Itinerary in brief:
- 2 nights Chicago
- 2 nights St. Louis
- 3 nights Memphis
- 1 night Clarksdale
- 2 nights Natchez
- 3 nights New Orleans
Day 1: Depart UK
Depart the UK from your chosen airport.
Upon your arrival in the Windy City, you will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel, where you will check in for 2 nights.
Included: International flight, private transfer, hotel
Day 2: Free Day in Chicago
Chicago is renowned for its live music so a visit to a blues club is an absolute must. Why not visit Millennium Park; a huge green space in the city, bursting with fascinating architecture and sculptures, including the iconic ‘Bean’ and it’s mirror-like surface.
Included: Hotel
Day 3: Chicago to St Louis (Approx. 300kms, 4.5 hours)
After picking up your car hire, you’ll leave Chicago behind and take the road to St Louis. This drive takes a few hours so a great place to stop for lunch is Springfield, IL – the home of Abraham Lincoln.
Once you arrive in St Louis, you will be checking in for your 2 night stay.
Included: 12 day car hire, hotel
Day 4: Free Day in St Louis
Located on the Mississippi River, St Louis is known at the Gateway City. A great way to see the famous ‘Gateway Arch’ is to jump aboard a replica paddle-wheel boat and cruise down the Mississippi River on a route right past this enormous monument.
Included: Hotel
Day 5: St Louis to Memphis (Approx. 280 kms, 4 hours)
Today you will cross through three states; leaving Missouri, you will briefly drive through Arkansas before arriving in Memphis, Tennessee, your base for the next 3 nights.
Included: Hotel
Day 6 & 7: Free Days in Memphis
Home of rock’n’roll, blues and jazz, Memphis is renowned for its music. Pay homage to Elvis Presley by visiting his former mansion, Graceland and make sure you stop in at Sun Studios – the iconic recording studio used by The King himself, Johnny Cash and B.B King.
Beale Street is the place to go to hear live music, so head down and find yourself some blues music to tap your foot to, whilst chowing down on some tasty Tennessee barbeque!
Included: Hotel
Day 8: Memphis to Clarksdale (Approx. 120 kms, 1.5 hours)
Deep in the Mississippi Delta, you will find The Shack Up Inn, Clarksdale. Prepare to be transported back in time to an authentic cotton plantation, gifted with unique accommodation, and treated to a bona fide blues club.
Picture yourself sitting on the porch, sipping a cold beer and soaking up the atmosphere in this completely original setting.
Included: Hotel
Day 9: Clarksdale to Natchez (Approx. 350 kms, 4 hours)
Your drive today takes you south to the city of Natchez, nestled on the banks of the Mississippi and bursting with Southern Charm. You will check in for your 2 night stay.
Included: Hotel
Day 10: Free Day in Natchez
Natchez is full of heritage architecture and untouched historic homes, and is a charming town to discover. Here you will get a genuine and casual welcome, with delicious southern cuisine and hospitality to match.
Along with the historic landmarks, there are also many parks and trails to take advantage of.
Included: Hotel
Day 11: Natchez to New Orleans (Approx. 280 kms, 3 hours)
It’s time to leave Mississippi and head into Louisiana, and New Orleans. Locally known as “Nola”, and internationally known as one of the most diverse and cultural cities in America, you will have the chance to get under the skin of this fascinating destination with your 3 night stay.
Included: Hotel
Day 12 & 13: Free Days in New Orleans
New Orleans is a rich and vibrant city, famous for its music, street parties, food, voodoo myths, and cool jazz bars, to name but a few!
Take a streetcar through the Garden District and witness the extravagant and historic homes of a bygone era, and make sure you head to the French Quarter for a truly unique experience filled with live music, bars, and restaurants serving traditional southern fare.
Visit Jackson Square for some great people watching and street music, before heading to the famous Café Du Monde to sample beignets; a sweet pastry, and a local delicacy – or check out more ideas for foodies here. While at Jackson Square take some time to go and visit St. Louis Cathedral; an iconic and stunning structure that has to be seen to be believed.
New Orleans comes to life at night and heading to Bourbon Street is the place to be. Full of buzzing bars, jazz clubs, and restaurants, where locals and tourists come to celebrate and enjoy the hustle and bustle of Nola.
Included: Hotel
Day 14: Depart New Orleans
Your private transfer will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport to meet your flight.
Included: Private transfer, International flight
Day 15: Arrive in the UK
