Southern Grace

Southern Grace

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9 Days From

$6098

Southern Grace

9 Days Starting in Nashville (TN) and ending in New Orleans

Visiting: Nashville, Memphis, Graceland, Natchez, New Orleans

Tour operator:

Luxury Gold

Tour code:

ARNNZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

18 - 22

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Please advise request

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $6098

NB: Prices correct on 16-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Enjoy everything from rock 'n roll to Creole cuisine on this 9-Day guided tour that stretches from Nashville to New Orleans. In the birthplace of country music, take a tour of historic Studio B, in Nashville, with a professional sound engineer, who will record you and your fellow travelers singing for a once-in-a-lifetime keepsake. Later, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame on private tour and meet a local singer who will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the songwriting process. In Memphis, marvel at the mansion where Elvis once lived: Graceland. At the Houmas House plantation, take part in a Creole cooking demonstration, then feast on traditional Southern dishes for dinner. Allow a Local Expert to lead you through New Orleans’ best sites, from bustling Jackson Square to idyllic City Park.

Choice Highlights

  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Memphis: Visit Graceland, a National Historic Landmark and museum dedicated to the late, great, Elvis Presley. Tour Graceland Mansion walking through the living room, his parents’ bedroom, kitchen, TV room, pool room, the famous Jungle Room, his father’s office, the newly enhanced Trophy Building and the Racquetball Building for an eye-opening experience on how he and his family lived their daily lives. In Elvis The Entertainer Career Museum, immerse yourself in the King’s career through hundreds of artifacts and photos.
  • Memphis: The only traditional English afternoon tea in Memphis is served at Chez Philippe of The Peabody. Complement your tea with a three-course menu of savory tea sandwiches, assorted sweets and warm scones from the Peabody Pastry Shop.
  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Natchez: Awaken your imagination on a private tour of an antebellum mansion. Explore the interior and grounds as you learn about its past and distinct architectural style. This 1850's Greek-Revival cottage on 10 acres near Natchez’s historic downtown is the beloved home of a local who is eager to show off their stunning property. Take in the architecture and wander among the expansive gardens.
  • Natchez: Visit Dunleith Historic Inn,  a National Historic Landmark built in 1855 that remains Mississippi’s sole example of a pre-civil-war mansion. Join the Bar Manager at Castle Pub for a mixology class on two seasonal cocktails as you learn the history of each cocktail and the ingredients. After the demonstration relax and sip on the delicious final product.
  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • New Orleans: Tour Mardi Gras World’s Blaine Kern Studios, a workshop that has created breathtaking floats for Mardi Gras and other parades around the world since 1947. With your all-access pass, wind through the massive studio where artists and architects build Mardi Gras floats from the ground up. Viewing floats, colorful costumes and props, you’ll learn about the history of this unique and festive tradition, going beyond its reputation and getting a deeper understanding of the real Mardi Gras.
  • New Orleans: Embark on an immersive tour of World War II through the exhibits, multimedia experiences and thousands of personal accounts at the National World War II Museum. You’ll learn not only about the role of world leaders, but also the everyday men and women who fought. Through experiences such as the 4D film Beyond All Boundaries, go on a journey through the war that changed the world.

Make Travel Matter

Memphis: Visit the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, the site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and embark on a poignant and important tour through five centuries of the Civil Rights Movement. Pay your respects to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., learn about his impact on the world and explore how this significant era continues to shape equality and freedom globally. Your visit advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.

New Orleans: Follow the path of the Mississippi River that has created one of the most distinctive and important American cities and coastal environments in the world. Your Local Expert offers you an insider’s perspective on La Nouvelle-Orléans from New Orleans Lakefront Airport, one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture, to the surrounding wetlands, ghost forests and the new levees and barriers put in place since Hurricane Katrina. A Bayou-side chat and lunch with a local oysterman offers a rare peek into one individual's experience in this storied place. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

Exceptional Dining

Nashville: Get acquainted with Nashville's burgeoning food scene as you join your Traveling Concierge for a Welcome Dinner at Henley’s modern American brasserie where inventive small plates and entrées using classical French technique meet sociable Southern dining. Perhaps start with a grilled broccolini Caesar salad followed by American Wagyu strip or parsnip gnocchi before finishing with banana pudding. Raise a glass with one of their signature cocktails such as “Queen’s Cure” and “Henley G & T” and toast to a grand adventure ahead.

