Highlights of the Deep South
12 days, New Orleans to New Orleans
There aren’t many places in the U.S. — or the world, frankly — that can match the Deep South for charm, character, and quirkiness. This 12-day trip pulls back the curtain on this unique part of the country by way of groovy Charleston, cosmopolitan Atlanta, sultry Savannah, the Elvis mecca of Memphis, and other hot spots, while serving up heaping helpings of colonial estates, Cajun cuisine, jazz, country, and blues music, whiskey, and fun. It’s different down here. Way different. Come on down and git yer drawl on, y’all.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Classic
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Rating: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 14, avg 10
Age requirement: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Visa Requirements
12 days
New Orleans to New Orleans
Special Offers
Creating ripples that change lives
The Ripple Score is an honest evaluation of how often we use local businesses and services to create each tour. With this score you can see the percentage of our local expenses that stay in the communities you visit. Learn more
Ripple Score
70
Places visited
- United States
Itinerary
Day 1New Orleans
Arrive at any time.
Day 2New Orleans/Birmingham
Drive through the Deep South en route to Birmingham. Visit the country's largest civil rights museum to learn about the racial integration movement in the US.
Day 3Birmingham/Savannah
Head to historic Savannah. Opt for a walk around the Bonaventure Cemetery and historic district of Savannah, or stroll through town admiring the architecture and oak trees covered in Spanish moss.
Day 4Savannah
Enjoy a free day, and opt to check out City Market for local restaurants and art, visit the maritime museum, or stroll the grounds of a historic plantation.
Day 5Savannah/Charleston
Enjoy an orientation walk of Charleston. Opt to take a historic house tour, visit the Charleston City Market, or Folly Beach.
Day 6Charleston
Explore Charleston on a free day. Opt to stroll the picturesque Battery neighbourhood, visit sites that date back to the Civil War, or take a boat tour around Charleston Harbor.
Day 7Charleston/Atlanta
Drive to Atlanta, the capital of Georgia and home of Coca-Cola. Options include a tour of the factory or visiting some of the Martin Luther King Jr sites. Choose from excellent options for local food here, like one of the many true America diners from the early 1900s.
Day 8Atlanta/Nashville
On the way to Nashville, Tennessee, stop in Lynchburg and opt for a tour of the Jack Daniel's Distillery. Later, head out for live music and cowboy nightlife in this country music capital.
Day 9Nashville/Memphis
Travel west to Memphis, Tennessee. Enjoy an included Southern barbecue dinner, then opt to catch some live music on Beale Street, where the blues was born.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 10Memphis
Take advantage of a free day in Memphis. Opt to tour Elvis' home, Graceland; check out the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, Sun Studios; or tour the National Civil Rights Museum.
Day 11Memphis/New Orleans
Cross the border into Louisiana and drive straight to the Bayou. Opt to explore the French Quarter and try some authentic Cajun food for dinner.
Day 12New Orleans
Depart at any time.
Itinerary
Day 1New Orleans
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher or the G Adventures App
Holiday Inn Express New Orleans Downtown (or similar)
Day 2New Orleans/Birmingham
Drive through the Deep South en route to Birmingham. Visit the country's largest civil rights museum to learn about the racial integration movement in the US.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Visit
Get immersed in the racial integration movement and learn about the history of segregation in the South. Located in the Civil Rights District of Birmingham, the Institute shares stories and artifacts that depict the struggle of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 60s. See the cell where Martin Luther King Jr was held, tour the institute's exhibits, and see how the stories of the past can help chart a positive direction for the future.
Day 3Birmingham/Savannah
Head to historic Savannah. Opt for a walk around the Bonaventure Cemetery and historic district of Savannah, or stroll through town admiring the architecture and oak trees covered in Spanish moss.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Take in the sights and charm of this historic town.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Bonaventure Cemetery and Historic District Tour
Discover the history of this charming city on a tour of Savannah’s well-known landmarks. View striking tombs at historic Bonaventure Cemetery, made famous by the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Admire gardens, cobblestone streets, monuments, churches, and quaint parks on a walk through the city’s historic district—the largest in the nation. Stop in at one of the area’s lovely cafés to refuel.
Accommodation
BEST WESTERN – Savannah Historic District (or similar)
Day 4Savannah
Enjoy a free day, and opt to check out City Market for local restaurants and art, visit the maritime museum, or stroll the grounds of a historic plantation.
