Southern Wonders

Upon arrival at Atlanta’s international airport, meet greet and transfer to hotel

Morning sightseeing tour of Atlanta which is not only the most cosmopolitan city of the South, but also its economic hub with large companies such as CNN and Coca Cola headquartered here.

The city is also former home and burial place of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr

In the afternoon departure to the charming seaport of Savannah, known for its architecture and restored historic city center

Start the day with a trolley tour of the historic district of Savannah to explore its old-world appeal.

In the early afternoon head north to Charleston, one of oldest and most hospitable cities in the United States and renowned for its southern charm. Learn more about its rich history during a city tour upon arrival

Morning visit of Boone Hall Plantation just outside of Charleston. The stately “Avenue of Oaks” leads to the Colonial Revival plantation house, one of the few plantation estates that still has original slave cabins.

Afterwards head inland to North Carolina for an afternoon arrival in Asheville, gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Today, travel along the final few miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway into the Eastern Cherokee Indian Reservation. This reservation is located at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After a short stop in Cherokee, take in the scenery of the “Smokies” and cross over into Tennessee at the Newfound Gap at an elevation of 5,048 feet.

Continue via Sevierville, place of birth of Dolly Parton, and Knoxville to Chattanooga, home of the Chattanooga Choo Choo

From Chattanooga head northwest to Lynchburg for a visit of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s distillery which oddly enough is located in a dry county.

After being introduced into the art of distilling Tennessee whiskey, continue north to the capital of Tennessee, Nashville. As the epicenter of country music, it is often referred to as Music City USA.

Take in an orientation tour of this rapidly developing city before arriving at the hotel

This morning depart for Memphis, known for Mississippi Delta Blues and cotton. A city tour upon arrival will include Beale Street, the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated as well as a factory tour of a guitar workshop.

A trip to Memphis would also not be complete without a visit to Graceland, the opulent mansion of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley

Today, travel south into the Mississippi Delta and stop at Clarksdale which is said to be the original birthplace of blues music. It is here at the crossroads of highways 61 and 49 that Robert Johnson supposedly sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his amazing guitar talent.

In the afternoon, follow Blues Highway 61 to end up in historic Natchez, a bustling port during the heyday of the cotton trade

Start the day with a visit to an antebellum mansion in Natchez. Afterwards continue further south for a stop in Baton Rouge, capital of Louisiana.

In the afternoon venture into the heart of Cajun Country as you make your way to Lafayette for a visit to Vermilionville. This living history museum preserves and represents the cultural resources of the Acadian, Native American, and Creole cultures

First stop this morning will be on Avery Island for a tour of the Tobasco pepper sauce factory.

Then continue towards the Mississippi River and follow the River Road in the direction of New Orleans. A visit will be made to one of the ornate plantations along this winding road

Arrival into the Big Easy is scheduled for early afternoon. Here European, Caribbean, native American and African cultures have been blended together to form one of the most colorful and vibrant cities of the United States

Today is a day of leisure to explore the French Quarter and to take in the many architectural, musical and gastronomical delights New Orleans has to offer. Or why not join an optional jazz brunch or swamp tour?

On this final day, leave the banks of the Mississippi River and the shores of Lake Pontchartrain behind to journey northwest through the state of Alabama to arrive in Atlanta in early evening

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight