
United States
United States - Southern States in Depth - Music and History
United States - Southern States in Depth - Music and History
Duration
15 days
Start/End
Atlanta
Tour type
Individual
Level
Easy
Accommodation
Hotel o camping
Overview
On this self-drive tour from Atlanta you experience Southern charm: music in Nashville and Memphis, the antebellum town of Natchez on the Mississippi, Cajun culture in Lafayette, New Orleans and the white beaches of the Gulf of Mexico – plus civil-rights history in Montgomery and Southern cuisine.
Welcome to the heart of the American South! On this 15-day tour, starting and ending in Atlanta, you'll discover the unique charm of this region in all its facets. From the vibrant metropolises of Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans, through the historic pre-Civil War towns along the Mississippi River, to the white-sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, a journey full of contrasts awaits. Music, the history of the Civil Rights Movement, Southern cuisine, and renowned hospitality make this tour an unforgettable experience.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Atlanta
Welcome to Atlanta! After landing and picking up your rental car, you can start gathering your first impressions, depending on your arrival time. The city is a fascinating blend of modernity and history. Stroll through Centennial Olympic Park, visit the vibrant Ponce City Market, or explore Midtown with its stunning skyline. If you're interested, learn about the history of the Civil Rights Movement at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. In the evening, enjoy your first meal at a typical Southern restaurant, whether it's fried chicken, traditional Southern fare, or barbecue.
Arrival in Atlanta
Day 1
Welcome to Atlanta! After landing and picking up your rental car, you can start gathering your first impressions, depending on your arrival time. The city is a fascinating blend of modernity and history. Stroll through Centennial Olympic Park, visit the vibrant Ponce City Market, or explore Midtown with its stunning skyline. If you're interested, learn about the history of the Civil Rights Movement at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. In the evening, enjoy your first meal at a typical Southern restaurant, whether it's fried chicken, traditional Southern fare, or barbecue.
Day 2
Atlanta – Chattanooga
approx. 190 km / 2 h
Today you'll depart Atlanta and head north to Chattanooga. A visit to the Kennesaw Mountain battlefield, where remnants of the Civil War remain, is well worthwhile. Chattanooga, situated on the banks of the Tennessee River, offers a picturesque setting and numerous attractions. Ride the historic funicular up Lookout Mountain, explore the subterranean Ruby Falls, or enjoy the views from Rock City. The riverfront promenade is perfect for a stroll, and the city also boasts a diverse culinary scene, with breweries and restaurants.
Atlanta – Chattanooga
Day 2
approx. 190 km / 2 h
Today you'll depart Atlanta and head north to Chattanooga. A visit to the Kennesaw Mountain battlefield, where remnants of the Civil War remain, is well worthwhile. Chattanooga, situated on the banks of the Tennessee River, offers a picturesque setting and numerous attractions. Ride the historic funicular up Lookout Mountain, explore the subterranean Ruby Falls, or enjoy the views from Rock City. The riverfront promenade is perfect for a stroll, and the city also boasts a diverse culinary scene, with breweries and restaurants.
Day 3
Chattanooga – Nashville
approx. 215 km / 2.5 h
Today you'll arrive in the heart of country music: Nashville. You'll feel the energy the moment you enter the city. In the afternoon, you can visit the Country Music Hall of Fame or explore the legendary RCA Studio B, where Elvis and Dolly Parton recorded. In the evening, Broadway awaits: live music fills every bar, and the country music venues are buzzing with energy. Let yourself be swept away by the sound of guitars, the neon lights, and the Southern vibe.
Chattanooga – Nashville
Day 3
approx. 215 km / 2.5 h
Today you'll arrive in the heart of country music: Nashville. You'll feel the energy the moment you enter the city. In the afternoon, you can visit the Country Music Hall of Fame or explore the legendary RCA Studio B, where Elvis and Dolly Parton recorded. In the evening, Broadway awaits: live music fills every bar, and the country music venues are buzzing with energy. Let yourself be swept away by the sound of guitars, the neon lights, and the Southern vibe.
Day 4
Nashville
A full day in Music City. In the morning, a stroll through Centennial Park with its replica of the Parthenon is worthwhile. Music lovers will be drawn to the Johnny Cash Museum or the Ryman Auditorium, the "Home of Country Music." Those who prefer classical music should visit the Grand Ole Opry, a pilgrimage site for music aficionados for decades. Nashville also boasts a creative food scene: try the famous "Hot Chicken" or explore East Nashville with its trendy restaurants.
Nashville
Day 4
A full day in Music City. In the morning, a stroll through Centennial Park with its replica of the Parthenon is worthwhile. Music lovers will be drawn to the Johnny Cash Museum or the Ryman Auditorium, the "Home of Country Music." Those who prefer classical music should visit the Grand Ole Opry, a pilgrimage site for music aficionados for decades. Nashville also boasts a creative food scene: try the famous "Hot Chicken" or explore East Nashville with its trendy restaurants.
