The Deep South:
Amongst Mountains, Beaches, Music & BBQ

STARTING FROM NASHVILLE *

* POSSIBILITY TO REDUCE THE LENGTH 

FIRST LEG

Day 1: Arrival in Nashville

Who doesn't love some healthy-dose of Country Music, BBQ, Comfort Food and the delicious Tennessee Whiskey? Nashville is one of the most fun places to start this long itinerary that will lead us to discover the South of the States.

Arrival at the airport, car pick-up, and check-in at the hotel.

Depending on the arrival time of your flight, you will have the afternoon and/or evening free. We recommend having dinner in the Downtown area on Lower Broadway and trying one of the popular "Honky Tonk" and why not, maybe indulge in some Karaoke!

Night - Nashville Hyatt Place Nashville Airport*** or similar

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Day 2: Nashville

A day dedicated to the discovery of Nashville with the central area of ​​Downtown and the State Capitol, where you can visit the iconic Country Music Hall of Fame to learn more about this type of music genre very common in the South, or if you are fond of Johnny Cash the Museum dedicated to the artist. Venture a bit to the East, beyond the Cumberland River, to discover the creative neighborhood of East Nashville, an area that has been "reborn" thanks to the care of its locals especially emerging artists but not only, here you will find a mix of local music venues, restaurants, bars and vintage shops in typical buildings of the early twentieth century.

Leaving the center of Downtown, just 10-15 minutes, we also recommend visiting the campus of the historic Vanderbilt University and the nearby Centennial Park with the reconstruction of the Parthenon, and always along the Cumberland River, you can reach the Grand Ole Opry area for a visit to the main stage of Country Music.

If you are interested, take a detour to Lynchburg, Tennessee, to discover the iconic and historic Jack Daniels Distillery. It is located approximately 75 miles / 1.5 hours drive.

Free evening to experience Nashville's nightlife and music.

Night: Nashville Hyatt Place Nashville Airport*** or similar

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Day 3: Nashville > Great Smoky Mountain > Asheville (NC)

In the morning, after breakfast, you leave Nashville in the direction of "The Great Smoky Mountains" National Park a wonder for those who love nature. The mountain area is approximately 250 miles / 4h30 min by car from Nashville.

For those who love nature but do not necessarily want to walk among the various hiking paths, we recommend that you drive (at least in part) the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. One of the longest scenic roads in the USA (over 469 miles long!) that extends within the Great Smoky Mountains all the way to Virginia.

Optionally, you can decide to travel the entire route about 80 miles from the Oconaluftee River Visitor Center to the town of Asheville (your overnight stop), in this case, it would be 2 hours and 15 minutes for about the 80 miles. The distance is relatively short but being a scenic road, the speed limit is relatively low. Otherwise, you can travel a few sections and then continue to Asheville by normal road. Along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you will find many scenic spots where you can stop to take pictures of the panorama or if you want to take small walks. Arrival in Asheville in the late afternoon. Asheville is a very pretty mountain town known for its hospitality and friendliness, for its artistic center characterized by shops and galleries s such as the River Arts District.

Among the various local attractions, one of the most visited is certainly the Biltmore Estate, a palace built for George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895 and still the largest private house in the United States!

Night: Asheville (NC) Red Roof inn Asheville West** or similar

Note: If it can fit into your budget and you have extra time, and if you are fond of small artistic towns, Palladian constructions, and the Gilded Age, we recommend adding an extra night here in Asheville to dedicate a whole day to discover its center and the famous Biltmore Estate.

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Day 4: Asheville > Grandfather Mountain > Charleston

Leaving Asheville early in the morning, you head to the Grandfather Mountains to visit the historic and famous suspension bridge - Mile High Swinging Bridge from where you can enjoy wonderful 360-degree views of the surrounding areas. This bridge is suspended more than 1 mile (1.6 km) above sea level and makes it the highest suspension bridge in America, and is not only famous for its views and panoramas but was also a real engineering "masterpiece" when it was built in 1952.

To reach Grandfather Mountain park, you can continue on the famous Blue Ridge Mountain scenic road. To drive it entirely to the bridge, about 80 miles, it takes at least 2 hours and 15 minutes but the views are really worth it.

You will then continue towards the coast, towards the beautiful Charleston in South Carolina. This journey will be a little long, you will have to travel about 300 miles (most of which on the highway) - about a 5h15 min drive. Arrival in Charleston is therefore expected in the evening.

Night: Charleston Town & Country inn & Conference Center*** or similar

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Day 5: Charleston

A day dedicated to visiting Charleston, considered perhaps one of the most beautiful cities in the South where it still seems to live like in the 18th century thanks to its colonial houses (still in perfect condition), cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and a healthy dose of "Southern Charm". Among the areas to visit on foot is the Rainbow Row area with its 13 colorful houses, original from 1740, which overlook the bay and the nearby Battery area along the bay.

In Charleston, you will plenty of options for Activities:

• Boat Excursion by day or at sunset
• Visit of the historic center on foot or by carriage
• Visit the plantations in the area, including perhaps the main --the Magnolia Plantation. As much as Charleston will fascinate you, it cannot be forgotten that the town also has a very dark past, having been the main port of the slave route, in the plantations you will be able to discover the history of these years and the long and fought path to freedom for thousands of slaves.
• Take a tour at Middleton Place (now a national historic monument), you can admire the oldest gardens in America, they are more than 320 years old -https: //www.middletonplace.org/explore/gardens/
• Not to mention the countless shops, art venues, restaurants, and bars.

Night: Charleston Town & Country inn & Conference Center*** or similar

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Day 6: Charleston > Beaufort > Savannah

You leave Charleston early in the morning to dedicate the first few hours of the day to the beaches of South Carolina (considered among the most beautiful in the United States) and some of the most historic and famous locations and then arrive in Savannah. In total, there are 115 miles of coastline, about 2 and a half hours by car. You should stop along the path for photos and enjoy the view. Amongst the towns to visit we recommend Beaufort, one of the most important historical centers in the area.

Arrival in Savannah after lunch, check-in at the hotel and afternoon dedicated to visiting the town. To make it easy to tour Savannah, we suggest one of the Trolly Tours (Old Town Trolly or similar) from where you can see the historic center and the various sites of this famous and historic city with lots of Southern Charm and countless tree-lined streets with plants "wrapped" by the characteristic Spanish moss.

Don't forget to go to the famous and historic Forsyth Fountain, one of the main meeting points for both locals and visitors. The fountain dates back to 1858 and is today one of the most photographed spots in Savannah and obviously a favorite spot for wedding proposals and celebrations!

Night: Savannah Hilton Garden inn Savannah midtown*** or similar

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SECOND LEG

Day 7: Savannah > Montgomery (AL)

Leaving the state of Georgia and the iconic town of Savannah, you drive to Alabama and its capital - Montgomery. In total, it's about a 340 miles/5h30 min drive between the two cities, so we recommend starting early in the morning.

Arrival in Montgomery in the early afternoon to visit this city characterized as the epicenter of the struggles for civil rights and equality in the second half of the 1900s.

One of the Memorials not to be missed is the Civil Rights Memorial, erected a few steps from the church where Dr. King was pastor during the years identified as the Bus Boycott (1955-1956) and at the steps of the Alabama State Capitol where in1965, Dr. King ended his 54-mile march from Selma to Montgomery for the right to vote with one of his most important speeches.

If you want to find out more about the civil rights struggle, we also recommend visiting the Rosa Parks Museum and Library inside Troy University.

Night: Montgomery Wingate by Wyndham*** or similar

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Day 8: Montgomery > Selma > Mobile

Today, you will continue to discover the civil rights struggles retracing the journey that Dr. King made in 1965 when he fought for the right to vote of the African-American population. You will reach Selma and the famous bridge —Edmund Pettus Bridge from where the long 54-mile March began.

