Alabama

Day
1

Arrive Huntsville

Depart the UK on your chosen scheduled flight to Huntsville. Upon arrival, collect your rental car and proceed to your hotel.

Hotel: Westin Huntsville

Day
02 Day
03

Huntsville

The next two days are free to explore Huntsville and its surrounding areas. Nicknamed 'Rocket City', Huntsville is also home to the US Space and Rocket Centre. Take some time to wander around the Rocket Park and marvel at the machines that took man into space. We also recommend a visit to the beautiful Huntsville Botanical Gardens, or tour the Twickenham Historic District, which is home to the largest concentration of the iconic antebellum homes in Alabama.

Hotel: Westin Huntsville

Day
04 Day
05

Florence

Today, take the short drive to the North West corner of Alabama and the city of Florence. Famous for its music history, the city boasts a number of recording studios, with the most famous two being the FAME Recording Studios, where Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin among many others recorded classic hits and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, where the iconic hit 'Sweet Home Alabama' was recorded by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Take some time out from your sightseeing to enjoy lunch at Champy's Famous Fried Chicken, a staple food of the state.

Hotel: Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa

61Mi/97Km

Day
06 Day
07 Day
08

Birmingham

Journey down through the beautiful Alabama scenery, perhaps taking in a stop at the William B. Bankhead National Forest, as you head toward Birmingham. The state's largest city, Birmingham, offers attractions including The Civil Rights Institute, Barber Vintage Motorsport’s Museum and Kelly Ingram Park. There is also a replica of the Statue of Liberty located within the city!

Hotel: Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook

121Mi/195Km

Day
09 Day
10

Montgomery

A short drive today from Birmingham down to the state capital Montgomery. We highly recommend stopping along the way at the Talladega National Forest, to see some of the most beautiful scenery that Alabama offers visitors. Take time out to visit some of Montgomery’s famous historical sites including Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, Rosa Parks Library and Museum, Old Alabama Town, the First White House of the Confederacy, and the Civil Rights Memorial and Center. Afterwards, head to The Alley and enjoy a meal and a drink in downtown’s liveliest nightspots or catch a show at the Montgomery Center for the Performing Arts.

Hotel: Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa

89Mi/142Km

Day
11 Day
12

Mobile

Today's drive takes you South West from the state capital Montgomery, to the coastal city of Mobile. We suggest a stop at Monroeville, home of Harper Lee, author of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, before arriving in Mobile. Famous as being the birthplace in the US of Mardi Gras, the city hosts one of the biggest and most vibrant Mardi Gras festivals every year. Attractions such as the USS Alabama, Mobile Carnival Museum and Mobile Botanical Gardens are all worth a visit during your stay. On your second day, take the short drive to the Gulf Coast resort of Gulf Shores. Here you can visit attractions such as the Gulf Park Zoo, Alabama State Park and the historic Fort Morgan.

Hotel: The Battle House Renaissance

169Mi/271Km

Day
13

Journey Home

Time for some last minute relaxation before making your way to Pensacola Airport in the afternoon, where you will return your rental car and check in for your flight back to the UK.

Day
01

Arrive New Orleans

Depart the UK on your chosen scheduled flight to New Orleans. Upon arrival, collect your rental car and proceed to your hotel.

Hotel: Le Meridien New Orleans

Day
02

New Orleans

Welcome to the ‘Big Easy’. Today, you have a full day to explore the city. Visit the French Quarter, stroll along the narrow streets, visit the jazz clubs and experience Creole and Cajun cooking at its best. Ride the famed ‘Streetcar named Desire’, walk through the historic garden district or take a paddlewheeler on the Mississippi River.

Hotel: Le Meridien New Orleans

Day
03 Day
04

Point Clear

This morning’s short drive along the coastline brings you into Alabama and the impressive Grand Hotel Marriott Resort Golf Club & Spa. Spend two nights enjoying the resort's two fabulous golf courses, relaxing in the European-style spa and swimming in one of the resort's two outdoor pools. If you can pull yourself away from the resort there are many attractions close by.

Hotel: Grand Hotel Marriott Resort Golf Club & Spa

Day
05

Destin

Your journey today takes you along historic Route 10, into the western Florida Panhandle. Skirting along the coast, you may choose to stop in Pensacola before arriving at your beach resort in Destin. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or explore more of Florida’s breathtaking coastline and small towns.

