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Deep South and Delta Blues 11 nights / 12 days Starts and ends in Atlanta Max 13 persons Small group tour Made for you Trace the roots of American music in the Deep South and experience the unique cultural landscape and fascinating history that gave birth to the blues, jazz, country and rock 'n' roll. Days move a little slower in the South, as you pass the time with a sweet tea or a mint julep, taking in the sights and sounds of Music Row in Nashville, Beale Street in Memphis and Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Take in the heritage properties of Natchez and Houmas House, and savour authentic Southern hospitality and cuisine on your Deep South holiday as you float down the Mississippi on an included river boat cruise. Day 1: Atlanta Arrival Welcome to Atlanta and the Southern state of Georgia. An evening welcome meeting at 18:00 hrs in your hotel. A self-guided walking tour of downtown Atlanta is highly recommended. Hotel: Country Inn & Suites Atlanta Airport South (Or Similar) Day 2: Birmingham This city was the primary site of the Civil Rights Movement and where Dr Martin Luther King Jr. began his campaign of civil disobedience. Make a visit to the Civil Rights Institute for an excellent introduction to the region's volatile history before setting off on your journey through the South. Hotel: Drury Inn & Suites Birmingham Grandview (or similar) Days 3-5: New Orleans Welcome to the cultural melting pot of the Deep South, New Orleans. Otherwise known as the 'Big Easy', the eclectic mix of European, Creole and Cajun culture manifests in every aspect of the architecture, cuisine and musical scene. Take in the sights and sounds of Bourbon Street, relax in the Garden District and absorb the ambience of the French Quarter. Founded by French traders in 1718, there are many layers of history in this city, and all its many attractions combined make it one of the most visited cities in the USA. Enjoy a visit to Jean Lafitte Nature Preserve for a guided walk around the swamp boardwalks. Your evenings in New Orleans will be easily spent as there is much to do, not least of all enjoying some of the many live music performances that take place nightly in this vibrant city. Hotel: The Whitney Hotel (Or Similar) Day 6: Houmas House Plantation and Gardens – Natchez This morning we visit Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. Then on to the oldest established settlement on the Mississippi River, birthplace of the Mississippi riverboat and at the heart of the slave trade. Tour the historic district with over 50 Antebellum homes and historic churches. Check out the “Under the Hill” area made famous by Mark Twain or explore on of the most interesting cemeteries in the south. Stay overnight in a historic property dating back to the 1840’s. Hotel: The Guest House Natchez (Or Similar) Day 7: Clarksdale Next up is Clarksdale and the Hopson Plantation, which is the former home of legendary blues pianist Pinetop Perkins. Clarksdale is also home to the infamous 'Crossroads', where legend has it that blues musician Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil. Within the town itself you'll find the Delta Blues Museum, a literal blues shrine of artefacts and memorabilia, as well as actor Morgan Freeman's Ground Zero Blues Club. Hotel: Hampton Inn Clarksdale (Or Similar) Days 8-9: Memphis Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters and the late B.B. King helped to put Memphis on the musical map. A highlight of your stay in Memphis is an included excursion to Graceland, home of Elvis Presley. Visit Sun Studio where many great names have passed through or the Gibson guitar factory to completely immerse yourself in the fascinating musical heritage of this city. Outside of music, the National Civil Rights Museum located in the former Lorraine Hotel, at the site where Martin Luther King was assassinated, is well worth a visit. Hotel: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown (Or Similar) Days 10-11: Nashville The undisputed capital of country music. Home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the famous Wild horse Saloon, Nashville offers the perfect opportunity to try some line dancing. Broadway is lined with honky-tonks and intimate live music venues playing not only country, but all genres of music. Your time in Nashville is free for you to indulge in your choice of the many music and entertainment options available (entrance fees apply). The Grand Ole Opry is the world's longest running radio show and a recommended highlight. You can enjoy performances at the famous Grand Ole Opry House located 24 km east of the city. Hotel: The Capitol Hotel Downtown Nashville (Or Similar) Day 12: Lynchburg to Atlanta There is an option to stop in Lynchburg at the Jack Daniel’s distillery, to pay homage with an optional sampling. Your Deep South USA tour ends in the modern-day metropolis of Atlanta. This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We recommend booking post-tour accommodation if time allows. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs. Includes • Return flights from Dublin to Atlanta • 11 night’s hotel accommodation as specified or similar • Services of a professional tour director • 10 Breakfasts and 1 dinner included • Visit Houmas House Plantation and Gardens • Mississippi riverboat dinner cruise • Visit Graceland Manion and Beale Street nightlife • Experience Cajun culture and Cuisine Departure Dates <strong>2020</strong> (Small Group Tour - max 13 people) • 4, 22 Apr; 09 May; 26 Jun; 22 Aug; 5, 28 Sep; 17 Oct; 14 Nov Pricefrom£3289/€3519perpersonbasedon2sharing. TravelMay <strong>2020</strong>.QuoteRef52210745 To book call Dublin 01 673 3800 or Belfast 028 9051 1800 All prices are a guide. Prices can increase or decrease. Prices in £ Sterling / € Euro and are based on 2 adults/2 children sharing a room. Prices shown are a starting price and will vary according to departure date and time of booking. Hotel and peak supplements may apply. Important: See the back of the brochure for terms and conditions - a full version can be found on our website and must be read prior to booking. 21