Day 1New Orleans
Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.
Day 2New Orleans
The morning is dedicated to the sights and sounds of this Old World city. First, visit the French Quarter including St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. Next, learn about the city’s unique burial customs at an above-ground cemetery, followed by a leisurely drive down historic St. Charles Avenue to enjoy its stately mansions and clanging streetcars. The remainder of the day is at leisure. After dark, we explore the ghostly past of the Old French Quarter on a guided tour of the area’s most haunted sites. The storytelling of the city’s most informed raconteurs will provide chilling and historically accurate narratives of the city’s most legendary hauntings.
Day 3New Orleans
This morning begins with an included visit to Blaine Kern’s MARDI GRAS WORLD for a guided tour. It’s here that you will watch the renowned masters of Carnival sculpture and float building and discover how Mardi Gras is made. Afterwards free time for you to explore the French Market District, America's oldest city market. Experience the sights of the Market at harvest time and shop for arts and crafts, Cajun spices, and Creole pralines and candies. Stop for a break at the famous Café du Monde, a tenant of the French Market since 1862, for a cup of café au lait accompanied by beignets, the Creole version of a doughnut. You may also wish to explore the Garden District with its ornate historic mansions and oak lined trees, and home to the eerie Lafayette Cemetery No.1, a favorite setting for many of Anne Rice's novels.
Day 4New Orleans–Baton Rouge–Natchez
Drive through the heart of Cajun Country to Baton Rouge for an orientation tour that features the Governor’s Mansion and the State Capitol. Next, on to elegant Natchez, a thriving port in the golden years of the cotton trade. Visit a gracious PRE-CIVIL WAR HOME featuring fine collections of period furniture and paintings. In the evening, relax and perhaps sip a refreshing mint julep as the sun goes down.
Day 5Natchez–Jackson–Memphis
Drive to Jackson, then north through rural Mississippi to Memphis. For your first night in the “Home of the Blues,” why not visit one of the famous music clubs on Beale Street, immortalized in WC Handy’s famous songs? (Continental Breakfast)
Day 6Memphis–Graceland–Nashville
A trip to Memphis would not be complete without visiting GRACELAND, the palatial home of “The King,” Elvis Presley. Our guided platinum audio tour focuses on the splendid garden and the opulent 15,000-square-foot mansion. We then head through the fertile farmlands of Tennessee to the "Capital of Country Music," Nashville. In the evening you have reserved seats for an unforgettable show at the world-famous GRAND OLE OPRY, the mecca of country musicians since 1925.
Day 7Nashville
Its association with country music has made the name Nashville world famous, but it’s not just music fans who will find this charming Southern city a delight. Start the day with a sightseeing tour of the famous landmarks, including the Parthenon, the State Capitol, Bicentennial State Park, and the recording studios of Music Row. Then, visit the COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME with its glittering costumes, rare instruments, and Elvis Presley’s “solid-gold” Cadillac. Tonight you may choose to join your traveling companions for an evening of songs that have made Nashville famous worldwide at Nashville Nightlife, Music City's premiere entertainment theater.
Day 8Nashville–Chattanooga–Atlanta
First stop today is Chattanooga, home of the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Then, enter the “Peach State” of Georgia and continue through Chattahoochee National Forest to the fast-growing metropolis of Atlanta, former home and burial place of civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. After an included sightseeing tour of the city, the rest of the day is yours to explore or relax.
Day 9Atlanta–Savannah
We head south through rich, rolling farmland to the historic seaport of Savannah for a 2-night stay. On this afternoon’s TROLLEY TOUR, see the sights, hear the history, and visit the charming city squares of Georgia’s “First City.” Highlights include City Market, Forsyth Park, the Mercer House, Madison Square—where General Sherman concluded his “March to the Sea”—Colonial Park Cemetery, and the world-famous River Street. This evening is free to explore this charming city on your own. (Continental Breakfast)
Day 10Savannah
A day at leisure to explore. Shop on cobblestoned River Street or stroll among the many squares surrounded by elegant homes and majestic gardens. Don’t miss the impressive Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, where you can learn about Savannah’s important role in maritime history. (Continental Breakfast)
Day 11Savannah–St. Augustine–Orlando
Travel into the “Sunshine State” of Florida, stopping first at St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. You will see the Oldest House and the Spanish fortress, Castillo de San Marcos, on your orientation tour. Then, drive to the magical city of Orlando. (Continental Breakfast)
Day 12Orlando
A full day to relax and explore the many sights in the Orlando area. Your Tour Director will suggest a varied and exciting selection of optional outings, such as Disney’s huge entertainment parks, including the Magic Kingdom®, Animal Kingdom®, Epcot®, and MGM Studios®. Also on the list are SeaWorld® (America’s biggest marine life park) and exciting Universal Studios®.
Day 13Orlando
The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Orlando International Airport are included. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the “Sunshine State” further with a variety of exciting optional activities.
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