Duration: 8 Days
If you are a music fan—don’t miss this Southern Sounds tour! Begin with two overnights in New Orleans, where your expert Local Guide knows the sights and sounds of the Big Easy. From New Orleans, travel to Indianola, Mississippi, the hometown of the legendary musician B.B. King, and visit the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center to learn about his life and 60-plus year career. Stay three nights in Memphis, where your expert Local Guide knows Memphis’ history, like no one else-including the inside, “backstage” stories from the folks who were there. In addition to guided sightseeing, your Memphis experience includes visits to the Stax Museum, dedicated to American Soul music; the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, tracing Memphis’ cultural and musical past; and Sun Studio, probably the world’s most famous recording studio where you’ll relive the studio’s history. You’ll also visit Graceland, Elvis’ palatial estate, and walk through the same rooms he did. You’ll even board his private jet! Also visit the Meditation Garden, where Elvis went to reflect on life and where he, and his only child Lisa Marie Presley, is laid to rest. In Nashville, where you’ll spend two nights, visit Studio B, Nashville’s oldest surviving recording studio. As one of country music’s most important recording studios, it is a must for any music fan. You’ll also visit the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, where you’ll see a show. For music lovers, this Southern Sounds tour designed for value-minded travellers is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday!
Traveller Notes
Adventure is knocking with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.
Welcome to New Orleans! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
The morning is dedicated to the sights and sounds of this Old World city on a guided sightseeing tour. First, visit the French Quarter to see St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. Next, learn about the city's unique burial customs at an above-ground cemetery, followed by a leisurely drive down historic St. Charles Avenue to enjoy its stately mansions and clanging streetcars.
Depart New Orleans this morning for Indianola, hometown of the legendary musician B.B. King. Visit the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive centre to learn about B.B (Blues Boy) King's 60-plus year career. Learn about his time as a sharecropper to his big break on Memphis' Beale Street and the international music star he became. Artifacts, images, and a guitar studio, where visitors can play instruments, bring it all to life. Afterward, journey to Memphis, where you spend the next three nights.
This morning, experience this amazing city on your guided city sightseeing tour. Your expert Local Guide knows the history of Memphis like no one else and shares the inside, "backstage" stories from the folks who were there. For music lovers, a visit to the Rock `n' Soul Museum, which traces Memphis' cultural and musical past. End the day with a visit to Sun Studio, arguably the most famous recording studio in the world, where rock 'n' roll was first recorded. Hear outtakes from sessions, stand in the very same spot that Elvis first recorded, see memorabilia, and relive the history of the studio that launched the careers of Johnny Cash, BB King, and many other music legends.
Today is dedicated to a guided audio tour of Graceland. Experience life as Elvis did by walking through the decadent and quirky rooms where he felt truly at home. Finish your tour of Graceland with a visit to the Meditation Garden, where Elvis often went to reflect on life, and where he is now laid to rest along with members of his family. You'll also be able to board "The King's" private jet! Tonight, check in to the Guest House at Graceland.
Today, we head to Nashville-"Music City USA." Nashville is the ideal destination for music fans, history buffs, and lovers of the South. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour of the city, passing by famous Music Row recording studios, the centre of the recording industry, which first developed in the 1950s. Afterward, perhaps visit the Country Music Hall of Fame with its glittering costumes, rare instruments, and Elvis Presley's "solid-gold" Cadillac. This evening, join the optional outing where you'll learn about two highlights of Nashville, music and moonshine!
Start your day with a visit to RCA Studio B, Nashville's oldest surviving recording studio and one of the country's most important. Between 1957 and 1977, more than 35,000 songs were recorded here, including 262 Elvis Presley recordings. Studio B is a "must-see" for any music fan, but especially for those who love Elvis. Tonight, see an unforgettable show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, the world's premier country music venue since 1925 and the setting for the nation's longest-running music show. (B)
Your holiday ends this morning. You may choose to extend your holiday with extra nights and explore "Music City USA" further. (B)