Hotel: Hilton Sandestin Beach & Golf Resort

Day
06

Montgomery

Journeying northwest, today you venture back into Alabama. We suggest a stop at Monroeville, home of Harper Lee, author of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, before arriving in Montgomery. Whilst in the state capital, perhaps visit the Rosa Parks Museum and learn more about the Civil Rights Movement and tour the King Memorial Baptist Church where Martin Luther King Jr. preached his message of hope and brotherhood.

Hotel: Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa

Day
07 Day
08

Hoover & Birmingham

Just a short journey today through the central region of Alabama to the rolling hills and beautiful scenery of Birmingham’s countryside. Sitting in the quaint town of Hoover, Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort boasts the third longest golf course in the world. This Robert Trent Jones Course is surrounded by sweeping hills and offers challenging holes. Away from the courses, stimulate your senses at the spa or relax by the signature pool. A visit to the state's largest city, Birmingham, offers attractions including The Civil Rights Institute, Barber Vintage Motorsport’s Museum and Kelly Ingram Park.

Hotel: Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

Day
09 Day
10

Florence

Today it’s on to the northern tip of Alabama and the last of its superb resorts. Set in the Tennessee River Valley, Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa has retained the area's beauty in the design of the resort. Just minutes from the hotel are two Robert Trent Jones Trail courses which attract players of all levels and skill. Take a trip to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, WC Handy’s Birthplace and Museum and the Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House.

Hotel: Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa

Day
11 Day
12

Nashville

Cross the border into Tennessee, and head toward the home of Country Music. During your stay in Nashville visit the Grand Ole Opry, the Wildhorse Saloon and the Ryman Auditorium. A paddlewheeler cruise down the Cumberland River offers the sights of the waterway's historic heritage and is great fun. If you have time for shopping drop by Opry Mills, combining outlet and boutique shopping opportunities.

Hotel: Gaylord Opryland Resort

Day
13 Day
14

Memphis

Switching from country music to the home of the blues, today brings you to Memphis. Visit Mud Island, a unique 52 acre park showcasing America’s greatest river, the Mississippi. No one should ever visit Memphis without going to Graceland where the Lisa Marie airplane can also be viewed, or Sun Studios, where Elvis recorded some of his earliest music.

Hotel: The Peabody

Day
15

Journey Home

Time for some last minute shopping or sightseeing before making your way to Memphis Airport, to return your rental car and check-in for your flight back to the UK.

Day
01

Arrive Memphis

Depart the UK on your chosen scheduled flight to Memphis. Upon arrival, collect your rental car and proceed to your hotel.

Hotel: The Peabody

Day
02

Greenwood

Today you commence your journey through this amazing region by heading south on historic Highway 61, also known as the Blues Highway. Your first place of interest is Clarksdale in the heart of the Delta, which has a rich musical heritage. Whilst in town make sure to visit Blues Alley, home to the Delta Blues Museum. Next you’ll continue your journey to Indianola for a stop at the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Centre.

Hotel: The Alluvian

Day
03 Day
04

Vicksburg

This morning we suggest a stop by The Greenwood Blues Heritage Museum and Gallery, home to a vast array of Blues memorabilia. Culinary enthusiasts may also choose to visit the Viking Cookery School to learn how to prepare traditional Southern dishes and delicacies. Next take the scenic drive to Vicksburg, where you will enjoy the next two nights at one of Vicksburg’s antebellum homes. Next morning, why not take a carriage ride, to discover Vicksburg’s many beautiful homes?

Hotel: Anchuca Historic Mansion

Day
05

Tupelo

We’ve allowed a full day for you to experience Tupelo, undoubtedly best known as Elvis’ birthplace. Visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum, where you can tour the home, museum memorial chapel, fountain of life and see the story wall. Make sure to stop by the Tupelo Hardware Store; this timeless gem is where Gladys Presley bought Elvis his first guitar (Elvis wanted a gun, they compromised on guitar and music has never been the same since!).

Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Tupelo

Day
06 Day
07

Florence

Your exciting journey continues, and today it’s to the Northern tip of Alabama. Set in the stunning Tennessee River Valley, Marriott Shoals has a beautiful setting which has been reflected in the resort's design. Just minutes from the hotel are two Robert Trent Jones Trail golf courses, which attract players of all levels from across the globe. Whilst in Florence, take a trip to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, WC Handy’s Birthplace and Museum.

