America's Music Cities Holiday featuring New Orleans, Memphis & Nashville
America's Music Cities Holiday featuring New Orleans, Memphis & Nashville
8 Days Starting in New Orleans, USA and ending in Nashville, USA
Visiting: New Orleans, Oxford, Memphis, Nashville
Tour operator:
Tour code:
16212
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through America's iconic music cities with this holiday tour featuring New Orleans, Memphis, and Nashville. Begin in the vibrant streets of New Orleans, where jazz fills the air and Creole cuisine delights the palate. Explore the historic French Quarter and enjoy a live jazz performance. Travel to Memphis, the birthplace of the Blues, and visit Graceland, the legendary home of Elvis Presley. Delve into the Civil Rights Movement's history with a unique tour. In Nashville, immerse yourself in the heart of country music at the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Experience the magic of the Gaylord Opryland Resort's holiday displays and try your hand at chocolate-making. This tour offers a harmonious blend of music, history, and culture, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : New Orleans, Louisiana
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation Name: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
Step back in time on a cultural getaway that opens in the “Jazz Capital of the World,” New Orleans! This soulful city abounds with rich history, mouthwatering Cajun and Creole cuisine, and of course, an incomparable soundtrack. Take in the sights, flavors, and sounds of New Orleans on your own today before meeting your group in the morning.
Day 2 : New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Explore the many sides of New Orleans and how jazz began and thrives here. Join a local guide for a panoramic city tour, seeing the famous St. Louis Cemetery #3 and Esplanade. Then, it’s on to a walking tour of the French Quarter viewing St. Louis Cathedral, Pirates Alley and more. Tonight, get to know your travel companions at a New Orleans-style dinner before continuing on to Maison Bourbon, a live jazz club in the French Quarter.
Day 3 : New Orleans - Oxford, Mississippi
Location: Oxford
Accommodation Name: The Inn at Ole Miss
Leave New Orleans on a high note and head to the next music landmark. Explore the history of one of the world’s most prestigious awards in music at GRAMMY Museum Mississippi. Later, arrive in the charming college town of Oxford for a laid-back evening.
Day 4 : Oxford - Memphis, Tennessee
Location: Memphis
Accommodation Name: The Guest House at Graceland
Travel north to Memphis, the birthplace of the Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Soul. Enjoy Southern hospitality at your hotel before jiving along to “Jailhouse Rock” as you visit Graceland, the stately mansion of the “King” himself, and tour Elvis’s 14-acre estate, including his home, private jets, and Meditation Garden.
Day 5 : Memphis - Nashville, Tennessee
Location: Nashville
Accommodation Name: Gaylord Opryland Resort
This morning, embark on a civil rights history tour via coach and follow the route of Martin Luther King Jr.’s last march, stopping at Mason Temple where he gave his famous “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech the night before he was assassinated. Take time to explore the National Civil Rights Museum and grab lunch on your own. Then, journey along Music Highway to the “Music Capital of the World” – Nashville – and the glorious Gaylord Opryland Resort. This impressive property is a year-round wonderland but during the holidays it truly sparkles even brighter!
Day 6 : Nashville
Location: Nashville
Accommodation Name: hotel
Your day begins with a tour of the historic Ryman Auditorium,** the original home of the Grand Ole Opry. Test your culinary skills at a hands-on chocolate-making lesson at the iconic Goo Goo Candy Shop. This evening, take your reserved seat at the renowned Grand Ole Opry.***
Day 7 : Nashville
Location: Nashville
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Tour RCA Studio B and gain an insider’s look at Nashville’s oldest remaining recording studio, where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Charley Pride once recorded some of their classic hits – you may even have the opportunity to record your own! Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, the largest museum of popular music in the world. The museum's vast collections of memorabilia, costumes, recordings and instruments are artfully presented in cutting-edge exhibits relaying the colorful histories of country music and its artists. This evening, gather for a spectacular dinner and holiday show at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. Then, it’s your choice! Embark on a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride -OR- take in your resort’s amazing lights and décor on a relaxing river cruise.
Day 8 : Nashville - Tour Ends
Location: Nashville
Accommodation Name: hotel
Your rockin’ holiday journey comes to a close today.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, The Inn at Ole Miss, The Guest House at Graceland, and the Gaylord Opryland Resort, offering comfort and convenience throughout your journey in America's music cities.
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Transport
Travel between iconic music cities including New Orleans, Oxford, Memphis, and Nashville, with guided tours and local experiences enhancing your journey.
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Guided Tours
Join a local guide for a panoramic city tour in New Orleans, and embark on a civil rights history tour in Memphis.
