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The Best of the Deep South - Mardi Gras special departure

From £3,899
Duration 12 Days
Departures from: Feb 2025 - Feb 2026
Book now
From £3,899
Duration 12 Days
Departures from: Feb 2025 - Feb 2026

Tour Overview

This tour takes you on an exhilarating journey through America's Deep South and is a must for music fans. Your adventure begins in the city that 'calls music home', Nashville, where a host of musical highlights await. Step inside Studio B, where Elvis Presley recorded famous tracks. On to Memphis, where you'll learn even more about Elvis with tours of Sun Studios and his opulent mansion, Graceland. You can also opt to visit Tupelo, where the King of Rock 'n' Roll was born, before travelling further south into Mississippi, with a visit to the BB King Museum en route. Your final destination is New Orleans, whose famous French Quarter rings to the sounds of jazz and blues and there is no better time to visit than at Mardi Gras.
  • Classic Touring
  • Special Departure

Your Holiday Includes

  • Return flights from London
  • 10 nights in hotels of a great quality plus 1 night in flight
  • 8 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 brunch, welcome drink
  • Travelsphere Holiday Director and Local Guide
  • Overseas transfers, other transportation and porterage

Included Holiday Highlights

  • City tour of Atlanta
  • Nashville, the city that 'calls music home'
  • Country Music Hall of Fame
  • Historic RCA Studio B Museum
  • Discover Memphis ‘the Home of the Blues’ on a city tour
  • Graceland and Elvis Experience tour
  • Tour of Sun Studios, 'the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll'
  • Explore the BB King Museum
  • Visit historic Natchez and tour an antebellum mansion
  • New Orleans sightseeing tour
  • Walking tour of the French Quarter
  • Live jazz brunch in New Orleans French Quarter
  • Tickets for the Mardi Gras Parade

Itinerary

Day 1 UK to Atlanta

After all the anticipation, your holiday starts today! Maybe you’ll treat yourself to a celebratory drink at the airport before your flight to Atlanta, Georgia. When you arrive, we’ll drive you to your hotel for an overnight stay and after time to freshen up, we’ll come together for our welcome drink.

Day 2 Atlanta - Nashville

Atlanta is a dynamic city with a fascinating history. Founded in 1837 as a community at the end of the Western and Atlantic railroad, it was virtually burnt to the ground during the US Civil War. Undeterred, the city rose from the ashes and became the centre of the Civil Rights movement in the 20th century. On this morning’s tour, you’ll discover its many highlights including the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr., Centennial Olympic Park and the impressive Georgia State Capitol building.

Later we'll drive to Nashville for a two night stay. On your free evening be sure to explore the city's Broadway and Honky Tonk Highway, a strip of venues where there is live music 365 days a year.

Meals included: B

Day 3 Nashville

We have a fabulous music-themed day in store for you today. It begins as you step inside the hallowed halls of Studio B, which has been dubbed the ‘birthplace of the Nashville Sound’, a popular style of country music. It was built in 1957 and over two decades, many hits were recorded here by artists including Elvis Presley. Standing in the very studio where he recorded ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight?’ with the lights dimmed and his incredible voice flowing from the speakers, is sure to be a truly special moment. You’re also going to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, an incredible museum packed full of exhibits and music-themed memorabilia.

There's one more exciting experience to come if you choose to attend an optional evening of live music at the Grand Ole Opry. Take your seats for the world-famous show where some of today’s best artists celebrate the joy of country music.

Meals included: B

Day 4 Memphis

The next great musical city you'll visit is Memphis, standing proudly on the bluffs of the Mississippi River. When we arrive this afternoon, we're going to set off together to discover some of its many highlights. They include the Riverfront, historic Cotton Row, and Beale Street, the home of the blues. On this iconic street, music emanates from every open door, and street performers entertain the crowds. You could perhaps head back here for a drink and dinner this evening.

Meals included: B

Day 5 Memphis

Memphis is synonymous with Elvis Presley, and today we're going to find out about this connection. Our first visit is to Sun Studios, where the 'King of Rock 'n' Roll' made his first recordings back in 1954.

