This Journey to Part of the South takes in 2 of the 5 states which make up the Deep South. Start in the state of Alabama where you will spend 6 nights visiting 4 different areas and exploring the southern hospitality of Alabama. Your next 6 nights are spent in Mississippi where you will visit 3 different areas. Known as the "Birthplace of America's Music," Mississippi provides visitors with musical experiences in multiple genres. Whether you are seeking soul-filled gospel or blues, foot-stomping old-time string music, or stimulating jazz and symphony, Mississippi is the one stop for your listening pleasure.
We are currently offering a FREE Car for the full duration of your holiday (One way drop-off fee to be paid locally)
DAY 01: ATLANTA, USA
Fly from the UK to Atlanta. When you have arrived pick up your car from the airport and drive to Birmingham, Alabama where your first hotel is located. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
DAY 02: BIRMINGHAM, USA
Visit the world renowned Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the Jazz Hall of Fame and Birmingham Museum of Art, have lunch at a traditional Southern tea room or head to Red Mountain Park for outdoor adventure. The Barber Motorsports Museum is home to the largest collection of motorcycles in the world. In the evening, enjoy live music venues and award winning cuisine in one of three entertainment districts including Five Points South.
DAY 03: TUSCALOOSA, USA
A short drive to Tuscaloosa brings you to a college town where the great jazz singer Dinah Washington was born. Tuscaloosa is also known for Blues so enjoy 'live' music, restaurants and bars. Tuscaloosa also celebrates arts and music at festivals in April and June. Explore Moundville Archaelogical Park for ancient Native American history, another 'must do' whilst here.
DAY 04: JACKSON, USA
Depart Tuscaloosa for Jackson, MS and spend the afternoon at leisure.
DAY 05: VICKSBURG, USA
With Vicksburg only an hour away, ensure you spend the day in Jackson the capital of Mississippi, visit a number of fine museums that focus on the conflict and the profound change that followed. The exhibit at the Old Capitol Museum displays photographs and film footage of this tumultuous time, while museums such as the Smith Robertson, housed in the first school for black children from the area, examine the struggles and achievements of African-Americans in art and literature. A stroll around the Farish Street Historical District presents many opportunities to view old houses, churches and other buildings, many of which were built by former slaves.
DAY 06: VICKSBURG, USA
Sitting high atop a bluff overlooking the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers, the city of Vicksburg was the setting of a bloody 47 day siege during the Civil War. The site of this epic battle is now Vicksburg National Military Park, preserving original fortifications and the U.S.S. Cairo, an ironclad gunboat that once prowled the waters of the Mississippi River. Vicksburg is also the place where Coca-Cola was first bottled, a fact that is happily immortalized at the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum.
DAY 07: NATCHEZ, USA
Today you will make the 2 hour drive to Natchez where you will spend 1 night. When you arrive why not Head out to tour a few of the majestic mansions that have drawn thousands of visitors to Natchez over the years. Enjoy the evening at leisure
DAY 08: CLARKSDALE, USA
Many say Clarksdale, Mississippi is the very birthplace of the blues. The vibe of the blues starts in the Historic Blues District, otherwise known as Blues Alley. Within the city, you’ll find the Delta Blues Museum, a literal blues shrine of artefacts and memorabilia and actor Morgan Freeman's Ground Zero Blues Club, where famous blues musicians sling lyrics on a juke joint stage almost every night of the week. With only one night here ensure to make the most of it.
DAY 09: TUPELO, USA
The Birthplace of the King of Rock and Roll and headquarters to the Natchez Trace Parkway, one of America’s Top 10 national Parks, Tupelo is a place of exploration and imagination.
DAY 10: FLORENCE, USA
Visit the studios used by music legends in the 60s and 70s to record their hit songs. Tour FAME and Muscle Shoals Sound Studios where the likes of Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart and made this region the 'Hit Recording Capital of the World'.
DAY 11: HUNTSVILLE, USA
Visit the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and W.C. Handy (Father of the Blues) home and museum before leaving for Huntsville. Enjoy some shopping at Bridge Street, explore Huntsville's Botanical Gardens and great dining at Cotton Row.
DAY 12: HUNTSVILLE, USA
The high-tech city of Huntsville which sprawls at the foot of a mountain in North Alabama is equally at home in the 19th century or the 21st. Huntsville's tourist attractions reflect the heritage of Alabama's first English-speaking city, the strife of the American Civil War and the accomplishments of America's rocket scientists. The city is nicknamed "The Rocket City" for its close history with U.S. space missions. Visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, the largest space hardware museum in the world. Enjoy a full day exploring this beautiful city
DAY 13: NASHVILLE - LONDON, UK
After your Huntsville stay, drive to Nashville airport (approx 2 hours) where you will drop your car off and check in for your overnight flight home.
DAY 14: LONDON, UK
Arrive back into London after a fantastic Deep South Adventure.