Nashville, Memphis & Mississippi Paddle Wheeler Cruise
Overview
Step back in time and explore the soul of the American South on this 15-day immersive holiday from Fred. Holidays. This unforgettable itinerary begins in the vibrant city of Nashville, travels through the legendary music scenes of Memphis, and cruises in classic style down the mighty Mississippi River aboard an authentic paddle wheeler.
Itinerary
Day 1
Days 1-3 Nashville Fly from the UK and then experience the vibrant heart of country music in Nashville with a three-night stay downtown, featuring visits to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Historic RCA Studio B, plus free time to soak in the city's legendary sights and sounds.
Day 2
Days 4-5 Graceland Travel to Memphis in style with a private transfer or self-drive option, then settle into the Guest House at Graceland for an exclusive welcome reception before diving into a VIP Elvis experience, complete with a mansion tour, museum visits, and a taste of authentic Memphis cuisine.
Day 3
Day 6 Memphis Discover Memphis' rich history in cotton and music with a guided city tour featuring Cotton Row, the National Civil Rights Museum, and The Pinch District, before setting sail on an unforgettable seven-night Mississippi river cruise to New Orleans.
Day 4
Day 7 Cruising the Mississippi Cruise from Memphis to Vicksburg under the Mississippi sun, unwinding in spacious lounges or on the sun deck, while engaging in enriching onboard activities like art classes, cooking demonstrations, mixology, and insightful guest speaker sessions.
Day 5
Day 8 Vicksburg Explore Vicksburg’s pivotal Civil War history with a guided tour of the National Military Park, featuring battlefields, the USS Cairo gunboat, and key historic sites, plus optional excursions to local museums for deeper insight into the city's past.
Day 6
Day 9 Natchez Step into Natchez’s rich history and enduring Southern charm with a guided exploration, visiting the historic Frogmore cotton plantation or opting for an excursion to Longwood mansion or Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens.
Day 7
Day 10 St Francisville Discover the timeless charm of St. Francisville, a picturesque town perched on the Mississippi River bluffs, where historic architecture and Southern heritage shine—stroll through its center or visit Greenwood Estate, Rosedown & Garden, Myrtles Plantation, or Audubon Historic Site.
Day 8
Day 11 Baton Rouge Experience the rich history and distinctive Southern charm of Baton Rouge with a guided tour showcasing its iconic attractions, including the old and new state capitols and the immersive Louisiana State Museum.
Day 9
Day 12 Houmas House Step back in time at Houmas House and Gardens, a grand plantation rich with Louisiana history, featuring period antiques and artwork, or visit the iconic Oak Alley Plantation, where its breathtaking tree-lined drive sets the stage for a captivating journey into the past.
Day 10
Day 13 New Orleans Disembark in New Orleans and explore three centuries of history, culture, and romance on a guided city tour, featuring the iconic French Quarter, grand mansions, and Mardi Gras royalty, before settling into your hotel for a two-night stay.
Day 11
Day 14 New Orleans Food Tour Savour the vibrant flavors of New Orleans, from jambalaya to po-boys, while soaking in the city's rich history, stunning architecture, and lively culture.
Day 12
Days 15-16 Fly Back Home Today check-out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your international flight home. You will land back in the UK the following day.