Day 5
Nashville – Memphis
approx. 340 km / 3.5 h
The journey takes you west to Memphis, the birthplace of blues and rock 'n' roll. In the afternoon, you can explore Beale Street, where live music fills every corner. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere and try one of the typical barbecue restaurants: Memphis is considered the barbecue capital of the United States. The ambiance here is unmatched: music, history, and Southern cuisine combine to create an unforgettable experience.
Nashville – Memphis
Day 5
approx. 340 km / 3.5 h
The journey takes you west to Memphis, the birthplace of blues and rock 'n' roll. In the afternoon, you can explore Beale Street, where live music fills every corner. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere and try one of the typical barbecue restaurants: Memphis is considered the barbecue capital of the United States. The ambiance here is unmatched: music, history, and Southern cuisine combine to create an unforgettable experience.
Day 6
Memphis
A day dedicated to music history. In the morning, you'll visit Graceland, Elvis Presley's legendary mansion. Afterward, we recommend visiting Sun Studio, where legends like Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis launched their careers. The National Civil Rights Museum, located in the former Lorraine Motel, offers a poignant look at the Civil Rights Movement. In the evening, you'll return to Beale Street to enjoy live blues music.
Memphis
Day 6
A day dedicated to music history. In the morning, you'll visit Graceland, Elvis Presley's legendary mansion. Afterward, we recommend visiting Sun Studio, where legends like Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis launched their careers. The National Civil Rights Museum, located in the former Lorraine Motel, offers a poignant look at the Civil Rights Movement. In the evening, you'll return to Beale Street to enjoy live blues music.
Day 7
Memphis – Natchez
approx. 480 km / 5 h
Today we travel south along the Mississippi River. Part of the route follows the historic Natchez Trace Parkway, a scenic road with numerous overlooks. This afternoon, we'll arrive in Natchez, famous for its magnificent pre-Civil War mansions. Many of these homes are open to the public and tell stories of the glory and the shadows of this period. A cliffside walk, overlooking the mighty Mississippi, completes the day.
Memphis – Natchez
Day 7
approx. 480 km / 5 h
Today we travel south along the Mississippi River. Part of the route follows the historic Natchez Trace Parkway, a scenic road with numerous overlooks. This afternoon, we'll arrive in Natchez, famous for its magnificent pre-Civil War mansions. Many of these homes are open to the public and tell stories of the glory and the shadows of this period. A cliffside walk, overlooking the mighty Mississippi, completes the day.
Day 8
Natchez – Lafayette
approx. 230 km / 3 h
Today you'll continue your journey through Louisiana, venturing into Cajun country. Along the way, you can stop in St. Francisville, a charming town with historic mansions. Your destination is Lafayette, a city brimming with Creole and French culture. Here you can enjoy music that blends jazz, Cajun, and zydeco, and sample dishes like gumbo and jambalaya. In the evening, experience the warm hospitality of the Cajuns, who will welcome you with open arms.
Natchez – Lafayette
Day 8
approx. 230 km / 3 h
Today you'll continue your journey through Louisiana, venturing into Cajun country. Along the way, you can stop in St. Francisville, a charming town with historic mansions. Your destination is Lafayette, a city brimming with Creole and French culture. Here you can enjoy music that blends jazz, Cajun, and zydeco, and sample dishes like gumbo and jambalaya. In the evening, experience the warm hospitality of the Cajuns, who will welcome you with open arms.
Day 9
Lafayette – Nueva Orleans
approx. 220 km / 2.5 h
On the way to New Orleans, a tour of the swamps is highly recommended: you'll navigate through cypress forests, encounter alligators, and enjoy the natural beauty of Louisiana. In the afternoon, you'll arrive in New Orleans, where the French Quarter awaits. Stroll through its narrow streets, admire the houses with their wrought-iron balconies, and listen to jazz in every square. In the evening, Bourbon Street comes alive with its bars, music clubs, and street performers.
Lafayette – Nueva Orleans
Day 9
approx. 220 km / 2.5 h
On the way to New Orleans, a tour of the swamps is highly recommended: you'll navigate through cypress forests, encounter alligators, and enjoy the natural beauty of Louisiana. In the afternoon, you'll arrive in New Orleans, where the French Quarter awaits. Stroll through its narrow streets, admire the houses with their wrought-iron balconies, and listen to jazz in every square. In the evening, Bourbon Street comes alive with its bars, music clubs, and street performers.
Day 10
New Orleans
A full day exploring New Orleans. In the morning, you can visit Jackson Square or admire the magnificent mansions of the Garden District. The National WWII Museum is one of the best museums in the United States and tells a fascinating story. In the afternoon, enjoy beignets at the famous Café du Monde or stroll along the banks of the Mississippi River. As evening falls, Frenchmen Street awaits, where the city's best jazz clubs offer authentic music.