Since 1996, the route has become a national historic site and is managed by the national parks system (Please note that with this itinerary, you will complete the route starting in Montgomery and ending in Selma.) We recommend that you use all the time available to stop in the historic places of the march and visit the various museums and memorials such as the National Voting Rights Museum & Institute, and the Brown Chapel AME Church both located in Selma.

You will then continue towards the south and the Gulf area. From Selma to Mobile, it's about 180 miles of highway/ 2h45 min drive.

Arrival on the Gulf coast, Mobile (AL), scheduled for late afternoon/evening.

Try it - If you want to taste typical Southern cuisine and fish from the gulf, don't miss Felix's Fish Camp in Mobile.

Night: Mobile Hilton Garden inn Mobile West*** or similar

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Day 9: Mobile> New Orleans (LA)

In the morning, you can spend a couple of hours visiting the center of Mobile and then continue along the gulf to reach New Orleans crossing the Mississippi with the possibility of stopping either in Biloxi or Gulfport for lunch.

To reach NOLA (New Orleans,) it is 150 miles, about 2 and a half hours by car from Mobile.

Arrival in Nola in the afternoon and check-in at the Hotel - weather permitting, we recommend you start with a walk along the French Quarter and the Mississippi River.

Night: New Orleans Homewood Suites French quarter*** or similar

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Day 10: New Orleans

A day dedicated to visiting the city, unique in its culture, history and incredible architecture. New Orleans, during the 17th century, was a "push and pull" between the French and the Spaniards, until the United States bought the state of Louisiana, in 1803, for a few cents per acre, but today still, the city is overflowing with European culture especially in some neighborhoods, we recommend you to visit --Uptown, Garden District, Marigny, Treme, the French Quarter, Algiers.

Each of these neighborhoods will lead you to discover different sides of NOLA as if they were real living museums of architecture and culture.

Do not miss to walk along the famous streets of Bayou Street, John Street, Canal Street, and Charles Avenue, here you will find majestic stately homes.

Some of The Activities you Can Choose -

• River cruise
• Visit of the French Quarter
• Visit of the cemeteries
• Discovering the legends and mysteries of New Orleans
• In NOLA, there is really a lot of history and culture to discover, so if it falls within the budget, we recommend organizing a Tour with a local guide, maybe in the morning keeping the afternoon free to make the most of your time!

Night:New Orleans Homewood Suites French quarter*** or similar

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Day 11: New Orleans & Baton Rouge

New Orleans is also a perfect center and starting point to discover the surroundings of Bayou and Louisiana, from the famous alligators and swamps to the historic plantations, we suggest you spend a day in the surroundings of NOLA to discover Louisiana's history, culture, and nature
Amongst the plantations to visit, the Oak Alley Plantation is one of the most famous and historic.

Night: New Orleans Homewood Suites French quarter*** or similar

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THIRD LEG

Day 12: New Orleans > Jackson > Memphis (TN)

You will leave New Orleans early in the morning heading north driving through the Western part of Mississippi until you reach Memphis. This will be a busy day driving with lots of miles to go ... 400 miles! It's about 5 to 6 hours by car.

As an intermediate stop, we recommend the town of Jackson, about halfway between NOLA and Memphis. A city that will also allow you to discover a little more about Mississippi and its importance during the struggle for civil rights. Today's Jackson is a city known for its flourishing artistic and musical center and for the typical friendliness that characterizes the South. Here, you can visit the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum to explore the history of those years and to learn more about what you have already visited in Montgomery and Selma.
Jackson also offers many restaurants and clubs, a great place to stop for lunch and then continue on to Memphis for a late afternoon/evening arrival.

