Overview
Itinerary
This morning, it's your choice! Jive along to “Jailhouse Rock” as you visit Graceland, the stately mansion of the “King” himself, and tour Elvis' 14-acre estate, home, private jets and Meditation Garden -OR- embark on a Civil Rights tour and follow the route of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s last march by coach, stopping at Mason Temple where he gave his famous “I've Been to the Mountaintop” speech the night before he was assassinated.
Enjoy free time to grab lunch on your own before hopping back on the coach with some local musicians, who explain why Memphis embraces its title as the “Home of the Blues.” The remainder of the day is yours. You may opt to join a Memphis Musical History Tour with included dinner, or simply absorb the city's vibrancy at your own pace! (B)
Roll along Music Highway to Nashville – the “Music Capital of the World.” Along the way, stop in Brownsville at the West Delta Heritage Center to discover the roots of the country blues sound and the hometown of Tina Turner – the Queen of Rock.
Arrive in Nashville and tour the historic Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry. What began as a building where a local radio broadcast show aired once a week in 1925 has grown to become an entertainment complex that attracts music fans from all over the world. This evening, take your reserved seat at the renowned Grand Ole Opry. (B) Stay: Gaylord Opryland Resort (2 Nights)
Step back in time on a cultural getaway that opens in the “Jazz Capital of the World,” New Orleans! This soulful city abounds with rich history, mouthwatering Cajun and Creole cuisine, and of course, an incomparable soundtrack. Take in the sights, flavors, and sounds of New Orleans on your own today before meeting your group in the morning. Stay: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel (2 Nights)
Explore the many sides of New Orleans and how jazz began and thrives here. Join a local guide for a panoramic city tour, seeing the famous St. Louis Cemetery #3 and Esplanade. Then, it's on to a walking tour of the French Quarter viewing St. Louis Cathedral, Pirates Alley and more.
Tonight, get to know your travel companions at a New Orleans-style dinner before continuing on to Maison Bourbon, a live jazz club in the French Quarter. (B/D)
Leave New Orleans on a high note and head to the next music landmark. Explore the history of one of the world's most prestigious awards in music at GRAMMY Museum Mississippi.
Later, arrive in the charming college town of Oxford for a laid-back evening. (B/D) Stay: Courtyard by Marriott
Travel north to Memphis, the birthplace of the Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Soul. Enjoy Southern hospitality at your hotel before jiving along to “Jailhouse Rock” as you visit Graceland, the stately mansion of the “King” himself, and tour Elvis’s 14-acre estate, including his home, private jets, and Meditation Garden. (B/D) Stay: The Guest House at Graceland (2 nights)
This morning, embark on a civil rights history tour via coach and follow the route of Martin Luther King Jr.'s last march, stopping at Mason Temple where he gave his famous “I've Been to the Mountaintop” speech the night before he was assassinated. Take time to explore the National Civil Rights Museum and grab lunch on your own.
Later, get acquainted with the musical history of Memphis with a visit to Sun Studio, perhaps the most famous recording studio in the world before continuing on to the Memphis Rock ‘n' Soul Museum, highlighting the musical journey of this popular city. (B)
Roll along Music Highway to Nashville – the “Music Capital of the World.” Arrive in Nashville and tour the historic Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry. What began as a building where a local radio broadcast show aired once a week in 1925 has grown to become an entertainment complex that attracts music fans from all over the world.
This evening, take your reserved seat at the renowned Grand Ole Opry. (B) Stay: Gaylord Opryland Resort (2 Nights)
Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, the world's largest museum of popular music, and check out the vast collections of memorabilia, costumes, recordings, and instruments. Tour RCA Studio B and gain an insider's look at Nashville's oldest remaining recording studio, where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Charley Pride once recorded classic hits. You may even have the opportunity to record your own hit! After one more lunch together, it's your choice! Join a hands-on chocolate-making lesson at the iconic Goo Goo Candy Shop -OR- visit the Johnny Cash Museum where you'll be immersed in the life and legacy of Johnny Cash, a "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" honoree and the biographical inspiration for the blockbuster film, Walk the Line. (B/L)
Your rockin' musical journey comes to a close today. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Embark on a one-of-a-kind tour of Memphis where local musicians share the story of the city's musical heritage and history.
- Tour the historic RCA Studio B for an up-close look at Nashville's oldest remaining recording studio.
- Enjoy reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry, the “home of American music.”
- Discover historic Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry.
- Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, the largest museum of popular music in the world.