Hotel: Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa

Day
08 Day
09

Nashville

Crossing the border back into Tennessee, today you're heading to the home of country music! There is so much to keep you entertained in this city, but you shouldn’t miss Grand Ole Opry, the Wildhorse Saloon and the Ryman Auditorium. A paddlewheeler cruise down the Cumberland River provides an insight into the historic heritage of the waterways and is also great fun! If you have time, drop into Opry Mills Mall, which combines both outlet shopping and boutique options.

Hotel: Renaissance Nashville

Day
10 Day
11

Memphis

Switching from country music to the rhythm and blues, you end your journey in Memphis. This is yet another exciting city with lots to do, whatever your interests. Visit Mud Island, a unique 52 acre park showcasing America’s greatest river, The Mississippi. No visit to Memphis is complete without touring Graceland. See the house, tour the Lisa Marie Airplane and see the artifacts in the museum including many of Elvis’ flamboyant outfits. We also suggest a trip to Sun Studios where Elvis recorded some of his earliest music, and one evening perhaps enjoy a cool drink and some vibrant tunes on Beale Street.

Hotel: The Peabody

Day
12

Journey home

Time for some last minute shopping before you return your rental car and check-in for your flight back to the UK.

Day
01

Arrive Atlanta

Depart the UK on your chosen scheduled flight to Atlanta, Georgia. Upon arrival, collect your rental car and make the short drive to the Buckhead area of Atlanta, where your hotel is located.

Hotel: Grand Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead

Day
02 Day
03

Montgomery

Today you will cross the border into Alabama, making the short drive to Montgomery for a two night stay. Montgomery is not just Alabama's capital city, but also a place where southern flavour runs deep. Not only was Civil Rights history made in the city, but also Civil War history. It was in Montgomery that Dr. Martin Luther King came to preach, resulting in the Civil Rights Movement across the whole of America. On your journey, why not stop at Tuskegee Airmen Historic site to learn of the brave African Americans who broke the race barrier during WWII. Make sure to visit where Dr. King preached as a full time minister, see the home where he and his family lived and tour the Civil Rights Memorial. If time allows, a stroll along the downtown streets of Montgomery rewards you with hidden treasures, including the historic fountain where slaves were auctioned to plantation owners.

Hotel: Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa

Day
04

Selma

Today you will travel to Selma, where American history was made during the Selma-to-Montgomery Civil Rights March. There are two US Park Service museums on this route, one at the midpoint and another in Selma. Make sure to tour both Museums dedicated to the march before leaving and onto Birmingham tomorrow.

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Selma

Day
05

Birmingham

After breakfast, you depart for Alabama's largest city - Birmingham. In the historic 4th Avenue area of downtown sits the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the 16th Street Baptist Church - where four children died in a bombing, and the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Alabama Jazz Inductee Ona Watson operates his own club, Ona's Music Room while the 5 Points South is the dining centre of the town at one end of the 20th Street while a new entertainment district sits near the other end of this main downtown street. Other sites include Barber Motorsports Museum featuring the world's largest collection of motorcycles and the oldest baseball park in America, Rickwood Field.

Hotel: Hilton Birmingham at UAB (formally DoubleTree)

Day
06 Day
07

Atlanta

It is time for you to return to your point of arrival - Atlanta. One of the top ten largest cities in America, it is the home of Coca Cola, Martin Luther King and the largest Aquarium in the world. See as much of the World of Coke, the Georgia Aquarium and the King Centre as possible before you head home.

Hotel: Grand Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead

Day
08

Journey home

Today take the short drive back to Atlanta International Airport, return your rental car and check-in for your flight to the UK.

Day
01

Arrive Atlanta

Depart the UK on your chosen scheduled flight to Atlanta, Georgia. Upon arrival, collect your rental car and drive to your hotel in the Buckhead region of the city.

Hotel: Grand Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead

Day
02

Chattanooga

Today you will travel north into the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee, where your first stop is Chattanooga. Don't miss Glen Miller’s Chattanooga Choo Choo! Stop at the actual ‘Choo Choo’, before visiting Ruby Falls and Lookout Mountain for spectacular views.

