Sounds of the USA: Nashville to New Orleans

Welcome to Nashville, Music City

Your musical US holiday begins at London Heathrow by meeting the Tour Manager ahead of an indirect transatlantic flight to Nashville. After touching down, transfer to the hotel in the heart of Nashville, close to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Walk of Fame Park, Johnny Cash Museum and Gibson guitar factory. Note: For departures 21st September and 26th October flights will be direct into Nashville.

Grand Ole Opry and the home of country music

After breakfast, embark on a guided coach tour of Nashville's attractions, including recording studios on Music Row. Free time in the afternoon to explore or dine independently. This evening, visit the legendary Grand Ole Opry for a performance of eight or more artists, from legendary music stars to upcoming talent.

Meals: Breakfast

Nashville's musical heritage

Visit the world-famous RCA Studio B, where Elvis, the Everly Brothers and Dolly Parton once recorded. Then visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, the world's largest music museum, with interactive exhibitions and recordings dating back to the 1930s. The rest of the day is free; consider visiting Honky Tonk Highway in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast

From Jackson to Memphis, Cash to Presley

Leave Nashville and travel through Tennessee, stopping in Jackson, the birthplace of rockabilly, for independent lunch. Visit the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, dedicated to the diverse history of the southern states, including the Tina Turner Museum. Continue to Memphis and check in to The Guest House at Graceland.

Meals: Breakfast

Elvis' Graceland & the home of the blues

Tour Graceland, Elvis Presley's famous home, viewing preserved living quarters and his car collection. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Sun Studio, birthplace of rock'n'roll, where Howlin' Wolf, BB King, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded. The rest of the day is free; consider exploring Beale Street, the birthplace of the Blues.

Meals: Breakfast

Discovering the story of the blues by rail

Board Amtrak's City of New Orleans train, passing through Mississippi towns including Greenwood, Jackson and Hazlehurst (birthplace of Robert Johnson). After arriving in Hammond, Louisiana, visit Oak Alley Plantation for an emotive tour of the Greek revival house and its grounds. Continue to New Orleans and check in to the hotel near Bourbon Street.

Meals: Breakfast

New Orleans' French Quarter & Creole Queen cruise

Guided tour of the French Quarter, a National Historic Landmark. Stop at Café du Monde for a beignet and café au lait. Board the Creole Queen paddle steamer for a sightseeing cruise along the Mississippi River, taking in the city's skyline and the site of the Battle of New Orleans. Evening free to explore Bourbon Street, jazz bars or Cajun zydeco music.

At leisure in the Big Easy

Full free day to explore New Orleans. Visit St Louis Cathedral (North America's oldest cathedral, founded 1720), ride the St Charles Avenue streetcar, explore parks, or enjoy the French Quarter's eateries offering po-boys, jambalaya, fresh oysters and other Southern food.

Final morning in New Orleans

Free time in the morning to revisit favourite spots, do last-minute souvenir shopping or relax. Transfer to New Orleans airport for the overnight flight back to London Heathrow. Note: For departure 21st September the return flight will be indirect via Charlotte.

Homeward bound

Land at London Heathrow. Holiday concludes and guests make their way home.