Zero Blues Club, Clarksdale US$8 Accommodation: Hampton Inn Clarksdale (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Days 8-9 Two days to discover Memphis Today we cross into Tennessee. Located near the Mississippi River, Memphis has a long and colourful past. Legendary forefathers such as Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters and the late B.B. King helped to put Beale Street on the musical map. A highlight of your stay in Memphis is an included excursion to Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, who influenced country, blues and rock 'n' roll music. We also have the chance to visit Sun Studio which opened in 1950 and is a place where many great names have passed through, from Howlin' Wolf to Johnny Cash; or the Gibson Guitar Factory to be completely immersed in the fascinating musical heritage of this city. Outside of music, the National Civil Rights Museum located in the former Lorraine Hotel, at the site where Martin Luther King was assassinated, is well worth a visit. Optional Activities:• Civil Rights Museum in Memphis US$16• Sun Studio in Memphis US$14• Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Memphis U$13 (closed Mondays)• Gibson guitar factory tour, Memphis US$10 Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Days 10-11 Nashville, Tennessee We make our way to Nashville today - the undisputed capital of country music. Home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the famous Wildhorse Saloon, Nashville offers the perfect opportunity to try some line dancing (select nights only). Broadway is lined with honky-tonks and intimate live music venues playing not only country, but all genres of music. As well as its indelible country music links, Nashville is also the capital of Tennessee and the state's second largest city after Memphis. Situated on the banks of the Cumberland River it was established as a major river port by settlers in 1779. Our time in Nashville is free for you to indulge in your choice of the many music and entertainment options available (entrance fees apply). The Grand Ole Opry is the world's longest running radio show and a recommended highlight. You can enjoy performances at the famous Grand Ole Opry House located 24 km east of the city. Book before you arrive to avoid missing out as these shows are popular! Optional Activities: Grand Ole Opry US$32-$90Ryman Auditorium tour US$22-$35Country Music Hall of Fame US$25-$40Johnny Cash Museum US$19 Accommodation: The Capitol Hotel Downtown Nashville (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Day 12 To Atlanta; end Atlanta We make our way back to Atlanta today. There is the option of stopping at Lynchburg to pay homage to Tennessee's most famous drink! Enjoy a tour of the Jack Daniel's Whiskey Distillery and a serving of Southern hospitality. Our tour of the Deep South ends in the modern day metropolis of Atlanta, known as the New York of the South. If you're staying on be sure to stop by Glady's Knight's famous Chicken and Waffles restaurant. This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book your post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs. Optional Activities:• Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Distillery US$17-22 Meals included: Breakfast
United States British, New Zealand, Swiss and most EU passport holders do not need a visa (and enter the country under the Visa Waiver Program), provided they are in possession of an onward air ticket when entering the USA. Visas for the USA are required by some nationalities and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies. All passengers travelling to and from the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are required to hold a machine-readable passport (MRP). A MRP has the holder's personal details, e.g. name, date of birth, nationality and their passport number contained in two lines of text at the base of the photo page. This text may be read by machine. The US now charges $14 for the visa waiver program and must be paid by credit card. The US authorities have introduced a mandatory requirement for all passengers travelling under the Visa Waiver Programme to register for an Electronic Travel Authority. As of 21 January 2016, any person who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationalities of these countries, may no longer qualify for the VWP. For additional specifics about the VWP please consult the VWP information on the U.S. Embassy London website. More information and all necessary Internet links can be found on our USA visas page.
Hotels and historic property 10 nights in twin share accommodation and 1 historic property Accommodation will be clean and comfortable, chosen for their friendly atmosphere and proximity to the highlights of the region. You will be roomed with a fellow passenger of the same sex on a twin share basis (two people per room) unless you are travelling as a couple or with a friend. In the event that you cannot be matched with another passenger there will not be a single supplement charge.
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Reviewed November 2019 Anne Ferguson Trip: Deep South & Delta Blues 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. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? 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. What did you think of your 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!) Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Embrace it all - every day and every night - you can always rest when you get home!
Reviewed September 2018 Jules Beasley Trip: Deep South & Delta Blues 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. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? 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. What did you think of your 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. Do you have any 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.
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