Welcome to Music City, USA! At 6 pm, meet your travelling companions for a welcome drink

Start your day with a visit to RCA STUDIO B, Nashville’s oldest recording studio, and one of the country’s most important studios. Between 1957 and 1977, more than 35,000 songs were recorded here. Make a special recording and take it home as a memory of your time in Nashville. Then, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Nashville, 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 the 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)

This morning, depart for Memphis, “Home of the Blues.” Upon arrival, visit SUN STUDIO, probably the most famous recording studio in the world and where rock ‘n’ roll was first recorded. This historic studio launched the careers of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and many more. Then, visit the STAX MUSEUM OF AMERICAN SOUL MUSIC, a celebration of the great Memphis soul music made famous by Otis Redding, Booker T. and the M.G.’s, Aretha Franklin, and others. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight. (B,D) SPECIAL FEATURE: Spend the next two nights at the Guest House at Graceland, located just a few steps from Graceland. The hotel is designed with classic elegance, modern luxury, and is uniquely Elvis.

This morning, see all the landmarks of Memphis. 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. Tour the mansion, see his original business office, his enormous collection of gold records and awards. The tour ends at the Meditation Garden, where Elvis and members of his family have been laid to rest. There’s also time to see Elvis’ collection of ornate jumpsuits and capes, the automobile museum, and his collection of planes. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

Today, we follow the path of the mighty Mississippi River and travel 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. Blues legends such as Muddy Waters, Sam Cooke, Ike Turner, and John Lee Hooker honed their incredible music talents here before sharing them with the world. Visit the DELTA BLUES MUSEUM, dedicated to exploring the history and heritage of this unique American musical art form. Exhibits contain historical images, artifacts, musical instruments, and the remains of the cabin where Muddy Waters lived during his days as a sharecropper. Enjoy a photo stop at the “Cross Roads,” where legendary blues guitarist Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil to play like no one else. Then, a special lunch with a local musician at GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB, owned by Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman. After lunch, continue to Greenwood, where many of the city’s downtown buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Upon arrival, take a guided TOUR to see the sites and locations used for the Oscar-winning movie The Help. (B,L) SPECIAL FEATURE: Overnight at the historic Alluvian Hotel. Originally opened in 1917, it has undergone a major transformation and is now rated as one of the Top 10 Hotels in the United States by Conde Nast magazine

This morning, we visit the B.B. KING MUSEUM in Indianola, the hometown of the legendary musician. Explore King’s 60-plus year career, from his time as a sharecropper and his time on Memphis’ Beale Street to the international music star he became. Artifacts, images, and a guitar studio where visitors can play instruments bring it all to life. We then continue south to beautiful Natchez. Dinner tonight is at an elegant ANTEBELLUM MANSION. (B, D)

First stop today is the DELTA MUSIC MUSEUM, where you are treated to a guided tour and will learn intimate stories about Jerry Lee Lewis, Mickey Gilley, Conway Twitty, and other Louisiana Delta musicians. Head through Louisiana into the heart of Cajun Country. Then, visit the historic FROGMORE PLANTATION, where you’ll learn about the trials and triumphs of life on the plantation, from the 1700s to today. Arrive in Lafayette and participate in a unique experience at MARTIN ACCORDIONS, where you learn the history of accordion making, and enjoy music and storytelling by the Martin family. (B)

Enjoy a morning visit to St. Martinville to see the famous oak tree from Longfellow’s poem, Evangeline. Then, CRUISE through the swampy waterways of the Atchafalaya Basin. See moss-draped trees, wildlife, and maybe even a lingering alligator or two. On to the Great River Road, where wealthy plantation owners built their monumental homes. Afterward, enjoy authentic Cajun home cooking along the banks of the Atchafalaya. Visit HOUMAS HOUSE PLANTATION, the “Crown Jewel of the Great River Road.” Tour the mansion, which is filled with period antiques and Louisiana artwork, and enjoy some time to stroll the magnificent gardens. We then continue to exciting New Orleans for a 2-night stay. (B,L)

This morning, a Local Guide shows you the sights and sounds of New Orleans. Visit the French Quarter, including Jackson Square and Pirate’s Alley, then stop at an above-ground cemetery and learn about the city’s unique burial customs. 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 favourite souvenir, or relax with a fresh cup of cafe au lait and a beignet. Tonight, celebrate your musical journey with a festive farewell dinner at one of the oldest restaurants in New Orleans. (B,D)

Continue your stay in New Orleans, the “Crescent City.” Sample beignets at Cafe du Monde, ride a New Orleans streetcar, shop for souvenirs, or learn to cook Cajun specialties at the New Orleans School of Cooking. This evening, sample some of the country’s finest restaurants or listen to some local jazz musicians at Preservation Hall. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for things to see and do. Included in your stay is a 2-hour LUNCH CRUISE along the Mississippi River, featuring great jazz and delicious food. (B,L)

Enjoy a day at leisure. (B)

The tour ends after breakfast with guests departing for the return flight to Australia. (B)