Hotel: The Chattanoogan Hotel

Day
03 Day
04

Nashville

This morning, make the short drive to Nashville, which is the home of Country Music and the infamous Grand Ole Opry. Your stay for two nights allows you to include a visit to the museum of music giants, the Country Music Hall of Fame, followed by some live music in one of many bars and lounges in the District, Nashville’s downtown entertainment area. You may choose to enjoy a cabaret dinner cruise aboard the General Jackson showboat, which provides another great opportunity to relax and experience the music - all whilst sailing down the Cumberland River.

Hotel: Renaissance Nashville Hotel

Day
05 Day
06

Memphis

Traverse along the Music Highway to Memphis, renowned as the birthplace of Rock’n’Roll and home of the Blues. During your two night stay, Elvis’ mansion Graceland is a ‘must see’, along with a tour of Sun Studio's and a visit to historic Beale Street where you can party through the night. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Smithsonian’s Rock’n’Soul Museum and the Gibson Guitar are also well worth a visit.

Hotel: The Peabody

Day
07 Day
08

Florence (Muscle Shoals)

Now its on to the northwest corner of Alabama where a cluster of cities – Tuscumbia, Florence, Sheffield and Muscle Shoals line the banks of the Tennessee River. During your two night stay in The Shoals region, see some of the most influential recording centres in America. Renowned for their huge contribution to rock, country and R&B music throughout the 60’s and 70’s, Muscle Shoals Sounds Studio and FAME Recording Studio were used frequently by superstars like Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Paul Simon and Otis Reading who all made classic recordings here. The Fame Studio is still active and open for tours. Take in some great live music at venues throughout Florence, Sheffield and Muscle Shoals.

Hotel: Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa

Day
09

Huntsville

Today you will move on to Huntsville which is home to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and also hosts one of the state’s largest music events, the Big Spring Jam every September. Washington Square in the city’s downtown area has a mini entertainment district with live music. Check out a selection of venues as some showcase great Blues, others Jazz, Folk and Rock. Our favourites are Crossroads Cafe and the Jazz Factory.

Hotel: The Westin Huntsville

Day
10

Birmingham

Your next stop is Birmingham, home of the Civil Rights Institute which conveys the history of the Civil Rights Movement. It also adds its own stamp to the music world with its famous City Stages Festival every June. No matter when you visit, Jazz echoes from downtown nightclubs in places like Ona’s Music Room and the Blue Monkey, throughout the year. The Five Points entertainment district has music of all types and some great dining too. Jazz enthusiasts must not miss the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame which pays tribute to great artists with ties to Alabama like Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton.

Hotel: Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook

Day
11 Day
12

Mobile & Orange Beach

Moving south, your next stop is the historic port city of Mobile, one of the oldest cities in America. It’s home to the original Mardi Gras which started in 1703 and is still celebrated every year two weeks before Lent. Mobile features delicious seafood and an array of bars, restaurants and live music venues - which is what you would expect from Jimmy Buffet’s hometown. During your two night stay, take a trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach which provide 32 miles of pristine white sandy beaches stretched along the Gulf of Mexico. Live bands perform at beachfront bars like the Florabama, Pink Pony Pub and The Hangout. LuLu’s at Homeport Marina known as Jimmy Buffett’s Sister’s Place is also great for local bands. The Wharf Ampitheatre, located at the Wharf shopping and dining complex in Orange Beach, has various acts Wednesday through Sunday.

Hotel: The Battle House Renaissance

Day
13 Day
14

Montgomery

The final two days of your itinerary are spent in Montgomery, Alabama’s State Capital and the birthplace of both the Civil War and Civil Rights movement. This is where Hank Williams lived from 1937 to 1948. The Hank Williams Museum documents the life of this Country Music pioneer famous for such classics as “Hey Good Lookin” and “Cold Cold Heart”. Follow the Hank Williams Trail south to Mount Olive where he was born and to Georgiana his boyhood home.The Jubilee Cityfest held here in May is a great fun filled treat for all music lovers but the music is enjoyed year round too at venues like 1048 Jazz and Blues, Montgomery Brew Pub and The Olive Room.

Hotel: Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa

Day
15

Journey home

Make the short drive back to Atlanta International Airport, where you return your rental car and check in for your flight back to the UK.