Night: Memphis -  Crowne Plaza Memphis east*** or similar

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Day 13: Memphis 

A day dedicated to visiting Memphis, the other famous city in Tennessee that boasts a great musical presence (the other is Nashville). Memphis, located along the Mississippi River, is, however, a city that offers much more to be considered only as "the other music city".

Important for the history and culture of the twentieth century, from sites that were central during the civil rights struggle, including the infamous Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King was assassinated, to the Sun City Music Studio where practically Rock & Roll music was born. From the Victorian architecture of the Victorian Village (East Midtown) to the culture of food, primarily BBQ and much more.

Do not miss a visit to Graceland, perhaps one of the best-known attractions in the area, we are obviously talking about Elvis' house (now a museum) just 15 minutes from the city center - a stop not to be missed. Also for music fans, the visit continues with the Stax Museum, the museum dedicated to Soul Music, and then stop for a visit of the Sun Studio where the likes of Elvis, Roy Orbison, and Jonny Cash have recorded all their greatest albums, and which today is therefore considered (and for good reasons!) the birthplace of Rock & Roll music.

For the afternoon and evening, perhaps plan a walk between Adams Street in the Victorian Village to admire the Victorian-style houses, especially Magevney House, Mallory-Neely House and Woodruff-Fontaine House, and then move on to Beale Street, one of the most "Lively" area in the city full of music venues and restaurants to end your evening.

Night: Memphis Crowne Plaza Memphis east*** or similar

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Day 14: Memphis > Birmingham (AL)

Today, you will return east towards Alabama to reach Birmingham about 245 miles away, 3h45 min by car in total.

Birmingham was also at the center of the civil rights struggle in the 1950s and 1960s and you can visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to learn more about its history. Among the historical sites, the Kelly Ingram Park, home to gatherings, demonstrations and clashes and the 16th Baptist Church dating back to 1873, as well as Birmingham's first black church and Unesco heritage for its role in the history of Civil Rights.

Don't miss out on visiting Railroad Park, a 19-acre estate that enshrines Birmingham's industrial and artistic heritage.

Along the way, you can stop in Tupelo (MS) to see where Elvis was born or in Oxford to visit the campus of Ole Miss, one of the historical universities of the South.

Night: Birmingham Best Western Carlton suites*** or similar

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Day 15: Birmingham (AL) > Atlanta

You leave Birmingham in the morning in the direction of Atlanta, it's about 150 miles / 2 and a half hours by car.

Arrival in Atlanta in the early afternoon - check-in at the hotel and free time to visit the city.

Night: Atlanta Wingate by Wyndham Galleria Center*** or similar

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Day 16: Atlanta

Free day to visit Atlanta and its surroundings. Atlanta is a city famous for its mix of culture, history, art and also a mecca for restaurants and clubs.

Among the various places to visit, if you like architecture and history, do not miss the historic Georgian Terrace Hotel (located on Peachtree Street), a classic grand hotel dating back to 1911 and from where you can see the famous Fox Theater of 1928 just across the street.

Atlanta is another important city in the history of the struggle for Civil Rights, it is where MLK was born and where, together with his wife Coretta, was buried at the King Center. Be sure to visit the Ebenezer Baptist Church (1886) where MLK and his father were pastors.

Don't forget to visit the two historic cemeteries of the "Oakland" area (1850) and the "South-View" (1886), about 15 minutes from the center, the first cemetery that gave the African-American community the chance to be buried with dignity, here are the parents of MLK.

Among the peculiarities of Atlanta obviously the Coca Cola Museum and the Varsity, the largest drive-in in the world in business since 1928!

If you are passionate about food and urbanization and reuse projects, go discover the Ponce City Market. It is located inside the historic Sears building, Roebuck & Co. Here you will find hundreds of shops, housing communities, offices, and the Food Hall - one of the main food markets in the South.

Night: Atlanta Wingate by Wyndham Galleria Center*** or similar

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Day 17: Atlanta > End of Services

Free morning.
Check-out from the hotel and arrival at Atlanta International Airport where you will drop-off your vehicle.

