Cox & Kings Journey through the American Deep South

• Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic streets of Charleston
• Tour the Graceland Mansion, former home of Elvis Presley
• Discover the rich history at a Cherokee reservation in the Smoky Mountains
• Experience live jazz during a farewell dinner cruise on the Mississippi River
• Small group size – maximum 20 people

Day 1: Fly to Atlanta

Fly directly from London (regional connections available) to Atlanta with British Airways. On arrival, transfer to JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead for a 1-night stay. (N)

Day 2: Atlanta & Savannah

This morning, tour Atlanta city, with visits to the National Historical Park and Krog Street Market. The highlight of your tour is a stop at Martin Luther King Jr’s former home and burial place. This afternoon, travel to the charming seaport of Savannah, known for its architecture and restored historic district. Stay overnight at DoubleTree Savannah Historic District (or similar). (B)

Day 3: Savannah & Charleston

Begin the day with a walking tour around the historic district of Savannah to explore its old-world appeal and visit a historic home. Continue to Charleston, one of the oldest cities in the US and renowned for its southern charm. The city boomed through the slave and cotton trade up to 1861, when nearby Fort Sumter’s bombardment triggered the American Civil War. Take a tour of Charleston, including a horse-drawn carriage ride, learning about its intriguing history. Overnight at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charleston Riverview (or similar). (B)

Day 4: Asheville

Visit the Boone Hall Plantation, where the stately ‘Avenue of Oaks’ leads to the Colonial Revival plantation house which contains a number of historical slave cabins. This afternoon, head inland to North Carolina towards Asheville, gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Overnight at Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Area (or similar). (B)

Day 5: Chattanooga & the Smoky Mountains

Travel to Biltmore Estate for wine tasting. Later, drive west to Chattanooga and journey through the Smoky Mountains area with a stop at a Cherokee Nation reservation where there will be free time to explore the visitor center and have lunch (at own expense). Stay tonight at Kinley Hotel. (B)

Day 6: Lynchburg & Nashville

Make a brief stop at the Trail of Tears memorial site. Then head northwest to Lynchburg for an introduction to the art of distilling Tennessean whiskey at the world-famous Jack Daniel’s distillery. Continue north to Nashville, the capital of Tennessee and the heartland of country music – a position which has earnt it the epithet of ‘America’s Music City’. An orientation tour is given upon arrival. Visit Studio B and the Country Music Hall of Fame. This evening, there is an optional visit to either the Grand Ole Opry or Ryman Auditorium for a country music concert (at own expense). Overnight at Gaylord Opryland Resort. (B)

Day 7: Memphis

Depart this morning to Memphis, known for the Mississippi Delta blues and the cotton trade. Take a tour of the city, including visits to the iconic Beale Street – whose clubs and restaurants provide a melting pot of music genres – and the Civil Rights Museum, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Later, visit Graceland, the opulent mansion of the ‘King of Rock and Roll’, Elvis Presley. Overnight at The Guest House at Graceland located close to the mansion. (B)

Day 8: Natchez

Travel south into the Mississippi Delta and stop at the birthplace of blues music, Clarksdale. It is here at the crossroads of highways 61 and 49 that Robert Johnson supposedly sold his soul to the devil for his amazing guitar talent. Visit the Clarksdale Delta Blues Museum, then follow Route 61 – the ‘Blues Highway’ – and finish at Natchez, a bustling port during the heyday of the cotton trade. Overnight at Natchez Grand Hotel. (B)

Day 9: New Orleans

Today, visit Oak Alley Plantation and Laura Plantation, which provide a powerful testimony of the Antebellum South’s past. At Oak Valley Plantation, there are exhibits shining a light on slavery, the Civil War and the significance of sugarcane cultivation. Laura Plantation differs in that it was run by several generations of women, making it very unique. Arrive in New Orleans late this afternoon and stay at TheTroubadour Hotel New Orleans for 2 nights. This property is centrally located and near to the French Quarter. (B)

Day 10: New Orleans

Take a tour of ‘The Big Easy’, exploring the city’s highlights including its oldest neighbourhood, the French Quarter, founded by the French in 1718 but also reflective of the art and architecture of the Spanish era. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner on a jazz cruise on a steamboat. (B, D)

Day 11: Fly to London

Transfer to the airport and fly overnight to London, arriving the following day. (B)

Day 12: Arrive in London

(N)

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.