Overview
Other highlights include a trip to the top of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, a visit to the Tina Turner Museum, plus the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center which tells the story of his life and the region that gave birth to the Blues. On this music filled tour, you’ll also have time to explore on your own or join optional outings, like visiting legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, followed by dinner on Beale Street. Enjoying shopping in the French Quarter or having dinner on a Mississippi River paddleboat with live jazz in New Orleans. For music lovers and those desiring to experience the South, this value-minded tour is the perfect vacation!
10 Days
Chicago
New Orleans
Classic
3 - 3.5 Star
Affordable
5-99 Years
50
Fully Guided
8240
Itinerary
Welcome to the “Windy City.” Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00pm to answer any questions.
Chicago is known for its iconic architecture, world class museums, and beautiful waterfront. Sightseeing includes landmarks like the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), and Navy Pier followed by an afternoon at leisure. Consider visiting the extraordinary Art Institute of Chicago or stroll along Michigan Avenue, better known as the Magnificent Mile. Enjoy an optional river cruise to take in the Windy City's amazing architecture, then perhaps go for a slice (or three) of iconic Chicago deep-dish pizza!
Travel across the fertile Illinois farmlands to St. Louis, “Gateway to the West.” An orientation tour includes a trip to the top of the Arch in Gateway Arch National Park, which commemorates the city's key role in westward expansion and a visit to the museum under the Arch, which celebrates Lewis & Clark's famous expedition 200 years ago.
Recross the Mississippi River and roll southeast to Paducah, Kentucky on the Ohio River. Have time for lunch there and perhaps pay a visit to the National Quilt Museum to view quilts that truly are works of art. Late afternoon arrival in Nashville. (B)
Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Nashville, the Country Music Capital of the World. Visit the famous landmarks and see the recording studios on Music Row. Then tour historic RCA Studio B, cradle of the 1960s “Nashville Sound” where stars such as Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Willie Nelson, and the Everly Brothers recorded many of their biggest hits. Perhaps join the optional excursion to the Country Music Hall of Fame to see glittering costumes, rare instruments, and a king-sized set of wheels a.k.a. Elvis Presley's “solid-gold” Cadillac.
Tonight, enjoy reserved seating for a toe-tapping show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, a mecca for country musicians.
Depart Nashville and visit the Tina Turner Museum in the one-room schoolhouse attended by a young Anna Mae Bullock (a.k.a. Tina Turner). See the collection of the “Queen of Rock's” memorabilia, including costumes, gold records and even her high school yearbook! Afterward, cross Tennessee to Memphis, “Home of the Blues” and a city with a distinct Southern flavor. Enjoy an orientation tour on arrival and see where scenes from the movie “Walk the Line” were filmed. Later, consider an optional excursion to where rock-n-roll was first recorded at Sun Studio, followed by dinner.
Enjoy time today at Graceland, Elvis Presley's beautiful estate. Your guided audio tour focuses on the opulent 15,000-square-foot mansion and the Meditation Garden where Elvis, and his daughter and grandson, are laid to rest. Also see Elvis' custom jets and his favorite automobiles. Return to Memphis mid-afternoon and, if you haven't done so already, perhaps get a taste of Memphis with some southern barbecue or a visit to the Rock ‘n' Soul Museum.
Today, make your way through the state of Mississippi. Visit the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center. Discover the life of B.B. (Blues Boy) King, from his humble beginnings to his big break on Beale Street in Memphis. An evening arrival in New Orleans allows time for exploring this lively city on your own.
A full morning is dedicated to the sights and sounds of New Orleans, featuring a guided tour that includes the French Quarter landmarks, St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square, and a visit to a unique above-ground cemetery. This afternoon, join an optional tour of one of the many plantation homes in southern Louisiana. The architecture and beauty of these homes alone is impressive and the stories that go with them are even better. Or cruise down bayous with moss-draped cypress trees to seek out alligators on an optional Louisiana Swamp Tour.
This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional Mississippi River dinner cruise, complete with live jazz—the perfect finale to a memorable touring adventure of the South.
Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the “Big Easy” further.
Trip Inclusions
- The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available).
- 1 breakfast
- Chicago: Courtyard Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile (First-Class)
- St Louis: Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Convention Center (Moderate First-Class)
- Nashville: The Inn at Opryland, Gaylord Hotel (Moderate First-Class)
- Memphis: Doubletree Hotel Memphis Downtown (First-Class)
- New Orleans: Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter (Superior First-Class)
- 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.
Operator
Enjoy inside visits to North America's must-see sites with a great mix of included excursions, free time and affordable value. Read more
Cosmos build free time into every one of their vacations, so you can eat, shop, and explore the way you want. Read more
Cosmos' easy going, fun-filled and multilingual Tour Directors and Local Guides love exploring as much as you do. Read more
Trip Reviews (21)
Recommend a baseball match in read more St. Louis, great night. Paddle steamer cruise in New Orleans was average for a farewell dinner. Still think breakfast should be included as it makes the morning starts a lot easier.
My group consisted of 27 Australians, 7 New Zealanders and 2 Brits. Suggest would-be single travellers think carefully before opting for shared hotel accommodation. Our tour guide, Brenda Brooks, was one of the best, as was driver Larue.
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Cosmos Canada & USA (2026)
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. For all itineraries that include a cruise, Cosmos may apply a surcharge depending on the cabin categories available on your selected departure. Your Travel Advisor will provide this information in your quote if applicable. Your Travel Advisor will also apply any appropriate discounts automatically and detail any currently applicable 'Exclusive Specials'.
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 Cosmos. 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.
