Compare Journey on the Mighty Mississippi by Titan Travel vs Country Roads of the Deep South 2023 Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 16 days | 12 days |
Price From | $ 7,192 | $ 4,550 |
Price Per Day | $ 450 | $ 379 |
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Trip Style | Large ship cruise | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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Travel Themes | N/A |
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Countries Visited | ||
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
Activities | N/A |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description | The laid-back world of Mark Twain’s riverside America has long been a fascination to many a visitor. For centuries the mighty Mississippi River has coursed its way through America’s heartland as a life-source and a witness to many changes in fortune - be they political or cultural. Steamboating presents a unique mode of travel and a wonderful new perspective, from which to view the river and its riverside inhabitants. Join the only authentic overnight paddlewheel steamboat in America - the American Queen - sailing down the Mississippi, from Memphis to New Orleans, Tennessee to Louisiana, with excursions included in every cruise port of call. Combined with two-night stays in the two music meccas of Nashville and Memphis and culminating in New Orleans - ‘The Big Easy’ - this holiday is a unique blend of American beauty, history and lifestyle. | 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. |
Day 1 UK - Nashville
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your flight to Nashville. On arrival we transfer to the Opryland Resort (4T) for three nights.
Day 2 Nashville
The country music capital of the world and home to the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville is a must for any fan of music. Today we enjoy an orientation tour of Nashville and visit Studio B - where Elvis, Roy Orbison, Jim Reeves, Dolly Parton and many other celebrated stars recorded their first or early records - a real trip down memory lane. We continue to the Country Music Hall of Fame - packed full with little-known information and memorabilia and then we’ll explore more of the city known as the ‘Athens of the South’, for its full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon. The remainder of the day is free.
Day 3 Nashville
Today is a full day at leisure to explore this exciting city further. There are so many fabulous museums to discover including the Musicians Hall of Fame and the Johnny Cash Museum or simply relax at your resort hotel and enjoy the multitude of facilities available. This evening you may wish to take an optional excursion to the mecca of Country and Western Music, The Grand Ole Opry, which is America’s longest running scheduled show. This excursion is bookable prior to departure (subject to availability).
Day 4 Nashville - Memphis
From Nashville we head south-west to another music mecca, Memphis. Closely associated with Elvis Presley and Graceland, the city was also the infamous location for the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr in 1968. On arrival, we check in at the Sheraton Memphis Downtown (3T+) or Doubletree Downtown Memphis (3T+), where we stay for two nights. We continue to Elvis Presley’s Graceland, the mansion he purchased at the age of 22. Preserved in the decorated style in which he left it, the house is tastefully presented and your visit includes a guided tour. There are many other fascinating displays including the Entertainer Career Museum, Automobile Museum and Elvis Discovery Exhibits.
Day 5 Memphis
After a short orientation tour of the city, the rest of the day is free.
Day 6 Memphis - Mississippi Cruise
This morning you are free to further explore the city of Memphis; perhaps visit the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum or take a tour of the Gibson guitar factory. This afternoon, we embark the American Queen (5T), to begin our voyage along the mighty Mississippi. We set sail this evening.
Day 7 Mississippi (Greenville)
Today will be spent enjoying the sights and sounds as we sail down ‘Ol’ Man River’. Stop in Greenville, a city with many different cultural backgrounds, rich in customs and folklore, where historical sites take you back to a time when fortunes were made in cotton. The ‘Hop-On Hop-Off Steamcoach tour’ offers opportunities to visit the Greenville History Museum, Hebrew Union Temple and 1927 Flood Museum, all offering insights into Greenville’s past, or the Trop Casino for some light hearted entertainment.
Day 8 Mississippi (Vicksburg)
We arrive in Vicksburg, Mississippi today, a city that blends modern elements with the charm and elegance associated with the Old South. As you disembark here, join a narrated ‘Hop-On Hop-Off Steamcoach Tour’ of this city bursting with character. See the shopping district, The Church of the Holy Trinity, the Southern Cultural Heritage Center, Pemberton’s Headquarters and the Old Courthouse Museum - home to thousands of artefacts dating from pre-Columbian times to the Civil War. The last stop is Washington Street, for shopping or visiting the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum and the Lower Mississippi River Museum.
Day 9 Mississippi (Natchez)
Named for the Natchez tribe of Native Americans, who lived in the area prior to the arrival of Europeans, this charming city today is proud of its rich, vibrant history. The starting point for the Natchez Trace, continuing all the way to Nashville, Natchez became home to many antebellum homes and today numerous restored mansions are the highlight of this part of the South. On another ‘Hop-On Hop-Off Steamcoach Tour’, visit some of these grand homes, including Stanton Hall, built in 1857 and considered the grandest of the Natchez mansions.
Day 10 Mississippi (Baton Rouge)
We cross into Louisiana and its capital, Baton Rouge. Join another ‘Hop-On Hop-Off Steamcoach Tour’, including the USS KIDD and Veterans Memorial - the WWII Fletcher-class destroyer and the museum’s historic exhibits are a must for any military enthusiast. ‘Louisiana’s White House’ - The Old Governor’s Mansion is the next stop. The Main Street Market has many lunch options before continuing to Capitol Lake and the Louisiana State Capitol building. Take the lift up to the 27th floor for wonderful views over the city and the Mississippi. The last stop is Louisiana’s 160-year-old, Old State Capitol building.
Day 11 Mississippi (St Francisville)
Today we stop in the quaint town of St Francisville, located on a narrow ridge overlooking the Mississippi River. Today’s ‘Hop-On Hop-Off Steamcoach Tour’ makes stops at Grandmother’s Buttons or the West Florida Republic Park. Perhaps visit the Old Market Hall, Commerce Street or the Spring Creek Shopping Center, before you re-board the vessel.
Day 12 Mississippi (Nottoway)
Experience living history as you explore the largest remaining antebellum mansion of the deep south.
Day 13 New Orleans
This morning we arrive into our final port of call, New Orleans, and disembark near historic Jackson Square. We will be taken on a tour around the city, before checking in to our hotel, the Sheraton New Orleans (4T), where we stay for two nights. The remainder of the day is at leisure to perhaps stroll around the French Quarter, the perfect place to dine al fresco and absorb the character and atmosphere of this multi-cultured city.
Day 14 New Orleans
Today is also free in this lively bohemian city - the birthplace of jazz. Visit the Jackson Square Katrina Museums, or take a ride on the famous St Charles Streetcar. In the evening, venture to Bourbon Street to sample Creole and Cajun cuisine in one of the many restaurants, or stop in a bar and listen to the live traditional jazz drifting along the street.
Day 15 New Orleans - In flight
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Day 16 UK
Upon arrival your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
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.