Deep South & Delta Blues

Welcome to Atlanta and the southern state of Georgia! Today is free for you to explore before a welcome meeting at 6pm in your hotel. A self-guided walking tour of downtown Atlanta is highly recommended and if you fancy a bite of Southern cuisine, stop by Empire State South. Optional activities: Atlanta History Centre: US$17 Atlanta Botanical Garden: US$19 Stay: La Quinta Atlanta Airport North (or similar).

This morning, we start with a visit to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta. Learn more about his life and activism at the visitor centre, and then there is time to explore the area, including the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Martin Luther King Jr. 's tomb, and the house where he was born and raised. From here, we head west into Alabama and to the largest city in the state, Birmingham. This city was the primary site of the Civil Rights Movement and where Martin Luther King Jr. began his campaign of civil disobedience. We recommend a visit to the Civil Rights Institute for an excellent introduction to the volatile history of the region as you start your journey through the Deep South. Stay: Hampton Inn Birmingham Colonnade 280 (or similar) (B).

Welcome to the cultural melting pot of the Deep South, New Orleans, otherwise known as the Big Easy. The eclectic mix of European, Creole and Cajun cultures manifests in every aspect of the architecture, cuisine and musical scene. Take in the sights and sounds of Bourbon Street, relax in the Garden District and absorb the ambience of the French Quarter. Founded by French traders in 1718, there are many layers of history in this city, and the many attractions combined make it one of the most visited cities in the USA. Step back in time to when life was gracefully slow and enjoy an included dinner cruise on the Mississippi, dining on delicious local cuisine influenced by the myriad cultures that make up Louisiana.

There is plenty to do in New Orleans come evening, not least enjoying some of the many live performances that take place nightly. This includes Preservation Hall, where top-drawer jazz musicians play every evening to a small audience in an intimate space – be prepared to wait in line. There will also be the chance to step out of the city and explore the wild river swamplands of Louisiana, where you can head out by boat beneath the cypress trees in search of alligators.

Optional activities: Alligator swamp tour, New Orleans: US$25-US$40 Various historical walking tours eg French Quarter, Garden District: US$25 Haunted French Quarter ghost tour: US$25 New Orleans voodoo and graveyard tour: US$20 New Orleans Preservation Hall: US$15-US$20 New Orleans jazz clubs: US$10-US$20 Mardi Gras World in New Orleans: US$22 Stay: The Blake Hotel (or similar) (B).

This morning, we visit Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. This antebellum estate was completed in 1828; with lush gardens, ponds and a majestic live oak alley, it makes for a wonderful stop. Next, we follow the river road north to the first established settlement on the Mississippi. Natchez, the original capital of the Mississippi Territory, was at the heart of the trade in enslaved people and is the birthplace of the Mississippi riverboat. There is free time to wander the historic district where there are more than 50 antebellum homes and historic churches. Also worthy of a visit is the Under the Hill area made famous by Mark Twain or discover one of the most interesting cemeteries in the South. Stay: Guest House Natchez (or similar) (B).

Next up is Clarksdale and the Hopson Plantation, the former home of legendary blues pianist Pinetop Perkins. It is also where they tested the International Harvester automated cotton picker. Your leader will tell you the history, explaining the system of sharecropping and the evolution of the cotton industry. Clarksdale is also home to the Crossroads, where legend says blues musician Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil. Within the town itself is the Delta Blues Museum, a shrine of blues artefacts and memorabilia, plus actor Morgan Freeman's Ground Zero Blues Club.

Red's is definitely worth a visit for live music: an authentic juke joint showcasing the real heart of the South. Optional activities: Delta Blues Museum, Clarksdale: US$12 Stay: Hampton Inn Clarksdale (or similar) Join us to celebrate Exodus' 50th anniversary! Select departures of this trip feature extra inclusions to mark the occasion: Entry to the Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag. For departure dates, see the Dates & Prices tab (B).

Today we cross into Tennessee. Near the Mississippi River, Memphis has a long and colourful past. Legendary forefathers such as Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters and BB King put Beale Street on the musical map. A highlight of your stay in Memphis is an included excursion to Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. We also have the chance to visit Sun Studio, which opened in 1950 and is where many great names have passed through, from Howlin' Wolf to Johnny Cash. Outside of music, the National Civil Rights Museum, in the former Lorraine Hotel, at the site where Martin Luther King was assassinated, is well worth a visit. Optional activities: Civil Rights Museum in Memphis: US$16 Sun Studio in Memphis: US$14 Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Memphis: U$13 (closed Mondays) Stay: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown or Comfort Inn Memphis (or similar) (B).

We make our way to Nashville, the undisputed capital of country music. Home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Wildhorse Saloon, Nashville is the perfect opportunity to try line dancing (select nights only). Broadway is lined with honky-tonks and intimate live music venues playing all genres of music. It is also the capital of Tennessee and the second largest city in the state after Memphis. Situated on the banks of the Cumberland River, it was established as a major port by settlers in 1779.

Our time in Nashville is free for you to indulge in your choice of the many music and entertainment options available (entrance fees apply). The Grand Ole Opry is the longest running radio show in the world and a recommended highlight. You can enjoy performances at the Grand Ole Opry House, 15mi (24km) east of the city. Book before you arrive to avoid missing out as these shows are popular. Optional activities: Grand Ole Opry: US$32-US$90 Ryman Auditorium tour: US$22-US$35 Country Music Hall of Fame: US$25-US$40 Johnny Cash Museum: US$19 Stay: The Capitol Hotel Downtown Nashville (or similar) (B).

We return to Atlanta today. There may be the option of stopping at Lynchburg to pay homage to Tennessee's most famous drink! Enjoy a tour of the Jack Daniel's Whiskey Distillery and a serving of Southern hospitality. Our tour of the Deep South ends in the modern metropolis of Atlanta, known as the New York of the South.

If you're staying on, be sure to stop by Gladys Knight's Chicken and Waffles restaurant. This tour ends at our partner hotel at approximately 5pm. We can book your post-tour accommodation at our partner hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 9pm. Optional activities: Jack Daniel's Whiskey Distillery: US$17-US$22 (B).