Music Cities of the South - 11 Day Self Drive with flights

Arrive in Nashville, the undisputed capital of country music. After picking up your rental car, check into your accommodation and dive into the vibrant melodies of Music City.

Explore the legendary Ryman Auditorium, where the echoes of country music's storied past resonate. Immerse yourself in the Country Music Hall of Fame, a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits celebrating the genre's luminaries. Spend evenings wandering along Broadway, where the twang of live music spills from honky-tonk bars, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

Depart Nashville and head west to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, a hidden gem nestled along the Tennessee River. Despite its small size, Muscle Shoals has played a significant role in shaping the sound of American music, particularly in the realms of soul, R&B, and rock 'n' roll, it was the ‘hit recording capital of the world’ in the 60’s and 70’s. Spend an unforgettable evening in this legendary town, perhaps visiting FAME Studios and the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, where artists like Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones recorded some of their most iconic tracks; both are still working studios and available for tours. 

En route to Memphis today, it's worth taking a slight detour to Tupelo, a city that is best known as the birthplace of Rock and Roll icon, Elvis Presley. If you want to take the Elvis "Grand Tour" it's best to get there early. You'll begin at the King's birthplace itself, the humble two-room house where Elvis was born in 1935. You'll also see the Elvis Presley Museum, the singer's childhood church and many other historic sites, including a replica of the green 1939 Plymouth that took the Presleys on their fateful trip from Tupelo to Memphis.

When you arrive in memphis, check into your accommodation and let the rhythmic pulse of Beale Street guide you through this city's musical history.

Visit Graceland, the iconic home of Elvis Presley, and explore Sun Studio, where the raw sounds of legends like Johnny Cash and B.B. King were immortalized. Stroll along the Mississippi River, absorbing the cultural vibrations that permeate the city. In the evenings, savour the distinctive flavours of Memphis barbecue in the city that claims its rightful place in the pantheon of American music.

Continue your journey south to New Orleans, a city where the spirit of jazz, Creole culture, and lively celebrations converge. Check into your accommodation in the heart of the French Quarter and let the vibrant energy of the Big Easy envelop you.

Explore Jackson Square, where street performers and artists create an ever-changing tableau. Take a steamboat cruise along the mighty Mississippi River and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of iconic Bourbon Street. Indulge your taste buds in the delectable delights of Creole cuisine, from beignets at Café du Monde to gumbo and jambalaya at local eateries.

As your Music Cities of the South Self Drive concludes, spend your final day in New Orleans revisiting favourite spots or discovering hidden gems. Explore the historical architecture of the French Quarter, wander through the Garden District, or savour a final meal at one of the city's renowned restaurants.

Reflect on the soul-stirring melodies and vibrant cultures you've experienced throughout the journey, creating memories that will resonate long after your adventure ends. As you bid farewell to the rhythmic heartbeats of Nashville, Muscle Shoals, Memphis, and New Orleans, you'll carry with you the harmonious spirit of the American South.