Self-Drive: Ultimate Deep South Road Trip

16 days from £2100 per person

Embark on a self-drive adventure across America’s Deep South states and discover the eclectic mix of musical rhythms as you journey through Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama. Packed with a rich culture, lively cities, eye-catching scenery and a deep-rooted musical heritage; enjoy listening to the sweet sounds of rock & roll, soul, blues and country as well as seeing where some of the world's best loved musicians found fame. Unearth many of the must-see sights in the musical cities of Memphis, New Orleans and Nashville. Join in walking tours, visit recording studios and soak up the sounds as you visit renowned bars dotted along the cities' most famous streets and sample the mouth-watering delicacies that originate from the Deep South. Experience the historical side of southern life in Natchez and Lafayette and end your Deep South adventure by enjoying a couple of days relaxing on one of America’s finest white sandy beaches.

Atlanta – Nashville - Memphis – Natchez - Lafayette - New Orleans - Pensacola – Montgomery - Atlanta

Itinerary Highlights

Take a tour of the grand Antebellum mansions the Deep South region is renowned for and what made Natchez famous.

Relax beneath swaying palms that line the perfectly white sandy shores in Pensacola also known for its Spanish-style downtown and some of the best seafood in southern Florida.

In Montgomery visit the powerful Civil Rights Memorial, where you will find Dr Martin Luther King’s poignant words “I have a dream” etched.

Itinerary: Self-Drive: Ultimate Deep South Road Trip

Day 1 UK to Atlanta

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international flight to Atlanta, Georgia. On arrival you will collect your hire car from the airport and drive to your centrally located hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. (N)

Accommodation in Atlanta: Hotel Clermont (or similar)

Day 2 Atlanta

With an exciting mix of arts and culture combined with excellent shopping, Atlanta is a fantastic city to spend a day or two exploring. Why not visit the Martin Luther King Centre or take a tour of the CNN Centre, where the world’s largest TV network is housed. For wonderful jazz music, head to Underground Atlanta. (N)

Accommodation in Atlanta: Hotel Clermont (or similar)

Day 3 Atlanta to Nashville – 251 miles

Today you will leave Atlanta behind as you drive four hours north to Nashville. The drive will take you through Chattanooga, where you may like to stop and explore the unusual Ruby Falls - a 145 foot underground waterfall - as well as the gardens of Rock City. (N)

Accommodation in Nashville: Homewood Suites by Hilton (or similar)

Day 4 Nashville

Today is free for you to explore Nashville at your leisure. Check out the Grand Ole Opry, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame or get your country groove on at the legendary Wildhorse Saloon. (N)

Accommodation in Nashville: Homewood Suites by Hilton (or similar)

Day 5 Nashville – Memphis – 209 miles

From country music to rock and roll, continue on your travels to Memphis. Today’s drive will take around three and a half hours, so why not stop en route at the Jack Daniels distillery in Lynchburg and learn how the smooth Tennessee whiskey is made. (N)

Accommodation in Memphis: The Guest House at Graceland (or similar)

Day 6 Memphis

Spend a day exploring Memphis to truly discover the home of the Blues for yourself. No trip to Memphis is complete without a tour of Graceland and we can arrange VIP tickets that will allow you exclusive access to Elvis’s estate which aren’t available to regular visitors. (N)

Accommodation in Memphis: The Guest House at Graceland (or similar)

Day 7 Memphis to Natchez – 212 miles

Today you will drive for around five hours alongside the Mississippi river winding your way down to Natchez. To break up the journey and stretch your legs, you might choose to stop off at Jackson or Vicksburg. (N)

Accommodation in Natchez: Guest House Natchez (or similar)

Day 8 Natchez

Antebellum homes are what make Natchez famous, as you will find more here than anywhere else in the USA. Enjoy learning about the history of the homes today, or take a drive out to the cotton fields or the Frogmore Plantation. (N)

Accommodation in Natchez: Guest House Natchez (or similar)

Day 9 Natchez to Lafayette – 148 miles

Today you will drive for around three hours, weaving along the path of the Mississippi River until you reach Lafayette, the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole culture. When you arrive, spend some time exploring the historical streets and distinct culinary scene. (N)

Accommodation in Lafayette: Homewood Suites by Hilton (or similar)

Day 10 Lafayette

There are some wonderful attractions and historic villages that you may wish to explore around Lafayette. Or, if you prefer to take things a little easier today, try a bite of typical Cajun cuisine as you kick back and listen to a live Cajun band. (N)

Accommodation in Lafayette: Homewood Suites by Hilton (or similar)

Day 11 Lafayette to New Orleans – 135 miles

Prepare to party as you drive for two and a half hours to New Orleans today! You may like to break up your journey in Louisiana’s capital Baton Rouge, en route to the ‘Big Easy’. (N)

Accommodation in New Orleans: The Higgins Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 New Orleans

Soak up the lively culture in Louisiana’s most visited city and watch the world go by as you enjoy a drink in one of Bourbon Street’s jazz cafes. This evening you might choose to take a steamboat cruise along the Mississippi River. (N)

Accommodation in New Orleans: The Higgins Hotel (or similar)

Day 13 New Orleans to Pensacola – 201 miles

The pace slows down today as you bid farewell to New Orleans and drive for around three hours to the pristine shores of the Florida Panhandle. The sands here are amongst the cleanest and whitest that can be found in the USA and offer the perfect place for unwinding and tucking into a delicious seafood feast. (N)

Accommodation in Pensacola: Best Western Plus (or similar)

Day 14 Pensacola to Montgomery – 165 miles

Leave the tranquil sandy shores behind as you drive for around three hours to Montgomery today, to the historic capital of Alabama. During your time here, you must visit the moving Civil Rights Memorial, where you will find Dr Martin Luther King’s poignant words “I have a dream” etched. (N)

Accommodation in Montgomery: Homewood Suites by Hilton (or similar)

Day 15 Montgomery to Atlanta – 161 miles / Atlanta to the UK

Your Deep South discovery sadly draws to an end today. Today you will drive for around three hours to Atlanta International Airport where you will drop off your hire car and board your international flight back to the UK. (N)

Day 16 Arrive UK

Today you will arrive back into the UK, where you will continue your journey home. (N)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Hotel accommodation and taxes
Car hire as specified

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature
Meals unless specified

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.