Day 1 : Dallas-Fort Worth to Austin
Feel the famed Southern hospitality as we meet up with the rest of our Contiki family in the ‘bigger is better??? scene of Dallas. From Fort Worth we’ll head to the decidedly more laid-back vibes of Austin.
You can't say we don’t treat you. Diving straight into the local way of life, this evening you’ll get to know your new travel crew over an authentic & mouthwatering Texan BBQ.
Accommodation : Holiday Inn Express Austin Downtown (or similar)
Day 2 : Austin
Today is all yours baby so take it easy as you experience the Texan Life. You have the option of taking a kayaking trip on Lady Bird Lake to view those skyscrapers from a new angle, picking out some new cowboy boots for yourself, or taking a paddle board ride on the water. Make sure to preserve your energy for a night on the town - Austin has a world famous music scene for a good reason.
Accommodation : Holiday Inn Express Austin Downtown (or similar)
Day 3 : Austin to San Antonio
Having conquered Austin, we'll venture onto San Antonio...
Welcome to a charming melting pot of Spanish, Mexican & American infusions. After eating our way around the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico and enjoying a walking tour to get our bearings, the evening is yours to soak up and enjoy shops, restaurants & music.
Accommodation : Holiday Inn Express & Suites San Antonio Rivercenter (or similar)
Day 4 : San Antonio to Houston
Leaving San An feeling like a local, it's time to make our way to Texas' largest city.
With huge belt buckles & portion sizes to match, Houston city certainly lives up to its larger than life reputation.
Accommodation : Holiday Inn Houston Downtown (or similar)
Day 5 : Houston to New Orleans
Bellies full of BBQ, we'll head to the romantic metropolis of New Orleans.
The love-child of French & Caribbean culture, New Orleans will steal our hearts as soon as we arrive.
Accommodation : La Quinta Inn and Suites New Orleans Downtown (or similar)
Day 6 : New Orleans
We'll kick off the festivities today with a swoon-worthy walking tour of the French quarter, jamming in Jackson Square before sampling beignets & marveling at elegant, pre-war mansions, all to the sweet sounds of Southern jazz, of course. Then it's time to head for the New Orleans school of cooking to trade tales with your new friends over some traditional gumbo.
Accommodation : La Quinta Inn and Suites New Orleans Downtown (or similar)
Day 7 : New Orleans
Now that you know New Orleans like one of the locals, it's your day to do your own thing. Stroll down Frenchmen street for the sounds of jazz and funk, head to the vast grassy oasis of the city park or check out the New Orleans museum of art for an extensive collection of gorgeous French masterpieces.
Accommodation : La Quinta Inn and Suites New Orleans Downtown (or similar)
Day 8 : New Orleans to Memphis
Bidding farewell to New Orleans, we're off to another musical mecca...
Welcome to Memphis. It's time to pay homage to 'The King' today, as we're going to Graceland, the iconic home of Elvis. Then it's time to pay appreciation to another King, Martin Luther King JR, as we visit the Civil Rights museum, learning all about this vital force in the civil rights movement, before heading to sun studios, the place where Elvis recorded his very first song. What a day; and we're not even done with Memphis yet.
Accommodation : Moxy Hotel Downtown (or similar)
Day 9 : Memphis
Now we're nice and intimate with Memphis, it's your own day to explore. Take a taste of traditional food in downtown, visit the museum of soul music, check out the famous zoo and aquarium or take a tour of the Wiseacre brewery. No matter what you choose to do today, you'll fall in love with this melodic city.
Accommodation : Moxy Hotel Downtown (or similar)
Day 10 : Memphis to Nashville
See ya, Memphis, Nashville is calling!
Pull those boots out. Home to some of the musical greats, this city also played a crucial role in the civil rights movement. Tonight we'll have dinner at the famous woolworths where the first sit-in took place to desegregate lunch counters.
Accommodation : Quality Inn Nashville Downtown Stadium (or similar)
Day 11 : Nashville
Today you have the day for yourself to really get down and dirty with Nashville. Tour and taste all the southern delicacies, take a trip to the Ryman Auditorium and taste some classic whisky at Uncle Nearest Distillery in the day, then catch a country show at a famous venue.
Accommodation : Quality Inn Nashville Downtown Stadium (or similar)
Day 12 : Nashville
Today is yours to explore Nashville. Truly a musical paradise, a tour around the Country Music Hall of Fame will give us the low down on this city's musical past.
Accommodation : Quality Inn Nashville Downtown Stadium (or similar)
Day 13 : End Nashville
Thanks for the hospitality Nashville! Tissues on deck & souvenirs in tow, it's time to say our goodbyes. This has been the journey of a lifetime, so make sure to keep in contact for a reunion trip soon…