America's Music Cities

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8 Days ● 10 Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners 

HIGHLIGHTS… French Quarter, Choices on Tour,  Swamp Tour, Mardi Gras World, Jazz Revue, Graceland,  West Delta Heritage Centre, Ryman Auditorium, Grand  Ole Opry Show, Country Music Hall of Fame, Historic  RCA Studio B, Hands-on Chocolate-making Lesson 

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

 Days 1 – 3 Sheraton New Orleans, New Orleans,Louisiana

 Days 4, 5 The Guest House at Graceland, Memphis,Tennessee

 Days 6, 7 Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville,Tennessee 

On some dates alternate hotels may be used. 

Day 1:  New Orleans,  Louisiana - Tour Begins 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, flavours, and sounds of  New Orleans on your own before meeting your group in  the morning. 

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. Tonight, get  to know your travel companions at a festive New Orleans style welcome dinner. (B, D)

 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. (B)

 Day 4:  New Orleans - 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. (B,  D) 

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! (B) 

Day 6:  Memphis - Nashville Roll along Music Highway to Nashville – the “Music  Capital of the World.” Along the way, stop in  Brownsville at the West Delta Heritage Centre 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.***  (B) 

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. (B, D) 

Day 8:  Nashville - Tour  Ends Your rockin’ musical journey comes to a close today. (B)