Eastern Discovery

Welcome to Dallas, where the food portions are as big as the belt buckles. This morning we're headed to melodic Memphis to experience the true American South. Along the way, we'll stop at Little Rock High school, a historic site of the Civil Rights Movement. A group of nine African American students enrolled here in 1957, but were met from violent protests by segregationists, which resulted in a mothershed legal case to allow white and black students to study in the same schools. Boggles the mind, doesn't it?Feeling reflected, but still excited as can be, we'll swing on into Memphis, you'll get a city orientation of this musical city. We'll hang out in Beale Street, home of blues music, and maybe enjoy aa few Memphis Jams (a cocktail of honeyball, lime and local jams). Feeling right at home, we'll get ready for a day of adventures tomorrow. (B/D)

It's time to pay homage to 'The King' today, as we're going to Graceland, the iconic home of Elvis, before heading to sun studios, the place where this rock god recorded his very first song.

We'll say farewell to Memphis today as we head to somewhere with a meaty musical heritage of its own. This city will romance you with its soul and have you swooning over its spiritual heart - the French Quarter. The main drag culminates at Jackson Square with the iconic wrought iron balconies lining the streets. You'll be hard pressed to pick which you find more enchanting, the European/Caribbean fusion food or the non-stop jazz festival vibe. No matter which, tonight we turn up the volume and hit Bourbon Street to sample the live music and bar culture that New Orleans has to offer. This evening, why not opt for a Taste of New Orleans dinner, to taste all the melting pot of flavours this fascinating place has to offer? (B)

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. Our recommendation? Head to the New Orleans school of Cooking for some classic gumbo, or experience your own Airboat adventure. (B)

There's some coach relaxation time today, which means we're on the road again. We will be travelling though Southern Mississippi and onto Panama City Beach. Hello coastal views... Arriving in to the heat of Florida today we soak up some sun with an overnight stop at one of "The World's Most Beautiful Beaches" - Panama City Beach, testing out the hype with a dip in the clear blue waters. (B)

With its white sand and aqua blue water, this beach is popular all year round with just about everyone from families to spring breakers. But all good things must come to an end, so onwards we go. Orlando was once a farming town but has since undergone a transformation into the most visited place in Florida. It is now home to the happiest place on earth, Disney World. Walt Disney's imagination was instrumental in turning this place into the fun, fantasy and amusement-loving spot that it is today. Savvy shoppers, this place has many an outlet mall just waiting for you to flex your credit card in - think rock-bottom prices on Nike, Ray-Ban, Lululemon and more - so prepare to do some serious bank balance damage. (B)

How you spend today is entirely up to you. Will you be downing butterbeer in the Three Broomsticks at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Straining your vocal chords on slides with gradients that shouldn't be legal at a water park? Or cuddling up to childhood friends like Minnie and Mickey at one of Disney World's four parks? Whatever your choice, it's sure to be a ripper of a day, and seeing as most parks also offer themed bars and clubs, it techically doesn't have to end. (B)

We'll bid adieu to the happy times had in Orlando with many fun memories and Mickey Mouse memorabilia as we move onto the sweet, sweet heat of marvellous Miami. Hot, loud and fabulously flashy, Miami will knock your socks off. This character driven place has so many diverse neighbourhoods, each with their own unique culture. We'll cruise downtown, taking in the Miami Heat basketball arena and the outdoor shopping mecca, Bayside Marketplace. Why not go a little Miami Vice on a Thriller speedboat tour of the bay? After experiencing a slice of the city's Cuban side with a mouthwatering dinner tonight (on us), take a stroll down the super cool South Beach and peruse the art deco buildings and bright neon lights, finishing up with a night of dancing amidst Miami's uber fun club scene. Want to make it a night to really remember? Opt for our boat party and cruise around Miami harbour, spending your evening like a celebrity. (B/D)

You'll discover energetic Miami today with free time to do as you please. This urban tropical paradise is a fabulous place to people watch, so head down to Ocean Avenue and drink it all in. Swimming, bike riding tours or museum visits are also on the cards this afternoon. Little Havana is a must see with Cuban flavours to taste, dominoes to be played and salsa music to be danced to. Tonight, get into the nighttime vibes once again, because well, why not?

Time to say goodbye to your crew. It's been a blast, but all good things must come to an end. With our sun-kissed skin and eyes on the next horizon, it's time to plan our next Contiki. Peru, anyone?