On this vacation, visit the cities and landmarks that have influenced America’s musical heritage—country, soul, blues, and jazz with Elvis Presley also thrown into the mix. Start in Nashville and visit the Country Music Hall of Fame; RCA Studio B, one of the country’s most important recording studios; and the Grand Ole Opry, where you have reserved seats. In Memphis, visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, celebrating Memphis soul music; Sun Studio, the most famous recording studio, which launched the careers of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and more; and Elvis Presley’s Graceland. Travel deep into the heart of the Mississippi Delta, the “Birthplace of the Blues,” and visit the Delta Blues Museum, dedicated to the blues.Other musical landmarks on this tour include the B.B. King Museum and the Louisiana Delta Music Museum, where you will learn more about Louisiana Delta musicians such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Mickey Gilley, and more. In New Orleans, visit the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park.But that’s not all…in addition to musical heritage, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about life on a plantation and cruise through the swampy waterways of Atchafalaya Basin. It’s a trip no music lover should miss!
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Day 1
Welcome to New Orleans, the “Big Easy.” At 6 pm, meet your fellow traveling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
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Day 2
This morning, a Local Guide shows you the sights and sounds of New Orleans. Visit the French Quarter, including Jackson Square and Pirate’s Alley, then stop at a typical New Orleans above-ground cemetery and learn about the city’s unique burial customs. Drive along tree-lined St. Charles Avenue to see the stately homes bordering the historic Garden District. After seeing the city, enjoy lunch and a private demonstration at the NEW ORLEANS SCHOOL OF COOKING. Hear history and tall tales as you learn how traditional Cajun and Creole specialties are made. The remainder of the day is on your own to explore this vibrant city. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing and the best places to shop and dine. (B,L)
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Day 3
Today, head out of New Orleans and board a CRUISE through the Louisiana bayous and swamps. En route, spot wildlife along the banks and in the water, and learn about these wetlands and their inhabitants. Next, travel along the Great River Road to OAK ALLEY PLANTATION, “the Grande Dame.” Enjoy a guided tour of the house, with time afterward to stroll the grounds in the shade of majestic oak trees. (B)
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Day 4
Today is free to explore New Orleans on your own. Perhaps select a leisurely paddlewheel excursion on the mighty Mississippi, see the city’s haunted side on an Anne Rice Vampire Tour, or get a better understanding of events pre- and post-Katrina and the “Rebirth of New Orleans” on the Hurricane Katrina Tour. Tonight, enjoy a festive New Orleans-style farewell dinner at the COURT OF TWO SISTERS, the perfect ending to your New Orleans holiday! (B,D)
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NASHVILLE Sightseeing including a visit to Honky Tonk Row; visit the Country Music Hall of Fame; reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry; [LF] visit and make a recording at RCA Studio BMEMPHIS Visit Sun Studios and Stax Museum of American Soul Music; sightseeing tour with Local Guide; visit to GracelandCLARKSDALE Orientation tour; visit to Delta Blues Museum, [LF] lunch at Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues ClubGREENWOOD OrientationINDIANOLA Visit to the B.B. King MuseumNATCHEZ Enjoy a carriage ride with dinner at an antebellum mansionFROGMORE Visit a cotton plantation; Louisiana Delta Music MuseumLAFAYETTE [LF] Special program at Martin Accordions; cruise on the Atchafalaya BasinGREAT RIVER ROAD Guided visit of Oak Alley PlantationNEW ORLEANS Sightseeing, New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park, National WWII Museum, farewell dinner
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NASHVILLE Opryland Hotel (MD)MEMPHIS Marriott Downtown (SF)GREENWOOD The Alluvian (SF)NATCHEZ Hampton Inn & Suites (MF)LAFAYETTE Hilton Lafayette & Towers (F)NEW ORLEANS Sheraton New Orleans (SF)
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Breakfast daily (B), 2 lunches (L), 3 three-course dinners (D) including a farewell dinner in New Orleans
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NOTE:- On America's Musical Heritage with Extended Stay in New Orleans, the April 26 departure features the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
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Prices based on double room occupancy.Single Room Supplement: Departures April 12 & May 10-October 11: $720Departures April 26 & October 25-November 8: $885Triple Room Reduction per person: $145.Extra Nights per person in Nashville:in single room $194; in twin room $114; in triple room $90.Extra Nights per person in New Orleans:April-October (except Jazz Fest): in single room $183; in twin room $110; in triple room $92.Jazz Fest (May 3-7): in single room $339; in twin room $188; in triple room $144.November: in single room $288; in twin room $163; in triple room $128.
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ASE|Extend Your Vacation in New Orleans
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America's Musical Heritage
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On this vacation, visit the cities and landmarks that have influenced America’s musical heritage—country, soul, blues, and jazz with Elvis Presley also thrown into the mix. Start in Nashville and visit the Country Music Hall of Fame; RCA Studio B, one of the country’s most important recording studios; and the Grand Ole Opry, where you have reserved seats. In Memphis, visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, celebrating Memphis soul music; Sun Studio, the most famous recording studio, which launched the careers of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and more; and Elvis Presley’s Graceland. Travel deep into the heart of the Mississippi Delta, the “Birthplace of the Blues,” and visit the Delta Blues Museum, dedicated to the blues.Other musical landmarks on this tour include the B.B. King Museum and the Louisiana Delta Music Museum, where you will learn more about Louisiana Delta musicians such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Mickey Gilley, and more. In New Orleans, visit the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park.But that’s not all…in addition to musical heritage, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about life on a plantation and cruise through the swampy waterways of Atchafalaya Basin. It’s a trip no music lover should miss!
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