America's Musical Heritage with Extended Stay in New Orleans
America's Musical Heritage with Extended Stay in New Orleans
America's Musical Heritage with Extended Stay in New Orleans
12 Days Starting in Nashville, Tennessee and ending in New Orleans, Louisiana
Visiting: Nashville, Tennessee, Nashville, Memphis, Mississippi, Natchez, Lafayette, New Orleans
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ASE-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through America's rich musical heritage with an extended stay in New Orleans. Begin in Nashville, the heart of country music, with visits to iconic sites like RCA Studio B and the Grand Ole Opry. Explore Memphis, home to Sun Studio and Elvis Presley's Graceland, and delve into the roots of the blues at the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale. Experience the soulful sounds of the B.B. King Museum in Indianola and the historic charm of Natchez. In New Orleans, enjoy a guided tour of the French Quarter, a Mississippi River lunch cruise, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. With comfortable accommodations and exclusive experiences, this tour offers a harmonious blend of music, history, and Southern hospitality.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Nashville,Tennessee
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Gaylord Opryland Resort
At 6 pm, meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2: Nashville
Location: Nashville
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Gaylord Opryland Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
NASHVILLE Studios, Stages & Stars Start your day with a visit to [LF] RCA Studio B, Nashville’s oldest recording studio. Then, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Nashville with a Local Guide, including Centennial Park’s full-size replica of Athens’ Parthenon. See the legendary recording and performing venues of Music Row and Honky Tonk Row—where music history was made and famous artists got their breaks. We then visit the Country Music Hall of Fame to see its collection of costumes, memorabilia, instruments, and photographs. Tonight, you have reserved seats for an unforgettable show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, the mecca for country musicians. (B)LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURAL GEM The legendary RCA Studio B is a hallowed hall of recording history where legends like Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, and the Everly Brothers laid down classic tracks in Nashville’s oldest recording studio. Between 1957 and 1977, more than 35,000 songs were recorded here, making their mark on the musical landscape of America. Make your own recording for a priceless memory of your time in Nashville.
Day 3: Nashville,Memphis
Location: Memphis
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Guest House at Graceland
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
NASHVILLE–MEMPHIS Singing the Blues This morning, depart for Memphis, “Home of the Blues,” and visit Sun Studio, one of the most famous recording studios in the world and where rock ‘n’ roll was first recorded. Then, visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, a celebration of the great Memphis soul music. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT MUSICAL LEGENDS Ever since the Father of the Blues, W.C. Handy, coined the phrase, ‘Memphis Blues,’ this Tennessee mecca for American musicians has produced soulful sounds of syncopated rhythms with a blend of early jazz, vaudeville, ragtime, and folk styles with deep roots in the Deep South of the early 1900s. Memphis is also a mecca for rock-and-roll and country music icons throughout history, including artists who’ve recorded at the legendary Sun Studio – by the names of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Roy Orbison – to name a few. Go deeper into music history with a visit to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music to discover the legacies of iconic artists from Otis Redding to Aretha Franklin.
Day 4: Memphis. Excursion To Graceland
Location: Memphis
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Guest House at Graceland
Meals Included: Breakfast
MEMPHIS. EXCURSION TO GRACELAND Goin’ to Graceland! See all the landmarks of Memphis today. A Local Guide will play and sing selections from the city’s rich musical heritage, along with generous amounts of comedy and interaction. We then travel to Elvis Presley’s Graceland for a tour of the King of Rock-n-Roll's estate. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDARY LIVES Tour the mansion at Graceland with access to Elvis’ original business office, his enormous collection of gold records and awards, and the Meditation Garden, where Elvis and members of his family have been laid to rest. See Elvis’ collection of ornate jumpsuits and capes, the automobile museum, and his collection of airplanes.
Day 5: Memphis,Clarksdale,Mississippi,Greenwood
Location: Mississippi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Alluvian Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
MEMPHIS–CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI–GREENWOOD Mississippi History Today, follow the mighty Mississippi River deep into the heart of the Mississippi Delta, the “Birthplace of the Blues.” From the cotton fields, street corners, and juke joints of the Mississippi Delta came a new kind of music—the blues. Visit the Delta Blues Museum, dedicated to exploring the history and heritage of this unique American musical art form and masters of the art, including Muddy Waters and Sam Cooke. Peruse historical images, artifacts, musical instruments, and the cabin where Muddy Waters lived as a sharecropper. Enjoy a photo stop at the “Crossroads,” where legendary blues guitarist Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for the best musical talent. Enjoy a [LF] special lunch with a local musician at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale. After lunch, continue to Greenwood, where many of its buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a guided tour to see the filming locations of the Oscar-winning film, The Help. (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITE TASTES & TRADITION Break bread in Clarksdale, the birthplace of the blues, with a special lunch served southern style at Ground Zero Blues Club. Co-owned by Academy Award winning actor, Morgan Freeman, this hopping juke-joint and restaurant is named for the historic town where blues first wailed and local musicians keep the blues cooking along with authentic southern-style dishes amid its eclectic down-home décor. TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Enjoy a special overnight stay at the historic Alluvian Hotel. Originally opened in 1917, the renovated hotel is a luxurious respite on the Mississippi Blues Trail in the heart of the Delta.. Warm hospitality and charm in the heart of soulful South!
