Overview
Discoverer
2.5 - 3.5 Star
Affordable
18-35 Years
36
Fully Guided
BSNB
Itinerary
Feel the famed Southern hospitality as we meet up with the rest of our Contiki family in the ‘bigger is better' scene of Dallas. From Fort Worth we'll head to the decidedly more laid-back vibes of Austin. You can't say we don't treat you. This evening you'll have a chance to get to know your new travel crew with a free night of exploring. Stay: Holiday Inn Express Austin Downtown (or similar)
Today is all yours baby so take it easy as you experience the Texan Life. You have the option of taking a kayaking trip on Lady Bird Lake to view those skyscrapers from a new angle, picking out some new cowboy boots for yourself, or taking a paddle board ride on the water. In the evening you'll enjoy an authentic & mouthwatering Texan BBQ. You can't say we don't treat you! Make sure to preserve your energy for a night on the town - Austin has a world famous music scene for a good reason. (B/D)
Having conquered Austin, we'll venture onto San Antonio...
Welcome to a charming melting pot of Spanish, Mexican & American infusions. After eating our way around the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico and enjoying a walking tour to get our bearings, the evening is yours to soak up and enjoy shops, restaurants & music. (B) Stay: Holiday Inn Express & Suites San Antonio Rivercenter (or similar)
Leaving San An feeling like a local, it's time to make our way to Texas' largest city. With huge belt buckles & portion sizes to match, Houston city certainly lives up to its larger than life reputation. (B) Stay: Holiday Inn Houston Downtown (or similar)
Bellies full of BBQ, we'll head to the romantic metropolis of New Orleans. The love-child of French & Caribbean culture, New Orleans will steal our hearts as soon as we arrive. (B) Stay: La Quinta Inn and Suites New Orleans Downtown (or similar)
We'll kick off the festivities today with a swoon-worthy walking tour of the French quarter, jamming in Jackson Square before sampling beignets & marveling at elegant, pre-war mansions, all to the sweet sounds of Southern jazz, of course. Then it's time to head for the New Orleans school of cooking to trade tales with your new friends over some traditional gumbo. (B/D)
Now that you know New Orleans like one of the locals, it's your day to do your own thing. Stroll down Frenchmen street for the sounds of jazz and funk, head to the vast grassy oasis of the city park or check out the New Orleans museum of art for an extensive collection of gorgeous French masterpieces. (B)
Bidding farewell to New Orleans, we're off to another musical mecca...
Welcome to Memphis. It's time to pay homage to 'The King' today, as we're going to Graceland, the iconic home of Elvis. We'll head to sun studios, the place where Elvis recorded his very first song. What a day; and we're not even done with Memphis yet. (B) Stay: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown (or similar)
Now we're nice and intimate with Memphis, it's your own day to explore. Take a taste of traditional food in downtown, visit the museum of soul music, check out the famous zoo and aquarium or take a tour of the Wiseacre brewery. No matter what you choose to do today, you'll fall in love with this melodic city. (D)
See ya, Memphis, Nashville is calling! Pull those boots out. Home to some of the musical greats, this city also played a crucial role in the civil rights movement. Stay: Comfort Inn Stadium (or similar)
Today you have the day for yourself to really get down and dirty with Nashville. Tour and taste all the southern delicacies, some classic whisky at Uncle Nearest Distillery is the perfect place to start. (B)
Today is yours to explore Nashville - truly a musical paradise. Whether you choose to take a trip to the Ryman Auditorium or a tour around the Country Music Hall of Fame, you'll get the low down on this city's musical past. (B) Stay: Quality Inn Nashville Downtown Stadium (or similar)
Thanks for the hospitality Nashville! Tissues on deck & souvenirs in tow, it's time to say our goodbyes. This has been the journey of a lifetime, so make sure to keep in contact for a reunion trip soon… (B)
Trip Inclusions
- See the State Capital Building, Moon Towers & The Driskill Hotel – Historic building, the only known surviving moon towers in the world, plus a paragon of Texas hospitality. What more could you want here in Austin?
- University of Texas Visit – Follow in the footsteps of Farrah Fawcett and Matthew McConnaughey on a trip to the University of Texas.
- Visit Congress Avenue – See the buildings, bridges, barbershops and more!
- Authentic Texas BBQ – From ribs to sausages, the steaks may be high – but nowhere does BBQ like Texas, and tonight we’ll experience it for ourselves.
- San Antonio Walking Tour – Get to know San Antonio on foot, with visits to the Alamo and the famous San Antonio Mission River Walk.
- Try the Famous Beignets – Sample the delicious doughy goodness that is a staple of the city's food culture.
- Discover New Orleans – Get to know New Orleans, with an orientation tour including the French Quarter – and the chance to sample the doughy and delightful New Orleans beignets.
- The New Orleans School of Cooking – Tonight we’ll sample local creole specialties, plus the famous Southern hospitality.
- Memphis Walking Tour – Follow in the footsteps of B.B. King, Johnny Cash and Elvis as we sway from the riverfront to rock ‘n’ roll studios.
- Visit the Legendary Sun Studios – Visit the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll. Where Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded their major records.
- Uncle Nearest Distillery Tour (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience) – Whiskey fans, prepare to be whisked away on this unique distillery tour.
- 10 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
- 12 nights in Hotels
- Expert Trip Manager, Driver Team
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Operator
For over 55 years we’ve been perfecting the secret formula to the perfect trip - we know you’re after unique experiences, local insight and accommodation that’s more than a place to sleep. We run over 350 trips across 6 continents, each one designed to get to the beating heart of a destination, understanding the local way of life, unearthing unforgettable experiences and creating lifelong memories. Real experiences, unique accommodation, local food, the best team and awesome people all deliver Contiki’s no regrets experience.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Contiki. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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