In May 2016, alongside our industry partners of Evergreen and the American Queen Steamboat Company, we have a fantastic programme for those that enjoy river cruising, have a love of music, enjoy experiencing unique historical sights and cultural experiences. From Arrival in Atlanta on the 18th May 2016  until departure from New Orleans on the 31st May 2016 there is something to enjoy, experience and encounter on a daily basis.

Note: Just a quick note that for those seeing this on their e-mails, then perhaps you may want to click on the link at the bottom of the page and see this online at our site – there are several videos below that won’t appear in the e-mail version.

Joining us either ex-Australia (with Evergreens Partner Fly Free Deals) or at our Hotel in Atlanta, this tour leave Atlanta for Nashville,  where we will encounter the heartland of Country Music in the USA, before heading onto Memphis, the home of music legends such as Elvis (Gracelands pictured above), BB King, Aretha Franklin, Justin Timberlake and many more. From Memphis we cruise our way down the Mississippi to New Orleans, moving from the Capitol of Rock to the Birthplace of Soul.

Our Journey from Memphis to New Orleans will be aboard a traditional paddlesteamer , these are restored vessels owned and operated by the American Queen Steamboat Company, and are a true taste of the south with the old fashioned parlours, round deck walkways/verandahs, traditional styled theatres, classic southern dining and some incredible onboard entertainment that will take you to the heart of Dixie, Soul, Jazz, Blues, Rock and Country.

At AU$11,235 per person share twin including port taxes and surcharges, partner fly free deal and an exclusive My Travel Expert discount worth up to AU$400 per couple/twin this is a fantastically inclusive price for an incredible voyage. All cabins aboard the American Queen will be in (at the minimum) Outside Staterooms with Bay Windows (images above as well as base floor plan) and you can upgrade to Staterooms with Verandahs, at additional cost. Single Cabins are also available at additional cost – please ask us for details.

Before you do though take a look look at a quick video clip of this fantastic Cruise Vessel …

… and take a review of the day by day itinerary, land inclusions and extras that we bring to the table by packaging this product up with our industry partner (Evergreen Tours)

14 Days sounds Of The South & Mississippi Cruise, 18th May – 1st June 2016
Reservations can be made through My Travel Expert in Nowra.
Full Conditions and details available on application

SUPERB SERVICES

• 7 Day Eastern USA Experience
• 7 Night Mississippi River Steamboat Cruise on board the traditional and luxurious American Queen
• Premium First Class hotels including all hotel service charges and porterage
• The services of an Evergreen Tour Director
• All tipping and gratuities included
• Return airport transfers

PREMIUM INCLUSIONS

• In depth tour of the country music capital of the world, Nashville including a visit to the famous Studio B
• Learn of the fascinating life of Elvis Presley with a visit to Graceland
• Live the rock and roll dream with a tour of Memphis including the birth place of rock’n’roll, Sun Studios
• Discover the Mississippi River and its fascinating and historical towns and plantations in depth
• Explore exemplary examples of antebellum architecture including Stanton Hall in Natchez
• Get to know the historic plantation town of St Francisville
• Tour the impressive Nottoway Plantation, one of the largest southern plantations in existence
• Be guided through the lively and colourful New Orleans and explore the fascinating the French Quarter

YOU’RE INVITED

• Tour the most iconic country music venue in the world with a guided tour of the Ryman Auditorium, with dinner and a show at the Grand Ole Opry
• Get to know the essence of the home of blues with dinner and a show at BB Kings Blues Club

PREMIUM HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the cosmopolitan city of Atlanta
• Take a stroll down Honky Tonk Row where country music never sleeps
• Experience the neon lights and blues clubs at Memphis with a walk down Beale Street
• Discover the rich culture and musical heritage of the deep South
• Uncover the capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge

DINING HIGHLIGHTS

• 29 superb meals including 13 Full Breakfasts (FB), 6 Lunches (L), 8 Dinners (D) & 2 Highlight Dinners (HD)

Itinerary:
Programme Subject to Confirmation of 2016 Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Atlanta: Welcome to the USA! On arrival at Atlanta Airport you will be met and transferred* to your hotel. Atlanta is a world class modern city with a rich and passionate history, and it is the hub and commercial capital of Georgia. Overnight Stay: Marriott Marquis