This is followed by Graceland, where we'll take a fascinating guided tour of the opulent mansion that was his home from 1957 until his death in 1977. Here you can fully immerse yourself in his career and personal life, exploring the famous Jungle Room, living room, kitchen, TV room, pool room and other highlights. The tour ends at the Meditation Garden, where Elvis is buried alongside his parents. This is sure to be a wonderful highlight of your holiday, and you can round it off by enjoying dinner wherever you fancy in Memphis – ask your Holiday Director for recommendations if you wish.

Meals included: B

Day 6 Memphis - at lesiure

Today has been left free for you to explore more of Memphis at leisure. Maybe you'll choose to visit the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the former Lorraine Motel. Dr Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated at this very spot in April 1968 and the museum’s fascinating exhibits tell inspiring stories about the history of the American Civil Rights Movement. There are plenty of other options too, including the Stax Museum of American Soul.

Alternatively, if you enjoyed your visit to Graceland yesterday, today's optional excursion is sure to be tempting. Why not come with us to Tupelo, to see the house where Elvis was born. You'll also get to visit a fantastic museum displaying one of the most remarkable collections of Elvis memorabilia in the world.

Meals included: B

Day 7 Vicksburg

We’re going to take to the road today, leaving Memphis behind and crossing the border into Mississippi. We’ll travel through the Mississippi Delta, said to be the birthplace of the Delta Blues – a style of Blues music that developed in the early 20th century. Making a stop in the small town of Indianola, we’ll visit the BB King Museum to learn about the life and music of the legendary ‘King of the Blues’.

After time for lunch, our journey will continue to Vicksburg.

Meals included: B

Day 8 Natchez - New Orleans

As we head deeper south, we're going to make a stop in Natchez, a historic town on the banks of the Mississippi River. This laid-back destination is filled with grand mansions and we’ll visit one today to learn about southern life in the antebellum period, before the Civil War. We’ll admire the stunning architecture of this palatial home and see some of the antiques it was originally furnished with.

Our ultimate destination today is the 'Big Easy', or New Orleans, home to another musical genre - jazz. When we arrive, a sightseeing tour will introduce us to many of the city’s highlights, including the stunning triple-steepled St Louis Cathedral, and cemeteries filled with unique, white-marble above-the-ground tombs.

Your hotel is located just steps from New Orleans’ famous French Quarter. It is the city’s vibrant heart and oldest district, and tonight you are free to make your own discoveries. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from, so why not head out and see what’s on offer for dinner.

Meals included: B

Day 9 New Orleans

You’re going to uncover the charm of the French Quarter and learn all about its history on a walking tour this morning. A Local Guide will lead us through the historic streets and point out highlights including Jackson Square, Pirate's Alley, and the world-famous Bourbon Street. The walk ends at a restaurant, where we’ll enjoy a buffet brunch accompanied by live jazz, in a pretty outdoor courtyard.

The rest of the day is yours to explore the galleries and boutiques of the French Quarter, or if you prefer, you could perhaps head to City Park and discover the Botanical Garden or the New Orleans Museum of Art. We also offer an optional swamp and bayou tour, where you’ll glide through the tranquil beauty of Louisiana’s waterways by boat, looking out for alligators, raccoons and more.

Meals included: B

Day 10 New Orleans - Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras, 'The Big Easy', is a celebration where travellers from all over the world come together to witness the display of green, purple, and gold. The parade is a time-honoured tradition combining a strong cultural heritage with the spirit of revelry. Your Holiday Director will issue you with your ticket for the special parades. The city's streets come alive with these colourful parades, magnificent costumes, and an infectious sense of joy. Be immersed in the mix of French, Spanish, African, and Creole influences that make Mardi Gras a truly wonderful experience.

Day 11 New Orleans/UK

Your holiday comes to an end today, so make the most of your last few hours before we drive you to the airport in good time for your flight home.

Day 12 UK

After an overnight flight, you will arrive back in the UK today.