Memphis: Continue your exploration of Memphis with a backstage pass to Central BBQ Downtown.

Natchez: Enjoy an elegant three-course Southern dinner at the Monmouth Historic Inn and Gardens, a National Historic Landmark in Natchez. As you take in your surroundings of this early 19th-century antebellum mansion set in within manicured gardens, let the flavors of the "Crown Julep" show off the best of the South.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Nashville

Location: Nashville

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Noelle Hotel Nashville

Meals Included: Dinner

Your journey through the South begins by private transfer to your luxurious hotel. Tonight, get your first taste of Deep South cuisine.

Day 2: Nashville's Musical History

Location: Nashville

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Noelle Hotel Nashville

Meals Included: Breakfast

Visit Nashville’s highlights and participate in a rare recording session at Studio B - Nashville's oldest remaining record studio. At the Country Music Hall of Fame, join a private session with a singer/songwriter to learn the stories behind the hits. Enjoy a performance at the Grand Ole Opry.

Day 3: Memphis And Graceland Relaxed Start Your Way

Location: Memphis, Graceland, Memphis

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Peabody Memphis.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Personalise your day in Memphis with a tour of Elvis’ Graceland or afternoon tea at The Peabody. Learn about the personal side of "The King" or enjoy the only traditional English afternoon tea in Memphis at the opulent Chez Philippe dining room.

Day 4: The Best Of Memphis

Location: Memphis

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Peabody Memphis.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Delve into the Memphis music scene with a visit to Sun Studio, "The Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll." Continue your exploration of Memphis with a backstage pass to visit Central BBQ, one of the city's oldest and most iconic BBQ establishments. Meet Clint Cantwell, a renowned grilling expert over a hosted lunch of Central BBQ's famed Pulled Pork, Brisket & Ribs accompanied by tempting sides like slaw and other barbecue classics on a rare event usually only local insiders get to experience. Later, enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a guided tour of the National Civil Rights Museum.

Day 5: Mississippi Mystique In Natchez

Location: Natchez

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Monmouth Historic Inn and Gardens, Natchez.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The South’s unique architecture comes to life in Natchez’s antebellum homes. Tour an 1850s home or visit the Dunleith Historic Inn for a mixology class. At Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens, sit back and enjoy the property's veranda or stroll through the gardens before dinner this evening.

Day 6: Frogmore, Houmas House, And New Orleans

Location: New Orleans

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Gain insight into the history of the South at Frogmore Cotton Plantation & Gins, then visit Houmas House and Gardens. The French Quarter’s historic Ritz Carlton New Orleans welcomes you for the evening.

Day 7: New Orleans Sightseeing Relaxed Start

Location: New Orleans

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Explore the Big Easy’s iconic sights and stroll through a beautiful above-ground cemetery. Embark on a behind-the-scenes tour of Mardi Gras World or visit the National WWII Museum.

Day 8: Exploring The Big Easy Relaxed Start

Location: New Orleans

Accommodation: Hotel, Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dive into the Mississippi River Delta on an exclusive MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Discover wildlife in the wetlands and explore the “Islenos” fishing villages over a Bayou-side lunch with a local fisherman.

Day 9: Depart New Orleans

Location: New Orleans

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bid 'au revoir' to the Big Easy. Sit back and relax as your complimentary transfer escorts you to the Louis Armstrong Airport.

What's Included

  • Choice Highlights

    Choose between two carefully selected activities in Memphis, Natchez, and New Orleans, including visits to Graceland, Chez Philippe, antebellum mansions, Mardi Gras World, and the National World War II Museum.

  • Make Travel Matter

    Visit the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis and explore New Orleans with a local expert, advancing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

  • Exceptional Dining

    Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at Henley in Nashville, a backstage pass to Central BBQ in Memphis, and a three-course Southern dinner at Monmouth Historic Inn in Natchez.

  • Dining Summary

    Includes 3 Dinners, 8 Breakfasts, and 2 Lunches.

  • Additional Included Highlights

    Enjoy seamless personal assistance, Local Expert Guides, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, complimentary hotel Wi-Fi, and transfers on journey start and end dates.