Day 2: Atlanta – Nashville (B,D): Journey to Nashville or “Music City” the home of country music. Since its inception, Nashville has been linked to music, from Davy Crockett to Miles Davis, from Bob Dylan to Beyoncé, the best of the best come here to learn and share their art. Get a taste of this incredible city with a walk along the famous Honky Tonk Row. You’re Invited: Take a guided tour of the Ryman Auditorium, followed by dinner and a show at the legendary musical institution, the Grand Ole Opry. Two Night Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton

Day 3: Nashville (B): Tour the recording studios of Music Row where some of the greats of Country Music have recorded, then visit the Country Music Hall of Fame that houses one of the best collections of country music memorabilia, instruments and costumes in existence. The rest of the day is free to explore Nashville, the “Music City”.

Day 4: Nashville – Memphis (B,D): Travel to Memphis, the blues capital of the world. Tour the famous Sun Studio, known as the birthplace of rock ‘n roll we explore the memorabilia and hear fascinating stories of fame and fortune, excess and success. Then visit Graceland, the home of “The King”, Elvis Presley. Explore his mansion and see his private planes, costumes, gold records and awards. You’re Invited: Head to BB Kings Blues Club and get a taste of some true southern rock and blues. Enjoy BB Kings favourite southern dishes as you listen to the best of Memphis music. Two Night Stay: Westin Memphis

Day 5: Memphis (B): Today is free for you to discover Memphis. Discover More: Take a Discover Memphis tour, or jump on board the music bus with a tour of Memphis’ musical heritage (additional expense)

Day 6: Memphis – 7 Night Mississippi Cruise (B,D): Transfer to the pier to board your magnificent cruise ship. Check into your comfortable Inside Stateroom (upgrade to Outside Stateroom with Window or Outside Stateroom with Veranda additional expense) on the luxurious American Queen Steamboat and settle-in for an unforgettable 7 night voyage along the extraordinary Mississippi River.

Day 7: Greenville (B,L,D): Greenville is at the very heart and soul of Mississippi Delta and is the birthplace of B.B. King and many other blues singers, so naturally Greenville has Blues integrated into its culture. The town is also known for its many authors and writers, gardens and museums. This beautiful town is sure to win your heart with its southern charm and soul!

Day 8: Vicksburg (B,L,D): Discover a unique blend of old and new in Vicksburg. Take in the diversity from National Historic Landmarks to the Waterways Experiment Station. Visit the Church of the Holy Trinity and a wide selection of museums.

Day 9: Natchez (B,L,D): Step into the plantation lifestyle of the antebellum south in Natchez. Visit historic Jefferson College, tour antebellum mansions and take a tour of Stanton Hall which was built in 1857 and is considered the grandest of the Natchez mansions. Also see Magnolia Hall, Rosalie Mansion and William Johnson House.

Day 10: St Francisville (B,L,D): This quaint town located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River is your window to the past. With over 140 buildings on the National Register, beautiful plantation homes nestled in the rolling countryside, and bustling Main Street shops, you’ll find plenty to keep you interested.

Day 11: Baton Rouge (B,L,D): The capital of Louisiana, visitors delight in the seamless blend of past and present. Tour the USS Kidd, the Old Governor’s Mansion, St. Joseph Cathedral, the current Governor’s Mansion, the Louisiana State Capitol building and the Capitol Park Museum.

Day 12: Plantation Road (B,L,D): Enjoy an included tour of Nottoway Plantation, the South’s largest remaining antebellum mansion. This stunning historical plantation lies between Baton Rouge and New Orleans and offers a view of a truly grand plantation. Enjoy a guided tour of an American Castle as we explore within the pristine walls of Nottoway followed by a stroll through the lush grounds and gardens.

Day 13: New Orleans (B,D): Disembark early this morning and transfer to your hotel. New Orleans is the home of Jazz and is steeped in a history of influences from Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and beyond. Our local guide joins us for a tour of the French Quarter which is the oldest neighbourhood and cultural hub. Visit an historic cemetery, referred to as the “City of the Dead”, then visit St Charles Avenue and the Garden District which is home to some of the best preserved Southern mansions in the country. Overnight Stay: Hilton New Orleans Riverside

Day 14: Depart New Orleans (B): Transfer* to the airport to board your homeward flight.

For More details or to book aboard please contact My Travel Expert and Shoalhaven Solo Sisters today on (02) 4421 5577 or nowra@mytravelexpert.com.au