Free Time
From it's stunning historic district to the downtown creative core, get out and explore this Southern Belle.
Accommodation
BEST WESTERN – Savannah Historic District (or similar)
Day 5Savannah/Charleston
Enjoy an orientation walk of Charleston. Opt to take a historic house tour, visit the Charleston City Market, or Folly Beach.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Accommodation
Sleep Inn Mount Pleasant (or similar)
Day 6Charleston
Explore Charleston on a free day. Opt to stroll the picturesque Battery neighbourhood, visit sites that date back to the Civil War, or take a boat tour around Charleston Harbor.
Free Time
Take a full day to discover all that Charleston has to offer.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Charleston Historic Homes Tour
50USD per personSee Charleston’s historic homes—some dating back to the mid-18th century—and learn more about a bygone era. Take in impressive structures ranging from the Georgian townhouses of Rainbow Row to the varied styles of Battery Row’s waterfront mansions. Opt to visit these homes on a walking or bus tour, or explore them independently.
Historic City Market Visit
FreeDiscover the eclectic wares and exciting atmosphere of the historic Charleston City Market. Learn the story of this 200 year-old landmark, browse the stalls of crafts, clothing, toys, and art, or stop in for a bite at the Great Hall. If you’re looking for a souvenir, the woven Sweet Grass baskets and roses found in the market are a timeless Charleston keepsake.
Folly Beach Visit
FreeRelax on the sand or take a dip in the water at this laidback beach on historic Folly Island. Walk along the pier, explore the charming beach town, and savour some great seafood.
Accommodation
Sleep Inn Mount Pleasant (or similar)
Day 7Charleston/Atlanta
Drive to Atlanta, the capital of Georgia and home of Coca-Cola. Options include a tour of the factory or visiting some of the Martin Luther King Jr sites. Choose from excellent options for local food here, like one of the many true America diners from the early 1900s.
Opt to see an Atlanta Braves baseball game (when the team is in town).
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time
Explore this cosmopolitan city.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
World of Coca-Cola Tour
18USD per personDiscover the history of one of the world’s most iconic beverages at the World of Coca-Cola. Explore colourful memorabilia and exhibits chronicling the impressive lifespan of the famous soda, or pop—whatever you want to call it! Cap off the experience in the tasting area where you can sample dozens of variations of Coke from around the world.
Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site Visit
FreeVisit the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site and learn more about the charismatic leader and the American civil rights movement. Gain a deeper understanding of this American icon as you explore his boyhood home, the church where he and his father pastored, and the place he was laid to rest. Pay tribute to other brave defenders of equality with a walk along the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame.
Atlanta Braves Baseball Game
15-25USD per personWhen the Braves are in town, grab a ticket and head out to the ball game. Really get into the spirit of things as you stand for the national anthem, partake in the 7th inning stretch, and gorge on hot dogs, peanuts and a few cold beers.
Accommodation
Inn at the Peachtrees (or similar)
Day 8Atlanta/Nashville
On the way to Nashville, Tennessee, stop in Lynchburg and opt for a tour of the Jack Daniel's Distillery. Later, head out for live music and cowboy nightlife in this country music capital.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, or opt to check out the Jack Daniel's distillery.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Cowboy Bar Visit
Free-20USD per personHit the town and live it up in the country music capital of the world. This "Music City" will get you up and dancing and keep your toes tapping late into the night.
Jack Daniel's Distillery Tour
14USD per personTake a tour of the Jack Daniel's Distillery for more insight into the brand’s history, the story of Mr. Jack, and the whiskey production process. Opt for a taste test at the end!
Country Music Hall of Fame
25USD per personSpend some time exploring the largest collection of country music memorabilia on the planet. The Country Music Hall of Fame is the epicenter of country music research and history, and a must visit for fans around the world.
Johnny Cash Museum
18USD per personCountry music's favourite bad boy, Johnny Cash. Visit this museum dedicated to the famous musician, and learn more about the life of the Man in Black.
Day 9Nashville/Memphis
Travel west to Memphis, Tennessee. Enjoy an included Southern barbecue dinner, then opt to catch some live music on Beale Street, where the blues was born.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Foodie Moment: Southern BBQ Dinner
No trip to the South is complete without some good ol' BBQ. Try some of the local specialties and indulge! Mouth watering yet?
