Discover the rich historic soundtracks of America’s Deep South, taking nostalgic journeys on legendary rail routes

Your holiday begins at London Heathrow, where you will meet the Tour Manager before boarding a direct flight to Charlotte, North Carolina.

After touching down in Charlotte, we transfer to our hotel in the late afternoon to spend our first night. Take advantage of the hotel's dining options or head out to sample some southern fare in one of the local restaurants.

This morning, we travel by coach to our next destination, Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We stop enroute in Asheville, a city nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains along the Appalachian Trail.

Our destination in Asheville is Biltmore House - the largest stately home in the United States. Once the home of railroad magnate George Vanderbilt and his family, this sprawling 250-room mansion is now a museum, with displays of vintage art, furniture and more. We have lunch at the Stable Café before a self-guided tour of this grand, historic estate.

We continue by coach to Pigeon Forge, where we check in to our hotel, Dollywood DreamMore Resort in the Great Smoky Mountains. This resort offers a real taste of southern hospitality, with restaurants serving regional favourites, indoor and outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Touches throughout show the influence of one of country music's biggest icons, Dolly Parton.

Today's excursion is one of the tour highlights - a journey into the Smoky Mountains National Park on a restored heritage railway. After breakfast, we board a coach to the quaint town of Bryson City on the edge of the national park, where we have some free time to explore.

This afternoon, we board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad* on a route following the Tennessee and Nantahala River, crossing a historic bridge over the expansive Fontana Lake and into the stunning Nantahala Gorge. There is a choice of onboard dining options or you could choose to pre-purchase a packed lunch to dine as we travel. This four-and-a-half-hour round-trip through the Gorge includes a one-hour stop by the river, where you can watch the rushing rapids and admire the lush forest landscape.

We transfer back to our hotel in Pigeon Forge and have another chance this evening to savour some great southern food at the hotel or in one of the town's restaurants. Local specialities to try are chicken and dumplings, country fried steak and pecan pie.

*Please note: for the Mardi Gras departure on the 30th January, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will not operate. Instead, we will drive through the Great Smoky Mountains, making scenic stops in the National Park.

Today, we make our way to the city of Chattanooga, famous as the site of several battles during the American Civil War and for its historic railways. Set on the banks of the Tennessee River and surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, Chattanooga's official nickname is 'Scenic City'.

After free time to lunch independently, we board the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway for a trip on one of the world's steepest passenger railways, operating since 1887. As we travel up among the steep forested hillsides above the Tennessee River, we enjoy vistas of Chattanooga and beyond. Atop Lookout Mountain is the site of a US Civil War battle and the visitor centre provides information on the military history of the area.

We return to Chattanooga and, after checking in to our downtown hotel for the night, you are free to explore the city and its many eateries. The city is also known for its bluegrass music and you may hear strains of this as you wander through downtown.

This morning, we leave Chattanooga by coach, heading to the world capital of country music, Nashville. On our way, we stop off in Moore County, Tennessee. Although this area has been 'dry' since the days of prohibition, it is also the home of the Jack Daniel's Distillery. During our visit, we enjoy a guided tour and a tasting of the iconic whiskey.

We continue to Nashville, where we check into our downtown hotel. This afternoon and evening, you are free to soak up the city's unique atmosphere and history. Besides its reputation as a music city, Nashville is also known for its vibrant neighbourhoods packed with indie coffee shops, breweries and boutiques.

Tonight, you dine independently and there's some outstanding cuisine to be enjoyed across the city. While you can take your pick from a fantastic variety of international dishes, the meals that Nashville does best are traditional southern comfort foods. Head to a café and order some fiery hot chicken, rich mac and cheese, or mouth-watering barbecue ribs.

This morning, we delve further into Nashville's musical history on a guided tour that introduces us to the major sights of the city. The city has been synonymous with country music since the 1940s, thanks to its collection of famous recording studios on 'Music Row' in downtown Nashville.

After this morning's memorable music experience, the afternoon is free to enjoy at leisure until this evening's entertainment.

