Enjoy a finger-snapping, toe-tapping time on this tour of America’s most famed musical cities – Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans. See where country legends recorded hit tunes at historic RCA Studio B. Create your own Goo Goo Cluster Candy at a chocolate-making lesson. Enjoy reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Spend 2 nights in Memphis, "birthplace of the blues." Choose how you connect with Memphis’ history – with a tour of Elvis Presley’s Graceland or by following the last march of MLK. Experience New Orleans, where jazz, food and fun are always on the menu. Choose how you explore New Orleans – by foot or by coach. Discover Mardi Gras World, where the massive, magical parade floats are crafted. You’ll be hummin’ and strummin’ long after you’ve returned home.
Journey to the “Music Capital of the World,” Nashville!
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. 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.* What began as a building where a local radio broadcast show aired once a week in 1925 has grown to become an entertainment complex that attracts music fans from all over the world.
Begin your day with a tour of historic Ryman Auditorium,** the original home of the Grand Ole Opry. Journey along Music Highway to Memphis, the birthplace of the Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Soul. Along the way, stop in Brownsville at the West Delta Heritage Center to discover the roots of the country blues sound and the hometown of Tina Turner - the Queen of Rock. Enjoy Southern hospitality at your hotel just steps away from the iconic Graceland.
This morning, it’s your choice! Jive along to “Jailhouse Rock” as you visit Graceland, the stately mansion of the “King” himself, and tour Elvis’ 14-acre estate, home, private jets and Meditation Garden -OR- embark on a Civil Rights tour and follow the route of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Last March by coach, stopping at Mason Temple where he gave his famous “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech the night before he was assassinated. Enjoy free time to grab lunch on your own before hopping back on the coach with some local musicians, who explain why Memphis embraces its title as the “Home of the Blues.” The remainder of the day is yours. You may opt to join a Memphis Musical History Tour with included dinner, or simply absorb the city’s vibrancy at your own pace!
Travel to the “Jazz Capital of the World” – New Orleans! This soulful city abounds with rich history, mouthwatering Cajun and Creole cuisine, and an incomparable soundtrack.
It’s your choice! Embark on a walking tour of New Orleans’ famous French Quarter, viewing St. Louis Cathedral, the bustling French Marketplace, Pirates Alley and more -OR- set out on a panoramic motor coach tour of New Orleans with a local guide, seeing the famous St. Louis Cemetery #3 and stunning mansions. Later, taste a true New Orleans favorite – beignets at the famed Café Du Monde.
Journey through Louisiana’s swamp on a cruise*** narrated by the captain himself. Learn about the ecosystem’s history and ecology while keeping an eye out for wildlife including bald eagles, herons, turtles and alligators. Then, celebrate New Orleans’ festive side at Mardi Gras World, the working warehouse where artisans create the floats for the famous parades, and get a tasting of king cake. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the Court of Two Sisters in the French Quarter followed by Maison Bourbon, a live jazz club.
Your rockin’ musical journey comes to a close today.
You will have the option to book your own flights independently with the operator.
Back in 1918, when Jack Collette started the company, the first tour to ever run was made up of a jitney bus of travellers that left Boston, Massachusetts headed for Florida. This three-week adventure cost just $61.50! At that time few could have foreseen that nearly 100 years later, that same company would be taking guests from around the world to all seven continents.
Collette believe that a true travel experience starts and ends with people and they pride themselves in creating adventures which take you on a journey around the world. They offer over 150 tours taking you to the national parks of North America, the wonders of Central and South America, the culture of Europe, the ancient sites of Asia, the wildlife of Africa and the outback of Australia. Their extensive travel experience and local expertise, developed over their 100 year history, means they take you to the main sights but also to places rarely visited and those you have always dreamed of exploring. Their aim is to deliver authentic experiences so on their tours you can expect to experience and try your hand at local crafts and traditions, meet the locals and see a lifestyle often very different to your own.
Travelling is such an enriching experience, but it is not always straight forward. Language and cultural differences can be a challenge, but Collette have it covered. They have their own experts on the ground who speak the language and understand the customs, and they have designed tours to maximise your stay in your chosen destination. They have organised all the details with airlines, accommodation, transportation, meals, sightseeing and more to ensure your tour runs seamlessly. They transport you from A to B in comfort, so you can sit back, relax and really make the most of your travels.
Collette offer you their ‘Best Value’ approach. Their tours are inclusive of any domestic transportation, accommodation, most meals, daily tours including entrance fees, local guides and exceptional Tour Managers. When you book a flight inclusive tour with them, they will also transport you in style in your own private door to door airport transfers. All you have to pay for are any non-included meals, drinks and non-included excursions – not to mention the odd souvenir along the way! Before you travel, Collette includes, with your full itinerary, details on how to download your personal App for use on tour. The App will become your new travel friend, and is packed with useful information including all the details about your flights and accommodation on tour, useful weather updates, city maps, and restaurant and attraction recommendations. You can also use it to share photos via social media.