Deep South & Delta Blues

Name: Deep South & Delta Blues
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.5 (2 reviews)

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12 Days from

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CAD 9,495

incl. Taxes

4.5/5 from

Culture

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Private Group Adventures

Activity :

Culture

Activity Levels :

1 out of 7 - Leisurely

Group Size :

6 - 13

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

PDB

Trace the roots of American music in the Deep South USA along the mighty Mississippi

Trace the roots of American music on this Deep South USA tour along the mighty Mississippi and experience the unique cultural landscape that gave birth to the blues, country and rock `n' roll. Days move a little slower in the south, as you pass the 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. Savour authentic cuisine and enjoy Southern hospitality as you float down the Mississippi on an included Deep South river boat cruise.

Highlights

Visit Houmas House Plantation and Gardens
Mississippi riverboat dinner cruise
Two nights in Memphis plus Elvis' Graceland Mansion and Beale Street nightlife
Three nights in New Orleans and Bourbon Street's colourful music scene
Two nights in Nashville - the country music capital
Cajun culture and cuisine

Key Information

Travel by private minibus
Group normally 6 to 13, plus leader. Min age 16
10 nights hotel and 1 night in a historic property

Countries visited: USA

What's Included

All accommodation
11 breakfasts and 1 dinner
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout

What's Not Included

Flights
Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
Arrival & departure transfers
Optional activities

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
Read more about our other initiatives here.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

By travelling in a small group we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for re-usable bottles.
We rewild 100 square metres per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
Our local partner is a member of the San Francisco Green Business Program. The San Francisco Green Business Program recognizes businesses, non-profit organizations, and institutions in the City and County of San Francisco that meet high environmental standards.
Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: we do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.

Plastic waste reduction: please bring a re-usable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

Itinerary

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
• Atlanta Botanical Garden US$19

Accommodation: La Quinta Atlanta Airport North (or similar)

This morning we start with a visit to the Martin Luther King JR National Historical Park in Atlanta. Learn more about his life and activism at the visitor's centre, and then there is time to explore the surrounding area, including the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Martin Luther King JR's tomb, and the house where he was born and raised.

From here, we 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$15

Accommodation: Hampton Inn Birmingham Colonnade 280 (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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$25-$40
• Various historical walking tours – e.g. French Quarter, Garden District US$25
• Haunted French Quarter Ghost tour US$25
• New Orleans Voodoo and Graveyard tour US$20
• New Orleans Preservation Hall US$15-$20
• New Orleans jazz clubs US$10-$20
• Mardi Gras World in New Orleans US$22

Accommodation: The Blake Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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: Guest House Natchez (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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$12
• Ground Zero Blues Club, Clarksdale US$8

Accommodation: Hampton Inn Clarksdale (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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. 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)

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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-$90
Ryman Auditorium tour US$22-$35
Country Music Hall of Fame US$25-$40
Johnny Cash Museum US$19

Accommodation: The Capitol Hotel Downtown Nashville (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We make our way back to Atlanta today. There may be 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

Essential Info

Visa

USA

Travellers from the UK and most EU countries can enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) provided they have registered for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) – which costs US$21 – and are in possession of an onward air ticket and machine-readable passport when entering the US. Visas are required for some nationalities and requirements often change; it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas and fulfil any requirements for this trip. We recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/united-states-america
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-states
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements

Please note, regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011 (or has dual nationality of Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria) may no longer qualify for the VWP. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021, you will not be eligible for the VWP and should instead apply for a visa to travel to, or transit via, the USA.

Vaccination

USA

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for polio, tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Eating and Drinking

11 breakfasts and 1 dinner included

Meals that aren't included will usually be eaten in restaurants. To help you budget for your meals on average hotel breakfasts cost from US$6-12, lunches from US$8-15 and dinners from US$13-30; this does not include alcoholic beverages. Wine costs approximately US$5 per glass and beer US$4 per bottle (in New Orleans you may find that wine and beer costs are a bit higher). Please also be aware that a tip of approximately 15%-20% is added to group meals in restaurants. Applicable taxes will also be added to all listed menu prices.

Please make sure we are aware of any special meal requirements before travelling. We will do all we can to accommodate various dietary requirements but in parts of North America certain food types can be limited.

Weather Charts

Atlanta weather chart

Is this trip for you?

Activity Level: 1 (Leisurely)

This discovery tour is suitable for people with all levels of fitness. It has a more relaxed pace with an emphasis on sightseeing; discovering local culture, visiting main attractions and enjoying beautiful surroundings. There will be a variety of optional activities available so you can tailor the tour depending on your interests.

Your tour leader will organise any optional activities on your behalf and you can pay for these locally in cash. You’ll find the main optional activities listed under each itinerary day description, along with guideline prices. It may not be possible to do all optional activities listed on each tour. If your plan is to visit the Grand Ole Opry when you are in Nashville, it is advised to book in advance and directly on their website. The shows change most nights but if possible, it’s best to book for the second night in Nashville.

Although each tour follows an itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility and from time to time your tour leader may suggest changes. This may be due to road conditions, the weather or a visit to a special attraction or event that happens to be in progress. Flexibility is key and often a side diversion will be a highlight of the tour. Hikes and optional activities cannot be guaranteed and may vary depending on ability, group interest, local weather conditions and time of year.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as not suitable for full wheelchair users, but it may be suitable for other persons of reduced mobility. Please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Anne Ferguson

Reviewed November 2019

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!

Jules Beasley

Reviewed September 2018

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.

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Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

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Looking to set your own pace on your next adventure?

Then why not try our Self-Guided holidays that put you in control

For anyone leaving from the UK we would be pleased to book your flight in conjunction with your tour. Please contact us for competitive prices on flights departing from most UK airports.

If you are booking your own flights, you are free to arrive at any time on day one but it is advisable that you arrive in plenty of time to reach your joining hotel and attend your welcome meeting. We also suggest that you book your return flight the day after your tour finishes. If you do have to return home on the day your tour finishes, please make sure that your flight does not depart before 21:00 hrs.

Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any delays, cancellations, changes to your flights, or any missed flights. We are unable to delay a tour, or finish a tour early due to your flight times.