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experience. Jonny Cash fans will likely make a beeline to the museum
that delves into the personal story of one of the best-selling music
artists of all time, whilst those interested in the history of the South
could make a visit to the Belle Meade Plantation for a tour of the
magnificent 1853 Greek Revival mansion. Tonight, it would only be
right to experience a good old-fashioned honky tonk under the neon
lights of Lower Broadway. Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4: Nashville - Memphis From one music obsessed city to
another, you'll leave Nashville this morning and travel to Memphis.
Home to the King who needs little introduction, music is the life
blood of this toe tapping city with bluesy Beale St. a fine example of
this. Arriving here you'll dive straight in with an orientation tour
viewing the impressive Memphis Pyramid, the historic Peabody Hotel
and the Lorraine Motel, perhaps the most significant place of the
entire civil rights movement given the fact that Martin Luther King
was assassinated here in 1968. With an evening free, you might want
to check out our Optional Experiences. You could visit the Rock N'
Soul Museum, which displays wonderfully curated exhibits telling the
story of the birth of rock and soul music. Or you can groove on over
to Beale Street for dinner at the Blue's City Cafe, a lively joint that
serves up Southern treats accompanied by live music, naturally.
Meal(s): Breakfast. Hotel: Holiday Inn Downtown St. Louis (3 nights)
Day 5: Memphis sightseeing and free time We hope you didn't peak
too soon on last night's barbecue as this morning's Iconic Breakfast
is another Southern family style dish. Likely rolling out of the classic
'greasy spoon' restaurant, today will be a special one for Elvis fans as
you have the chance to make the pilgrimage to Graceland. Make a
stop at Sun Studio where Elvis was first discovered back in 1954.
Meal(s): Iconic Breakfast
Day 6: Memphis free time It's your final day in Memphis today so be
sure to make the most of it. Head to Peabody Hotel Drive at 11am to
watch a time-honoured tradition, the Peabody Duck March. Who
knew that watching a group of pampered ducks waddle down a red
carpet could bring so much joy? And yet it does and has for nearly
100 years!
Day 7: Memphis - Natchez Follow the path of the famous Natchez
Trace today as you travel alongside the Mississippi River. Originally
used as a footpath by Native Americans, as a trail for the Ohio Valley
farmers who were known as 'kaintucks' and a former slave route, 'Old
Trace' is steeped in legend and makes for fascinating story telling.
Arriving into Natchez, the rich history of the south will be further
brought to life as you admire just some of the 668 antebellum homes
that are scattered here. These large and elegant mansions were
originally built as plantation homes and remained untouched
throughout the plight of the South. This afternoon you'll have the
chance to visit perhaps the finest example of an antebellum home,
the grand and palatial Stanton Hall that was designed in the Greek
Revival style and offers a glimpse into how a wealthy cotton
merchant would have lived. Hotel: Hotel Vue
Day 8: Natchez - New Orleans (3 nights) Heading south today, travel
over the world's longest overwater bridge as you journey towards
the 'Big Easy'. Famed for its Mardi Gras celebrations and diverse
culture, everything in New Orleans is a little larger than life. The
weddings are bigger, the funerals are louder, the food is richer, and
every single day is a cause for celebration. Meeting up with a Local
Specialist on arrival you'll head out on a city tour of the French
Quarter, Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral and the Garden District,
which boasts some seriously impressive houses, many of which are
owned by the rich and famous. Learning more about NOLA's
fascinating voodoo culture you'll also visit one of the city's many
cemeteries, peek around the elaborate stone crypts and
mausoleums. Tonight, it would only be right to sample some good
old-fashioned Creole cooking, and in our opinion there's only one
place to go for the best food in town - the New Orleans institution,
Dooky Chase. Meals(s): Breakfast. Hotel: Wyndham New Orleans-
French Quarter
Day 9: New Orelans sightseeing and free time Waking up with an
extra NOLA induced spring in your step, today is entirely free for you
to explore and perhaps try an Optional Experience. Head back to the
cute cafes and decadent mansions of the Garden District, have your
fortune told in Jackson Square or take advantage of the many
activities we have on offer. Join our locally led walking tour of the
lively and ever so beautiful French Quarter, learning the history of
this charming neighbourhood before finishing off at the Court of Two
Sisters restaurant for their famous Creole inspired Jazz Brunch. If the
swamps and bayous of the Mississippi are of interest to you, why not
join a boat trip through the Jean Lafitte National Park. Led by a
native guide, spot 'gators, eagles, snakes and egrets as you cruise
these lush waters. This evening we doubt you'll be able to resist the
prospect of a steamboat jazz dinner cruise, accompanied by the
sounds of the Grammy nominated band Dukes of Dixieland.
Day 10: New Orleans free time It's your final day in NOLA and the
final day of your trip, so make sure you go out in style. Treat yourself
to breakfast beignets at Cafe du Monde, then why not join an
Optional Experience cooking demonstration to learn how you can
recreate some of the city's tastiest dishes once you return home. The
New Orleans School of Cooking is hosted by local chefs who share
tips and stories, plus there are plenty of tasters to keep appetites at
bay. History fans why not opt in to visit the Oak Alley Plantation, a
true shining star of the Antebellum era. Built in 1839 and boasting an
alley of 28 magnificent old oak trees, the plantation even has a touch
of Hollywood glamour to its name as the setting for movies including
Interview with a Vampire and Primary Colours. Tonight, if you haven't
already eaten one it would only be right to scout out the city's
tastiest po boy.
Day 11: Depart New Orleans With the bluesy beats of Beale Street
and the southern smiles of Nashville still fresh in your mind, your trip
will come to an end today. A little heavier around the waistline but
undoubtedly richer in memories, you'll say goodbye to your new
friends as you head your separate ways. If you can't bear to leave
NOLA just yet, you can also choose to extend your stay at the
Wyndham hotel.
Includes • Return flights from Dublin to Nashville and return from
New Orleans • 10 nights hotels as specified or similar • Services of a
professional tour director • 5 breakfasts • Memphis-Visit Sun Studios
where Elvis recorded some of his revolutionary albums before
heading to his home, Graceland, to tour the grounds • Nashville-
Explore Studio B, the Country Music Hall of Fame and enjoy an
evening at the Grand Ole Opry • Natchez-Revel in the pure beauty of
the South's antebellum estates • New Orleans-Spend the early
afternoon with a Local Specialist touring the downtown area and
Garden District before visiting one of the above-ground cemeteries
Departure Dates 2020 • 13 Apr; 4, 18 May; 8 Jun, 14; 21 Sep; 5 Oct
(Dates in bold are confirmed departures)
Pricefrom£2065/€2209perpersonbasedon2sharing.
TravelMay20.QuoteRef:52210753.
To book call Dublin 01 673 3800 or Belfast 028 9051 1800
All prices are a guide. Prices can increase or decrease. Prices in £ Sterling / € Euro and are based on 2 adults/2 children sharing a room. Prices shown are a starting price and will vary according to departure
date and time of booking. Hotel and peak supplements may apply. Important: See the back of the brochure for terms and conditions - a full version can be found on our website and must be read prior to booking.
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