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Tastes and Sounds of the South

4.4/5 Based on 9 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Group Scenic
Our Price From 5,129 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 1,000 Per Person
 Trip Length
10 Days
 Trip Starts
Nashville
 Trip Finishes
New Orleans
10 Day Tastes and Sounds of the South Itinerary (Trafalgar)
Countries Explored: USA
Trip Style
At Leisure
Departures
Accommodation
4 Star
Max. Group Size
48
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
DTSS

Overview

Read 9 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Trafalgar's 10 Day Tastes and Sounds of the South. Join us for a little jazz, home cookin' from local Southerners, country music and a whole lot of Rock 'n' Roll on this inspiring American South tour showcasing the rich culture of Memphis, Nashville, Natchez and New Orleans, plus a trip to Elvis’s iconic Graceland.

Itinerary

The beating heart of America's Music City will chart your pace as you prepare to embark on a leisurely pilgrimage to discover the tastes and sounds of the South.

This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception. (WR) Stay: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

The famous Nashville Sound comes alive this morning as RCA Studio B reveals the legends of Elvis Presley, Jim Reeves and Roy Orbison. Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the life and music of Johnny Cash during a private performance of original Cash tunes with one of Johnny's family members. Our acoustic journey continues with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to see Elvis' Solid Gold Cadillac limousine and Jim Reeves' tuxedo jacket. Then, you will have the opportunity to take a backstage tour before witnessing the iconic Grand Ole Opry. (B)

Continue our discovery of Nashville on a Your Choice sightseeing experience, exploring either the Johnny Cash Museum or the Ryman Auditorium. With an afternoon on your own, amble through Broadway's honky-tonk scene or perhaps enjoy the gut-busting flavors of homemade hot chicken or biscuits. (B)

Head to Memphis' famous Beale Street, the birthplace of Blues, Soul, and Rock 'n' Roll, for a tour where we'll meet a musician and Local Specialist to learn about the musical heritage of Memphis. Continue your Memphis sightseeing with a visit to the Lorraine Motel where civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically assassinated and one of the most significant locations of the Civil Rights Movement. 

Then explore one of the most significant sites in town and one of the premier heritage and cultural museums, the National Civil Rights Museum. “Walk through history” in interactive exhibits that show how the heroes and lessons from the civil rights movement continue to impact equality all over the world. Enjoy a Regional Dinner of Southern cuisine this evening, capping off your tour of Memphis, past and present. (B/D) Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown

Worship at the altar of the King, Elvis Presley, and head to Graceland, paying tribute to the man who changed the face of American popular music and culture. Then, pay a visit to Sun Studios, which sought to immortalize the raw energy of Beale Street, recording the first Rock 'n' Roll single in 1951.

This evening is free. (B)

Kick off the day's sightseeing with a musical morning at the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum exploring the blues, country, and gospel of the rural South before leaving for Natchez, Mississippi. You'll arrive in Natchez on the banks of the Mississippi, surrounded by the antebellum homes. The best way to experience Natchez is with a taste of Southern hospitality and you'll experience all this and more at tonight's memorable Be My Guest experience at one of the region's beautiful historic, private homes for a meal.

Connect With Locals as hosts who have lived in the area for generations open their doors and share their stories as you enjoy dinner and backyard cocktails like Planter's Punch paired with elevated Southern fare. (B/D) Stay: Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel

Today your travels take you deeper into an important part of Southern history. On this morning's visit to a working cotton plantation, Frogmore Plantation and Gins, learn about Natchez planters and slavery in the South. Tour the property boasting 19 restored antebellum structures and equipment dating from the early 1800's including a Smithsonian quality steam gin listed on the National Register. 

You'll learn how cotton was made and most importantly gain a better understanding of slavery in the South. Your tour brings you back into the present with a stop at its currently operating 900 bales-per-day cotton gin. Next up: The Big Easy, where we are introduced to Creole cuisine at the New Orleans School of Cooking. (B/D) Stay: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel

Let the good times roll in New Orleans today, tracing the cosmopolitan history of one of America's oldest cities with a Local Specialist, stopping at City Park and one of the ornate above-ground cemeteries. Spend the afternoon soaking up the laid-back vibes of The Big Easy. The afternoon is yours to explore on your own. (B)

Today is yours to explore the French, Spanish and Creole sights and sounds of New Orleans. Why not join an Optional Experience at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park exploring the scenic swamp and bayou. Perhaps visit Mardi Gras World for a peek into what makes the New Orleans festival so popular or take a stroll down Magazine Street for plenty of regional food and shopping.

