America's Music Cities

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. There are no included features today, so take in the sights, flavours, and sounds of New Orleans on your own today before meeting your group in the morning.

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.

Leave New Orleans on a high note and head to the charming college town of Oxford.

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.

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 how the era continues to shape equality and freedom to this day during a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum. Next, savour a lunch of down-home barbecue done Memphis-style: dry-rubbed and slow-smoked with sauce on the side! Get a taste of the Southern barbecue tradition and its deeply rooted spirit of community. Later, get acquainted with the musical history of Memphis with a visit to Sun Studio, perhaps the most famous recording studio in the world before continuing on to the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, highlighting the musical journey of this popular city.

Roll along Music Highway to Nashville – the “Music Capital of the World.” Arrive in Nashville and tour the historic Ryman Auditorium,* the original home of the Grand Ole Opry. What began as a building where a local radio broadcast show aired once a week in 1925 has grown to become an entertainment complex that attracts music fans from all over the world. After some free time for lunch, <b>it’s your choice!</b> Join a hands-on chocolate-making lesson at the iconic Goo Goo Candy Shop <b>-OR-</b> visit the Johnny Cash Museum where you’ll be immersed in the life and legacy of Johnny Cash, a "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" honoree. This evening, take your reserved seat at the renowned Grand Ole Opry.**

This morning, 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 classic hits. You may even have the opportunity to record your own hit! Then, visit historic Belle Meade, the first and oldest winery in Nashville, for a tour of the Greek Revival mansion and wine tasting followed by a farewell lunch on this fascinating property. Round out your musical journey at the Country Music Hall of Fame, the world’s largest museum of popular music, and check out the vast collections of memorabilia, costumes, recordings, and instruments.