Tour of America's Musical Cities: New Orleans, Memphis & Nashville
Explore America’s most famed musical cities – New Orleans, Memphis, and Nashville. Experience New Orleans, where jazz, food and fun are always on the menu. Choose how you explore New Orleans – by foot or by coach. Discover Mardi Gras World, where massive parade floats are crafted. Taste the classic beignets at Café Du Monde.
Spend 2 nights in Memphis, "birthplace of the blues." Choose how you connect with Memphis’ history – with a tour of Elvis Presley’s Graceland or by following the last march of MLK.
Enjoy reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. See where country legends recorded hit tunes at RCA Studio B. Create your own Goo Goo Cluster Candy at a chocolate-making lesson. You’ll be hummin’ and strummin’ long after you’ve returned home.
Your tour includes:
- 7 nights accommodation
- 10 Meals - 7 Breakfasts & 3 Dinners
- An expert Tour Manager
- Inclusions/Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Optional Experiences and free time
Tour Highlights
- In New Orleans, enjoy a walking tour of the French Quarter OR set out on a panoramic motor coach tour through the city with a local guide
- In Memphis, visit Graceland and tour Elvis' 14-acre estate, home, private jets, and Meditation Garden OR embark on a Civil Rights tour and follow the route of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s last march by coach
- 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
- Enjoy Creole delights at a favourite French Quarter restaurant in New Orleans
- Stop to taste a true New Orleans favourite beignets at Cafe Du Monde
- Create your own Goo Goo Cluster Candy at a chocolate-making lesson
- Indulge in a king cake tasting at Mardi Gras World
- Embark on a one of a kind tour of Memphis where local musicians share the story of the city's musical heritage and history
- Enjoy reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry, the "home of American music."
- Tour the historic RCA Studio B for an up close look at Nashville's oldest remaining recording studio
Please note the following itinerary is subject to change without notice.
Day 1: New Orleans, Louisiana
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.
- Stay: Sheraton New Orleans
Day 2: French Quarter
It’s your choice! Embark on a walking tour of New Orleans’ famous French Quarter, viewing St. Louis Cathedral, the bustling French Marketplace, Pirates Alley and more -OR- set out on a panoramic motor coach tour of New Orleans with a local guide, seeing the famous St. Louis Cemetery #3 and stunning mansions. Later, taste a true New Orleans favourite – beignets at the famed Café Du Monde. Tonight, get to know your travel companions at a festive New Orleans-style welcome dinner.
- Stay: Sheraton New Orleans
- Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3: New Orleans
Journey through Louisiana’s swamp on a cruise* narrated by the captain himself. Learn about the ecosystem’s history and ecology while keeping an eye out for wildlife including bald eagles, herons, turtles and alligators. Then, celebrate New Orleans’ festive side at Mardi Gras World, the working warehouse where artisans create the floats for the famous parades, and get a tasting of king cake. Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own before meeting your fellow travel companions at Maison Bourbon, a live jazz club in the French Quarter.
- Stay: Sheraton New Orleans
- Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Memphis, Tennessee
Travel north to Memphis, the birthplace of the Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Soul. Enjoy Southern hospitality at your hotel just steps away from the iconic Graceland.
- Stay: The Guest House At Graceland
- Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5: Memphis
This morning, it’s your choice! Jive along to “Jailhouse Rock” as you visit Graceland, the stately mansion of the “King” himself, and tour Elvis’ 14-acre estate, home, private jets and Meditation Garden -OR- embark on a Civil Rights tour and follow the route of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last march by coach, stopping at Mason Temple where he gave his famous “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech the night before he was assassinated. Enjoy free time to grab lunch on your own before hopping back on the coach with some local musicians, who explain why Memphis embraces its title as the “Home of the Blues.” The remainder of the day is yours. You may opt to join a Memphis Musical History Tour with included dinner, or simply absorb the city’s vibrancy at your own pace!
- Stay: The Guest House At Graceland
- Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Nashville
Roll along Music Highway to Nashville – the “Music Capital of the World.” Along the way, stop in Brownsville at the West Delta Heritage Center to discover the roots of the country blues sound and the hometown of Tina Turner – the Queen of Rock. 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. This evening, take your reserved seat at the renowned Grand Ole Opry.***
- Stay: Gaylord Opryland Resort
- Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Nashville
Explore 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. 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, test your culinary skills at a hands-on chocolate-making lesson at the iconic Goo Goo Candy Shop. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner.
- Stay: Gaylord Opryland Resort
- Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8: Nashville
Your rockin’ musical journey comes to a close today after Breakfast.
Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.
Pricing land only is based on travelling 1 October 2023.
- from $4,499 per person twin share
- from $5,749 single traveller
Multiple departure dates are available in 2023 & 2024
Our experienced Travel Advisors can also happily help with flights, pre/post-tour accommodation and travel insurance. Call 1300 414 198 to learn more and request a quote.
7 nights accommodation included on this tour
- Sheraton Hotel, New Orleans (3 nights)
- The Guest House at Graceland, Memphis (2 nights)
- Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville (2 nights)
*The swamp tour is subject to change due to severe inclement weather. These changes may include items being missed during the trip; however, every effort will be made to substitute for another attraction if possible. **On some dates, the Old Ryman Auditorium may be closed for special events. ***The Grand Ole Opry may move to the Ryman Auditorium during the months of November and December and throughout the year during special events.
Tour Fitness Level Recommendation - Level 2: This means you like a balanced approach to travel. You feel confident walking at least 30-45 minutes at a time over a variety of terrains – from cobblestone streets to easy pathways; a couple of hills or a few flights of stairs. You’re comfortable walking a few city blocks at a time, but need some time to unwind and relax.
Masks - Guests are required to bring their own personal protective equipment they are comfortable with using, as wearing a mask may be required during some parts of your tour experience.
Motor Coach - All surfaces will be sanitised often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitiser will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear.
Will I need a passport? Passports are needed when travelling outside of your home country. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip.
Will I need a visa? You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks prior to your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your Travel Agent and the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
An ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) visa is required for all Australian passport holders travelling to or via the USA, at your own expense. This visa may apply due to your airline scheduling. Most other passport holders will also require an ESTA visa to travel to or via the US, to check please go to https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ or contact CIBT at www.cibtvisas.com.au/collette, alternatively check with your consulate for more information.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply
Ask about the tour operators cancel for any reason waiver. Cancellation Waiver financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date.
As of April 2021 all guests Travelling with Collette, regardless of destination or point of origin, must provide proof of one of the following to verify information you will be providing to Collette when filling out our Wellness Declaration upon arrival on tour:
- Proof of Negative Covid-19 Test would include a verifiable negative FDA- approved diagnostic COVID test (electronic or paper) showing date and time of test, taken within 72 hours of the start date of your tour.
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19 would include both a copy of a positive test result dated within 3 months prior to the end of your tour and also written documentation from your health care provider that you have been cleared to end quarantine. This written documentation must include your name and the date your positive test was performed.
- Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is your official vaccination certificate (electronic or paper) and must identify your name and date of vaccination with final dose given at least 14-days before the start date of your tour.
You can rest assured that Collette has been operating tours in select regions where local government regulations permit travel and where proper health measures are in place to mitigate risk, protect our guests’ well-being, and ensure an enjoyable experience. We will notify you of necessary requirements for your destination prior to departure.
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