Compare Country Roads of the Deep South 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations vs New Mexico – Land of Enchantment 2023 by Tauck

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.

Day 1 Arrive Albuquerque, New Mexico

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Hotel Albuquerque. A transfer is included from the Albuquerque International Sunport to Hotel Albuquerque. Join us for a welcome reception followed by dinner tonight at your new ultra-modern hotel – inspired by the ancient local Chacoan culture and nestled between Albuquerque's historic Old Town and the vibrant Sawmill district, against a backdrop of New Mexico's mesas and the Sandia Mountains.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Hotel Albuquerque

PORTOFCALL : Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Day 2 Pueblo culture & the Nuclear Age in Albuquerque

Today you'll explore New Mexico's myriad cultural influences, from Pueblo tribes to innovations of the Atomic and Nuclear ages. A guided sightseeing tour of Albuquerque includes historic Nob Hill, the University of New Mexico, downtown districts and Old Town Albuquerque. On a visit to the National Museum of Nuclear Science, a private welcome and introductory talk by a museum docent provide insights on New Mexico's unique role in the history of the Nuclear Age. After lunch, get a closer look at the history and accomplishments of the Pueblo people, from pre-Columbian to current times, with a visit to the unique Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, a showcase of puebloan history and culture operated by 19 Native American pueblo communities. Return to your hotel late afternoon; dine at the hotel tonight. Note: The largest hot air balloon festival in the world, the annual 9-day Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes place in early October. Guests on the October 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 departure dates can enjoy an optional early morning (5:00 AM) excursion today (day 2) to see the mass ascension of balloons; ask for details at booking.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Hotel Albuquerque

PORTOFCALL : Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Day 3 Bandelier National Monument and on to Taos

Depart Albuquerque this morning and stop at Jemez State Monument to see the ruins of its 17th-century mission church before peeking into the lives of the ancient Anasazi Pueblo culture at Bandelier National Monument, one of North America's oldest human settlements. Lunch in a 100-year-old adobe home whets your appetite for the mountain vistas that enhance today's journey to the Taos region, which has long attracted a thriving and talented community of artists and craftspersons with the scenic beauty of its contrasting forests and deserts. Visit Santuario de Chimayo en route to your Taos resort, where you'll spend the next two nights and enjoy dinner at your leisure tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa

PORTOFCALL : Taos, New Mexico, USA

Day 4 Pueblo Life, past & present in Taos

Start your day with a private lecture that shares insights on Pueblo life. A guided excursion to continually inhabited multistoried Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases a unique way of life that has remained unchanged for almost ten centuries. Continue to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, a magnificent structure that is a landmark site in Taos and the second-highest bridge on the U.S. Highway System. The remainder of the day is free.

MEALS : B

LODGING : El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa

PORTOFCALL : Taos, New Mexico, USA

Day 5 Landscapes along the Rio Grande to Santa Fe

After leaving your Taos resort, today's gentle float trip* on the Rio Grande with a native guide ends with a traditional Pueblo Indian cooking demonstration and family-style lunch, where you will meet local artisans crafting baskets and drums. Continue on through picturesque desert landscapes for a memorable guided visit to Ghost Ranch, immortalized in the work of artist Georgia O'Keeffe; explore the area's stunning landscapes, and view trees and mountains as O'Keeffe saw and painted them. Arrive at your hotel in Santa Fe in time for dinner.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Eldorado Hotel & Spa

PORTOFCALL : Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Day 6 An authentic taste of Santa Fe

As the crossroads of the historic Southwest, Santa Fe's unique culture and ambiance are a blend of Spanish, Native American and Old West influences. Experience this diverse cultural mix on a guided walking tour of Santa Fe's centuries-old center, on which you'll see the city's historic plaza, terminus of the storied Santa Fe Trail, and America's oldest public building, the Palace of the Governors; and visit St. Francis Cathedral, the Manhattan Project site, and famous Loretto Chapel, adjacent to your hotel. Discover the tasty secrets of southwestern cuisine at a private presentation by a local chef, followed by lunch highlighting the city's diverse heritage at the Santa Fe School of Cooking. Later, a special private guided tour of the New Mexico History Museum offers a close-up look at the legacy of the Spanish Colonial era that is so prevalent here. Choose from among an amazing array of choices for dinner as you please tonight in Santa Fe.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Eldorado Hotel & Spa

PORTOFCALL : Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Day 7 Georgia O'Keeffe's Southwest & a visit with a local artist

Enjoy an exclusive, private morning visit to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe – revealing the sensuous landscapes and other works by this renowned 20th-century artist, who so loved this part of the Southwest that she made it her home later in life. The collection contains over 1,100 paintings, sculptures and drawings by O'Keeffe herself, and nearly 1,800 works by her contemporaries, including many photos chronicling her life and career. Later, embark on a Tauck Exclusive insider visit to the studio of an acclaimed local artist, who you'll meet for a private demonstration, presentation and lecture on the art styles of New Mexico. After time to explore and have lunch as you please this afternoon in Santa Fe, celebrate the close of your remarkable New Mexico adventure at this evening's farewell cocktail reception and dinner at your hotel.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Eldorado Hotel & Spa

PORTOFCALL : Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Day 8 Journey Home

Tour ends: Albuquerque. Fly home anytime; a transfer is included from Eldorado Hotel & Spa in Santa Fe to Albuquerque International Sunport. Allow a minimum of 2 hours for your flight check-in. Ask at booking about extending your stay with additional hotel nights.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA