Description
Atlanta
2 nights at Days Inn Downtown (Standard), Wyndham Hotel (Superior) You fly into Atlanta and start your trip with time to explore this historic city. The integrated train and bus system make it easy to get around, and there is no shortage of things to see and do. Visit the headquarters of famous broadcaster CNN, or take a tour of the Coca-Cola factory. As a college town, Atlanta has some great restaurants and shops to suit all budgets, but don't miss Peachtree Road in upmarket Buckhead, where there are around 100 bars and restaurants within 3 blocks. The 8-million gallon Georgia Aquarium is also well worth a visit. Pre-booked tickets are available from Virgin Holidays for £17 per adult and £12 per child.
Atlanta - Nashville
2 nights at Best Western Downtown (Standard), Millennium Maxwell House Hotel (Superior) Arrive in Nashville for 2 days in the country music capital of the world. If you're a fan of the genre, you won't want to miss the Country Music Hall of Fame. But if not, you might be surprised to learn that other musical influences also hold sway here - everything from classical and jazz to rock 'n' roll. The Grand Ole Opry, where Elvis once wowed the crowds, is another must-see.
Nashville - Memphis
2 nights at Sleep Inn (Standard), Wyndham Garden Hotel (Superior) Heading back down South you arrive in Memphis, the birthplace of rock 'n' roll. Situated on the banks of the Mississippi, it is home to the National Civil Rights Museum, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and, of course, the world-famous Graceland. Pre-book a Graceland Platinum tour for entry to the Graceland Mansion, the Elvis Auto Museum and the Sincerely Elvis exhibit. Adult £18, child £10.
Memphis - Natchez
2 nights at Natchez Eola Hotel Arrive in Natchez, one of Mississippi's oldest cities and famous in American history for its role in the development of the old Southwest. Enjoy the charm of a horse-drawn carriage ride through the old district, get lost in the corn maze and take a trip out to historic Frogmore Plantation.
Natchez - Lafayette
2 nights at Comfort Inn Head west to Louisiana and the heart of Cajun country, Lafayette. Soak up the rich French, Spanish and Caribbean history, and marvel at how these vibrant cultures have fused into something so unique. After all, where else would alligator sauce piquant be dish of the month?
Lafayette - New Orleans
2 nights at Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome (Standard), Hampton Inn Downtown (Superior) Another of the trip's highlights is New Orleans or, the 'city that never sleeps'. There is so much to do here, you won't want to sleep either. Wander the city, taking in the sights and enjoying the live music that fills the air wherever you go, take the ferry across Old Man River, visit the Louisiana swamps or sample the world-renowned Cajun and Creole cuisine - you can even learn how to cook this delicious fare by taking a class hosted by a well-known local chef. Tickets available to pre-book £25 per person.
New Orleans - Pensacola Beach
1 night at Quality Inn (Standard), Best Western (Superior) After all that partying, it's time to relax, and where better than the unsullied beaches and emerald waters of the Gulf Islands? Pensacola Beach is a pretty seaside town where you can shop and stroll or drive off and explore the rest of picturesque Santa Rosa Island.
Gulfport - Montgomery
1 night La Quinta (Standard), Fairfield Inn (Superior) Head back inland to Alabama and spend a night in the city of Montgomery. Once the capital of the confederacy, Montgomery grew to become the centre of the civil rights movement, so there's a wealth of history to explore.
Montgomery - Atlanta
End your tour back in Atlanta for your return flight back to the UK.