USA: Boot, Scoot 'N' Blues

Feel the famed Southern hospitality as we meet up with the rest of our Contiki family in the ‘bigger is better' scene of Dallas. From Fort Worth we'll head to the decidedly more laid-back vibes of Austin. You can't say we don't treat you. Diving straight into the local way of life, this evening you'll get to know your new travel crew over an authentic & mouthwatering Texan BBQ. (D) Stay: Springhill Suites Austin South (or similar)

Today is yours to get the low-down on Texan life. You have the option to take to two wheels to see the sights on a city bicycle tour, pick yourself out some new cowboy boots or kick-back poolside to preserve your energy for a night on the town – Austin has a world famous music scene for a good reason. (B)

Having conquered Austin, we'll venture onto San Antonio... Welcome to a charming melting pot of Spanish, Mexican & American infusions. After eating our way around the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico and enjoying a walking tour to get our bearings, a serene river walk will offer us shops, restaurants & music to soak up and enjoy. (B) Stay: Holiday Inn Express & Suites San Antonio Rivercenter (or similar)

Leaving San An feeling like a local, it's time to make our way to Texas' largest city. With huge belt buckles & portion sizes to match, Houston city certainly lives up to its larger than life reputation. (B) Stay: Holiday Inn Houston Downtown (or similar)

Bellies full of BBQ, we'll head to the romantic metropolis of New Orleans The love-child of French & Caribbean culture, New Orleans will steal our hearts as soon as we arrive. (B) Stay: La Quinta Inn and Suites New Orleans Downtown (or similar)

We'll kick off the festivities today with a swoon-worthy walking tour of the French quarter, jamming in Jackson Square before sampling beignets & marveling at elegant, pre-war mansions, all to the sweet sounds of Southern jazz, of course. Then it's time to head for the New Orleans school of cooking to trade tales with your new friends over some traditional gumbo. (B/D)

Now that you know New Orleans like one of the locals, it's your day to do your own thing. Stroll down Frenchmen street for the sounds of jazz and funk, head to the vast grassy oasis of the city park or check out the New Orleans museum of art for an extensive collection of gorgeous French masterpieces. (B)

Bidding farewell to New Orleans, we're off to another musical mecca... Welcome to Memphis. It's time to pay homage to 'The King' today, as we're going to Graceland, the iconic home of Elvis. Then it's time to pay appreciation to another King, Martin Luther King JR, as we visit the Civil Rights museum, learning all about this vital force in the civil rights movement, before heading to sun studios, the place where Elvis recorded his very first song. What a day; and we're not even done with Memphis yet. (B) Stay: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown (or similar)

Now we're nice and intimate with Memphis, it's your own day to explore. Take a taste of traditional food in downtown, visit the museum of soul music, check out the famous zoo and aquarium or take a tour of the Wiseacre brewery. No matter what you choose to do today, you'll fall in love with this melodic city. (B/D)

See ya, Memphis, Nashville is calling! Pull those boots out. Home to some of the musical greats, this city also played a crucial role in the civil rights movement. Tonight we'll have dinner at the famous woolworths where the first sit-in took place to desegregate lunch counters. (B) Stay: Quality Inn Nashville Downtown Stadium (or similar)

Today it's time for more nourishing Nashville. Truly a musical paradise, a tour around the Country Music Hall of Fame will give us the low down on this city's musical past. Then, with the smell of Southern delicacies in the air, the city is ours to explore. (B)

Today is yours to explore Nashville but if you're into your music or just want to experience this place's local heritage, we recommend checking out the Johnny Cash museum, to learn all about one of the best selling artists of all time. (B/D)

Thanks for the hospitality Nashville! Tissues on deck & souvenirs in tow, it's time to say our goodbyes. This has been the journey of a lifetime, so make sure to keep in contact for a reunion trip soon… (B)