Accommodation (as specified or similar)

Courtland Grand Hotel

The Courtland Grand Hotel (formerly Sheraton Atlanta) is a downtown hotel located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia's capital city, minutes from the Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Aquarium, Philips Arena, Centennial Park and the Georgia Dome. All rooms come with air conditioning, an iron, refrigerator & flatscreen TV. Hotel facilities include a fitness centre & pool.

The Courtland Grand Hotel (formerly Sheraton Atlanta) is a downtown hotel located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia's capital city, minutes from the Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Aquarium, Philips Arena, Centennial Park and the Georgia Dome. All rooms come with air conditioning, an iron, refrigerator & flatscreen TV. Hotel facilities include a fitness centre & pool.

Cambria Hotel Nashville Midtown

The Cambria Hotel Nashville Midtown is located in the Midtown area of the city, in between the historic Music Row area and lively Broadway. The hotel is modern in style and features on-site restaurant, rooftop bar, pool and fitness centre. Guestrooms feature coffee-maker, mini-fridge and free WiFi.

The Cambria Hotel Nashville Midtown is located in the Midtown area of the city, in between the historic Music Row area and lively Broadway. The hotel is modern in style and features on-site restaurant, rooftop bar, pool and fitness centre. Guestrooms feature coffee-maker, mini-fridge and free WiFi.

Comfort Inn Memphis Downtown

The Comfort Inn Memphis Downtown is conveniently located overlooking the Mississippi River and close to the Beale Street entertainment district and the National Civil Rights Museum. The trolley line that runs to the city's top attraction stops behind the hotel. The hotel features rooftop deck and fitness room. Rooms feature coffee maker and fridge.

The Comfort Inn Memphis Downtown is conveniently located overlooking the Mississippi River and close to the Beale Street entertainment district and the National Civil Rights Museum. The trolley line that runs to the city's top attraction stops behind the hotel. The hotel features rooftop deck and fitness room. Rooms feature coffee maker and fridge.

La Quinta Inn & Suites Vicksburg

The La Quinta Inn & Suites is situated in Vicksburg.

Hotel facilities include a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, hairdryer, complimentary Wi-Fi, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV.

The La Quinta Inn & Suites is situated in Vicksburg.

Hotel facilities include a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, hairdryer, complimentary Wi-Fi, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV.

Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter

Optional Excursions

Experience even more of your destination by adding one or more optional experiences to your holiday before you set off. Take a look below at the extra trips you can enjoy on this tour

Tupelo - Home of Elvis where the King was born

Tupelo - Home of Elvis where the King was born

Take a visit to Tupelo, otherwise known as Elvis Presley’s Birthplace. The most significant landmark of Tupelo’s modern history is a modest, two-room house where the King of Rock & Roll was born. From this humble beginning, Elvis Presley began his swift rise to become the world’s most popular entertainer. The house, built by his father with $180, draws over 50,000 visitors each year. Learn about Elvis, visit his childhood church and don’t miss the photo opportunities by the statues of Elvis as a child.

Full Day – Minimum walking – Unforgettable experience
Take a visit to Tupelo, otherwise known as Elvis Presley’s Birthplace. The most significant landmark of Tupelo’s modern history is a modest, two-room house where the King of Rock &...

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Nashville - Grand Ole Opry Evening

Nashville - Grand Ole Opry Evening

The Grand Ole Opry is an American Icon and Nashville’s number one attraction, drawing thousands of people every year all looking to experience this one of a kind entertainment. This world famous venue has been referred to as the “Home of American Music” and “country music’s most famous stage”. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend an unforgettable performance at either the Ryman Auditorium or Grand Ole Opry House. (Operates subject to availability).

Evening – moderate walking – A Must See
The Grand Ole Opry is an American Icon and Nashville’s number one attraction, drawing thousands of people every year all looking to experience this one of a kind entertainment. Th...