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Culinary Experience
Enjoy Creole delights at a favorite French Quarter restaurant in New Orleans and create your own Goo Goo Cluster Candy at a chocolate-making lesson.
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Music Experiences
Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, visit Graceland, and take your seat at the Grand Ole Opry.
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Cultural Experiences
Trace ties to the Civil Rights Movement in Memphis and step inside history at RCA Studio B.
What's Not Included
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Meals
Meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours such as the Opry Amplified: Best Seats & Behind the Scenes and New Orleans Jazz Afternoon are not included and must be purchased separately.
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Transportation for Optional Tours
Transportation is not included for optional tours.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and other personal items are not included.
Experiences
Trace ties to the Civil Rights Movement in Memphis on a one-of-a-kind tour.Step inside history at RCA Studio B for an up-close look at Nashville’s oldest remaining recording studio.Experience the Gaylord Opryland Resort’s magical holiday displays with over 2 million lights and unique Music City-inspired décor.
Options
Nashville, TN: Opry Amplified: Best Seats & Behind the Scenes Amplify your experience at the Opry with this option for upgraded seating and a 1-hour backstage tour. You’ll enjoy a great view of the stars gracing the Opry’s stage with upgraded Tier 1 seats. After the show, it’s time to pull back the curtain and get an up-close look around the house where country music stars and legends make history each week. Get behind-the-scenes access and insider stories as you see the Opry’s themed dressing rooms, artist entrance, broadcast studio, and more. Duration approximately 1 hour(s). Transportation is not included A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
This option must be purchased by 30 days prior and is not available while on tour. A maximum of 10 travelers can purchase this optional tour and is available on a first come, first served basis.
This venue is within walking distance to the hotel. Shuttle availability is not guaranteed at the conclusion of the post-show backstage tour. Therefore, it may be necessary to return to your hotel walking (accompanied by your Tour Manager). Post-show tour begins at approximately 9:30 p.m. and will finish at approximately 10:30 p.m. so you can expect to return to your hotel just before 11:00 p.m.
Nashville, TN: Opry Amplified: Best Seats & Behind the Scenes Amplify your experience at the Opry with this option for upgraded seating and a 1-hour backstage tour. You’ll enjoy a great view of the stars gracing the Opry’s stage with upgraded Tier 1 seats. After the show, it’s time to pull back the curtain and get an up-close look around the house where country music stars and legends make history each week. Get behind-the-scenes access and insider stories as you see the Opry’s themed dressing rooms, artist entrance, broadcast studio, and more. Duration approximately 1 hour(s). Transportation is not included A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
This option must be purchased by 30 days prior and is not available while on tour. A maximum of 10 travelers can purchase this optional tour and is available on a first come, first served basis.
This venue is within walking distance to the hotel. Shuttle availability is not guaranteed at the conclusion of the post-show backstage tour. Therefore, it may be necessary to return to your hotel walking (accompanied by your Tour Manager). Post-show tour begins at approximately 9:30 p.m. and will finish at approximately 10:30 p.m. so you can expect to return to your hotel just before 11:00 p.m.
New Orleans, LA: New Orleans Jazz Afternoon This afternoon, enjoy a jazz brunch at one of New Orleans’ most famous restaurants, The Court of Two Sisters. Relax and enjoy the live jazz music as you soak in the centuries-old atmosphere and the largest courtyard in the French Quarter. Indulge in the expansive brunch buffet, with over 60 items available, including made to order omelets and Eggs Benedict. After lunch, embark on a leisurely cruise aboard the traditional Steamboat Natchez, iconic in New Orleans. The ambience will transport you back in time to the 19th century when steamboats were the mode of transportation of choice to travel along the Mississippi. Sit back and take in your surroundings during your narrated harbor tour, listening to stories of days gone by along the way. As your paddlewheel boat makes its way back, it is time for a lively jazz band to take the stage for some toe-tapping fun! Duration approximately 4.5 hour(s). Transportation is not included A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Culinaries
Enjoy Creole delights at a favorite French Quarter restaurant in New Orleans.Create your own Goo Goo Cluster Candy at a chocolate-making lesson.
Must See
Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, the largest museum of popular music in the world.Take your seat at the Grand Ole Opry, the “home of American music.”Discover historic Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry.Visit Graceland, the opulent home of Elvis Presley.
Choice Highlights
French Quarter One of the most unique city scales in the country, New Orleans French Quarter is a harmonious blend of French, Spanish, American and African cultures. The Vieux Carre, as it is known, is characterized by wrought iron balconies, courtyards, Creole restaurants and jazz music.