END SERVICES

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OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

For your information, here below you can find prices on some activities/attractions that have been mentioned in the itinerary.

Biltmore Estate
To visit the biggest private house in the United States
From $ 59 to $79 depending on the season/day

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Free

Mile High Swinging Bridge
Adult $ 22
Senior (60+) $ 18
Child (4-12) $ 9

Middleton Place & Gardens (Charleston)
Adult $ 29
Child (6-13) $ 10

Savannah Old Town Trolley
Adult $ 35
Child (4-12) $ 16

Oak Alley Plantation
Adult $ 25 + tax
Youth (13-18) $ 10 + tax
Child (6-12) $ 7 + tax

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
Adult $ 10
Child (4–18) $ 6
Senior (60+) $ 8

Graceland - The House of Elvis
For Simple Admission From:
Adult $ 42.50
Senior (62+) $ 38.25
Youth (13-18) $ 38.25
Child (7-12) $ 21.75
To visit the Airplanes of Elvis, add. $6 per person

STAX Museum in Memphis
Adult $ 13
Senior (62+) $ 12
Child (9-12) $ 10

Sun City Studio
Adult $ 14
Child (5-11) Free
Notes: Children under 5 are not allowed. Contact the museum for more information.

Coca-Cola museum
Adult $ 17
Senior (65+) $ 15
Child (3-12) $ 13

* Prices are for information only and can change without prior notice. For detailed and updated Prices and Schedules, it is recommended to visit the official page of each attraction.

• 3 nights in Hotel in New Orleans (central area) overnight stay only
• 2 nights in Hotel in Atlanta (central area) overnight stay only
• 11 nights in Hotels On the Road (some with breakfast included)
• Rental Car for 18 days. Type Buick Lacroix or similar - Unlimited mileage - CDW insurance

• International/Domestic Flights
• Park Admission / Attractions
• Extended Car Insurance
• Food and Drink
• Everything not expressly indicated in "The Price Includes"

OPTION WITH RENTAL CAR + HOTELS & ACTIVITIES:
Price in Double Room
Starting at $ 1790.00 per person
Price in Triple Room
Starting at $ 1295.00 per person
Price in Quadruple Room
Starting at $ 995.00 per person


HOTEL ROOM: Single Rooms also available. Ask for the price!

• Tipping in the United States is standard practice.
• Generally, in the United States, accommodation in triple rooms is composed of two large beds or a large bed and a small bed and quadruple accommodation is decorated with two large beds.
• Driving in the United States:
• 1. Passing on the right is allowed and everyone does it, don't be intimidated by roads with more than five lanes.
• 2.It is authorized (and obligatory) to turn right at a red light when there is a signal indicating it.
• 3. As far as parking is concerned, check the times when you can leave your car there, never park in front of a fire hydrant (although there is no sign expressly prohibiting it). If the parking spaces have markings painted on the ground to delimit them, leave the car in the middle, even if the space seems huge. on your parking meter (check before paying as there are days of the week or times when it is not necessary to pay).
• 4.Beware of tolls. They may be marked with the words toll or turnpike and usually have no barrier, so it is possible to pass the tolls without realizing it and be fined a few weeks later. Do not stay on the lanes indicated as reserved for “Fastrak” and have cash on hand, as in some tolls you can only pay in this way.
• 5.Unless you want to have a fine and an awkward conversation with a Highway Patrol officer, it's best not to drive more than 5 or 10 miles above the speed limit. If the police end up stopping you despite everything, always keep your hands on the steering wheel and visible and don't even think about making jokes.
• 6.We advise you to use a roadside assistance service and have a GPS.

Inclusions: As outlined in the "Included in the Price"
Exclusions: Everything else not specifically outlined in the "Included in the Price"
Discounted Rates: Baby, Kid, Senior and any other discounted Rate only applies to the specified Age-Limit. National ID required at Voucher Exchange as proof of Age.
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