Country Roads of the Deep South a Women-Only tour

Welcome to Nashville, the capital of Tennessee and spiritual home of the US country music scene. From the Everly Brothers' “Bye Bye Love" to Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman,” the city's streets echo with legendary tunes. Settle in and relax before meeting your Travel Director and fellow women travellers for a welcome dinner with wine. Prepare to be enchanted by the unique experiences and inspiring females awaiting you over the next 12 days on this extraordinary women-only journey through the Deep South.

Immerse yourself in the heart of Music City over two days, starting with an orientation to get up close and personal with Nashville's vibrant culture. Explore the scenic Riverfront Park, the historic Tennessee State Capitol, and the sprawling132-acre Centennial State Park, home to a stunning replica of Greece’s Parthenon. Stroll along Broadway, passing lively honky-tonks and street performers, before arriving at the historic RCA Studio B for a guided tour. Discover Nashville’s music history in this iconic studio where over 47,000 songs have been recorded by legends like Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and modern stars like Martina McBride and Carrie Underwood. Learn fascinating stories behind these legendary recordings and see original instruments used in producing over 1,000 hit records. Continue your musical journey to The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where you'll take in a one-hour performance by a talented female songwriter and enjoy a self-guided tour of this tribute to American music. Conclude your day at the famous Grand Ole Opry, the world-renowned country music venue and the longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history, for an evening of country fun with your group of like-minded women.

Visit the Nashville Farmers Market to savour the diversity of the South’s food scene as you engage with local producers offering delights from Korean bulgogi and bibimbap to authentic Italian pizzas. In the afternoon, dive deeper into Nashville with an Insight Choice. Experience a tour and whiskey tasting session at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, a historic gem founded in the 1800s and once run by Louisa Nelson, one of the few female distillers of her time, before being revived by her great-great-great grandchildren. Alternatively, join a transformative MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at The National Museum of African American Music. Perfect for music enthusiasts, this experience will inspire, educate, and deepen appreciation of American music, highlighting the prominent role African American women have played in shaping the nation’s soundtrack.

Whether it’s your first time in Memphis or you're a frequent visitor, the lively melodies of Beale Street—a melting pot of delta blues, jazz, rock 'n' roll, R&B, and gospel music—will captivate you. Take a sightseeing tour of the city passing the Memphis Pyramid and the historic Peabody Hotel, renowned for the Peabody ducks that swim in the hotel fountain. A moving MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience awaits as you join an inspiring female civil rights activist for a tour through the city and to hear her story of living through the Civil Rights Movement, including participating in the Selma March of 1965. End your day byjoining another MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a private evening at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The museum is part of The Soulsville Foundation, which aims to inspire future artists and prepare young adults for life success.

Take an immersive journey into the life of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. At Graceland,explore Elvis’s private retreat where he found solace away from the stage. Your self-guided tour of the mansion includes the living room, the iconic Jungle Room, and exhibits showcasing Elvis’s career including automobiles, wardrobe, gold records, custom jets, and more from the Graceland Archives. Next, head to Sun Studio, the legendary recording studio where Elvis started his career. Led by a local musician, discover the legendary recording studio, known as “the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll” where Elvis started his career. In the evening, enjoy a unique dining experience at The Beauty Shop, a former parlour turned whimsical New American eatery, where Elvis’s wife, Priscilla, was said to get her hair done. Join us for a memorable journey celebrating the iconic legacy of Elvis Presley.

Journey through the Mississippi Delta along the captivating Mississippi Blues Trail, where the stories of pioneering businesswomen unfold. Arrive in the historic town of Greenwood, Mississippi, and delve into its significance in the Civil Rights Movement. Your Travel Director will share profound insights into Greenwood’s role as a hub for protests and voter registration efforts from 1962 to 1965. Embrace a truly unique experience with an Insightful Encounter at the Viking Cooking School. Here, a cook will guide you in crafting hot tamales, a flavourful regional specialty of meat wrapped in corn husks. Discover the rich cultural heritage behind this beloved dish, making your culinary adventure both enlightening and delicious.

Learn more about Southern history and hospitality as you head to Natchez on the banks of the Mississippi River. Tour the historic antebellum Stanton Hall and discover the preservation efforts of later generations to gain an understanding of how slavery and cotton allowed plantation owners to build these mansions. Test your mixologist skills as you concoct a traditional Southern cocktail, the mint julep. Refreshing, cooling and with a touch of sweetness, you're sure to learn a few party tricks to bring back home with you. Arrive at your hotel with the option to enjoy an evening to yourself or ask your Travel Director for restaurant suggestions to try Southern favourites from crawfish and gumbo to grits and fried oysters.

Move on to Lafayette for a taste of the Cajun and Creole countryside. Your in-depth journey continues, with an unforgettable boat tour through moss-draped cypress trees where elegant egrets perch just out of the reach of alligators. On your excursion in the Atchafalaya Basin Swamp, explore the diverse natural beauty and rich ecological systems of America's largest and most mysterious swamp ecosystem. A Native Cajun tour guide will explain from personal experience what it is like to live on a houseboat or survive off the swamp, while pointing out the abundant plants of the area and getting you up close and personal with the wildlife.

Visit the Acadian Cultural Center to learn more about the people, music and sounds that give Lafayette its distinct and charming character. You'll love this opportunity to discover the stories of the origins, migration, settlement and contemporary culture of the Acadians (Cajuns) with your fellow female travellers. Then, tap into your culinary side with a crawfish farm tour as you learn all about this succulent Southern staple. Your Local Expert will help you catch your lunch the old-fashioned way using hand nets, typical of crawfish boils with roots dating back to the late 1700s. Learn how to prepare a traditional boil before sitting down to enjoy your authentic meal. If crawfish are out of season, take part in a boil experience with seasonal seafood (an alternative will be provided for guests who don't eat seafood).

Discover the rich tapestry of New Orleans, a city brimming with music, culture, and cuisine. Indulge in the flavours of Creole dishes and refreshing mint juleps while exploring this fascinating destination. Begin with a behind-the-scenes tour of Mardi Gras World, where you’ll uncover over a century of celebrations and even design your own Mardi Gras mask. Enjoy dining by the Mississippi River, surrounded by the city’s grandiose mansions and elaborate architecture.  En route to New Orleans, take a spicy detour at the TABASCO® Factory on Avery Island for a self-guided tour to learn how the world-famous hot pepper sauce is made. Discover the history of this family recipe, crafted by the McIlhenny Companysince 1868. Upon arrival in New Orleans, join talented chefs at the New Orleans School of Cooking, housed in a renovated molasses warehouse from the early 1800s in the heart of the French Quarter, for a live demonstration and lunch featuring the city’s most iconic cuisine.

Your tour continues as you experience architecture, heritage and art shaped by a range of female influences. Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods with a Local Expert, delving into their unique architecture and dynamic art scenes. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of Mardi Gras World, where the extravagant carnival floats are built each year. Led by one of the talented Mardi Gras World artists, you'll design your own premium Mardi Gras mask, complete with glitter, feathers, and felt backing. This eclectic memento will be a cherished reminder of your time in The Big Easy.

While it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as your adventure ends, the friendships formed will last a lifetime. Your departure to the airport will be at leisure.