Welcome to New Orleans. Louisiana’s most famous city offers a unique blend of Spanish, French, Caribbean, African and Anglo-Saxon influences, which you'll notice in the food, architecture and, of course, the music. Once you've made your way independently to your hotel, your Tour Director will be on hand to help you plan your time in this bustling city.

Overnight – Hilton New Orleans Riverside

You’ll have the whole day at leisure today, so you can immerse yourself in this dynamic city. We suggest starting the day with a visit to a working plantation. Then, in the afternoon, you can explore the narrow cobblestone streets of the French Quarter.

Overnight – Hilton New Orleans Riverside

Leave New Orleans behind and head for Baton Rouge, the state capital of Louisiana, where you'll enjoy a brief city tour. Back on the open road, the coach travels along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway. Stretching for 444 miles, this route takes you through exceptional scenery and years of Native American and European history. Natchez itself is the oldest settlement on the Mississippi River, and is famous for its grand Antebellum homes, built by wealthy plantation owners. In the afternoon, your tour group will visit one of these homes so you can learn about 19th-century life here.

Overnight – Hotel Vue

Today's destination is Memphis, a large river port which was one of the most important links in the cotton trade before the Civil War. This city is known the ‘home of the blues’, and your tour will include stops at musical Beale Street, historical Front Street and the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated in 1968. And no visit to Memphis is complete without a visit to Graceland, so we'd highly recommend joining an optional tour to see the home of Elvis Presley.

Overnight – Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown

Next up, it's Nashville. This city earned its title as the Capital of Country Music after the first airing of the WSM Barn Dance radio programme. You'll see markers of Nashville's significance everywhere, from the Ryman Auditorium in Downtown Nashville – once home to the Grand Ole Opry – to the studios near Music Row.

Overnight – Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown

Today's city tour allows you to learn more about the culture of Tennessee's state capital. See the city’s landmarks and listen to new country music at one of Nashville's many recording studios. The evening is yours to spend as you wish. Why not catch a show and enjoy delicious Southern fare in one of the city's many restaurants?

Overnight – Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown

Say goodbye to Music City and head for Chattanooga, home of the famous Choo Choo which has received national recognition for the renaissance of its beautiful downtown. Your coach then carries onto Atlanta. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy some optional activities, such as a visit to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca Cola or the CNN Centre.

Overnight – Four Points by Sheraton Atlanta Airport West

As your trip comes to an end, your Tour Director will be on hand to help you arrange a transfer to the airport. Or, if you have a late flight, they can recommend sightseeing options for the day.