- Enjoy Creole delights at a favorite French Quarter restaurant in New Orleans.
- Create your own Goo Goo Cluster Candy at a chocolate-making lesson.
- Indulge in a king cake tasting at Mardi Gras World.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets.
- Arriving Flight: The closest arrival airport is New Orleans Intl Airport (MSY) Airport
- Departing Flight: The closest departure airport is Nashville Metro Airport (BNA) Airport
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Embark on a one-of-a-kind tour of Memphis tracing its ties to the Civil Rights Movement.
- Tour the historic RCA Studio B for an up-close look at Nashville's oldest remaining recording studio.
- Enjoy reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry, the “home of American music.”
- Discover historic Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry.
- Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, the largest museum of popular music in the world.
- Enjoy Creole delights at a favorite French Quarter restaurant in New Orleans.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Pawtucket, RI. Cost: $165.
- You can now include pre-paid tipping into your guided tour purchase. You pay for your tipping up front, we handle the rest, and you can cross one more thing off your “To Do” list. No more running to an ATM at the last minute on tour, or carrying around cash you won’t spend. Transportation is not included Prepaid gratuities are only available to guests departing from Australia & New Zealand. This covers tips for the Tour Manager, driver(s), and local guides including optional tours. Airport transfer and extension gratuities are not included in this amount
- Location: Memphis, TN. Cost: $139.
- Begin with a visit to Sun Studio, perhaps the most famous recording studio in the world. A guided tour will introduce you to the location that began the careers of musical legends such as Johnny Cash, B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis, and of course, Elvis Presley. It was here at Sun Studio in 1954 where Elvis first began recording commercially, changing the music world forever. View the priceless memorabilia, listen to audio clips from recording sessions, and visit the record store and soda shop at this iconic recording studio. Next, visit the Rock N’ Soul Museum, located on the famous Beale Street. Explore the museum at your own pace, with a self-guided audio tour that highlights Memphis’ musical journey. Then, pop next door to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame to see rare memorabilia, video performances and interviews of some of the greatest musicians of all time. Complete your tour with dinner at a local restaurant. Duration approximately 5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
- Location: New Orleans, LA. Cost: $126.
- This afternoon, enjoy a jazz brunch at one of New Orleans’ most famous restaurants, The Court of Two Sisters. Relax and enjoy the live jazz music as you soak in the centuries-old atmosphere and the largest courtyard in the French Quarter. Indulge in the expansive brunch buffet, with over 60 items available, including made to order omelets and Eggs Benedict. After lunch, embark on a leisurely cruise aboard the traditional Steamboat Natchez, iconic in New Orleans. The ambience will transport you back in time to the 19th century when steamboats were the mode of transportation of choice to travel along the Mississippi. Sit back and take in your surroundings during your narrated harbor tour, listening to stories of days gone by along the way. As your paddlewheel boat makes its way back, it is time for a lively jazz band to take the stage for some toe-tapping fun! Duration approximately 4.5 hour(s). Transportation is not included A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
- Location: Pawtucket, RI. Cost: $167.
- You can now include pre-paid tipping into your guided tour purchase. You pay for your tipping up front, we handle the rest, and you can cross one more thing off your “To Do” list. No more running to an ATM at the last minute on tour, or carrying around cash you won’t spend. Transportation is not included Prepaid gratuities are only available to guests departing from Australia & New Zealand. This covers tips for the Tour Manager, driver(s), and local guides including optional tours. Airport transfer and extension gratuities are not included in this amount
- Location: New Orleans, LA. Cost: $150.
- This afternoon, enjoy a jazz brunch at one of New Orleans’ most famous restaurants, The Court of Two Sisters. Relax and enjoy the live jazz music as you soak in the centuries-old atmosphere and the largest courtyard in the French Quarter. Indulge in the expansive brunch buffet, with over 60 items available, including made to order omelets and Eggs Benedict. After lunch, embark on a leisurely cruise aboard the traditional Steamboat Natchez, iconic in New Orleans. The ambience will transport you back in time to the 19th century when steamboats were the mode of transportation of choice to travel along the Mississippi. Sit back and take in your surroundings during your narrated harbor tour, listening to stories of days gone by along the way. As your paddlewheel boat makes its way back, it is time for a lively jazz band to take the stage for some toe-tapping fun! Duration approximately 4.5 hour(s). Transportation is not included A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'America's Music Cities' Reviews
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2022-24)
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2024-25)
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