Compare New Orleans - Memphis - Chicago by Train by Best Single Travel vs Country Roads of the Deep South 2023 Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1 - Arrive New Orleans / French Quarter Walking Tour

Arrive in New Orleans and make your way to the group's hotel, the Hampton Inn New Orleans Downtown. Then put on your walking shoes as we will follow in the footsteps of historic figures on our private late afternoon (4:00pm) guided tour. Stroll along the Mighty Mississippi, through the French Market and Jackson Square, then down by the quaint streets named for past saints and sinners. Learn about the Creoles that founded the city in 1718. See the old Quarter come to life as our guide explains its secrets, the architecture, courtyards, gardens, food, music, and art.

Tonight, enjoy our Welcome Dinner at a local New Orleans restaurant before we check out the nightlife on the famous Bourbon Street, where it's Fat Tuesday every day of the week. Order a hurricane from Pat O'Brien's in a "go-cup" (it's legal to drink on the streets in New Orleans), put on your beads as we take a stroll down New Orleans' most famous party street. Just walking this legendary street is bound to create a night to remember.

Day 2: New Orleans / Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery Walking Tour - Swamp Tour

Ride the famous New Orlean's streetcar from the French Quarter to the Garden District, a short ride but feels worlds apart. The Garden District, or ‘Lafayette City’, as it was once known is home to the rich, the famous, the strange and the dead! Our walking tour is not just mansions and manicured gardens, but stories of legends, tragedy, epidemics, lost causes, movie stars, celebrity chefs, and haunted spirit. Stroll the leafy, magnolia shaded streets of the Garden District and a city of the dead, Lafayette Cemetery, with about 1,000 tombs and an estimated 7,000 people buried.

New Orleans Swamp tourThis afternoon we will take a fascinating boat trip into the Louisiana Swamps & Bayous and explore this mysterious backcountry. Experience the timeless beauty of South Louisiana in a custom built swamp boat as we ride through part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park - Barataria Preserve. Native guides will reveal to us the mysteries of the swamps and bayous and the Cajun "joie de vivre". We will observe the nesting grounds of alligators, egrets, raccoons, nutria, and many species of snakes. All the animals, flora and fauna are completely protected and not exposed to any threats or interference. So the wildlife we see are all free and thriving in their natural habitat.

Tonight we get to enjoy another exciting evening in New Orleans.

Day 3: New Orleans to Memphis, Tennessee

Amtrak to MemphisYour morning is free to explore Bourbon Street and the French Quarter at your own pace or take an optional tour. Louisiana is known for plantation homes take a tour and get a feel for the Antebellum South or visit the World War II Museum (the #1 Thing to Do in NOLA). The museum's atrium has aircraft and other items suspended from the ceiling.

We depart for the Amtrak station about 1pm for our eight hour scenic train ride to Memphis. Relax in one of the nice, wide seats with plenty of legroom and enjoy views that most travelers will never see or walk around to the check out the other parts of the train, including the dining car.

Day 4: Explore Memphis and Graceland

Step inside Graceland Mansion and follow the same steps as Elvis himself, on a multimedia tour with stories by Elvis and Lisa Marie. See where Elvis lived, relaxed and spent time with friends and family. Our experience includes an audio-guided tour of Graceland plus self-guided tours of the Elvis Presley Car Museum, Elvis’ custom jets, the new Elvis: Live from Vegas and Elvis’ Hawaii Exhibits, and much more!

Our next stop, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, pays tribute to the artists who recorded there with a rare collection of over 2,000 interactive exhibits, artifacts and memorabilia. While most museums don’t encourage dancing in the aisles, this museum invites you "to shake what your mama gave you on the Express Yourself dance floor".

Then we visit Bass Pro to enjoy 10 aquariums with over 1,800 fish, a 32-story observation deck and restaurant/bar that offers views of the Memphis skyline and Mississippi River, the country's tallest freestanding glass elevator, the Ducks Unlimited National Waterfowling Heritage Center and a rustic cabin general store that sells fudge and dry goods.

Tonight we visit another famous American street, Beale Street, Three blocks of nightclubs, restaurants and shops in the heart of downtown Memphis, the Beale Street entertainment district is a melting pot of delta blues, jazz, rock 'n' roll, R&B and gospel. This National Historic Landmark was declared the Home of the Blues by an act of Congress, and with its rich history of legendary performers gracing the district (think Albert King, Louis Armstrong, Memphis Minnie, Muddy Waters and B.B. King), it's not hard to see why. With cold beer and hot music, Beale Street is one of the coolest places in Memphis.

