Deep South Tours & Holidays

Deep South tours

Stretching along the Gulf Coast from eastern Texas to Florida, the Deep South is renowned for their music. From the soulful blues and brass bands of New Orleans to the country twang blasting from honky tonks in Nashville, you’ll soon find a holiday to the Deep South means walking in the footsteps of some of America’s biggest musical legends.

On our Deep South tours we visit cities such as New Orleans, Nashville and Memphis representing a fascinating blend of  old and  new, with must-visit places including The Grand Ole Opry, Graceland, Bourbon Street and Stax Records.  But aside from their music, the Deep South is known as the birthplace of the Modern Civil Rights Movement. It also dishes out deliciously hearty southern delicacies such as bubbling jambalaya, Creole style shrimp gumbo, gravy biscuits and more. From it’s fascinating history and refreshing southern hospitality to its long list of musical legends and iconic dishes, you’ll find it difficult to match the Deep South’s charm and character.

Deep South Holiday Highlights

• The French Quarter, New Orleans – The French Quarter is a must visit no matter what time of day or night. As the oldest neighbourhood in New Orleans, you’ll find some fine examples of 17th and 18th century architecture as well as plenty of potential for browsing, eating and people watching at the French Market.
• Louisiana Swamp Tour – Wildlife-packed wetlands, overhanging and of course ‘gators! A tour of the famous Louisiana swamplands will give you a fascinating insight into the natural beauty of the deep south that can be found hardly any distance at all from the bustling streets of New Orleans.
• Mississippi River Cruise – Setting off on a river cruise is certainly a must for any fans of Mark Twain. As your cruise ship’s paddle-wheels start to revolve and the band begins to play closing your eyes and watching Tom and Huck waving from the banks is certainly not hard to imagine.
• Beale Street, Memphis – Firmly entwined in the tangled tapestry of the blues, Beale Street is one of those downtown districts that you absolutely must visit during your tours of Memphis. Live music venues, authentic honky-tonk bars and no end of cafés and restaurants make Beale Street a great place to hang-out.
• Sun Studio & Gibson Factory, Memphis – Sun Studio is a recognised National Historic Landmark. A tour of the offices that once welcomed a young Elvis Presley will no doubt resonate with music fans. Afterwards, heading over to the Gibson Guitar Factory will no doubt complete a memorable day’s worth of touring in Memphis.
• The Grand Ole Opry, Nashville – Over the years, the infamous Grand Ole Opry radio show has become associated with the giants of country music. To this day, becoming a member of this iconic and somewhat elite club completes a performer’s resume in true deep south country style.
• Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham – With exhibits depicting the Civil Rights Movements in the 1950s and 60s, this is a great place to find out about the history of the Deep South, charting lessons learnt in the past and positive new directions for the future.
• Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame – The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame gives an insight into the state’s most notable jazz musicians. Memorabilia includes paintings, instruments and personal effects belonging to artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and W.C Healy.
• Atlanta Botanical Garden – Founded in 1976, the garden offers a spot of urban bliss away from the fast-paced streets. A particular highlight is the Kendeda Canopy Walk, a 600ft long sky walk through one of the city’s last remaining urban forests, amongst the treetops of the Storza Woods.