Road of Music: Jazz, Blues, Country & Rock
Highlights: Start this fabulous itinerary in Chicago for 2 Nights and then travel South through St Louis and its blues clubs before hitting Nashville 'Music City USA' and the Country Music Hall of Fame. From Nashville the next stop is Memphis, home of Elvis Presley and where the likes of Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded their first hits in Sun Studios. Follow onto Vicksburg, along the Mississippi Delta before finishing off in New Orleans and the Jazz hotspots on Bourbon Street. One Way Car Drop Fee's apply.Day 1: Chicago - ArrivalArrival depending on your flight. Vehicle pick-up at the airport. Take a first glimpse at the 'Windy City' atop the Willis Tower's Skydeck or the Skywalk of 360 Chicago.
Overnight at Chicago's Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace or Similar for 2 Nights
Day 2: Chicago, FREE DAY
Take a stroll along the lakefront of Lake Michigan or explore one of Chicago's museums, including the Field Museum of Natural History and The Museum of Science and Industry. Grab lunch at Navy Pier and take a boat cruise to see the city and its renowned architecture. Spend the afternoon relaxing in Lincoln or Millennium Parks or go on a shopping spree at the Magnificent Mile. Finish the night with live music at one of the many jazz clubs, Visit Joe's Be-Bop Café and Jazz Emporium, considered to be on the best Jazz Clubs in town or get your blues on at the Buddy Guy's Legends.Day 3: Chicago - Saint Louis - (480km)
Leave in the morning on the world-famous Route 66 (Pontiac, IL and McLean IL). On the road keep an eye out for the roadside attractions and drive-in restaurants on your way to Saint Louis, Missouri. Enjoy an evening in one of the Blues Clubs in the Laclede's Landing or Soulard neighbourhoods.
Overnight in St Louis at the Comfort Inn Westport or similar.
Day 4: Saint Louis - Nashville - (495km)
Before you leave, don't forget to stop and take a picture of The Gateway Arch, the iconic monument symbolizing the westward expansion of the United States. You will cross into Tennessee to arrive in Nashville. Called 'Music City USA' Nashville is the capital of Country Music. Make a stop at the Grand Ole Opry, home of the world's longest running live radio program that make Country Music famous.
Overnight in Nashville for 2 Nights at Best Western Plus Music Row or Similar.
Day 5: Nashville
Visit the museums of music giants, stop at the Country Music Hall of Fame and the historic RCA Studio B where starts like Elvis, Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, The Everly Brothers and many more recorded their hits. Dance the night away in one of the many typical bars with Country Music.
Overnight in Nashville.
Day 6: Nashville - Memphis - (340Km)
Continue south towards Memphis. Welcome to the home of the blues, Beale Street, the strip with plenty of clubs to enjoy another evening of live music.
Overnight in Memphis for 2 nights at Comfort Inn Downtown or Similar.Day 7: Memphis
Start your day with a visit of Graceland, the famous mansion of Elvis Presley. Dedicate your afternoon to a visit of Sun Studio where Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins first recorded their hits. Continue with more music history at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
Overnight in Memphis.
Day 8: Memphis - Vicksburg (360Km)
Your road today follows the Mississippi Delta. Stop in Clarksdale at the Delta Blues Museum filled with memorabilia from B.B. King and Muddy Waters. Continue to Vicksburg known as 'The Key to the South'. Find out Vicksburg's strategic importance during the Civil War visiting the National Military Park. In the evening test your luck at one of the riverboat casinos.
Overnight in Vicksburg at Best Western Vicksburg or similar.Day 9: Vicksburg - New Orleans (333Km)
Today you will enter the state of Louisiana. Along the Mississippi river you must stop at one of the beautiful historic plantations such as Nottoway and Oak Alley. Then continue to New Orleans, the birthplace of Jazz. Don't miss a life show at Preservation Hall or any Jazz Club on Bourbon Street.
Overnight for 2 nights in New Orleans at Bienville House or similar.
Day 10: New Orleans
Start your morning with beignets and café au lait and at the famous Café du Monde. Enjoy a walk through the French Quarter to discover the French Market and Canal Street. In the afternoon or evening, take a cruise on a steamboat or shop away at Magazine Street. A visit to New Orleans won't be complete without trying some Cajun or Creole cuisine.
Overnight in New Orleans.
Day 11: Departure.
Time for last minute sightseeing and souvenir shopping before your return flight home. Return your vehicle to the airport depending on the time of your return flight.
*=local charge
