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0207 001 525014 day escorted tour, 13 nights accommodation and flights
On this two-week Southern Explorer tour, you'll travel in a group with a Tour Director and experienced driver, so you can sit back and enjoy the changing scenery. Journey down the USA's east coast from New York to Florida. You'll travel through Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, before heading inland to Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana. Your trip continues along Florida’s Gulf Coast, then wraps up in Orlando and Miami. You'll also have a couple of free days – one in New Orleans and one in Orlando – so you can explore at your own pace.
Enjoy city tours of Philadelphia and Washington DC, then journey through the stunning scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains. Explore some of the Deep South as you tick off the iconic music cities of Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans. Once you reach Florida's coast, you’ll have the chance to dip your toes in the Gulf of Mexico's warm waters, before heading to Orlando. You’ll have a day to spend at your leisure here. Why not spend a day at one of the city's world-famous theme parks (tickets not included in tour price) or discover the shopping and dining options. Your trip finishes up in Miami, but not before you've visited the amazing Kennedy Space Centre.
Not ready to go home? You could spend a few extra days in Miami, or head down to the Florida Keys. Speak to our Travel Specialists, who can suggest ideas for more Florida adventures.
On arrival in New York, transfer independently to your hotel. In the evening, you'll meet your Tour Director.
Overnight – 4* Hyatt Grand Central New York, or similar
Your journey to the South begins. Leave Manhattan behind and travel to Washington DC. You'll go via Philadelphia, where you can see Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
Overnight – 4* Washington Hilton or 4* Omni Shoreham Hotel, or similar
First up today, a tour of Washington ticks off the city's highlights, including the US Capitol Building, Supreme Court, Liberty of Congress, the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the White House. Afterwards, you can spend the day however you wish. Why not explore one of DC's many museums or take a stroll on the banks of the Potomac River?
Overnight – 4* Washington Hilton or 4* Omni Shoreham Hotel, or similar
Say goodbye to Washington DC and enjoy the drive to Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. Once you arrive, you can enjoy a walk along the Duke of Gloucester Street and visit some of the impressive public buildings, colonial houses, and the College of William and Mary.
Overnight – 3* Holiday Inn Tanglewood, or similar
Today, you'll travel along portions of the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and then enter the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Spend the night in Gatlinberg, where you'll have the evening to discover the unique restaurants on Main Street.
Overnight – 3* Edgewater Hotel & Conference Centre, or similar
Day six sees your group travel to Music City, aka Nashville, where you can spot famous music studios and all sorts of live music venues. On the way, you'll travel through Knoxville, which is Tennessee's third-largest city.
Overnight – 3* Inn at Opryland, A Gaylord Hotel, or similar
After a night in the music bars of Nashville, it’s time to get back on the road and travel to Memphis. This fascinating place is best known for its blues music, and is the home of Sun Records. Enjoy a city tour which includes a visit to Beale Street, the beating heart of the blues music scene. In the afternoon, you'll have some free time to see more of Memphis. Or you can join an optional tour to Elvis Presley's former home, Graceland.
Overnight – 3* Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown, or similar
New Orleans is today's destination. To get there, you'll journey across the Magnolia State, Mississippi, and pass through the state capital, Jackson. Once you reach New Orleans, there's an optional extra for you to enjoy in the evening. You can board an authentic Mississippi Riverboat for a dinner cruise, where you can sit back and listen to the rhythms of a Dixieland jazz band. It's an experience not to be missed.
Overnight – 4* Hilton New Orleans Riverside, or similar
You'll have a full day to explore New Orleans at your leisure. Famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations, this city is a melting pot of cultures, seen across its cuisine, music and architecture. Spend some time exploring the French Quarter's beautiful cobbled streets, hopping between quaint cafes, bars and shops.
Overnight – 4* Hilton New Orleans Riverside, or similar
Today you'll travel along the Gulf Coast through Mobile, as you head for Pensacola. Once you reach the city, you'll visit Bellingrath Home, which boasts one of the best rose gardens in America. In the evening, why not take a stroll on the beach and dip your toes into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico?
Overnight – 3* Courtyard by Marriott Pensacola, or similar
Today your group travels along the Florida Panhandle towards the city of Ocala, which is known for its thoroughbred horse ranches. As you continue towards Orlando, you’ll travel through the heart of America’s citrus industry.
Overnight – 3* Holiday Inn & Suites Orlando SW - Celebration Area, or similar
Today is yours to spend however you wish. You could relax by the resort's pool or head out for a day of exploring. You'll find a number of fantastic dining and shopping options in Orlando. Or you could visit one of the city's incredible theme parks, such as Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando Resort (tickets not included).
Overnight – 3* Holiday Inn & Suites Orlando SW - Celebration Area, or similar
Back with your group today for your last full day, you'll travel to the Kennedy Space Centre. You can spend some time browsing the exhibits and learning all about the impressive American space programme. Your last stop is Miami Beach – a cultural melting pot famous for its white sands and Art Deco scene.
Overnight – 3* Holiday Inn Miami, or similar
As your tour comes to an end, it's time to transfer independently to the airport for your onward flight. If you'd like to extend your trip by spending more time in Florida, please speak to our Travel Specialists.
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Essential Escorted Tour
This escorted tour includes all of the essentials you need to discover your chosen itinerary. Travel is onboard a standard motorcoach with the services of an English-speaking tour manager. Accommodation is provided in basic 2-3* accommodation as detailed (or similar) in the itinerary. This tour does not include extras such as meals or excursions, although many excursions and attraction tickets are available to pre-book for an additional fee.
Tour Dates:
Essential Escorted Tour
This escorted tour includes all of the essentials you need to discover your chosen itinerary. Travel is onboard a standard motorcoach with the services of an English-speaking tour manager. Accommodation is provided in basic 2-3* accommodation as detailed (or similar) in the itinerary. This tour does not include extras such as meals or excursions, although many excursions and attraction tickets are available to pre-book for an additional fee.
Tour Dates:
Some of our other Deep South itineraries
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