Purely Escorted Tours

Day 1: Arrive Atlanta

Arrive Atlanta. A shuttle transfers from the airport to your hotel in downtown Atlanta is provided. The Tour Manager will be available at the Tour Desk in the hotel lobby this evening for a welcme drink, the rest of the evening is free for you to rest or explore Atlanta.  

Meal(s) Breakfast

Hotel 3 star or higher in Atlanta*

Day 2: Atlanta

Spend the day exploring Atlanta from its place in the Civil Rights movement to the iconic attractions of today. We’ll drive to the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the Sweet Auburn district to see the restored King birth home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church where three generations of the King family preached, and Dr. King's burial site. This afternoon we’ll return to downtown. After time for lunch, we’ll visit the headquarters for CNN and take the Inside CNN Studio Tour to watch behind-the-scenes action of the newsroom. The afternoon will conclude at one of Atlanta’s most iconic attractions, The World of Coca-Cola, where the famous soft drink's story is told through fascinating exhibits, a 4-D theater, classic ads and a fully-functioning bottling station. Taste more than 70 Coca-Cola products from around the world.

Meal(s) Breakfast & Dinner

Hotel 3 star or higher in Atlanta*

Day 3: Atlanta – Savannah (248 mi/399 km)

This morning, we’ll depart for the Georgia coast and historic Savannah. The Historic District of Savannah is the largest registered urban National Historic Landmark district in the United States and its charm can be found in its 21 squares, laid out in 1733 and filled with statues, fountains, and lush vegetation. Upon arrival, we’ll tour Savannah to learn about its Civil War history and its important buildings spanning 3 centuries worth of architectural styles. We’ll see the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts and we’ll take a walk along historic River Street. Here, the old time candy shops offer sweet praline treats for which the city is known.  

Meal(s) Breakfast & Dinner

Hotel 3 star or higher in Savannah*

Day 4:  Savannah – Charleston (107 mi/172 km)

The Low Country of Georgia and South Carolina offer as much history, culture, and natural beauty as most anywhere in the United States. En route to Charleston, we’ll travel through moss-draped, tree-lined roads to Boone Hall Plantation, one of America’s oldest living and working plantations - it was the setting for the mini-series North & South. 340 year old Charleston, which is situated on a peninsula, oozes with Southern charm and historic significance. From its cobblestone streets and rainbow colored colonial homes to landmarks that pay homage to historic battles, the city has an abundance of fascinating sites. A walking tour of the historic center offers visitors the chance to get an overview of some of Charleston’s important historical sites.  

Meal(s) Breakfast & Dinner

Hotel 3 star or higher in Charleston*

Day 5: Charleston – Asheville (267 mi/430 km)

This morning’s drive ends in Asheville, North Carolina in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville boasts a thriving arts community, diverse outdoor adventures, a vibrant downtown, and numerous historic and architectural attractions such as Biltmore, the largest home in the United States. This afternoon, we’ll tour the Biltmore Estate’s home and gardens. This 250-room French château, Was completed in 1895 by George Vanderbilt. The house showcases how people lived and worked in this, America’s largest home. Acres of beautiful gardens and grounds, designed by the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted can be explored on own. 

Meal(s) Breakfast & Dinner

Hotel 3 star or higher in Asheville*

Day 6: Asheville

Scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway are a must while in Asheville and there are a number of places to visit. We’ll see such sites as Grandfather Mountain. Towering above Northwest North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain is the region’s premier and most ecologically diverse nature preserve. Besides viewing the native animal habitats and enjoying a short hike, one can test their courage on the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Return to Asheville this evening. 

Meal(s) Breakfast & Dinner

Hotel 3 star or higher in Asheville*

Day 7: Asheville – Nashville (294 mi/473 km) 

Upon arrival in Nashville, we’ll tour the city to see such sites as the Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry and we’ll visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Rhinestone costumes, seasoned instruments and tearstained lyric sheets are only the beginning. One will also take a tour of Historic RCA Studio B – where Elvis and others recorded over 35,000 songs. After dinner, enjoy the area between Broadway and 2nd Avenue, filled with entertainment venues, and night clubs, known locally as “honky tonks”.  

Meal(s) Breakfast & Dinner

Hotel 3 star or higher in Nashville*

Day 8: Nashville – Memphis (212 mi/341 km)

Memphis is where the roots of Blues, Country and Gospel music formed in the 1930s. We’ll visit The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and learn about the explosion of Sun Studio, and Memphis’ musical heyday in the 70s, to its global musical influence. Stroll at your own pace through the seven galleries featuring audio visual programs, instruments, costumes and other musical treasures. No visit to Memphis is complete without a tour of Graceland. Walk in the footsteps of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Learn of Elvis’ humble beginnings through his rise to superstardom. See how a rock ‘n’ roll legend lived and relaxed with family and friends. After dinner, spend time on Beale Street, the melting pot of delta blues, jazz, rock-n-roll, R&B, and gospel.  

Meal(s) Breakfast & Dinner

Hotel 3 star or higher in Memphis*

Day 9: Memphis – Jackson –Vicksburg (253 mi/407 km)  

Travel to Jackson this morning. Jackson is a treasure trove of African-American and Civil Rights history. Upon arriving, we’ll follow along the Civil Rights Driving Tour featuring sites such as: Freedom Corner, the former home of slain NAACP Field Secretary Medgar Evers and we’ll explore the Farish Street Historical District, a 125-acre late nineteenth c. neighborhood, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This evening will be spent in Vicksburg, an historically important city during the Civil War. 

Meal(s) Breakfast & Dinner

Hotel 3 star or higher in Vicksburg*

Day 10: Vicksburg – New Orleans (207 mi/333 km)   

Upon arrival in New Orleans, tour the more than 20 historic districts on the National Register, more than any other city in the United States, We’ll also visit one of the city’s famous resting places. With a spooky history, and unique, ornate tombs, Lafayette Cemetery is a popular location for movies shot in New Orleans. Of-course the French Quarter is the most famous New Orleans neighborhood. Filled with nightclubs and bars, it is a unique place to spend the evening.  

Meal(s) Breakfast & Dinner

Hotel 3 star or higher in New Orleans*

Day 11: Depart New Orleans or extend your stay

Departure day. Individual airport transfers will be provided, or one can extend their stay to experience more of what New Orleans has to offer.

Meal(s) Breakfast