We visit one of Nashville's most famous institutions this evening - the legendary Grand Ole Opry*. Founded as a radio station in the mid-1920s, this popular venue still hosts a regular live music broadcast, in addition to its stage shows. We take our seats for this extraordinary performance, featuring a line-up of eight or more artists, from legendary country music stars to up-and-coming talent. At the end of the evening, we're transferred back to our downtown hotel, but the city's bars and venues will still be humming if you're not ready for the music to end.

*Please note: for the Mardi Gras departure on the 30th January 2026, we will visit the Grand Ole Opry on Day 7 instead.

After breakfast, we head out to tour the legendary RCA Studio B, where artists including Elvis, the Everly Brothers and Dolly Parton once cut records and wrote songs. Though it only operated for 20 years, it quickly became one of the world's most famous recording studios, due to the iconic records created within its walls.

Our guided tour ends at the fantastic Country Music Hall of Fame, the world's largest music museum. We are free to explore and learn more about the stars that have shaped country music, from its roots to today. There are various interactive exhibitions, and the centre houses an unrivalled collection of country music recordings dating to the 1930s.

After our tour of this famous institution, the remainder of the day is free to explore Nashville at your own pace. Attractions include the Johnny Cash museum, which has a beautifully curated collection of memorabilia on 'the Man in Black' and the Honky Tonk Highway, a vibrant stretch of Broadway that buzzes with live music and honky-tonk bars.

Leaving Nashville this morning, our journey through Tennessee continues. On our way to Memphis, we stop at Jackson, famous for its railway culture and as the birthplace of rockabilly music. We have free time to find lunch independently in this interesting town, and you may choose to grab a bite at Brooks Shaw's Old Country Store, a nostalgic ice-cream parlour and southern soul food buffet.

From Jackson, we continue to the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in the historic town of Brownsville for a guided tour. The centre is dedicated to the diverse history of Tennessee, from the rich musical traditions to the area's infamous history of slave labour. There is also a dedicated Tina Turner museum, located inside her childhood schoolhouse.

We complete our journey to Memphis and check in to our accommodation at The Guest House, right next to Elvis Presley's legendary home, Graceland. This evening, we have Memphis-style barbecue dinner at the hotel. Well known for being cooked 'low 'n' slow', this three-course feast is presented to us in traditional family-buffet style.

Today, we're introduced to the main attractions of Memphis' musical history, beginning with a visit to Graceland, the mansion Elvis Presley called home. As we walk through his preserved living quarters, we get an insight into the King of Rock'n'Roll, viewing the eclectic mix of memorabilia on display and admiring his incredible car collections.

In the afternoon, we tour the iconic Sun Studio, where legendary blues artists Howlin' Wolf and BB King first cut records. The studio also claims the title of 'the birthplace of rock'n'roll' as both Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded here during their careers. Learn about Memphis' history while browsing priceless memorabilia of the legends that created here.

Returning to the hotel, the rest of the day is free. Head to the famous Beale Street to experience the energy of 'the home of the Blues'. History and culture flow through the street, with blues, jazz and rock music spilling out of the myriad venues and statues paying tribute to blues icons like WC Handy and BB King.

This morning, we take a trip into the past aboard Amtrak's City of New Orleans train service. The story goes that blues music spread along this route by rail, and we retrace the journey from Tennessee through Mississippi to Louisiana. The views from the train are captivating, as verdant, rolling hills lead into the peaceful Cajun creeks of the Louisiana Bayou.

This afternoon, we arrive in the Louisiana town of Hammond, where a coach takes us to the Oak Alley Plantation for a guided tour. We learn the history of this grand estate, standing as a testament to the privileged lives of Louisiana landowners and to the awful suffering of those who were enslaved to work on the sugar cane fields of the plantation.

We continue to New Orleans, where we check into our hotel in the heart of this sensational city. Our hotel is a short distance from Bourbon Street, which simmers with activity during the daytime but comes alive at night with the blast of jazz trumpets, lively cocktail bars and flamboyant dance shows.

Please note: on the Mardi Gras departure, we will stay at AC Hotel French Quarter.

Officially a National Historic Landmark, the renowned French Quarter is one of the best-known areas of New Orleans, and the hub of the party during Mardi Gras. Touring the area with a local guide this morning, we stop at the hugely popular Café du Monde - an open-air café and a great spot for people watching - to enjoy a beignet (a delicious, deep-fried choux pastry) and a café au lait.

