Day 1 UK to Chicago
We'll fly to Chicago today. Get to know your travelling companions this evening over a welcome drink.
Day 2 Chicago
Chicago is a city with a fascinating history, and our half-day tour will introduce us to its sights. Highlights include Millenium Park with its wide open spaces and contemporary sculptures. We'll end our morning at Navy Pier, with its great selection of casual eateries, shops and entertainment.
You'll have time this afternoon to experience more of Chicago in the company of your fellow travellers before an included dinner of traditional American deep-dish pizza in one of the city's popular restaurants. Of course, Chicago is famous for its live music and after dinner we include a visit to the famous Buddy Guy's Blues Legends Club to experience it first hand.
Day 3 Chicago
360 Chicago offers some of the finest views of the city from the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center. Later, why not join an optional cruise on the Chicago River to appreciate the architecture of this great city.
Day 4 Springfield - St Louis
The state capital of Illinois, Springfield, is where Abraham Lincoln lived with his family. We visit the museum dedicated to the President and his former home where guides will tell you more about him and answer any questions you may have.
Day 5 St Louis - Nashville
St Louis is home to America's busiest inland port thanks to the Mississippi River flowing through its heart. The 630ft steel Gateway Arch that towers over the landscape was built to commemorate the expansion into the west. We'll view the Arch before heading to Nashville.
There's one more exciting experience to come if you choose to join our optional excursion – an evening of live music at the Grand Ole Opry. This is one of the most important venues for live country music in the world.
Day 6 Nashville
We've a fabulous music-themed day in store today. It begins as we step inside the hallowed halls of Studio B, which became famous in the 1960s for its part in the Nashville Sound. Here, more than 35,000 songs have been recorded by artists including Elvis Presley, and you'll step inside the studio where he recorded 'Are You Lonesome Tonight'. As the lights are dimmed, just as they would have been for the King of Rock 'n' Roll, and you hear his incredible voice flowing from the speakers, you will be sharing a truly special moment. To round off the day we'll visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, an incredible museum dedicated to this genre of music.
If you want to experience a night out in Nashville, the city that 'calls music home', why not join our optional excursion which gives you the chance to enjoy dinner and an evening of live entertainment Nashville style!
Day 7 Nashville - Memphis
We're bound for Memphis today, a city that's known for many things - the sweet southern accent, blues music and, of course, Graceland, Elvis' former home and now a museum. You'll have a guided tour of the city on arrival.
This evening why not head to Beale Street, which is famous for its many excellent music venues. Your Tour Manager will be able to point you in the direction of some of the best blues clubs.
Day 8 Memphis
Today we visit Sun Studios where Elvis and many other famous artists recorded some of their best-known songs. We are also going to visit Graceland – the former home of Elvis Presley and a pilgrimage site for music lovers the world over. It is is certain to be a real highlight of your holiday and you will have time to soak up its infectious atmosphere and learn more about Elvis' life during a tour.
Day 9 Memphis - at leisure
Enjoy a day to explore Memphis at your leisure. You could perhaps explore the city's fascinating museums or enjoy a walk at Mud Island River Park.
Day 10 Memphis - New Orleans
New Orleans, our destination today, thrives on the music that hails from its streets.
Why not join your fellow travellers on an optional excursion aboard an authentic paddle steamer this evening. We'll cruise along the Mississippi and enjoy dinner as a live jazz band entertains us.
Day 11 New Orleans
Your day begins with a buffet brunch accompanied by live jazz music, which is served in a pretty outdoor courtyard in the French Quarter. We'll then experience more of New Orleans on an included sightseeing tour. Afterwards, you are free to do as you please. Perhaps visit the famous French Quarter, where flowers tumble from wrought iron balconies and the sound of jazz music wafts from the doors of the cafés and bars.
Alternatively, you could choose to explore Louisiana's swamps and visit a plantation on an optional excursion.
Days 12 & 13 New Orleans to UK
We'll enjoy a morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for our flight back to the UK, arriving on day 13.
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