Tracks of the Deep South

To Charlotte, North Carolina's largest city

Holiday begins at London Heathrow, meeting the Tour Manager before boarding a direct flight to Charlotte, North Carolina. Transfer to hotel in the late afternoon.

To Biltmore House & Pigeon Forge

Travel by coach to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, stopping in Asheville to visit Biltmore House – the largest stately home in the United States, a 250-room mansion once owned by railroad magnate George Vanderbilt. Lunch at the Stable Café before a self-guided tour. Continue to Pigeon Forge and check in to Dollywood's DreamMore Resort.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Board a coach to Bryson City for free time, then board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad on a four-and-a-half-hour round-trip through the Nantahala Gorge, crossing a historic bridge over Fontana Lake. One-hour stop by the river. Return to hotel in Pigeon Forge. (Note: for the Mardi Gras departure on 30th January, the railroad will not operate; instead a scenic drive through the National Park.)

Meals: Breakfast

To Chattanooga and the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

Travel to Chattanooga. Free time for independent lunch. Board the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, one of the world's steepest passenger railways (operating since 1887), enjoying vistas of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River. Visit the Civil War battle site atop Lookout Mountain. Check in to downtown hotel; free evening to explore.

Meals: Breakfast

Jack Daniel's Distillery & arrival in Nashville

Leave Chattanooga by coach to Nashville, stopping in Moore County for a guided tour and tasting at the Jack Daniel's Distillery. Continue to Nashville and check in to downtown hotel. Afternoon and evening free to explore the city.

Meals: Breakfast

Nashville's musical history and an evening at the Grand Ole Opry

Guided tour of Nashville's major musical sights including Music Row. Afternoon free at leisure. Evening visit to the Grand Ole Opry for a live music broadcast featuring eight or more artists. (Note: for the Mardi Gras departure on 30th January 2026, the Grand Ole Opry visit is on Day 7 instead.)

Studio B & the Country Music Hall of Fame

Tour the legendary RCA Studio B, where Elvis, the Everly Brothers and Dolly Parton recorded. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, the world's largest music museum. Remainder of the day free to explore Nashville independently.

Meals: Breakfast

To Jackson and into the heart of Memphis

Leave Nashville by coach. Stop in Jackson, birthplace of rockabilly music, for independent lunch. Visit the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, including a dedicated Tina Turner museum. Continue to Memphis and check in to The Guest House at Graceland. Memphis-style barbecue dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Paying tribute to the two 'Kings' at Graceland and Sun Studio

Visit Graceland, Elvis Presley's home, viewing preserved living quarters, memorabilia and car collections. Afternoon tour of Sun Studio, birthplace of rock'n'roll. Rest of the day free; option to visit Beale Street.

Meals: Breakfast

The City of New Orleans train & Oak Alley Plantation

Board Amtrak's City of New Orleans train from Tennessee through Mississippi to Louisiana. Arrive in Hammond; coach to Oak Alley Plantation for a guided tour. Continue to New Orleans and check in to hotel near Bourbon Street.

Meals: Breakfast

The French Quarter and a Mississippi cruise

Guided tour of the French Quarter, stopping at Café du Monde for beignets and café au lait. Free time in the city. Board the Creole Queen paddle steamer for a sightseeing cruise along the Mississippi River, passing the site of the Battle of New Orleans. Evening free. (Note: for the Mardi Gras departure on 30th January 2026, today is parade day with tickets; French Quarter tour and cruise move to Day 12.)

Free as a bird in New Orleans

Full free day to explore New Orleans at leisure. Options include St Louis Cathedral, a streetcar ride on St Charles' Avenue, city parks, and the French Quarter's many eateries.

Homeward bound

Final morning in New Orleans to revisit favourite spots or relax. Transfer to New Orleans airport for a direct overnight flight to London Heathrow.

Arrival in London Heathrow

Touch down at London Heathrow, returning home with memories of the Deep South.