Jazz Revue Discover why New Orleans is known as the “Birthplace of Jazz” when you take in a spirited jazz revue at a local French Quarter jazz club. Listen to the world famous sounds that emanated from New Orleans!
Grammy Museum
Graceland Located in Memphis, Tennessee, this 13-acre estate was the last home of music legend Elvis Presley. Originally established as a farm during the American Civil War, Elvis purchased the property in 1957 and spent two decades here before his death in 1977. Graceland has become a modern pilgrimage site for fans.
Civil Rights Tour
Ryman Auditorium One of Nashville's premier entertainment locations, this live performance venue was completed in 1892. Nicknamed the "Carnegie Hall of the South," the auditorium's history includes performances from Harry Houdini, speeches by Theodore Roosevelt and concerts from Enrico Caruso. Home of the Grand Ole Opry for three decades, the Ryman is at the center of Nashville's musical legacy.
Hands-on Chocolate-making Lesson Test your culinary skills at a hands-on chocolate-making lesson. Delve into the history of chocolate making, perhaps even trying a sample or two! Learn the secrets of this beloved craft and treasure a taste of the local flavor.
Grand Ole Opry Show The Grand Ole Opry was created by an insurance company as a radio show in service to the public as a means to advertise insurance policies. Launched in the 1920s, the Opry quickly became the launch pad for many music greats. Today the worlds longest running live radio program, the Grand Ole Opry is the backbone of American Country Music.
Historic RCA Studio B Built in the late 1950s RCA Studio B quickly became the home of the "Nashville Sound." The Hitmakers of Studio B are country music legends, including Dolly Parton, Chet Atkins and Willie Nelson, just to name a few. Today the studio functions as a cultural attraction for visitors and a classroom for local students learning sound and recording technology.
Country Music Hall of Fame This museum in downtown Nashville tells the history of country music from its pre-commercial roots to modern times. The story is told through visual exhibits, photography and recorded songs.
Gaylord Opryland Resort Dinner & Holiday Show This sprawling resort hotel has everything a fan of country music could want. Blending southern hospitality with a wide array of dinning, shopping and entertainment options, it the perfect jumping off point to explore Nashville. Settle in for a spectacular dinner and holiday show at the glorious Gaylord Opryland Resort. Experience a country Christmas, complete with music and dance that will leave a smile on your face.
Delta River Flat Boat or Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride In Nashville, you have the choice between two activities. Your first option is to enjoy a leisurely flat boat ride on the indoor river in the Opryland Resort's Delta atrium. Take in the sites and sounds of holidays at the Gaylord while enjoying the light displays. Your second option is to bundle up and take an outdoor horsedrawn carriage at night to see the hotel grounds strong with holiday lights including the beautiful southern magnolias.
Delta River Flat Boat at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel (Default)
Activity Level: 1
Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel
Activity Level: 1
Mode of Transport
Travel between iconic music cities including New Orleans, Oxford, Memphis, and Nashville, with guided tours and local experiences enhancing your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experience can I expect at the Gaylord Opryland Resort during the holidays?
During the holidays, the Gaylord Opryland Resort transforms into a magical wonderland with over 2 million lights and unique Music City-inspired décor. You can enjoy a spectacular dinner and holiday show, and choose between a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride or a relaxing river cruise to take in the resort's amazing lights and décor.
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What can I learn at the RCA Studio B tour in Nashville?
At RCA Studio B, you will gain an insider's look at Nashville's oldest remaining recording studio, where famous artists like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Charley Pride recorded some of their classic hits. You may even have the opportunity to record your own music.
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What is included in the civil rights history tour in Memphis?
The civil rights history tour in Memphis includes following the route of Martin Luther King Jr.'s last march and stopping at Mason Temple, where he gave his famous 'I've Been to the Mountaintop' speech the night before he was assassinated. You will also have time to explore the National Civil Rights Museum.
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What activities are available in New Orleans during the tour?
In New Orleans, you can explore the city's rich history and vibrant culture, including a panoramic city tour with a local guide, visiting St. Louis Cemetery #3 and Esplanade, and a walking tour of the French Quarter. You will also enjoy a New Orleans-style dinner and live jazz at Maison Bourbon.
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What can I expect from the visit to Graceland in Memphis?
During the visit to Graceland, you will tour Elvis Presley's 14-acre estate, including his stately mansion, private jets, and Meditation Garden. This experience offers a glimpse into the life of the 'King of Rock 'n' Roll'.
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What culinary experience is offered in Nashville?
In Nashville, you can test your culinary skills with a hands-on chocolate-making lesson at the iconic Goo Goo Candy Shop, where you will learn the secrets of chocolate making and create your own Goo Goo Cluster Candy.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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