Day 6: Greenwood,Indianola,Natchez
Location: Natchez
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
GREENWOOD–INDIANOLA–NATCHEZ Slide Guitars & Steel Magnolias Visit the B.B. King Museum in Indianola, hometown of the legendary musician. Continue south to beautiful Natchez. Enjoy regional specialties while dining at a local restaurant tonight. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ARTISTRY & CULTURE Explore B.B. King’s 60-plus year career, from his time as a sharecropper and his time on Memphis’ Beale Street to the achieving international acclaim as a beloved force in Blues. Browse fascinating artifacts and images in the B.B. King Museum in Indianola, and a pick up an instrument to try your hand at the Blues!
Day 7: Natchez,Ferriday,Louisiana,Frogmore,Lafayette
Location: Lafayette
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Lafayette
Meals Included: Breakfast
NATCHEZ–FERRIDAY, LOUISIANA–FROGMORE–LAFAYETTE Louisiana Legacies First stop today is the Delta Music Museum to hear intimate stories on a guided tour about Jerry Lee Lewis, Mickey Gilley, Conway Twitty, and other Louisiana Delta musicians. Then, head through Louisiana into the heart of Cajun Country for a visit to the historic Frogmore Plantation. Continue to Lafayette and partake in a unique musical experience at [LF] Cypress Cove Landing on the banks of the Atchafalaya Basin. (B)LOCAL FAVORITECULTURAL GEMS Listen to rich Creole and Cajun music and storytelling by Yvette Landry and Soko Music. Learn the dances of Mardi Gras and Fais do do on the banks of the Atchafalaya Basin while enjoying live music. Ready to join the band? Play Cajun percussion instruments like the T-Fre or try the accordion and take part in the rich Louisiana French musical traditions. TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Learn about the trials and triumphs of American history with an enlightening tour of Frogmore Plantation. An 1800-acre working cotton plantation, Frogmore has 19 restored antebellum (pre-Civil War) structures that date from the early 1800's. Hear the history of the early Natchez planters and their slaves. A local guide tells of the evolution of history from the 1790's through the Civil War and the emergence of sharecropping. See a rare Smithsonian-quality steam cotton gin contrasting the historical methods with modern day planting, harvesting, and computerized ginning of cotton. A fascinating look at Southern history in Louisiana.
Day 8: Lafayette,St. Martinville-Houmas House Plantation,New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sheraton New Orleans
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
LAFAYETTE–ST. MARTINVILLE-HOUMAS HOUSE PLANTATION–NEW ORLEANS Southern History & Tradition Enjoy a morning visit to St. Martinville to see the famous oak tree named for the heroine of Longfellow’s poem, Evangeline. Then, cruise through the swampy waterways of the Atchafalaya Basin. Larger than the Florida Everglades, the picturesque yet mysterious Atchafalaya Basin is home to moss-draped trees, a wealth of wildlife, and gators, of course. On to the Great River Road, where wealthy plantation owners built their monumental homes. Visit Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, called the “Crown Jewel of the Great River Road.” Enjoy lunch at the plantation followed by a mansion tour, which is filled with period antiques and Louisiana artwork. Enjoy free time to stroll the magnificent gardens, gift shop, or have a Mint Julep at the Turtle Bar. Continue to exciting New Orleans for a 2-night stay. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Located between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, the Houmas House Estate allows visitors to experience the history of life on a sugarcane plantation. The mansion has been restored to the antebellum era, reflecting the opulence and wealth this sugarcane farm boasted in the 1880’s. The guided tour walks through the 250-year history, highlighting the architectural evolution from manor house to grand estate. See rare artworks and artifacts that explore life on the plantation.
