Music of America: From Nashville to New Orleans
Discover the heart and soul of American music on an unforgettable nine-day journey with Tauck.
With the recent passing of Dolly Parton, one of my own all-time favorite country music artists, I've been reminded just how much music can connect us to places, people and memories.
For those who grew up listening to Dolly, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash or the great blues and jazz musicians of America's Deep South, this wonderful journey with Tauck could be something of a musical pilgrimage.
From Nashville, the home of country music, through Memphis and the Mississippi Delta, and finally to the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans, this is much more than a sightseeing holiday. It's an opportunity to discover the places where some of the world's most influential music was born.
As someone who has always been a huge fan of Dolly Parton, and country music in general, this particular tour really caught my attention.
A few years ago, I arranged something similar for clients who wanted to explore America's extraordinary musical heritage. Two of the highlights of their holiday were a special dinner at Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, and a visit to Dollywood, Dolly Parton's famous theme park in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
It was one of those holidays where the experiences, rather than simply the destinations, made it so memorable.
And that is exactly what appeals to me about Tauck's Music of America: Nashville to New Orleans itinerary.
A little extra Dolly Parton?
Although Dollywood isn't included in Tauck's published itinerary, it would be relatively straightforward for me to arrange a couple of nights there before the tour begins.
Located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood is approximately 240 miles from Nashville, making it a wonderful addition for anyone who loves Dolly Parton or simply wants to experience the spectacular Smoky Mountains.
You could spend a couple of nights exploring Dollywood and the surrounding area before continuing to Nashville to join your Tauck tour.
It's exactly the sort of personal touch I enjoy adding to a holiday, making an already excellent itinerary that little bit more special.
Nine days exploring America's musical heritage
Your journey begins in Nashville, a city that really does live and breathe music.
Known as Music City, Nashville is home to the legendary Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and countless honky-tonk bars where live music spills out onto the streets.
One of the special experiences included with Tauck is an early morning visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame, before the usual crowds arrive.
From Nashville, the journey continues to Memphis, where the story of rock 'n' roll comes alive.
For many visitors, Graceland is the highlight of any musical journey through America.
Tauck includes an exclusive after-hours experience at Elvis Presley's famous home, complete with a private dinner surrounded by his extraordinary collection of cars.
You'll also discover Sun Studio, where some of the biggest names in music began their careers, and the legendary Beale Street, famous for its blues clubs and live music.
Following the Blues Highway
Leaving Memphis behind, the tour follows the famous Blues Highway through Mississippi.
This is where so much of modern popular music has its roots, from the early blues musicians of the Mississippi Delta to the legendary B.B. King.
You'll discover Clarksdale, a town steeped in musical history, and enjoy lunch at the historic Club Ebony, a venue that has welcomed some of America's greatest performers.
It's a fascinating part of the journey, particularly for anyone interested in understanding how blues influenced everything from rock 'n' roll to modern country music.
New Orleans: Where jazz is part of everyday life
The final part of the tour takes you into Louisiana and ultimately New Orleans, one of America's most distinctive cities.
Here, music is everywhere. From the jazz clubs of the French Quarter to the street performers, wonderful restaurants and extraordinary Creole cuisine, New Orleans has an atmosphere quite unlike anywhere else.
A particular highlight is an evening at Preservation Hall, one of the city's most celebrated jazz venues.
Along the way, you'll also explore Louisiana's historic River Road, with its grand estates and plantation history, offering an insight into a very different chapter of America's past.
Why Tauck?
If you're unfamiliar with Tauck, they're a long-established American tour operator with a reputation for exceptionally well-organized, premium escorted holidays.
The company has been operating for more than 100 years, and although its tours now cover destinations across the world, North America remains one of its great strengths.
What sets Tauck apart, in my opinion, is the attention to detail and the experiences that are often difficult to arrange independently.
Private visits, special dining experiences, knowledgeable local guides and excellent tour directors all contribute to a holiday where so much of the planning and organization has already been taken care of.
And importantly, you're not simply being taken from one sightseeing stop to another. The itinerary is designed to give you a much deeper understanding of the places you're visiting.
What's included?
This nine-day, eight-night journey begins in Nashville and finishes in New Orleans.
Eight nights on tour
Airport transfers
Comfortable coach transportation throughout
The services of an experienced Tauck Tour Director, local guides and drivers
Eight breakfasts, five lunches and six dinners
Special experiences including Graceland, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Preservation Hall
Making the journey your own
One of the advantages of booking a holiday like this through an independent travel agent is that the published itinerary doesn't have to be the whole holiday.
Perhaps you'd like to spend a couple of nights at Dollywood before joining the tour, extend your stay in New Orleans, or even add another American city to your journey.
With nearly 40 years of experience arranging holidays, I can help put together the flights, additional hotels, transfers and other arrangements to make the trip work for you.
For lovers of American music, this really is a wonderful opportunity to experience the places, people and stories behind some of the greatest music ever recorded.
And if, like me, you've always had a soft spot for Dolly Parton, a little detour to Dollywood could make it even more special.
Interested in discovering the Music of America? Contact DG Travel Centre of Henley to discuss the Tauck itinerary, departure dates, prices and how we can tailor the journey to suit you.
Comments