America's Deep South

Begin your explorations of the American Deep South with an outbound flight from London Heathrow to Atlanta, transferring to your overnight hotel on arrival.

Your first full day in the United States begins with a visit to the Martin Luther King Center. One of Atlanta's most famous sons, the center provides a fascinating insight into the civil rights leader and the political repercussions of his famously peaceful 20th century movement. You also visit Ebenezer Baptist Church, where both King and his father were pastors. Afterwards, depart for nearby Chattanooga by coach.

On arrival, transfer to the Tennessee Valley Railway Museum for an insight into the long and grand history of the great American railroad aboard a 'rolling museum'. The locomotive gives an understanding into the history of the American railroad through the ages. Later, continue to your hotel, for the night.

This morning, begin your journey to Nashville by coach. Along the way, take a detour to the Jack Daniel's Distillery for a tour, tasting, and a look at how this iconic beverage is made. Continue your journey, arriving into Nashville late this afternoon, and checking into the Gaylord Opryland Hotel*, named after one of the city's most famous live music venues.

With an evening at leisure, you have the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in atmosphere and culture of Nashville. Perhaps venture to a local restaurant try sweet potato fries, or a mouthwatering barbecue of pulled pork, sweet ribs or mac 'n' cheese.

*Hotels may vary depending on departure date

You begin today at of the 'Birthplace of Country Music', visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, and the renowned Studio B.

This evening you are at leisure. Perhaps head to the legendary Grand Ole Opry music venue for some incredible live performances. The Grand Ole Opry is a heavyweight venue in the country music world, having been founded in the mid- 1920s. It has hosted many stars of the genre, including Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks.

Depart for Memphis today and transfer to your hotel for a 2-night stay. Tonight, you may like to visit one of the popular live music venues around the city. Beale Street's music scene certainly draws the crowds and it was here that the delta blues artists of the 20th century found a home before moving on to influence the rest of the world's musical tastes.

Visit Graceland today, the famous mansion once home of the late Elvis Presley. Enjoy a tour of his impressive estate, viewing the interiors as they were during Elvis' life.

You also have the opportunity to view Presley's private collection of airplanes including his prized possession, a 1958 Convair 880, which he named Lisa Marie after his daughter. Explore inside the extravagant jet, which features a lounge, conference room, private bedrooms and gold-plated seat belts and suede chairs - only the best for 'The King'. The tour provides a wonderful insight into the man behind the stage persona.

Later, you head to Sun Studio for a guided tour, one of the pioneering recording studios for rock music during the '60s.

Transfer to the station this morning and board your Amtrak service to New Orleans, travelling on the 'City of New Orleans' train. It is claimed that the blues spread along this route by rail. Watch out of the window as the pretty, floral towns of Brookhaven and McComb lead into the exotic Cajun swamps of the Louisiana Bayous. Arriving in the mid-afternoon, check into your hotel in the city's vibrant French Quarter.

Later, take a walking tour of the bustling French Quarter that includes inspiring Jackson Square and the 18th-century St Louis Cathedral. New Orleans boasts a fascinating blend of Spanish, French, Creole and American influences, representative of the cultural melting pot that the city has always been.

Day 8 is at leisure in New Orleans. Perhaps to try some authentic Creole cooking. Alternatively, why not head to Cafe Du Monde to try their world-famous beignets?

After a free morning, board your flight at New Orleans airport and return to London Heathrow. You arrive back in London on Day 10.