The Deep South Experience: Rhythm, Heritage & Nature 

Embark on a 16-day journey through the vibrant heart of the American South, where music, history, and natural beauty come together to create an unforgettable adventure. From the lively streets of New Orleans, alive with jazz and Creole cuisine, to the soulful rhythms of Memphis and the country music traditions of Nashville, this itinerary immerses you in the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Along the way, explore the scenic landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge, discover the historic charm of Montgomery and Natchez, and unwind on the pristine beaches of Florida’s Panhandle.

This journey combines iconic landmarks with off-the-beaten-path experiences, offering a blend of history, music, gastronomy, and outdoor adventure. Whether wandering through antebellum streets, tracing the roots of the blues, or simply soaking up the coastal sun, each day is designed to provide a deep and authentic connection to the South’s people, stories, and landscapes.

Perfect for travellers seeking a mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation, this itinerary promises lasting memories and a true taste of the American South.

This USA self drive holiday can be tailored to suit your exact requirements, so just let us know your ideal trip.

Everything can be adjusted to suit your needs and create your perfect USA holiday.

Is this a Private Tour or a Group Tour?

All of our USA tours are private, tailor-made itineraries, designed around your preferences. We can adjust every element to suit your interests, pace, and travel style. This particular USA trip includes flights, accommodation, and car rental (where applicable).

What are the Departure Dates?

Since this is a private trip, there are no set departure dates. Let us know your preferred dates of travel, and we will find the best flights to fit your itinerary. We can advise on the best times to visit each region of the USA, as well as periods to avoid due to peak tourist seasons, inclement weather, or when travel would simply be better timed for your itinerary.

Which Airlines do you use?

We work with all major airlines flying to the USA. Depending on your departure city, we typically suggest carriers such as Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and Delta. If you have a preferred airline or route, just let us know. We can also organise flights from any regional UK airport. There are direct flights from the UK to many US hubs including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco.

Which Hotels do you use?

We carefully select hotels based on location, style, and quality, but we are guided by your preferences. We specialise in boutique hotels, charming historic properties, and smaller luxury hotels where available. In major cities like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco, hotel rooms can sometimes be smaller and more expensive, and many properties lean towards a more business-style design. If room size or character is important to you, please let us know and we can suggest alternatives.

We also consider proximity to attractions and transport links, as driving or using public transport in large cities can add travel time.

Please note that many US hotels charge resort or facility fees (covering amenities such as Wi-Fi, fitness centres, or pools). We try to include these in our pricing wherever possible, but as policies vary by hotel, we recommend checking with us for details at the time of booking.

Car Rental & Driving in the USA

Many of our itineraries include car rental to explore regions at your own pace. Rental cars give you freedom, but there are a few practical points to note:

• One-way fees: Some itineraries involve picking up a car in one city and dropping it off in another. One-way fees can apply, depending on the rental company and locations. We will try to include these where possible.

• Parking: City hotels may charge for parking, and rates can vary. We will guide you on likely costs.

• Insurance & Navigation: We can advise on the best insurance coverage and suggest GPS or app-based navigation for ease of travel.

• Driver Requirements: A valid driver’s licence is required. For most rentals, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, particularly if you plan to drive across multiple states.

Ask us for more details so you can plan your trip with confidence.

Isn’t the USA expensive now?

Well, it depends on where you go! The USA offers incredible variety, from budget-friendly options to luxury experiences. We plan your trip to balance value and comfort, helping you get the most out of your accommodation, transport, and excursions. Many of our itineraries include car rental, which gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.

There’s plenty to see and do without spending much, from scenic drives and hiking trails to charming small towns and local markets. Entrance fees to national parks, museums, or attractions are generally reasonable but vary by location. Private guided trips can be more expensive, but there are also plenty of small-group options available, which allow you to enjoy expert guidance while keeping costs manageable.

We can mix and match this to suit your itinerary. Dining in the USA can suit every budget — from food trucks and diners to world-class fine dining.

New Orleans

Resting at the mouth of the mighty Mississippi River, this truly cosmopolitan city offers a veritable smorgasbord of fascinating cultures.

Settlers from as far afield as France, Spain, Africa and the Caribbean arrived here during New Orleans’ heyday as the principal port of the American South.

Each group lent something unique to the mix, resulting in a vibrant, bursting-at-the-seams melting pot of old masters, modernists, bohemian street artists and of course the city’s stunning array of museums and galleries.

The attractions of New Orleans are the same as they have always been – riding rattling streetcars and the Algiers ferry, steamy jazz in colonial cafes, or simply admiring the stately architecture of the French Quarter.

With the allure of its world-renowned cuisine, eclectic architecture and an atmosphere that can only be described as ‘magic’, many visitors are known to come for the spectacle of Mardi Gras and, quite simply, never leave!

Natchez

Located in southwest Mississippi, Natchez is a graceful and refined place that exudes Southern charm and offers some interesting cultural sights and exciting outdoor activities.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the town’s collection of elegant historic homes: Linden, Longwood, Melrose, Mammoth and Stanton are the finest, with tours departing from the Natchez Visitor and Welcome Centre.

Meanwhile, fans of American literature can view Richard Wright’s childhood home, and active travellers can rent canoes and paddle on the mighty Mississippi, admiring the area’s rich birdlife as they go, or join the popular Natchez Trace Parkway cycling route.

Finally, the town is home to a number of trendy shops, bars and restaurants, and the Natchez Brewing Company offers excellent tours and tastings.

Memphis

Legendary music, hearty Southern-style soul food and incredible vistas overlooking the mighty Mississippi - you will find all this and more in the wild-spirited river-town of Memphis, Tennessee.

The city offers a beguiling blend of Southern tradition and modern efficiency. It is a place where aging cotton warehouses stand alongside state-of-the-art new office buildings, and where old-fashioned paddle wheelers steam upriver past the city's most striking landmark, the gleaming, stainless-steel Pyramid Arena.

As the birthplace of blues and the site of much activity in the historical development of rock ‘n roll, Memphis’s musical heritage is just as diverse as its architectural delights.

Highlights include the famed jazz, blues and rock ‘n’ roll joints lined up on Beale Street, the heavily storied Sun Studio and of course Elvis Presley’s impressive Graceland mansion.

Nashville

Commonly known as ‘Music City’ and ‘The Country Music Capital of the World’, Nashville is the ultimate pilgrimage site for music fans from around the globe.

Despite its association with a rather honky-tonk, cowboy boot-clad crowd, Nashville has a lesser-known culturally rich and sophisticated side bolstered by a steady influx of young people who ensure that there is constantly something new and innovative going on.

Beyond the tourist-focused downtown area, designer stores, hip art galleries, trendy breweries and quirky coffee shops seem to be popping up around the city’s lively neighbourhoods and occupying its gorgeous old Classical and Neoclassical buildings.

With its fabulous food scene, rich musical heritage, and wonderful historical sights, Nashville always makes for some captivating and inspiring travel experiences.

View Itinerary in Detail

To view a sample holiday, click on one of the links below. This will open the itinerary up in a new window.

All of our USA Holidays are completely tailor made and we can put together any kind of itinerary to suit your interests and budget.

We have many other options so if you have a particular hotel in mind just let us know and we'll put together a price and itinerary for you.