New Orleans & Memphis

Journey through America’s musical heartland, from the birthplace of Jazz and the cradle of Rock ‘n’ Roll, to the undisputed capital of Country Music.

This wonderful holiday is crammed full of highlights, and infused with the magic and mystique, sights and sounds of the South. Beginning in Georgia you'll travel through the world of WC Handy, Robert Johnson, Fats Domino, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton and – of course – Elvis Presley. Stay in New Orleans, the laid-back Big Easy. See Tupelo, The King's birthplace, and Memphis, where he made his home. And, finally, head to the guitar-pickin', banjo-playing songwriters' city, Nashville, Tennessee.

4* Le Meridien, New Orleans - 4 Nights

New Orleans — known as the 'Crescent City' and the 'Big Easy' — sits on the Mississippi River and is home to world-class restaurants, lush green landscapes, and a vibrant music and night-time scene. Wander the streets of the French Quarter and visit restaurants serving traditional Creole fare and listen to street musicians playing lively jazz. Take a steamboat cruise along the river, visit historic Jackson Square, or experience the carnival atmosphere of Mardi Gras World.

Check out the charming Garden District, complete with oak-shaded trees and lined with grand mansions, cottages, and lavish gardens. One of the oldest cathedrals in the USA, St Louis Cathedral, was built in remembrance of Saint Louis, King of France. Visit the bustling French Market packed with local vendors selling clothes, gifts, souvenirs and delicious sweet treats. City Park is an urban green space and is a peaceful walk amongst woodland and famous museums.

4* The Peabody, Memphis - 3 Nights

Memphis is set on the Mississippi river in Southwest Tennessee. The city is well-known for the influential strains of blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll that originated here; stroll down iconic Beale Street and visit Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and BB King's Blues Club. Stop by STAX Museum of American Soul and Sun Studios. Graceland - the home of Elvis Presley - includes Elvis Presley's Memphis entertainment complex with its The Entertainer Career Museum, Presley Motors, and Discovery Exhibits.

Discover Memphis' history of slavery and the Civil Rights Movement at Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum and the National Civil Rights Museum. Call at Cotton Row and relive the days of cotton traders and discover how cotton changed the nation. Explore the Victorian Village with its 18th century Victorian-style homes that were once filled with riverboat tycoons and cotton magnates. No Memphis visit would be complete without seeing the Peabody Ducks on the red carpet at the Peabody Hotel.