This evening, join your Travel Director and new friends for a Farewell Dinner. (B/D)

For now, it's ‘Au Revoir' New Orleans, but not ‘Adieu'. Make your own way to New Orleans International Airport or extend your stay in New Orleans at the Sheraton New Orleans. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Explore New Orleans and Memphis on a Music city tour including Beale Street
  • Discover how to make iconic southern dishes at the New Orleans School of Cooking and early recording techniques at Sun Studios on a guided tour led by a local musician, Nashville and Natchez
  • Visit Graceland, Frogmore Plantation, Rock 'n' Soul Museum, Sun Studio, Country Music Hall of Fame, Civil Rights Museum, RCA's Studio B for a private performance of original Cash tunes with one of Johnny's family members, the Johnny Cash Museum featuring the world's largest collection of Cash memorabilia in the world, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Graceland, the home of Elvis

Be My Guest

  • Natchez: Join your host for an evening of true southern hospitality and an opportunity to explore the sights and sounds of two beautiful Natchez homes.

Dive Into Culture

  • Nashville: The famous Nashville Sound comes alive this morning as RCA's Studio B reveals the legends of Elvis Presley, Jim Reeves and Roy Orbison. 'Dive Into Culture -' and gain insights into the life and music of Johnny Cash during a private performance of original Cash tunes with one of Johnny's family members.
  • Nashville: You'll gain insights into the life and music of Johnny Cash during a private performance of original Johnny Cash songs with one of Johnny's family members. This is a unique opportunity to not only hear a family member play his music but to also have a private experience with them one on one to ask questions and connect.
  • Natchez: Discover how they preserve their Mississippi Delta cotton plantation heritage with costumed guides at the Frogmore Plantation.

Iconic Experience

  • See a live Performance at the Grand Ole Opry
  • Nashville: See a live musical performance at the Grand Ole Opry - the show that made country music famous. The Grand Ole Opry is dedicated to honouring country music's rich history and dynamic present, showcasing a mix of country legends and the current chart-toppers who have followed in their footsteps.
  • Nashville: Visit the Johnny Cash Museum which features the world's largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia in the world. Walk through the life of the 'Man in Black' through interactive exhibits, films, and displays.
  • Memphis: Memphis is the home of blues, soul, and rock n' roll music. Enjoy a Music city tour including Beale Street, a National Historic Landmark and one of the most iconic streets in U.S. filled with restaurants, live music venues and shops - right in the heart of downtown Memphis.
  • Memphis: Explore the lavish mansion and private retreat of Elvis Presley and get an intimate look into his Rock N' Roll life.
  • Memphis: Take in the historic Sun Studios on a guided tour led by a local musician. Opened in 1950 this storied studio is where Elvis got his start, along with many other all-time greats.
  • Memphis: Take a trip to the Memphis' Rock ‘n' Soul Museum and explore the birth of rock and soul music. The museum tells the story of musical pioneers who, for the love of music, overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to create the music that shook the entire world.
  • New Orleans: Get to know the city with a Local Expert - from the Garden District to the French Quarter, Uptown to Treme, you'll get to know and better understand what makes this vibrant city tick.
  • New Orleans: Taste the melting pot of cultures of New Orleans in this hands on cooking experience. Learn to make iconic southern dishes such as gumbo, red beans, dirty rice, etoufee and a creole bread pudding. Don't worry you'll also get to dine on these dishes and more, leaving with a full stomach and the knowledge to make these authentic dishes at home for friends and family.

Make Travel Matter®

  • Memphis: The museum is built around the former Lorraine Motel, which was the site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the most visible spokesman and leader in the American civil rights movement. The museum is devoted to the thousands of people who were a part of the entire American Civil Rights Movement. It is one of the nation's premier heritage and cultural museums.

