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America's Deep South & the Heart of Texas

Fully escorted tour of the Deep South and musical cities!

Embark on a journey through America’s Deep South and the heart of Texas.

Discover the rich culture, history, and soul-stirring music of America's Deep South — the birthplace of the blues — and experience the bold spirit of Texas, the "Lone Star State." This unforgettable road trip takes us through iconic landscapes, charming cities, and vibrant musical heritage that shaped the soundtrack of a generation.

On this journey experience the flavours and sounds that define the Deep South: southern hospitality, Creole and Cajun cuisine, and legendary music genres like jazz, rock 'n' roll, blues, and country. Take a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Tennessee, past Mississippi’s cotton fields, and into the mystical bayous of Louisiana. Then, explore the expansive Texas plains, where culture, history, and adventure await.

Along the way stay in some of America’s most exciting cities: the live-music capital Austin, the country music haven Nashville, the spirited New Orleans, and the vibrant cultural hubs of Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas. We'll also journey through the heart of Texas, with a visit to the state capital, Austin, nestled in the rolling Hill Country.

This once-in-a-lifetime road trip promises to immerse us in the unique cultural tapestry of the South — from the deep roots of blues to the legendary cowboy spirit of Texas.

Day 1

Arrival in Atlanta
We depart home area and make our way to London Heathrow for our flight to Atlanta. (Flight time 9hrs 40 minutes). Karen will help us check in. We arrive in Atlanta, Georgia, where our Southern adventure begins. We will be taken by coach to our hotel.

Day 2

Travel to Nashville
Journey through Tennessee's rolling hills to the charming town of Lynchburg, home of the famous Jack Daniel's Distillery. Step back in time in this picturesque town, where the red-brick courthouse and one-stoplight main street feel like a glimpse into 1950s America. Explore local shops and enjoy a bite before heading to the Jack Daniel's Distillery. Experience the birthplace of the world-famous whiskey, crafted since 1884. Discover the distilling process in this historic yet "dry" county where locals can't even sample their own creation! We continue our journey to Music City USA.

Day 3

Nashville
Explore the birthplace of country music and its rich musical history. Country Music Hall of Fame - Dive into the heart of country music with exhibits showcasing legendary artists and iconic moments from the genre's past and present. RCA Studio B Tour - Visit the legendary studio where music icons like Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and Dolly Parton recorded some of their greatest hits. Nightlife on Lower Broadway - Immerse ourselves in Nashville's vibrant nightlife scene. The city's famous honky-tonk bars, such as Robert's Western World and The Stage, offer live music in an electric atmosphere.
Grand Ole Opry Show (Optional) - Don't miss the iconic Grand Ole Opry, where country legends perform live. Pre-book our tickets for an unforgettable night!

Day 4

Memphis
Travel to Memphis, a city steeped in musical heritage and history. Sun Studio Tour - Visit the birthplace of rock 'n' roll at Sun Studio, where legends like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash began their careers. Arrival in Memphis - Explore the city where the Mississippi River flows through the heart of America's musical culture.

Day 5

Graceland & National Civil Rights Museum - A day filled with history, music, and reflection.
Graceland: Explore the iconic home of Elvis Presley, a must-see for any fan of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. From his collection of cars and private jets to his final resting place, Graceland is a celebration of Elvis's legacy.
National Civil Rights Museum - Visit the Lorraine Motel, site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s tragic assassination, and learn about the pivotal moments in the struggle for racial equality.
Beale Street - In the evening, dive into the lively music scene along Beale Street, where the sounds of blues and jazz fill the air.

Day 6

Journey to New Orleans
Sit back and enjoy a scenic drive through Louisiana's countryside on the way to New Orleans, a city like no other, watch as the landscapes change, passing through charming southern towns and dense forests before arriving in the heart of the Big Easy.

Day 7

New Orleans - Experience the French Quarter and its eclectic charm.
French Quarter Walking Tour - Stroll through the heart of New Orleans with an expert guide, discovering art galleries, historic buildings, and the lively Bourbon Street.
Jazz Dinner Cruise (Optional, pre-booking required) - In the evening, enjoy a classic New Orleans jazz cruise with dinner aboard the Steamboat City of New Orleans, taking in the riverfront sights while listening to live jazz..

Day 8

Free Day in New Orleans - Take the day to explore New Orleans at our leisure.
Wander through the French Market, visit historic landmarks, or indulge in the city's famous Cajun cuisine.
Optional Excursion: Head to Oak Alley Plantation and enjoy a Louisiana Bayou boat tour, discovering the wetlands and the unique history of the Manchac Swamp.

Day 9

Houston & NASA
Travel into Texas, making our way to Houston and the NASA Johnson Space Centre.
NASA Tour - Explore Mission Control and see a full-size Saturn V rocket on display. Discover the history of space exploration at one of the world's most famous space centres.

Day 10

San Antonio
Continue our journey through Texas, arriving in San Antonio for a two-night stay.
The Alamo - Visit the historic Alamo, the site of the famous battle in 1836, and hear the story of the legendary defenders who fought for Texan independence.
River Walk - Stroll along the picturesque River Walk, lined with shops, restaurants, and bars offering a true Tex-Mex experience.

Day 11

Free Day in San Antonio
Spend the day exploring San Antonio at our leisure.
Visit more historic missions, or take in the city's culture, with the famous Spanish Market and modern museums.

Day 12

Dallas & Fort Worth
Head to Dallas, where we'll visit key historical sites.
Dealey Plaza & 6th Floor Museum - Learn about the tragic events of November 22, 1963, at Dealey Plaza, the site of President Kennedy's assassination. Explore the 6th Floor Museum, a historical landmark in the Texas Book Depository.
Fort Worth Stockyards - Discover the Stockyards National Historic District and immerse ourselves in Texas' rich ranching history.

