Southern Sounds & Elvis

Welcome to New Orleans! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00 p.m. this afternoon to answer any questions. Once settled into your hotel, perhaps head out and start exploring this lively city full of character, interesting shops, delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine, and music!

The morning is dedicated to the sights and sounds of this vibrant city on a guided sightseeing tour. First, visit the French Quarter to see St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. Next, learn about the city's unique burial customs at an above-ground cemetery, followed by a leisurely drive down historic St. Charles Avenue to enjoy its stately mansions and clanging streetcars.

The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps spend some more time in the French Quarter to take a closer look at the unique architecture and ornate balconies and peruse the many boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops. This evening, listen to some live New Orleans Jazz while you dine aboard a paddle-wheel boat on an optional Jazz Dinner Cruise on the Mighty Mississippi.

Depart New Orleans this morning for Indianola, hometown of the legendary musician B.B. King. Visit the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center to learn about B. B (Blues Boy) King's fascinating 60-plus year career. Learn about his time as a sharecropper to his big break on Memphis' Beale Street and then becoming an international music star. Artifacts, images, and a guitar studio, where visitors can play instruments, bring it all to life. Also learn why the Mississippi Delta is widely recognized as the birthplace of the blues. Afterward, journey to Memphis, where you spend the next three nights.

This morning, experience this amazing city on a sightseeing tour with an expert Local Guide who knows the history of Memphis like no one else and shares the inside, “backstage” stories from the folks who were there. Later, have the chance to go on an optional excursion to Sun Studio, widely known at the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll and where Elvis Presley started his career, followed by dinner. Then perhaps venture out to Beale Street where Delta blues, jazz, Rock ‘n' Roll, R & B, and gospel join in a melting pot of American music. (B)

Today is dedicated to Graceland. Take a guided audio tour and experience life as Elvis did by walking through the decadent and quirky rooms of his estate. Board his customized jet featuring a living room, private bedroom, and gold-plated seat belts! Finish your tour with a visit to the Meditation Garden, where Elvis often went to reflect on life, and where he is now laid to rest along with Lisa Marie, his only child. Tonight, check in to the nearby Guest House at Graceland for an overnight stay. (B)

Today, we head to Nashville, “Music City USA.” Nashville is the ideal destination for music fans, history buffs, and lovers of the South. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour of the city including landmarks like Centennial Park with its reproduction of the Parthenon and Ryman Auditorium, previous home of the Grand Ole Opry. Then have free time to explore this lively town on your own.

With so many things to see, it's hard to choose where to begin, but there is no better place than with an optional excursion to Historic RCA Studio B and the Country Music Hall of Fame. RCA Studio B is Nashville's oldest surviving recording studio and one of the country's most important. Between 1957 and 1977, more than 35,000 songs were recorded here, including 262 Elvis Presley recordings. Then learn about the people who have shaped country music and see their glittering costumes, rare instruments, and even Elvis Presley's “solid gold” Cadillac at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Tonight, take your seat for an unforgettable show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, the world's premier country music venue since 1925 and the setting for the nation's longest-running music show. (B)

Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore “Music City USA” further. (B)