Country Roads of the Deep South (Small Groups)

Highlights

• Nashville: Nashville is a treasure trove of country music. See where it all started, taking in a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry, the show that made country music famous. Discover how the Grand Ole Opry is dedicated to honoring country music’s rich history and dynamic present, showcasing a mix of country legends -- including Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson -- and the current chart-toppers who have followed in their footsteps. Learn how the Opry has been the home to country music’s growth and change, from the first broadcast in the National Life Building on WSM’s Barn Dance in 1925 to the move into the new Opry House in 1974 and on to host the 55th Annual ACM Awards in 2020.
• Nashville: On a guided tour walk the hallowed halls of Historic RCA Studio B, Nashville’s oldest remaining recording studio. It became a cradle of the Nashville Sound (country) in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Over 35,000 songs were recorded here by artists such as Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and even more recently, Martina McBride and Carrie Underwood.
• Nashville: The famous Nashville Sound comes alive as guests learn about the country music legends, such as Jim Reeves and Roy Orbison, at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on a self-guided tour. The museum helps to "preserve, celebrate, and share the important cultural asset that is country music."
• Memphis: Explore the mansion which served as the private retreat for royalty, the King of Rock 'n Roll himself, Elvis Presley. Graceland, a National Historic Landmark, is an exciting opportunity to get to know the personal side of "The King" in his most intimate setting. Seeing Graceland Mansion’s living room, his parents’ bedroom, the kitchen, TV room, pool room, the famous Jungle Room, his father’s office, the newly enhanced Trophy Building, the Racquetball Building. See where he and his family lived their daily life. If only the walls could talk.
• Memphis: Visit Sun Studio, also known as the “birthplace of rock and roll," where music legends, including B.B. King, Johnny Cash and Elvis recorded some of their iconic hits.
• Greenwood: Explore the Delta town of Greenwood at your own pace, before heading to the Viking Cooking School for a demonstration class that introduces you to a savory regional specialty, Hot Tamales. Learn how tamales made their way to the Mississippi Delta.
• Natchez: Visit one of the beautiful Antebellum mansions while reflecting on the reality of America's history, and learning new lessons about the preservation efforts of later generations.
• Natchez: 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.
• Lafayette: Get ready for a tour of a lifetime as you adventure through moss-draped cypress trees, where graceful egrets perch just out of the reach of lingering alligators! While on the boat exploration, you'll explore the diverse natural beauty and rich ecological systems of America's largest and most mysterious swamp ecosystem, the Atchafalaya Basin Swamp.
• Lafayette: Visit the Acadian Cultural Center. Your Local Expert, a park ranger from the National Park Service, will guide you through the fascinating history, culture, plight and prosperity of the Acadian people.
Show more

What's this trip about?

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. Take a guided tour of Studio B, Nashville's oldest remaining recording studio. Then head to the Country Music Hall of Fame which preserves, celebrates, and shares the important cultural asset that is country music. In Memphis, enjoy a private tour of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, a former record studio where Nashville greats recorded their music. Get the chance to explore the mansion which was the private retreat of the King of Rock 'n Roll on your own. 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 walk the city with a Local Expert, who will guide you through its vibrant art scene and unique architecture. Then end your trip with a bang and learn all about Mardi Gras, during an exclusive behind the scenes tour of Mardi Gras World, where the magic happens and the extravagant floats are built each year.

Accommodation