Day 13

Return Home
Bid farewell to Texas as we make our way to the airport for our flight home.

Day 14

Arrive Home
Arrive home with memories of an unforgettable adventure through America's musical heartland and the iconic sights of Texas.

Courtland Grand Hotel by Wyndham, Atlanta ****

Courtyard by Marriott Fort Worth, Texas ***

Hilton NASA Clear Lake, Houston ***

Hyatt Place Opryland, Nashville ***

Menger Hotel, San Antonio ***

Sheraton New Orleans ****

PRICE INCLUDES

Return coach transfers to/from London Heathrow
Outward Flight to Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Return flight from Dallas Fort Worth International, Texas
12 nights in 3 & 4 star hotel accommodation
Breakfasts are included at all hotels.
Hotel porterage (one item of luggage per person)
Expert Tour Manager
15 included experiences
All sightseeing excursions with local guides
Fully escorted by Karen Kirby

* Note: Most of the hotels are located close to a selection of restaurants, some are fast food/diner style and some are full restaurants. Please be advised that not all of the hotels can provide gluten-free food so you may want to bring some gluten-free items with you or purchase them from a local shops during your trip.

Extras

Steamboat New Orleans Dinner and Jazz Cruise From £99pp
The Grand Ole Opry Show From £119pp
Oak Alley Plantation & Louisiana Swamp From £59pp

A deposit of £1,000 is required for this holidays with final payment due 120 days prior to travel. Passport details will be requested at time of booking. All prices are subject to increase of flight costs. This holiday cannot be booked through a Travel Agent due to ATOL license laws. Kirbys Coaches are acting as agent for Riviera Travel.

Please find below our pick up points (not all pick up points will be available on all departure dates). View the pick-up point you require, then you’ll see a list of dates which are/aren’t available from your pick up point.

Name	Address	Times
Barking	Station Parade, IG11 8TU	Failed View
Barkingside	Fullwell Cross, Bus Stop A - IG6 2EA	Failed View
Basildon	Cherrydown East Bus Stop, SS16 5GT, Basildon	Failed View
Brentwood	Brentwood, Outside The Dairyman	Failed View
Chalkwell Park	Chalkwell Park Bus Stop, London Road	Failed View
Chelmsford Victoria Road	Victoria Road CM1 1JR	Failed View
Collier Row	White Hart Lane - Bus Stop out Tythe Court RM7 8LZ	Failed View
Corringham Town Centre	Gordon Road, Bus Stop near Grover Walk SS17 7EY	Failed View
Cranham	Front Lane/Moor Lane Junction Bus Stop RM14 1XJ Outside Restaurant Opp. Car Park	Failed View
Dagenham	Church Elm Lane, Bus Stop L - RM10 9QS	Failed View
Depot	Depot, Princess Road, Rayleigh	Failed View
Hadleigh Church	Hadleigh Church, Bus Layby	Failed View
Harold Wood	Bus Stop A, Gubbins Lane, RM3 0DR	Failed View
Hockley Spa	Hockley Spa, Bus Stop outside the Library	Failed View
Hornchurch.	Hornchurch Town Centre, outside Sutton Arms	Failed View
Hutton	Hutton, Bus Stop just past the Chequers Pub	Failed View
Ilford	Ilford, Bus Stop outside 6 Clements Road, IG1 1BA	Failed View
Kavanaghs Rd	Kavanaghs Road/London Road, Brentwood	Failed View
Palace Theatre	Palace Theatre Bus Stop	Failed View
Pitsea	Outside what was Gala Bingo Hall, Pitsea	Failed View
Queensway	Queensway Bus Stop (Behind the Odeon Cinema)	Failed View
Rayleigh Stn	Rayleigh Railway Station	Failed View
Romford	St Edwards Way - Bus Stop H - RM1 3DQ Out: Romford Shopping Hall	Failed View
Sadlers Farm	Bus Stop on A13, just before Sadlers Farm roundabout, nr Romsey Road	Failed View
Shenfield Stn	Shenfield Station, outside what was Barclays Bank	Failed View
Shepherd & Dog Crays Hill	Shepherd & Dog, Crays Hill	Failed View
Shotgate	Shotgate Post Office	Failed View
South Green	Grange Parade Bus Stop, South Green, Billericay	Failed View
Stanford Rookery Corner	Rookery Corner Stanford	Failed View
Sun Corner	Sun Corner London Road - Billericay	Failed View
Thames Drive	Thames Drive Bus Stop	Failed View
The Elms	Bus Stop outside Elms Public House, Leigh on Sea	Failed View
The Oak Grays	The Oak Public House, Lodge Lane, Grays	Failed View
Thorpe Bay Stn	Thorpe Bay Station, Acacia Drive (opp Station)	Failed View
Thurrock Services,	Thurrock Services Coach Park, RM16 3BG	Failed View
Upminster	Bus Stop M, St Mary's Lane- Upminster Outside St.Laurence Church RM14 2QJ	Failed View
Vic Hse Cnr, Rayleigh Rd	Vic House Corner, (Rayleigh Road)	Failed View
Websters Way	Websters Way, Rayleigh (but High Street on return)	Failed View
White Horse	White Horse,Southchurch Road, Southend	Failed View
Whittinghams Grg	Whittinghams Garage, opp Rochford Railway Station	Failed View
Wickford	Halls Corner, opposite Police Station, Wickford	Failed View
Woodford Green	Snakes Lane East, Bus Stop R - IG8 7HU	Failed View