Day 5: Explore Memphis and Overnight train to Chicago

Lorraine Motel Civil Rights MuseumThe National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel is a very special experience that takes us through centuries of history. We begin at the original Lorraine Motel and end at the Boarding House buildings. The museum has 260 artifacts, more than 40 new films, oral histories, interactive media and external listening posts that guide us from slavery, through the Civil War and Reconstruction, the rise of Jim Crow, and the events of the 20th century that inspired people around the world to stand up for equality.

Next we visit Sun Studio and take a guided tour through the birthplace of rock 'n' roll. Experience outtakes from recording sessions, touch Elvis' first microphone and hear the real story of the studio that launched the careers of not only Elvis Presley, but Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, B.B. King, Roy Orbison, Charlie Rich, and many others.

With so many things to see and do in Memphis, this afternoon at leisure is your choice to stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront, visit the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum or check out the shops and museums at Peabody Place. Then we will meet back at the hotel for dinner (not included) and later transfer to the train station for our overnight ride to Chicago.

Day 6: Arrive Chicago, Illinois

Chicago BeanWe arrive at the Chicago Amtrak station at 9:30am and we will transfer to the groups' hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago/North Loop. Our downtown hotel is set near River North, just blocks away from the Magnificent Mile and close to the Navy Pier.

Put your walking shoes on for our full day out in Chicago with our private tour guide. Walk along Chicago’s scenic river walk, past the House of Blues, the famous Chicago Theater and visit Millennium Park. Photo opp at Cloudgate "the Bean" with the Chicago skyline in its reflection. Chicago downtown chicagoStroll along Michigan, the Magnificent Mile, known for it’s upscale shopping (Nieman Marcus, Saks, Nordstrom, Tiffany’s, Cartier, etc.). Don’t be intimidated if you don’t usually shop in these establishments, there is plenty of great shopping for everyone on the “Mag Mile”! Don’t be surprised to see street musicians, jugglers or living statues as you stroll down the avenue. Stop for a drink and catch the view at the Hancock Center's Signature Lounge on the 95th floor of the Hancock Center. Through out the day our guide will share tales of Chicago’s past and present

Day 7: Discover Chicago

Experience Chicago as it was during the 1920's and 30's and see the old gangster hot spots and hit spots. Our morning live action gangster bus tour gives us the inside story of Chicago's windiest politicians, rollicking red-light districts and most notorious vice games. We will be taken on a comfortable, interactive ride through the history of Chicago’s gangster days in the famed Prohibition Era. Learn about the wild jazz-age exploits of famous Gang members Capone, Moran, Dillinger and more.

After time for lunch we board our Riverboat and Lake cruise. This unique cruise tells the story of more than 200 years of fascinating social, Chicago Navy Pier Chicagocultural and political history, and explores more than a century of groundbreaking architecture. Our journey begins with an up-close perspective of Chicago’s internationally-known architecture as seen from the Chicago River. Then venture through the Chicago Lock on to the calm, cool waters of Lake Michigan for expansive views of Chicago’s extraordinary 26-mile skyline.

Tonight we'll enjoy our Farewell Dinner and fireworks at the Navy Pier, a 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. This 50-acre playground of entertainment, museums, activities, restaurants, and shops is the perfect place for a fun time.

Day 8: Depart Chicago

Our New Orleans, Memphis Chicago singles vacation has comes to an end this morning and It is time to say goodbye to all your travel friends. Make your way to the airport or book a late flight and continue to discover Chicago at your own pace.

Day 1: Arrive in Nashville

Welcome to Nashville, the capital of Tennessee and the USA’s glittering centre stage. From the Everly Brothers' “Bye Bye Love," to Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman," the streets are paved with talent. Your airport transfer will whisk you to your hotel.Relax and unwind before meeting your Travel Director and mingling with guests at 18:00 followed by a Welcome Dinner with wine.

Day 2: Take centre stage in Nashville

Start your day with an orientation tour of music city. You'll visit the picturesque Riverfront Park, Tennessee State Capitol and the 132 acre Centennial State Park, where you'll encounter an exact replica of the Parthenon. Pass by the city's lively honky-tonks and street performers on Broadway, as you make your way to the Ryman Auditorium, former home of the Grand Ole Opry. Built in 1885 as a building for religious gatherings, it held its first concert in 1892, before opening its doors to Hollywood greats. It is here where Johnny Cash first met June Carter, where bluegrass was born and where country music found an audience. Tonight, head to the famous Grand Ole Opry, the world-renowned country music stage and longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history.