Day 9: New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sheraton New Orleans
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
NEW ORLEANS Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler! Let the good times roll in New Orleans with a guided sightseeing tour of the French Quarter. Stop at an above-ground cemetery and learn about the city’s unique funeral customs and drive along tree-lined St. Charles Avenue to see the stately homes bordering the historic Garden District. This afternoon is free to explore New Orleans on your own, shop for a favorite souvenir, listen to live music or relax with a fresh cup of café au lait and a beignet. Tonight, celebrate your musical journey with a festive farewell dinner at one of the famed local restaurants in New Orleans. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEM World-renowned for its Jazz, Blues, and Cajun music, New Orleans is also the place for celebration – from Mardi Gras to the brass-band funeral processions. The French Quarter is so rich in French and Spanish Creole culture that it spills out from the wrought iron verandas onto the street where Bourbon Street swells with the sounds of kitchens, bars, and blues bands filling the fragrant Southern air. Down a hurricane glass of your favorite libation in the town that’s as resilient as its strongest winds.
Day 10: New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sheraton New Orleans
Meals Included: Breakfast
NEW ORLEANS The Big Easy Continue your stay in New Orleans with a free day to explore. (B)FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE in New Orleans with a powdered plate of beignets at Café du Monde, ride a New Orleans streetcar, shop for souvenirs, or learn to cook Cajun specialties at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Sample some of the country’s finest restaurants or listen to some local jazz musicians at Preservation Hall. Your GlobusGO mobile app has all the maps and tips on where to dine, shop, and sway.
Day 11: New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sheraton New Orleans
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
NEW ORLEANS The Big Muddy Today, join a 2-hour lunch cruise along the Mississippi River, featuring great jazz and delicious food. The remainder of the day is free. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE From its headwaters of Minnesota's Lake Itasca to its delta at Louisiana’s Gulf of Mexico, the mighty Mississippi River courses through 10 states and 2,350 miles (3782 km) to release more than 4 million gallons of water in the gulf each second. The widest spot is 11 miles across, and this legendary river is a vital source of hydroelectric energy and drinking water. The Mississippi’s rich history and folklore are as deep as the Big Muddy itself - from Old Man River’s paddlewheels as the setting of America’s first musical, Showboat, to the beloved tales of Mark Twain’s mischievous Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer, the Mississippi River is a force of nature, legend, and lore.
Day 12: New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodations
Stay in comfortable and well-located hotels throughout the tour, including Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, The Guest House at Graceland in Memphis, The Alluvian Hotel in Greenwood, Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel in Natchez, DoubleTree by Hilton Lafayette, and Sheraton New Orleans.
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Meals
Enjoy breakfast daily, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners, featuring local cuisine and a special lunch with a local musician at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale.
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Exclusive Experiences
Gain access to iconic music venues and studios such as RCA Studio B, Sun Studio, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Elvis Presley's Graceland. Attend a show at the Grand Ole Opry and enjoy a 2-hour lunch cruise along the Mississippi River in New Orleans.
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Guided Tours
Benefit from guided sightseeing tours in Nashville, Memphis, the French Quarter in New Orleans, and more, including visits to significant historical sites and museums.
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Special Events
Experience special events like a Delta Blues Museum visit, dinner at Magnolia Hall Mansion in Natchez, and a farewell dinner in New Orleans.
What's Not Included
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers to ensure protection against unforeseen events.
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Some Meals
Not all meals are covered.
Some lunches and dinners will be at your own expense, providing the opportunity to explore local cuisines. -
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar, and room service are not included.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions and activities not listed in the tour itinerary are available at an additional cost.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers outside of the tour itinerary, including those for early arrivals or late departures, are not included.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Notes
The April 4 departure falls over French Quarter Fest.For more time in music country, combine this tour with Music Cities: Nashville & Memphis (tour NF).
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select North America dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable and well-located hotels throughout the tour, including Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, The Guest House at Graceland in Memphis, The Alluvian Hotel in Greenwood, Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel in Natchez, DoubleTree by Hilton Lafayette, and Sheraton New Orleans.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique musical experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to iconic music venues and studios such as RCA Studio B, Sun Studio, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Guests will also attend a show at the Grand Ole Opry and enjoy a special lunch with a local musician at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale.
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Are there any special events or activities during the tour?
Yes, the tour features special events such as a visit to the Delta Blues Museum, dinner at Magnolia Hall Mansion in Natchez, and a farewell dinner in New Orleans. Additionally, there is a 2-hour lunch cruise along the Mississippi River in New Orleans.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
Accommodations include stays at well-located hotels such as the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, The Guest House at Graceland in Memphis, The Alluvian Hotel in Greenwood, Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel in Natchez, DoubleTree by Hilton Lafayette, and Sheraton New Orleans.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour includes breakfast daily, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners. Meals feature local cuisine, including a special lunch with a local musician at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale.
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What historical sites are visited during the tour?
The tour includes visits to historical sites such as the Country Music Hall of Fame, Elvis Presley's Graceland, the B.B. King Museum, and Houmas House Plantation and Gardens.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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