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • All transport and transfers shown
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 3 Dinner (D)

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Trip Reviews (9) View All Most Recent 'Tastes and Sounds of the South' Reviews

4.4
AVG. RATING 4.4 / 5
9 Reviews
5 Star
44%
4 Star
56%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
A Great Experience 3 , QLD, Australia, Apr 2017
This was a great tour. Most of the experiences were exceptional. Could have done with more time in Natchez and perhaps have gone to one less museum in Memphis. Plenty of coverage of civil rights movement but woukd have been good to include something on Underground Railway. All the music related experiences were great and food experiences were excellent. ...read more As the bus was not full, it was very comfortable. Tour Director was knowledgeable and went out of his way to make things fun. Excellent group of fellow travellers. This was meant to be a relaxed tour and it was but perhaps there was a little bit too much free time particularly in Nashville.
Plenty Of Tastes And Sounds In The South 5 , QLD, Australia, Oct 2016
This trip certainly lives up to its title with lots of included meals and plenty of music. It is quite a leisurely pace but we still had early mornings and long days. We did the 12th-21 October 2016 tour. We could not fault the tour guide nor the driver who was very courteous and helped us all off the coach at each stop. The guide was very knowledgeable ...read more and had the full days itinerary/times printed each morning for us all to photograph with our phones so we knew what was happening. It was unseasonably warm for this time of year and no rainy days. Be aware that days 6 & 7 between Memphis-Natchez-New Orleans are both very, very long and boring full driving days with no scenery and very limited and basic stops in between. A few passengers suggested Trafalgar should look at flying between these cities in the future as there really is nothing to look at.

The night at the Grand Ole Opry was great/we could have done without the piano recital in Natchez after a long driving day/the local guide in New Orleans was wonderful and made the day very enjoyable with his humour. We did 2 optional excursions - a night on a paddle steamer with dinner included $90pp. (the boat ride was nice but the food was very ordinary and not worth the money in my opinion), and a swamp tour in New Orleans about $24pp also not worth the money as it was very tame compared to Australian crocodile tours - we could not hear the commentary over the motor and only saw a couple of baby alligators. I would suggest you book your own swamp ride on one of the air boats which looked like great fun. This really is a tour for anyone who has a big love for all things music or it can be a little too much if you are not. Accommodations were all a high standard. I was very happy with Global Journeys help with booking this trip.
10 day Tastes & Sounds of the South (Trafalgar) 2 , NSW, Australia, Sep 2016
The accommodation was excellent except in New Orleans - hotel was just OK - although location was excellent. Too many "free" days, nothing to do in Nashville or Memphis on these days. Maybe tour options could be added here. Tour guide was great - tour on the whole was very enjoyable. Large number in group, some didn't bother to interact, nice to have ...read more people from other countries in group. Global Journeys was excellent, Hannah was always there to answer any questions - great service.
Tastes and sounds of the South 1 , VIC, Australia, Sep 2016
I really enjoyed the relaxed tour to the USA. I had a trouble free booking experience with Global Journeys handling everything in a expertly fashion. Any queries were quickly dealt with so I was able to relax and enjoy my holiday. The coach travel was very comfortable with on coach wifi a bonus. Our tour director Gary was friendly, very knowledgeable ...read more and on hand for any queries. My only problem for the trip was my accommodation. Although the rooms were very nice my view was always to the back of the hotel with views of the car park. I expressed my disappointment on this and my view was quite different at our last hotel. I'm not sure just how the hotels relegate rooms, but this was the only drawback and was rectified once I mentioned this to our travel director. All up a great relaxed tour.
Our first guided tour and we do not regret it 2 , QLD, Australia, Oct 2015
This tour was very well conducted and went along without a hitch. The tour guide made sure everyone was comfortable and fully informed about upcoming events or activities. This was our first guided tour and we do not regret it.
Really enjoyed it and would like to go on another 0 , WA, Australia, May 2015
This was our first coach tour and we really enjoyed it. We chose an At Leisure tour pace as we wanted to have time to experience the places we visited and to have time to enjoy the included and optional activities. We were very glad that we chose this tour as we were able to relax and let the tour guide organise all the details which we usually do ourselves ...read more when travelling. Our tour guide, Gary, was a local and very knowledgeable about the area, but didn't overwhelm us with detail. Really though the highlight was the group of people we met and made friends with. We would like to go on another tour with Trafalgar.
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Trafalgar. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Trafalgar. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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