After some free time to get to know the city, we regroup and board a traditional paddle steamer for a sightseeing cruise along the Mississippi River, taking in the site of the Battle of New Orleans. Our cruise takes place aboard the Creole Queen, an authentic steamboat which offers a view of the 'Big Easy' that only the river can provide.

After disembarking, you are free to enjoy your evening in this exciting city. As you will have already discovered, this is a carnival city, and during the Mardi Gras the party never stops!

Please note: for the Mardi Gras departure on the 30th January 2026, today is the parade day and you have tickets to enjoy the show. The French Quarter guided tour and the Mississippi River sightseeing cruise will take place on Day 12 instead.

Your day is free to soak up New Orleans. Known the world over as the Deep South's party city due to its Mardi Gras celebrations, there's a year-round sense of spirited adventure and playfulness. A wander through the colourful streets offers an introduction to NOLA's eclectic architecture that stretches back centuries, like the stunning St Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in North America.

For an authentic New Orleans experience, you could hop on a streetcar on St Charles' Avenue, taking in the city sights as you travel from uptown to downtown, or you could spend some time in the peaceful green space of one of the city's great parks.

The French Quarter has an endless choice of eateries for your last evening in the Deep South. Most places offer traditional Southern food, from po-boys (meat, seafood or crawfish-filled bread rolls) and jambalaya to fresh oysters - served raw, baked or chargrilled.

On your final morning in New Orleans, spend time revisiting your favourite spots or relaxing at a café before our homeward journey begins.

As our explorations of the American South come to an end, we transfer to the airport in New Orleans to board our direct overnight flight to London Heathrow.

From the enchanting Great Smoky Mountains and musical heritage in Nashville and Memphis, to the Mardi Gras energy of New Orleans - every moment has showcased the very best of the Deep South.

We touchdown at London Heathrow this morning, returning home with many unforgettable memories of this musical tour of the Deep South.

The first origins of Mardi Gras can be traced back to medieval Europe, travelling Italy and then onwards to France. On 2nd March 1699, French- Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville arrived on a plot of land south of New Orleans - now the small town of Mobile - and named it "Pointe du Mardi Gras" when he realised it was the eve of the festive holiday. The Carnival of Mardi Gras refers to the period of feasting and fun that begins on the Christian Feast of the Epiphany (6th January) and ends on Mardi Gras (also known as 'Fat' Tuesday), the final day of revelry before Ash Wednesday when Lent begins. When visiting New Orleans, the festival is in full swing, with floats making their way through the streets, and the vibrant colours of purple, green, and gold - standing for justice, faith, and power.

You can experience Mardi Gras in full swing on our January Departures.

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

The USA's national rail operator, Amtrak, runs approximately 300 trains per day throughout the United States, connecting more than 500 destinations on 21,000 miles of track.

Some of these trains are commuter services that connect nearby cities, while others are long-distance trains that connect states near and far. In fact, Amtrak offers 15 thoughtfully planned overnight journeys.

Journeys to each unique region depart throughout the year and, because Amtrak traverses remote stretches and places where roads do not travel, there is no better or more relaxing way to see the hidden details of North America.

Amtrak offers several travel classes from which to choose. Coach Class is the included service for our Grand Tour of America tour, all other tours have Roomettes as standard.

Coach Class is the standard level of service. Passengers travel in wide, reclining seats with plenty of legroom. There are trays, reading lights and electric outlets at each seat, with toilets at the end of each carriage. There are no included meals in Coach, but food can be purchased in the onboard Café.

Roomettes are private rooms with two comfortable seats that transform into upper and lower bunks at night. A large picture window in the room ensures great views of the passing scenery can be enjoyed, while each carriage has shared toilet and shower facilities. Meals are included in the Dining Car for passengers who have upgraded to this level of service.

Ensuite Bedrooms are spacious private rooms with in-room sink, toilet and shower. Twice the size of a Roomette, these contain a large picture window, a sofa and a separate chair during the day. At night, the sofa transforms into upper and lower bunks. Meals are included in the Dining Car for passengers who have upgraded to this level of service.

