Tuesday, October 18 to Thursday, October 29, 2011
The Music of the South - New Orleans, Memphis & Nashville
Tentative Itinerary:
Day 1: Tues., Oct. 18 – The tour will depart from Barrie, Kozlov Mall at 7:00a.m. & the Tour Office at 7:30a.m. (Overnight parking is available at our Tour Office) Remember to bring your Canadian Passport for the border crossing into the USA.. We will stop at duty free enroute to our overnight stay in Dayton, Ohio.
Day 2: Wed., Oct. 19 – Following breakfast we will travel to Nashville for a 2-night stay at the Opryland hotel. This evening enjoy the amenities of this beautiful hotel. (B)
Day 3: Thurs., Oct. 20 - This morning, a local guide officially welcomes you to Nashville by sharing its history and lore during a sightseeing tour. View the Old Ryman Auditorium, the State Capitol, Music Row and the Parthenon - a full scale replica of the Athenian original! Tour the historic RCA Studio B for an up-close look at Nashville’s oldest remaining record studio where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Charlie Pride once recorded some of their classic hits. Then, explore the Country Music Hall of Fame. The museum’s vast collections of memorabilia, costumes, recordings and instruments area artfully presented in cutting-edge exhibits relaying the colourful histories of country music and its artists. Tonight enjoy a country classics performance at the Ryman Auditorium. (B & D)
Day 4: Fri., Oct. 21 – Today, we travel to Memphis for our 2 night stay. Our accommodation for these next 2 nights is the famous Peabody Hotel. Watch the Peabody Duck March, which began in the 1930s, when the general manager placed his live hunting decoys in his lobby fountain and started a tradition. Today the Peabody Ducks have become a world-famous symbol for The Peabody and for Memphis hospitality. Every day at precisely 11a.m., the ducks arrive marching on their own red carpet to John Philip Sousa’s “King Cotton March.” The fanfare repeats at 5p.m. when they retire to their penthouse pond. Witness this charming tradition in the spectacular Grand Lobby of The Peabody Hotel. (B & D)
Day 5: Sat., Oct. 22 – This morning, embark on a one-of-a-kind tour of the city of Memphis. Local musicians board the coach and tell the story of Memphis’ musical heritage and history as you view the city’s many highlights. The Home of the Blues comes alive on this city tour aboard Memphis’ only music bus. See Beale Street, Stax Records and tour Sun Record Studio. All of Backbeat Tours’ guides are Memphis musicians, who play and sing selections from the city’s rich musical heritage, along with generous amounts of comedy and audience interaction. This afternoon we visit Graceland, the palatial home of Elvis Presley. Enter Elvis’ 14-acre estate and visit his home, original business office, trophy building and the Meditation Garden. The rest of your evening is free to enjoy this city’s vast musical offerings on your own. (B)
Day 6: Sun., Oct. 23 - Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, as this morning we travel to Baton Rouge. Enjoy a midmorning stop at the “Cajun Village.” Here you will have time to walk through a collection of restored Acadian buildings housing unique shops and galleries featuring original Louisiana artists and products, the Coffee House and alligator pond. This evening we check into the Drury Inn for an overnight stay. (B)
Day 7: Mon., Oct. 24 – This morning on our drive to New Orleans we have time to explore one of the Plantation houses. We celebrate our arrival in New Orleans this evening with a group dinner. (B & D)
Day 8: Tues., Oct. 25 – Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of New Orleans’ famous French Quarter where you will see the majestic St. Louis Cathedral, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Continue on to the bustling French Marketplace where you will explore Pirate’s Alley, the Cabildo, the Presbytere and the Pontalba. Stop to taste a true New Orleans favourite at Café Du Monde. Today, roll up your sleeves and prepare to discover how to cook New Orleans-style! During a unique cooking demonstration at the New Orleans School of Cooking, your chef will indulge you in everything that Louisiana cuisine has to offer. The remainder of the day is free to explore. (B & L)
Day 9: Wed., Oct. 26 – Enjoy a tour of New Orleans along historic Esplanade Avenue. See St. Louis Cemetery No.3, which opened in 1854 and features some of the most elaborate crypts found in New Orleans’ cemeteries. Then, relax during a tranquil drive along the shoreline of Lake Ponchartrain. Savour the beauty and romance of New Orleans skyline aboard the 7:00p.m. Dinner/Jazz Cruise on the authentic Steamboat NATCHEZ. (B & D).
Day 10: Thurs., Oct. 27 – Today, we travel into Tennessee for our overnight stay in the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, one of the historic hotels of America. This evening enjoy dinner in the Station Restaurant. (B & D)
Day 11: Fri., Oct. 28 - This morning after breakfast we depart for Sharonville Ohio for our overnight stay at the Drury Inn. Dinner this evening is at the Cracker Barrel. (B & D)
Day 12: Sat., Oct. 29 – Enjoy a group breakfast before departing for home. We will stop at the Duty Free shop before entering Canada. We will return to Barrie at approximately 8:30p.m. (B)

Tour includes: motor coach transportation with tour director, 11 nights hotel accommodation, hotel taxes, baggage handling for 1 large suitcase each, 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 6 dinners, attractions and guided tours as listed in the itinerary & HST EXEMPT.

Cost per person:
Twin $2795.00
Triple $2595.00
Quad $2495.00
Single $3595.00

RBC Travel Insurance is available through our office at the time of booking at an additional charge.