New Orleans
Day 10
A full day exploring New Orleans. In the morning, you can visit Jackson Square or admire the magnificent mansions of the Garden District. The National WWII Museum is one of the best museums in the United States and tells a fascinating story. In the afternoon, enjoy beignets at the famous Café du Monde or stroll along the banks of the Mississippi River. As evening falls, Frenchmen Street awaits, where the city's best jazz clubs offer authentic music.
Day 11
New Orleans – Gulf Coast
approx. 315 km / 3.5 h
Today you say goodbye to New Orleans and travel to the Gulf Coast in Alabama. Gulf Shores boasts white sand beaches and the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. After the urban experiences of the past few days, here you can relax, swim, or stroll along the beach. Fresh seafood is a must on the menu, perfect for a dinner overlooking the sea.
New Orleans – Gulf Coast
Day 11
approx. 315 km / 3.5 h
Today you say goodbye to New Orleans and travel to the Gulf Coast in Alabama. Gulf Shores boasts white sand beaches and the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. After the urban experiences of the past few days, here you can relax, swim, or stroll along the beach. Fresh seafood is a must on the menu, perfect for a dinner overlooking the sea.
Day 12
Gulf Coast – Montgomery
approx. 330 km / 3.5 h
From the coast, the journey continues inland to Montgomery, the capital of Alabama. The city played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. You can visit the Civil Rights Memorial or the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King Jr. preached. The city impressively blends history with Southern charm. In the evening, soak up the allure of the capital with a leisurely stroll.
Gulf Coast – Montgomery
Day 12
approx. 330 km / 3.5 h
From the coast, the journey continues inland to Montgomery, the capital of Alabama. The city played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. You can visit the Civil Rights Memorial or the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King Jr. preached. The city impressively blends history with Southern charm. In the evening, soak up the allure of the capital with a leisurely stroll.
Day 13
Montgomery – Atlanta
approx. 265 km / 2.5 h
Today we return to Georgia. A stop in Warm Springs, where President Franklin D. Roosevelt had his "Little White House," is well worth it. This afternoon, you'll arrive in Atlanta and have the opportunity to explore some of its attractions, such as the National Center for Civil and Human Rights or the vibrant food scene in Midtown. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner featuring traditional Southern dishes.
Montgomery – Atlanta
Day 13
approx. 265 km / 2.5 h
Today we return to Georgia. A stop in Warm Springs, where President Franklin D. Roosevelt had his "Little White House," is well worth it. This afternoon, you'll arrive in Atlanta and have the opportunity to explore some of its attractions, such as the National Center for Civil and Human Rights or the vibrant food scene in Midtown. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner featuring traditional Southern dishes.
Day 14
Atlanta
A full day to enjoy the metropolis at your own pace. You can visit the World of Coca-Cola, stroll through the Botanical Garden, or tour the CNN studios. A walk through the trendy Little Five Points neighborhood will show you the city's creative side with its boutiques and street art. To end your trip, indulge in Southern cuisine one last time: perhaps a classic barbecue or a modern Southern fusion.
Atlanta
Day 14
A full day to enjoy the metropolis at your own pace. You can visit the World of Coca-Cola, stroll through the Botanical Garden, or tour the CNN studios. A walk through the trendy Little Five Points neighborhood will show you the city's creative side with its boutiques and street art. To end your trip, indulge in Southern cuisine one last time: perhaps a classic barbecue or a modern Southern fusion.
Day 15
Return trip from Atlanta
On your last morning, there's still time for a leisurely breakfast or a short stroll through the city. Afterward, you return your rental car and catch your flight back to Germany. In your luggage, you pack the sounds of country, blues, and jazz; images of magnificent villas, bays, and beaches; and the memory of a trip filled with music, history, and a unique atmosphere.
Return trip from Atlanta
Day 15
On your last morning, there's still time for a leisurely breakfast or a short stroll through the city. Afterward, you return your rental car and catch your flight back to Germany. In your luggage, you pack the sounds of country, blues, and jazz; images of magnificent villas, bays, and beaches; and the memory of a trip filled with music, history, and a unique atmosphere.
Motorhome or rental car
Experience unforgettable moments and discover the most beautiful places at your own pace. Whether it's a road trip with comfortable hotel stays or a free-spirited campervan adventure, you decide how you want your dream trip to be. We'd be delighted to help you plan.
Motorhome or rental car
Experience unforgettable moments and discover the most beautiful places at your own pace. Whether it's a road trip with comfortable hotel stays or a free-spirited campervan adventure, you decide how you want your dream trip to be. We'd be delighted to help you plan.
Price from
€2,000.00
Services
What's included
We will prepare a complete offer that includes flight, car/hotel rental or motorhome rental.
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Advice
Character of the trip
Fitness
Easy
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Culture-led
This road trip requires no special athletic skills; you decide your own pace and activities. You should be comfortable driving long distances on your own. A valid driver's license is required. You can combine city visits, sightseeing tours, and walks as you wish. In summer, it is hot and humid in the southern states.
Dates and prices
There are no departures available at the moment. Send a request and we will find a suitable date.
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