American Rhythms

Arrive in New Orleans, one of the most exotic cities in the world, famous for riverboats, jazz, Creole cuisine and a seemingly endless parade of festivals. On arrival, pick up your car and proceed to your hotel. The remainder of your evening is at leisure. Take this opportunity to enjoy dinner at one of New Orleans’ many famous Cajun or Creole restaurants. Overnight in New Orleans.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore New Orleans on your own. Take a walking tour of the Vieux Carre, popularly known as the French Quarter, a place of narrow streets, wonderful old buildings and beautiful courtyards. Visit Jackson Square, Royal Street, Bourbon Street and the many museums. Take a full day bayou and swamp tour or enjoy a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi. Overnight in New Orleans.

This morning, experience the laid-back, sandy side of Mississippi as you make your way through its Coastal region. In Biloxi, seafood lovers will welcome the chance to join a shrimping trip. This unique and interesting cruise will expose you to the spectacular world of sea life caught during a real shrimping expedition. Continue to the grand dame of Alabama’s Gulf Coast, Mobile. Founded in 1702 as the original capital of the Louisiana Territory and nestled along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, Mobile continues to impress with its sheer beauty, modern architecture, amazing museums and famous seafood. From here, it’s on to Montgomery. No city has played a greater role in the history of Alabama than Montgomery. From Civil War to civil rights, Montgomery is steeped in history. Overnight in Montgomery.

Head north through the fertile highlands of Alabama to Birmingham. A must-see in Birmingham is the Vulcan. Standing 56 feet tall from toe to spear point, the Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue and considered one of the most memorable works of civic art in the United States. Cast from local iron in 1904, the Vulcan has overlooked the urban landscape of Alabama’s largest city since the 1930s. Continue north to Nashville, a city that sizzles with American music, Southern hospitality, unbelievable cuisine and a boundless spectrum of nightlife. Overnight in Nashville.

A full day to discover the variety of attractions Nashville has to offer, such as the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, Opryland U.S.A. and world-famous Printer’s Alley. Overnight in Nashville.

Depart the capital of country and western music for the home the blues. Memphis combines the charm of the Old South with the exciting pace of a modern metropolis. You may wish to tour downtown Memphis with its famous Beale Street, followed by a visit to Elvis Presley’s palatial home, Graceland. Overnight in Memphis.

Today visit Vicksburg National Military Park which commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg in 1863. There’s over 1,300 monuments, markers and plaques, a 16- mile tour road and a national cemetery, the nation’s largest burial site of Civil War Union soldiers and sailors with graves totalling over 17,000. Overnight in Vicksburg.

Today, drive south on the Natchez Trace Parkway which evolved from an Indian trail into a post road and pioneer highway, and on to Natchez, the oldest settlement in Mississippi. You may want to visit a plantation in Natchez (Burn, Dunleith, Melrose, Monmouth or Longwood). Longwood is reputedly the largest octagonal house in the country. Overnight in Natchez.

Today, travel south back into Louisiana through Alexandria, Ville Platte and Opelousas to Lafayette, the heart of Cajun Country where the Acadians, or Cajuns, started arriving in 1765. Today these French-American’s are famous for their joie de vivre which is reflected in their lively dancing, music and spicy food. Upon arrival, you may want to enjoy a walking tour of downtown to discover landmark buildings, or take a short drive to Acadian Village overlooking the bayou and filled with authentically restored Cajun homes and churches. Overnight in Lafayette.

A short drive from Lafayette takes you to New Iberia and Avery Island, the birthplace of Tabasco sauce. Other attractions include Jungle Garden, lush with tropical plants, and Bird City, a sanctuary filled with flurries of snow-white egrets. Continue to Morgan City, the “Shrimp Capital of the World,” and Houma, where you may want to take some time for an optional boat tour into the deep swamp and bayou to see alligators and other wildlife. Following the scenic route, and perhaps stopping at Terre Bonne or Southdown Plantation, you will arrive in New Orleans. Overnight in New Orleans.

Return your car at the airport before your departure flight.