Compare New Orleans Southern Hospitality by Seniortours vs Country Roads of the Deep South 2023 Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 10 days | 12 days |
Price From | $ 1,794 | $ 4,550 |
Price Per Day | $ 179 | $ 379 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
Activities |
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Meals Included |
18 meals: Tasty Breakfasts and Dinners daily |
N/A |
Description |
Enjoy a fun-filled frolic in New Orleans, complete with the sights, sounds, & tastes of Jazz Country, Swamp Country, the French Quarter, & more. Indulge in Big Easy favorites like Court of Two Sisters, New Orleans School of Cooking, & Landyrs Lake Pontchartrain. Explore the unique magic of a bayou swamp tour, an old time paddlewheeler on the Mississippi, and Bourbon Street icons like Pat O'Briens. You'll see history up close at the National WW2 Museum, stop en route for guided local touring in Atlanta, plus see Mardi Gras come alive at Mardi Gras World, even a stop at the Chatanooga Choo-Choo! |
Fall in love with the Deep South during this 12-day guided tour. Let the lights and music of Nashville wash over you as you walk down Broadway — then step behind the scenes of a recording studio where you’ll meet a TV star and learn the secrets to recording an album. In Memphis, enjoy a private tour of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, a former record studio where Nashville greats recorded their music. At Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, a Local Expert will lead you on an after-hours tour of the mansion. Embrace Cajun Country in Lafayette: here, you will learn about the origins of Cajun music from a local accordion maker, and take a crawfish farm tour, where a Local Expert will help you catch your lunch. In New Orleans, tour the Tabasco Factory, and walk the city with a Local Expert, who will guide you through its vibrant art scene and unique architecture. |
Days 1& 2:
Meals: Breakfast, 2Dinners
We depart from your location, and the party begins! Your Seniortours escort rides with you to host fun, games, cocktails, snacks and entertainment! Today’s ride takes us through the Shenandoah Valley, with overnight lodgings in quaint Southwestern Virginia. After breakfast, more fun, games, and good times on board the motorcoach as we continue southward into the suburbs of Atlanta.
Day 3:
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a city tour of exciting Atlanta with our own expert step-on guide. Atlanta’s rich history dates back to 1836, when the city became a major rail hub for the southern US. We’ll see this dynamic city’s highlights, including posh Buckhead, home to titans of industry & celebrities, downtown Atlanta and the streets that Martin Luther King walked during the Civil Rights Movement, the Olympic Village area that hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics, & the CNN Center. We’ll enjoy a lunch at one of Atlanta’s favorite local spots. Later, we’ll continue southward. Tonight’s destination is Atmore, Alabama, on the banks of the Mississippi.
Day 4:
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll depart for New Orleans, our home for the next 4 nights. When we arrive, we’ll explore Mardi Gras World, since 1947 the only place where Mardi Gras is celebrated all year round. Our centrally-located hotel provides easy access to the French Quarter, Harrah’s Casino, and the Riverwalk...plus, some of the city’s best restaurants literally just steps away. Tonight we’ll learn how to make dinner, Louisiana style, at the New Orleans School of Cooking, where we’ll dine on freshly prepared local favorites made right in front of us by a master chef! Upon our return, Harrah’s Casino awaits nearby, if you’re feeling lucky!
Day 5:
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll tour “N’Awlins” with our own local expert guide on our motorcoach, taking in all the hot spots of this unique city, including the Garden District, N.O. City Park, Warehouse District, & more. We’ll learn about and visit one of the city’s distinctive above-ground cemeteries. After our tour, we’ll have ample free time to explore Bourbon Street on our own. Tonight, we dine in the French Quarter at The Court of Two Sisters, one of NOLA’s finest and most popular restaurants. After dinner, we’ll enjoy a walking tour of the French Quarter, strolling down Bourbon Street for live entertainment and cocktails (including a complimentary “Hurricane” coupon for Pat O’Briens)— Love that Dixieland Jazz!! We’ll top off the evening the traditional way with café au lait coffee and beignets at Café du Monde.
Day 6:
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Today we’ll see 2 sides of the NOLA area by water. First, we’ll take a short ride outside the city into the hauntingly beautiful swamplands for a calm-water boat ride on the Louisiana Bayous. We’ll return to the city after, where we’ll board the famous Creole Queen paddlewheeler for a special luncheon cruise on the Mighty Mississippi, narrated by a costumed re-enactor. Highlights of the tour include the founding of the city by the LeMoyne brothers, the expansion of the city into the “French Quarters” of the Treme & Marigny, Louisiana Purchase, and the Battle of New Orleans. A one-hour shore excursion features a guided tour and talk by National Park Rangers. Tonight, strike it rich at Harrah’s, enjoy dinner in the Quarter, or relax at the hotel.
Day 7:
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
A sweet southern morning leisurely breakfast, then we’ll tour the National WW II Museum, dedicated to The Greatest Generation. We'll also enjoy the award-winning show, Beyond All Boundaries, at the museum’s state-of-the-art New Victory Theatre. Another sit-down seafood (or steak) dinner will be ours to enjoy at Landry’s on the shores of picturesque Lake Pontchartrain.
Day 8:
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Bye, N’Awlins! Tonight finds us in Ft. Payne, AL.
Day 9:
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
The "good times" continue, with Bingo, fun, games, refreshments, & entertainment on board the coach! After breakfast we ride northward to Chattanooga, TN, its famous “Choo-choo” and its restored home listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1909! We'll ride through lovely scenery into Roanoke, VA.
Day 10:
Meals: Breakfast
More fun laughter and friendship, as we continue our journey homeward, filled with fond memories of great times.
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.