Americas Musical Cities Tour

Enjoy a finger-snapping, toe-tapping time on this tour of America’s most famed musical cities.

Day 1:   Step back in time on a cultural getaway that open in the “Jazz Capital of the World”.

Day 2:   Choose French Quarter Walking Tour OR Motorcoach tour of New Orleans.  It’s your choice!  Begin your tour to the famous French Quarter where you’ll see the majestic St. Louis Cathedral.  Continue to the French Marketplace to explore Pirates Alley and view the Cabildo, The Presbytere and the Pontailba.  OR go on a panoramic motorcoach tour of New Orleans, with a guide, that begins along the historic Esplanade Avenue and rolls on to see St. Louis Cemetery #3 which opened in 1854.  As you continue along the shoreline of Lake Pontchartrain, the romantic road leads to St. Charles Avenue.  Time to stop and taste a true New Orleans favorite – beignets at the famed Café Du Monde.    Tonight, enjoy a festive New Orleans dinner with your fellow travelers.

Day 3:   Journey through Louisiana’s swamp on a cruise narrated by the captain.  Learn about the history and ecology of this fascinating ecosystem.  Then, celebrate the festive side of New Orleans at Mardi Gras World, working warehouse where artisans create spectacular floats for the famous parades.  You’ll get to indulge in a tasting of king cake.  Dinner on your own.  Meet up with the Tour Manager and fellow travelers and travel to Maison Bourbon, a live jazz club in the French Quarter.

Day 4:   On to Memphis, the birthplace of the Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Soul.  Your hotel is just steps away from the iconic Graceland.

Day 5:   This morning head out for a tour of the city of Memphis.  Joining you on the bus will be local musicians to tell  stories of Memphis’ musical heritage and rich history.  Next, we visit and tour Graceland’s a 14acre estate.  The remainder of your day is free to enjoy the city’s vast musical offerings or spend more time at Graceland.  You might wish to join the optional  Memphis Musical History Tour with dinner.   Maybe you just want to spend the evening exploring Beale Street’s vibrant musical clubs.

Day 6:   Roll along Music Highway to the “Music Capital of the World”, Nashville.  We’ll stop at the West Delta Heritage Center to discover the roots of the country blues sound.   This evening take your reserved seat at the renowned Grand Ole Opry.

Day 7:   The day begins with a tour of the historic Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry.  Then, explore the Country Music Hall of Fame.   Tour the RCA Studio B. This is the studio where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Charlie Pride once recorded their chart-topping hits.  Finally, discover the flavor of the region at a family-owned distillery as you tour the facility & taste its Tennessee Whiskey.

Day 8:   Tour Ends