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Graceland Visit
42.50USD per personPay a visit to the ample Graceland estate and see how this rock and roll legend lived. Tour Graceland Mansion and see Elvis’ living room, music room, kitchen and famous Jungle Room. Wrap up your visit with a stop at Meditation Garden where “the king” has been laid to rest.
Sun Studio Visit
14USD per personVisit the reputed birthplace of rock and roll and see where it all began. First opened in January of 1950, this historic recording studio will deepen your understanding of the origins of rock music in Memphis.
National Civil Rights Museum
15USD per personVisit the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel, the assassination site of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Tour exhibits and collections to learn about key episodes of the American civil rights movement and its legacy in inspiring global civil and human rights efforts.
Accommodation
Comfort Inn Memphis (or similar)
Meals included:
DinnerDay 10Memphis
Take advantage of a free day in Memphis. Opt to tour Elvis' home, Graceland; check out the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, Sun Studios; or tour the National Civil Rights Museum.
Free Time
Enjoy a full day to explore the "Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll".
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Sun Studio Visit
14USD per personVisit the reputed birthplace of rock and roll and see where it all began. First opened in January of 1950, this historic recording studio will deepen your understanding of the origins of rock music in Memphis.
Rock & Soul Museum Visit
12USD per personLearn all about the birth of rock and soul music at the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Discover the stories of this genre's musical pioneers, who blazed a path and created a cultural revolution.
National Civil Rights Museum
15USD per personVisit the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel, the assassination site of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Tour exhibits and collections to learn about key episodes of the American civil rights movement and its legacy in inspiring global civil and human rights efforts.
Graceland Visit
42.50USD per personPay a visit to the ample Graceland estate and see how this rock and roll legend lived. Tour Graceland Mansion and see Elvis’ living room, music room, kitchen and famous Jungle Room. Wrap up your visit with a stop at Meditation Garden where “the king” has been laid to rest.
Accommodation
Comfort Inn Memphis (or similar)
Day 11Memphis/New Orleans
Cross the border into Louisiana and drive straight to the Bayou. Opt to explore the French Quarter and try some authentic Cajun food for dinner.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Don't waste a minute— start exploring.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
French Quarter and Bourbon St Visit
FreeDiscover the charm of New Orleans’ oldest neighbourhood. Admire the Spanish colonial architecture of this historic district—many of the buildings date back to the late 18th century. Visit Jackson Square, Bourbon St (known for its many bars), Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and Pat O’Brien’s (known for inventing the hurricane cocktail) as you explore this lively area, a National Historic Landmark.
Café du Monde Visit
10USD per personGrab a coffee and try the a delicious beignet at Café du Monde – a New Orleans institution.
Creole Cooking Class
25USD per personLearn to cook authentic Creole food and savour the fruits of your labour.
Ghost Tour
25USD per personAfter the sun goes down, embark on a tour of mysterious and (possibly!) haunted spots around New Orleans. From century-old cemeteries to historical voodoo sites, see if you'll experience any paranormal activity.
Historical Tours
25-30USD per personLearn more about this fascinating city by discovering its past. New Orleans has all kinds of tour options for all kinds of tastes. Opt for a voodoo tour, ghost tour, cemetery tour or vampire tour — you name it, there’s probably a tour for it. All the tours bring a different historical side of New Orleans to life, with a little bit of creepy thrown in.
Mississippi River Steam Boat Ride
31-42USD per personAccommodation
Holiday Inn Express New Orleans Downtown (or similar)
Day 12New Orleans
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
- Your Foodie Moment: Southern BBQ Dinner, Memphis
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute visit
- Historic district walk (Savannah)
- Atlanta orientation walk
- Southern barbecue dinner (Memphis)
- Daily suggestions for regional cuisine and music at local hot spots and dives
- Free time in Savannah, Charleston, and Memphis
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
This adventure boasts vans fitted with wi-fi for up to five users at a time. Check your email, upload a photo to Facebook, or send a tweet to your friends.
Accommodations
Hotels (11 nts).
Meals
1 dinner
Allow USD555-725 for meals not included.
Transportation
Air-conditioned private vehicle, walking.
Staff & experts
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout.
Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)
My Own Room - From €1339.00
If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.