The number of meals is dependent on the length of the journey. Full dining service is only available on select long-distance trains, including but not limited to, the California Zephyr, Southwest Chief, and Empire Builder.

The City of New Orleans train is an Amtrak service that travels overnight from Chicago all the way to New Orleans, a journey of 900 miles. We join this historic train in Memphis, a four-hour section of this beloved musical route, all the way to New Orleans. Our journey takes us through the musical crossroads of the Mississippi Delta, following the mighty river and passing snowy-white cotton fields, to New Orleans - also known as the 'Big Easy' and the birthplace of jazz. Along the route we ride in the shadows of musical giants like Louis Armstrong, Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters before we finally pull into New Orleans at Union Passage Terminal.

Lookout Mountain played an important part in the American Civil War, as it was where the Union forces suffered one of their greatest defeats. So, by the late 19^th century, Lookout Mountain had become a popular attraction for tourists, but it took a long time to ascend - horse drawn buggies were the quickest option, and they took about four hours.

With the advent of railways, the idea of a mountain railway was proposed to reduce the time taken to reach the top. A direct route was planned and then built on; this ran for a mile from St Elmo to the summit. The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway was opened in November 1895, and has been a firm favourite with locals and tourists ever since. In 1911 the steam locomotives were replaced with diesel engines, but apart from that very little has changed on the line since its opening.

Due to the tremendous scenery it passes, the railway is sometimes referred to as "America's most amazing mile". The line is also loved by railway enthusiasts as in places it reaches an incline of 72.7% - making it one of the steepest passenger railways in the world.

Located close to the scenic riverfront, the 3-Star Chattanooga Marriott Downtown is an ideal base to explore Chattanooga. From here, it is a short distance to the Tennessee Aquarium and the Creative Discovery Museum. This relaxed hotel boasts a contemporary American grill restaurant, as well as a sports bar and a café. Other excellent facilities include a gym, an indoor pool, and a seasonal outdoor pool. The comfortable and modern rooms all have mountain or city views, and amenities include a television, tea & coffee-making facilities, a hairdryer, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Next door to Elvis Presley's Graceland Mansion, this 4-Star hotel offers two restaurants, a theatre and outdoor pool with pool bar. Delta's Kitchen offers Southern comfort dishes, including contemporary twists on some of Elvis Presley's favourite foods. Guests can grab a drink and a bite for breakfast, lunch and dinner at EP's Bar & Grill. The hotel has a fitness centre, several lounge areas, an outdoor lawn and courtyard area. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, coffeemaker, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

This contemporary 3-Star hotel is brilliantly located for music fans, just minutes from the Country Music Hall of Fame and the honky-tonks of Broadway. Surrounded by historic landmarks and outstanding eateries, the Hyatt Place also features an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and lounge bar. Each air-conditioned room is equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, minifridge, coffeemaker, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

This 3-Star hotel is conveniently located close to the airport and offers great modern amenities. Make use of the fitness centre or relax at the outdoor pool, before grabbing a bite to eat at the comfortable bar. Each air-conditioned room is equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, seating area, minifridge, coffeemaker, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains, this 4-Star hotel blends modern comfort with rustic charm. Experience authentic southern hospitality in one of the fantastic eateries and unwind at the indoor and outdoor pools and on-site salon and spa. The comfortable air-conditioned rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, minifridge, coffeemaker, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Located in the vibrant downtown area of Chattanooga, this 3-Star hotel is close to many attractions like the beautiful Tennessee River and Coolidge Park. Enjoy a dip in the indoor pool before a quick stroll to one of the dozens of great restaurants nearby. Air-conditioned guest rooms are modern and come equipped with free Wi-Fi, minifridge, coffee and tea-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

This luxurious 4-Star hotel in the heart of downtown New Orleans, near the renowned French Quarter, offers modern amenities with a European flair. Take in the views at the rooftop pool or sample Cajun- and Creole-inspired fare in the on-site restaurants. Enjoy both easy access to lively Bourbon Street and the quiet riverside location of Le Méridien. The air-conditioned guestrooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, minibar, coffeemaker, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries and bathrobes.

Upgrade your flight to World Traveller Plus from £500 per person each way. Please call for further details.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.