Tastes and Sounds of the South

Tour Information

8 night Tour Begins Nashville, Ends New Orleans: 2 nights Nashville; 2 nights Memphis; 1 night Natchez; 1 night Lafayette; 2 nights New Orleans.

Day 1

Fly from Ireland - Nashville
Welcome to Nashville, Music City USA! A complimentary transfer is provided to the tour hotel. Your Tour Director is at the hotel this afternoon to greet you and answer your questions. Join us at 6:00pm for a Welcome Drink at the hotel.
Hotel: Gaylord Opryland Resort

Day 2

Nashville sightseeing – Grand Ole Opry evening
This morning we explore the world’s country music capital starting with Music Row, the heart of Nashville’s entertainment industry and home to a number of record labels, radio stations and recording studios such as RCA’s legendary Studio B. We also see historic Printers Alley, the Wildhorse Saloon and the historic Ryman Auditorium, host of performances by all-time greats including Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks. We then head to picturesque Lynchburg for a visit to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. We are joined by our host and whiskey expert, and hear about “Mr. Jack,” the man who created the famous Tennessee whiskey. We watch and learn about the whiskey-making process as it happens, from the iron-free spring that churns the water for the whiskey, to the barrel rooms where it slowly ages. We are then treated to a delicious luncheon with each course based on the perfect ingredient… Jack Daniel’s! Back in Nashville, we attend a live evening recording at the Grand Ole Opry, one of the most influential live shows in country music history and the oldest continuous radio program in the United States.
Hotel: Gaylord Opryland Resort (FB/BGD)

Day 3

Nashville - Memphis
This morning we visit the famous Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, a treasure trove of historic country video clips, recorded music, fabulous costumes, instruments and other memorabilia which tell the story of country music. Next we head to Memphis, the city of soul, rhythm and blues. Enjoy a city tour and learn about Memphis’ role in the birth of the Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll. See Beale Street, BB King’s Blues Club, the Mississippi River and the infamous Lorraine Hotel. This evening is at leisure.
Hotel: Marriott Memphis Downtown (FB)

Day 4

Memphis – Graceland excursion
Today we visit Elvis Presley’s amazing Graceland, the King’s final resting place. Graceland is a one-of-a-kind journey through Elvis’ humble beginnings and rise to superstardom with an up-close and personal look at his influence which forever changed music. There is plenty of time to explore the mansion and the many exhibits including Elvis’ cars, custom jets and eclectic collections. Later we return to the hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure, but not before our Tour Director reveals a Hidden Treasure to us!
Hotel: Marriott Memphis Downtown (FB)

Day 5

Memphis – Natchez
We enter the state of Mississippi and head downriver to Natchez, a charming town located on a bluff above the Mississippi River. Hundreds of 19th century southern homes still grace the bluff, lovingly preserved to their antebellum grandeur. We view the best sights in town and join a guided tour of Stanton Hall, the palatial home of a Mississippi cotton broker, built just before the Civil War. Here we learn about the gracious lifestyle that existed once upon a time in old Natchez. Tonight we enjoy a Highlight Dinner at a beautiful Natchez mansion, where the elegant service, atmosphere and garb of our hosts bring us back to that bygone era.
Hotel: Natchez Eola Hotel (FB/HD)

Day 6

Natchez – Oak Alley - New Orleans (3 Nights)
Along the river lie the great cotton fields of the south. Stop at
Frogmore Plantation & Gins to learn about the White Gold of the
Mississippi Delta. With your costumed hosts, tour a reconstructed
19th-century plantation and compare it to the modern-day operation
that produces more than 900 bales of cotton each day. Then, marvel
at Oak Alley Plantation’s canopy of 300-year-old live oak trees. In
this grand dame of antebellum mansions, learn about the lives of the plantation owners. Late this afternoon, arrive in New Orleans
and enjoy the evening at leisure. Laissez les bon temps rouler! (FB)
Hotel: New Orleans Marriott

Day 7

New Orleans Sightseeing & Free Time
Delight in a hearty New Orleans breakfast and coffee to fuel yourself for
today’s exploration of the Crescent City. Join a Local Guide and see the
atmospheric French Quarter and Jackson Square, originally called Place
d’Armes when it was the centre of the old city, and tour one of the city’s
above ground cemeteries. Then it’s out to the lovely Garden District,
home to one of the best-preserved collections of southern mansions in
the United States. This afternoon, enjoy some time on your own: grab
a po’ boy or some fresh beignets, stroll down Bourbon Street or hit the
lively waterfront area. (FB)

Day 8

New Orleans School Of Cooking & Free Time
Enjoy a leisurely morning before visiting the New Orleans School
of Cooking located in the heart of the French Quarter. Discover
the secrets of Creole cuisine during a fun and interactive cooking
class. Later, enjoy your culinary creations at a Highlight Lunch. The
remainder of the afternoon is free to explore on your own. If you’re
feeling adventurous, head out to the bayou for a guided tour deep
into the swamps and look out for alligators. Or stay downtown and
stroll Magazine Street, visit Marie Laveau’s Historic Voodoo Museum or
catch a little jazz piano while cooling off and watching the world go by.
This evening, join your Tour Director and travelling companions for a
Farewell Dinner of traditional Creole cuisine at the famed Court of the
Two Sisters, a New Orleans landmark. (FB HL FD)

Day 9

Depart New Orleans
A complimentary transfer is provided to New Orleans International Airport.

Day 10

Arrive back in Ireland

What's Included

• Return transatlantic flights

Sightseeing Highlights

• Nashville Explore the city; visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; attend a live recording at the Grand Ole Opry.
• Lynchburg Join a whiskey expert and tour the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, the oldest registered distillery in the USA and producer of the famous “Old No. 7” whiskey.
• Memphis Explore the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
• Graceland Visit Elvis Presley’s estate, collections and gravesite.
• Natchez Tour the city and visit a historical antebellum mansion.
• Frogmore Plantation Learn about past and present cotton production.
• Lafayette Drive through Cajun Country and tour the city.
• Vermilionville Explore this Creole heritage village with a local guide.
• Atchafalaya Basin Cruise these alligator-infested bayous.
• Oak Alley Visit this historic plantation and tour the beautiful mansion.
• New Orleans Stroll with a guide through the historic French Quarter and
• Garden District; visit an above-ground cemetery.
• Hidden Treasure: Trafalgar’s expert Tour Directors will be sure to surprise you during your tour by revealing a wonderful Hidden Treasure unique to your destination.

Dining Highlights

• Welcome Drink with your Tour Director in Nashville.
• 8 full breakfasts.
• 2 Local Highlight Dinners in Natchez and Lafayette.
• ‘Be My Guest’ Lunch at Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg.
• Farewell Dinner with wine in New Orleans.

First Class Travel Highlights

• First Class hotel accommodation includes two-bedded rooms with private facilities, all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes.
• Touring by luxury air-conditioned motorcoach with reclining seats and a restroom onboard.
• The services of one of Trafalgar’s top professional Tour Directors.
• A qualified local guide in New Orleans.
• A stylish wallet, tour documents and Welcome on Tour book with map.
• Complimentary airport transfers are provided on Day 1 and Day 9.