  • Curated Experiences

    Experience the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville with a private session with a local songwriter and singer.

  • Magnificent Stays

    Stay at The Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans, centrally located to popular attractions.

  • Passport Moments

    Record a take-home song at Studio B in Nashville and explore Sun Studios in Memphis.

What's Not Included

International travel is not included in the tour package.

Dining Summary

  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Lunch (L)

Additional Included Highlights

  • Enjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. From securing exclusive reservations, to organising transportation, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences.
  • In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.
  • Included at all hotels.
  • Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.
  • Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.
  • On days where a Relaxed Start (RS) is indicated, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.
  • Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. And, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.
  • Transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city as the itinerary, may be requested.

Curated Experiences

  • Nashville: Experience the “Smithsonian of country music,” the Country Music Hall of Fame, for a private, behind-the-scenes look at the songwriting process with a local songwriter and singer. On your visit, see memorabilia from stars such as Jim Reeves and Roy Orbison as you uncover the enduring beauty and cultural importance of country music.

Magnificent Stays

  • New Orleans: Relax in luxury at the elegant 1908 Beaux Arts Maison Blanche building in the French Quarter. The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans retains the grace and charm of this mansion, and is centrally located to the area's most popular attractions, including Bourbon Street.

Passport Moments

  • Nashville: You’re in for a treat, joining a professional sound engineer to record a take-home song just as legends like Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton have at legendary Studio B, the cradle of the Nashville sound in the late 1950s and early 1960s and once home to musical titans such as Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Eddy Arnold, Roy Orbison and the Everly Brothers. Hear the stories behind the music in an intimate private session with one of Nashville’s songwriters learning how a song is created from concept to hit.
  • Nashville: Celebrate the incredible experience of seeing a live country music show at the Grand Ole Opry, the show that made country music famous showcasing the past, present, and future of country music. Set back and prepared to be entertained by a live performance that may include rising talent, superstars, and country legends together on stage.
  • Memphis: Explore Sun Studios, "The Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll," on a guided tour. At this circa-1950 recording studio, walk in the footsteps of Elvis and other musical legends including B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Charlie Feathers, Ray Harris, Warren Smith, Charlie Rich, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
  • New Orleans: Visit Houmas House, the crown jewel of Louisiana's River Road, tour the estate and gardens while you learn about daily life on this former sugarcane plantation. Gain a deeper understanding of the architecture, heritage and history surrounding this 1800's mansion.

Personalise your day

  • Memphis: Visit Graceland, a National Historic Landmark and museum dedicated to the late, great, Elvis Presley. Tour Graceland Mansion walking through the living room, his parents’ bedroom, kitchen, TV room, pool room, the famous Jungle Room, his father’s office, the newly enhanced Trophy Building and the Racquetball Building for an eye-opening experience on how he and his family lived their daily lives. In Elvis The Entertainer Career Museum, immerse yourself in the King’s career through hundreds of artifacts and photos.
  • Memphis: The only traditional English afternoon tea in Memphis is served at Chez Philippe of The Peabody. Complement your tea with a three-course menu of savory tea sandwiches, assorted sweets and warm scones from the Peabody Pastry Shop.
  • Natchez: Awaken your imagination on a private tour of an antebellum mansion. Explore the interior and grounds as you learn about its past and distinct architectural style. This 1850's Greek-Revival cottage on 10 acres near Natchez’s historic downtown is the beloved home of a local who is eager to show off their stunning property. Take in the architecture and wander among the expansive gardens.
  • Natchez: Visit Dunleith Historic Inn,  a National Historic Landmark built in 1855 that remains Mississippi’s sole example of a pre-civil-war mansion. Join the Bar Manager at Castle Pub for a mixology class on two seasonal cocktails as you learn the history of each cocktail and the ingredients. After the demonstration relax and sip on the delicious final product.
  • New Orleans: Tour Mardi Gras World’s Blaine Kern Studios, a workshop that has created breathtaking floats for Mardi Gras and other parades around the world since 1947. With your all-access pass, wind through the massive studio where artists and architects build Mardi Gras floats from the ground up. Viewing floats, colorful costumes and props, you’ll learn about the history of this unique and festive tradition, going beyond its reputation and getting a deeper understanding of the real Mardi Gras.
  • New Orleans: Embark on an immersive tour of World War II through the exhibits, multimedia experiences and thousands of personal accounts at the National World War II Museum. You’ll learn not only about the role of world leaders, but also the everyday men and women who fought. Through experiences such as the 4D film Beyond All Boundaries, go on a journey through the war that changed the world.