Day 3: A day of legends

Go behind the scenes of a Nashville recording studio. This intimate experience introduces you to a performing artist, musicians and the techniques behind a song’s development. Make a stop at Nashville’s Farmers' Market and Market House to explore its artisanal crafts and produce.Explore Nashville with Insight Choice. Choose to visit Nelson’s Green Brier, a local Tennessee distillery and home of the Original Tennessee Whiskey. Alternatively, visit the National Museum of African American Music, which shares the story of the American soundtrack through history and interactive technology.Tonight's dinner at Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant will introduce you to the colourful flavours of Nashville. Perhaps try the crabmeat cheesecake.

Day 4: Heading back home to Memphis

This morning you'll head to Memphis. Whether it’s your first or hundredth time visiting this vibrant city, you’ll be drawn in by the lively melodies coming from Beale Street.Spend the morning on a sightseeing tour of the city, followed by a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the National Civil Rights Museum. While there, you’ll be guided through five centuries of The Civil Rights Movement history and its impact on our culture today.End your day by joining a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a private evening at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The museum is part of The Soulsville Foundation, which aims to prepare young adults for life success and inspire future artists.

Day 5: A day dedicated to the King

Begin you day with a visit to Sun Studio, the “birthplace of rock and roll”, where music legends, including B.B. King, Johnny Cash and Elvis recorded.Make your way to the magnificent Graceland, the former home of the "King of Rock and Roll," Elvis Presley.Dinner this evening will be served at The Beauty Shop, a former parlour turned whimsical New American eatery where Elvis’ ex-wife, Priscilla, was said to get her hair done.

Day 6: Memphis to Greenwood

Travel through the Mississippi Delta down the Mississippi Blues Trail, a route that tells the stories of bluesmen and women. Explore the Delta town of Greenwood at your own pace, before heading to the Viking Cooking School for a hot tamales cooking demonstration - a regional specialty.Later, dine on a mouthwatering dinner at a James Beard Award finalist restaurant that features southern inspired dishes that include produce local to the area.

Day 7: Moving on to Natchez

Learn more about Southern history and hospitality as you head to Natchez. Tour the historic antebellum mansions, and discover the preservation efforts of later generations to tell the story of African-Americans through the decades, understanding that slavery and cotton allowed plantation owners to build these mansions. Test your mixologist skills as you concoct a traditional Southern cocktail, the Mint Julep. Minty, cooling and with a touch of sweetness, you're sure to learn a few party tricks to bring back home with you. Enjoy an evening to yourself. Ask your Travel Director for restaurant suggestions and discover one of the wonderful options in town.

Day 8: Natchez to Lafayette

Move on to Lafayette for a taste of the Cajun and Creole culture. Get to know more about Cajun culture and how it is defined by its roots.Head to the Acadian Cultural Center followed by a unique Cajun music experience.A genre rooted in the ballads of the French-speaking Acadians, it is both eclectic and joyous. Learn more about this fast tempo music and its history from a local accordion maker and musician.In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day 9: Lafayette for foodies

Start the day with a crawfish farm tour just outside the city. You will be joined by a Local Expert who will help you catch your lunch the old-fashioned way, using hand nets. You’ll be taught how to prepare a traditional boil, before sitting down to the meal. If crawfish are out of season, you'll take part in a boil experience with seasonal seafood. Later, enjoy time at leisure or head out on an optional swamp tour.

Day 10: Welcome to the Big Easy

New Orleans is a lively and dynamic city, known for its vibrant culture and electric jazz festivals. On the way down south, stop at the Tabasco® Factory for a self-guided tour and discover how the world-famous red hot pepper sauce is made. This afternoon, head to the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, where you’ll learn more about the city’s diverse cuisine with a guided tour and included lunch.

Day 11: Festivities in New Orleans Relaxed Start

Get to know the city with a Local Expert as you discover each neighborhood's unique architecture and explore the vibrant art scene. See how the community comes together through celebration.In the afternoon, take your pick of optional activities, perhaps getting to know the local culture through a jazz music experience or by meeting a voodoo specialist.End your day by joining your fellow travellers at a Celebration Dinner at the Palace Cafe - a contemporary and upbeat Creole restaurant at the foot of the French Quarter.

Day 12: Depart New Orleans

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as your adventure comes to an end with a departure to the airport.