DAY 1 Sunday, May 9: Arrive New Orleans

Today arrive in New Orleans for a three-night stay in the exciting French Quarter. Tonight, be sure to enjoy the “The Quarter” filled with fabulous restaurants and jazz clubs.  

DAY 2 Monday, May 10: French Quarter Touring

This morning enjoy a French Quarter Walking Tour featuring the St. Louis Cathedral with adjoining Cabildo and rectory, Bourbon Street, Pirates Alley and the French Marketplace. Next visit the famous Café du Monde to enjoy café au lait and beignets. Later board a Paddlewheeler Steamboat for a relaxing Mississippi River Cruise. This evening join your fellow travelers to enjoy a fun filled Welcome Dinner at the famous New Orleans School of Cooking. (B,D)

DAY 3 Tuesday, May 11: New Orleans City Tour

Today enjoy a New Orleans City Tour to see the Garden District which features one of the best-preserved collections of historic southern mansions in the United States. Visit the Longue Vue House & Gardens, a National Historic Landmark. The ever-changing gardens provide an inspiring destination year-round to learn about native plants and flowers. Also stop to view an Above Ground Cemetery which are both historic & hauntingly beautiful. This afternoon visit Mardi Gras World, the fun and informative museum brings together a dazzling collection of floats and costumes from the event. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening in New Orleans. (B)

DAY 4 Wednesday, May 12: New Orleans - Memphis, TN

This morning relax and travel north towards Tennessee. Pass through Jackson, MS, the capital city and largest in Mississippi. Stop to visit the B.B. King Museum in Indianola, which tells the story of his life and career from the cotton fields to juke joints to legendary Blues icon. Late afternoon arrive in Memphis for a two-night stay. Located on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, Memphis is a music capital known as the Birthplace of Blues, Rock‘n’Roll and Soul. (B)

DAY 5 Thursday, May 13: Memphis

This morning visit Elvis Presley’s famous Graceland, a 14-acre estate, museum and entertainment complex. See Elvis’ original business office, trophy building and meditation gardens where the ‘King’ is laid to rest. Later enjoy a Memphis City Tour to learn more about this great southern city. Travel along the Mississippi River, see Victorian homes and cultural landmarks like the Pyramid Arena. This afternoon visit the National Civil Rights Museum, an experience that covers centuries of history. The visit begins at the original Lorraine Motel, the site where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Also visit Sun Studio, known as “The Birthplace of Rock’n’Roll”, and the discovery location of music legends B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. Tonight visit action-packed Beale Street, filled with restaurants, shops and Blues clubs. Enjoy dinner and some Blues sounds at a popular local restaurant on Beale Street. (B,D)

DAY 6 Friday, May 14: Memphis - Nashville

This morning begin your journey through central Tennessee. Stop to visit the Delta Heritage Center & Tina Turner Museum which encompasses various facets of the Delta Blues music history. Explore the one room schoolhouse that Tina Turner attended with a collection of her costumes, gold records and other memorabilia. Continue northeast through scenic rolling terrain and pass magnificent mansions on your route to Nashville, Music City USA for a two-night stay. This evening you have reserved seats to enjoy a performance of the famous Grand Ole Opry Show, a Nashville highlight. (B)

DAY 7 Saturday, May 15: Nashville

Enjoy a Nashville City Tour to see the Parthenon (replica), Old Ryman Auditorium, the State Capitol, Honky Tonks on Broadway and famous Music Row. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame to see how country music has evolved and enjoy its highlight and central exhibition, Sing Me Back Home. The Hall of Fame features memorabilia, photography, recorded sound and other displays, and is referred to as the Smithsonian of Country Music. Then visit Historic RCA Studio B., built in 1957 and located on Nashville’s Music Row. Studio B is one of the world’s most famous recording studios and was once home to Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison & the Everly Brothers. Tonight’s Farewell Dinner is at a popular local restaurant where some live Country Music will compliment your dining experience. (B,D)

DAY 8 Sunday, May 16: Nashville - Home

Fly home from Nashville with wonderful memories of your experiences. (B)