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the tipping policy?

    Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    A max size of group is 22 guests.

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    Ensure you have a valid passport for all the countries you will visit or travel through; many countries require your passport to be valid for a longer period than the length of your stay (usually a minimum of 6 months), so check what applies to your itinerary. You might also need to obtain visas (depending on your nationality). Talk to your Embassy if you are unclear about what documentation you require.

    It is a good idea to have copies of your passport details, insurance policy, visas and credit card numbers, keeping them separate from the originals and perhaps leaving an additional copy with someone at home.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, English speaking tour guide on this tour.

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    Each guest can bring a single bag measuring no more than 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in) and weight not exceeding 50 lbs. (23kg). You can also bring one hand luggage bag that is no bigger than 12”x11”x6” (30x28x14cm) to fit under your coach seat or in the small overhead compartment. Hand luggage cannot have wheels or a telescopic handle.

    If you wish to bring a second item of luggage, please request this at time of booking. Additional charges will apply.

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in itinerary.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Absolutely! We are very selective in who we work with and choose to only use hotels that take the health and well-being of our guests as seriously as we do and agree to meet expected guidelines and specifications. We only work with establishments that we are confident will consistently adhere to our standards.

  • Which countries does Luxury Gold visit?

    We offer incredible luxury trips in Europe, North America, South America, Hawaii, South-East Asia, the Indian sub-continent (including India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka), Australia and New Zealand.

  • What other modes of transport does Luxury Gold use?

    A Luxury Gold tour will include touring on high-speed trains, alpine cable cars, hydrofoils, river cruisers and horse-drawn carriages, in addition to our high-deck luxury coaches with extra legroom.

  • Who travels with Luxury Gold?

    We are delighted to welcome guests who have a shared love of travel, adventure, entertainment and exploration. A mix of solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends and family join us from all over the English-speaking world.

  • What is the role of the Well-Being Director?

    Working closely together with your Travelling Concierge, the Well-Being Director* will help make sure all necessary protocols are followed to ensure the health and wellbeing of all our guests. This includes our enhanced screening and hygiene protocols, complying with distancing and other requirements set by government authorities. They are also there to support our guests & answer any questions.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Majesty of the Rockies

21-Jun-2023

The itinerary was fantastic, starting in Banff at the beautiful Fairmont hotel, it set the scene for the next week. As we travelled in the coach surrounded by magnificent snow topped mountains, everyone getting excited when a black bear or elk was spotted! Standing on the glacier with the Columbian Ice Fields above , was magical. Then, on board the Rocky Mountaineer from Kamloops back to Vancouver, was very relaxing. Finishing our trip at the beautiful Douglas hotel was a lovely way to end what was a most memorable trip. Thank you *Personal Information removed by Feefo* and Luxury Gold. Will go home with fantastic memories of a very special part of the world

Trusted Customer  

Ultimate Italy

26-Jun-2023

Trip itinerary was all that we expected. We were treated like royalty at every turn. Our consierge *Personal Information removed by Feefo* was the most loving, caring person that I’ve ever seen, she accomodated our many needs flawlessly and conscientiosly, including special care for those amongst us who had trouble managing the difficult walking conditions which we encountered.She was a true professional and made us feel loke family. Her humor and social skills got everyone together as one .I don’t know how much you pay her, but it isn’t enough.

Trusted Customer  

Spain and Portugal In Style

15-Jun-2023

The guides were amazing, the hotels very nice, the bus was extremely comfortable. Some of the bus days were rather long. Our concierge guide, *personal info removed by Feefo* was beyond terrific. He anticipated needs, was so kind and very organized. Never a misstep

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Friday - Saturday

Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
$6260

Friday - Saturday

May 09, 2025 - May 17, 2025
$6223

Friday - Saturday

Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
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Friday - Saturday

Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$6260

Friday - Saturday

Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$6098
Prices last published on 15-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Luxury Gold requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of luxury gold charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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