Overview
Itinerary
Step back in time on a cultural getaway that opens in the “Jazz Capital of the World,” New Orleans! This soulful city abounds with rich history, mouthwatering Cajun and Creole cuisine, and of course, an incomparable soundtrack. Take in the sights, flavors, and sounds of New Orleans on your own today before meeting your group in the morning. Stay: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel (2 Nights)
Explore the many sides of New Orleans and how jazz began and thrives here. Join a local guide for a panoramic city tour, seeing the famous St. Louis Cemetery #3 and Esplanade. Then, it's on to a walking tour of the French Quarter viewing St. Louis Cathedral, Pirates Alley and more.
Tonight, get to know your travel companions at a New Orleans-style dinner before continuing on to Maison Bourbon, a live jazz club in the French Quarter. (B/D)
Leave New Orleans on a high note and head to the next music landmark. Explore the history of one of the world's most prestigious awards in music at GRAMMY Museum Mississippi.
Later, arrive in the charming college town of Oxford for a laid-back evening. (B) Stay: Courtyard by Marriott
Travel north to Memphis, the birthplace of the Blues, Rock ‘n' Roll, and Soul. Enjoy Southern hospitality at your hotel before jiving along to “Jailhouse Rock” as you visit Graceland, the stately mansion of the “King” himself, and tour Elvis's 14-acre estate, including his home, private jets, and Meditation Garden. (B/D) Stay: The Guest House at Graceland
This morning, embark on a civil rights history tour via coach and follow the route of Martin Luther King Jr.'s last march, stopping at Mason Temple where he gave his famous “I've Been to the Mountaintop” speech the night before he was assassinated. Take time to explore the National Civil Rights Museum and grab lunch on your own. Then, journey along Music Highway to the “Music Capital of the World” – Nashville – and the glorious Gaylord Opryland Resort. This impressive property is a year-round wonderland but during the holidays it truly sparkles even brighter! (B/D) Stay: Gaylord Opryland Resort (3 Nights)
Your day begins with a tour of the historic Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry. Test your culinary skills at a hands-on chocolate-making lesson at the iconic Goo Goo Candy Shop.
This evening, take your reserved seat at the renowned Grand Ole Opry. (B)
Tour RCA Studio B and gain an insider's look at Nashville's oldest remaining recording studio, where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Charley Pride once recorded some of their classic hits – you may even have the opportunity to record your own! Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, the largest museum of popular music in the world. The museum's vast collections of memorabilia, costumes, recordings and instruments are artfully presented in cutting-edge exhibits relaying the colorful histories of country music and its artists.
This evening, gather for a spectacular dinner and holiday show at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. Then, it's your choice! Embark on a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride -OR- take in your resort's amazing lights and décor on a relaxing river cruise. (B/D)
Your rockin' holiday journey comes to a close today. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Enjoy reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry, the “home of American music.”
- Experience the Gaylord Opryland Resort's magical holiday displays with over 2 million lights and unique Music City-inspired décor.
- Discover historic Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry.
- Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, the largest museum of popular music in the world.
- Visit Graceland, the opulent home of Elvis Presley.
- Enjoy Creole delights at a favorite French Quarter restaurant in New Orleans.
- Create your own Goo Goo Cluster Candy at a chocolate-making lesson.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Nashville, TN. Cost: $199.
- Amplify your experience at the Opry with this option for upgraded seating and a 1-hour backstage tour. You’ll enjoy a great view of the stars gracing the Opry’s stage with upgraded Tier 1 seats. After the show, it’s time to pull back the curtain and get an up-close look around the house where country music stars and legends make history each week. Get behind-the-scenes access and insider stories as you see the Opry’s themed dressing rooms, artist entrance, broadcast studio, and more. Duration approximately 1 hour(s). Transportation is not included A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option must be purchased by 30 days prior and is not available while on tour. A maximum of 10 travelers can purchase this optional tour and is available on a first come, first served basis. This venue is within walking distance to the hotel. Shuttle availability is not guaranteed at the conclusion of the post-show backstage tour. Therefore, it may be necessary to return to your hotel walking (accompanied by your Tour Manager). Post-show tour begins at approximately 9:30 p.m. and will finish at approximately 10:30 p.m. so you can expect to return to your hotel just before 11:00 p.m.
- Location: New Orleans, LA. Cost: $150.
- This afternoon, enjoy a jazz brunch at one of New Orleans’ most famous restaurants, The Court of Two Sisters. Relax and enjoy the live jazz music as you soak in the centuries-old atmosphere and the largest courtyard in the French Quarter. Indulge in the expansive brunch buffet, with over 60 items available, including made to order omelets and Eggs Benedict. After lunch, embark on a leisurely cruise aboard the traditional Steamboat Natchez, iconic in New Orleans. The ambience will transport you back in time to the 19th century when steamboats were the mode of transportation of choice to travel along the Mississippi. Sit back and take in your surroundings during your narrated harbor tour, listening to stories of days gone by along the way. As your paddlewheel boat makes its way back, it is time for a lively jazz band to take the stage for some toe-tapping fun! Duration approximately 4.5 hour(s). Transportation is not included A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
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.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. 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.