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USA - New Orleans - Swamp and Bayou tour

USA - New Orleans - Swamp and Bayou tour

Nowhere is Louisiana’s wildlife more abundant than in the swamps and bayous of New Orleans. Step on board a boat that will sail through the swampy waters. As you keep your eyes peeled for alligators, raccoons, snakes, turtles and native birds, a local guide will talk about local Cajun culture and share stories around the mysteries of the swamps and bayous.
Nowhere is Louisiana’s wildlife more abundant than in the swamps and bayous of New Orleans. Step on board a boat that will sail through the swampy waters. As you keep your eyes pee...

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New Orleans - Paddlesteamer with lunch

New Orleans - Paddlesteamer with lunch

Your two-hour cruise from the heart of the French Quarter shows you why the city was founded on the beautiful crescent of the lower Mississippi River. Let us show you New Orleans, one of the world's most active ports, as it can best be seen from the river aboard an authentic Steamboat. Includes historical commentary and lunch aboard.
2 hours – fun and factual, not to be missed.
Your two-hour cruise from the heart of the French Quarter shows you why the city was founded on the beautiful crescent of the lower Mississippi River. Let us show you New Orleans, ...

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Further Information

Average group size of our tours

Group sizes vary between tours - we have an average group size of 27. We endeavour to make sure the size of the group has a positive impact on each trip and our guests almost always say that the group was one of the highlights of the trip!

Deposit information

When you book a holiday, you will be asked to pay a deposit, this will be made clear at the time of booking. In most cases we will charge the following deposit amount;

  • European Holidays - £200 Per person
  • Worldwide Holidays - £250 or 10% whichever is the greater
  • Ocean Cruises - £250 or 10% whichever is the greater

On some holidays we may charge a slightly higher deposit, to cover any costs we have to pay immediately to secure your booking with our suppliers. This will be made clear at the time of booking.

If you choose a tour that is within 84 days of departure you will need to pay the full balance when you book.

Our cancellation policy

If you decide to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us (or your travel agent) in writing, as soon as possible. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below.

  • More than 75 days before departure - Loss of deposit only
  • 43 - 74 days - 50% of tour price
  • 29 - 42 days - 75% of tour price
  • 15 - 28 days - 90% of tour price
  • Day of Departure - 14 days - 100% of tour price

Our full cancellation policy can be found in our booking terms and conditions, section 8.

How do I find out Entry and Health Requirements for my holiday?

We have partnered with Sherpa, an on-line self service tool that allows you to search up-to-date information regarding travel entry requirements for all countries and also allows you to apply for eVisas or eTAs via their on-line portal. Just click on this link to find out more – Travel Requirements & Visa Service

You can also refer to the Foreign Travel Advice section on the gov.uk website: Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Click on your destination and then click on 'Entry Requirements'. For Health Requirements, the Department of Health also offers travellers health advice on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, click on country information to locate your destination.

It is important to remember that passport, visa and health requirements can change before departure; therefore, we recommend you regularly familiarise yourself with the latest requirements before you travel. If you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements, we are unable to accept any responsibility.

For some destinations, it is not always discernable that a visa is required for entry at the border.  For example, for some customers, to travel to the United States, an ESTA may be required. For Canada, an ETA and to India, an e-visa may be needed. Please do check your requirements to avoid any unnecessary cost and delays.

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Prices shown are based on twin occupancy of a double or twin bedded room with private facilities unless otherwise stated. Single occupancy supplements will apply. Travelsphere have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the hotel images provided on this website and images of room types displayed may vary to those offered on your tour. Therefore due to the possibility of inadvertent errors we do not guarantee their accuracy. Accommodation, airlines used and flight times are subject to change and will be confirmed in your final documents.

Reasons to book with Travelsphere

  • 60 years of touring
  • Expert direction & local flavours
  • Carefully-crafted holidays
  • A service you can count on
  • Book with confidence

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All Travelsphere holidays are financially protected via ATOL (flight-inclusive holidays) and financial insurance (non-flight packages). Additionally, all customer money is held in a Trust Fund, governed by independent Trustees. This means your money is 100% protected no matter what.