America’s Cajun Cities Eclipse Tour 2017

Arrive Nashville. No activities planned on arrival date as guests’ arrival time vary. Overnight at our hotel in Nashville.
Hotel: Omni Hotel or similar

Your day begins with a tour of 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! Learn the secrets of how each artist recorded their chart-topping music in this famous studio, where you may even have the opportunity to record your own hit! Then, visit the old Ryman Auditorium*. Later today, a local guide will share the history and lore of Music City during a sightseeing tour. View the State Capitol, Music Row and the Parthenon – a full scale replica of the Athenian original! Return to your hotel and overnight after the tour.
Hotel: Omni Hotel or similar

Departure from the hotel after breakfast. Transfer to our special solar eclipse viewing spot and get ready for another amazing solar eclipse experience.
Return to your hotel after the eclipse and free time.
Hotel: Gaylord Opryland Resort or similar

This morning, explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, the largest museum of popular music in the world. The museum’s vast collections of memorabilia, costumes, recordings and instruments are artfully presented in cutting-edge exhibits relaying the colorful histories of country music and its artists. Learn about the Hatch Show Print, the original printer of the concert flyer for famous country musicians, and have the opportunity to see how they are still printed today. Later, travel to Memphis, the birthplace of the Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Soul.
Hotel:Sheraton Memphis Convention Center or similar

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…you may even be tempted to sing along! Then, don your blue suede shoes when you 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, where Elvis and members of his family have been laid to rest. The remainder of your day is free to enjoy this city’s vast musical offerings on your own. Dance to the live music that may fill the open air or spend the evening exploring Beale Street’s vibrant musical clubs!
Hotel:Sheraton Memphis Convention Center or similar

We leave Memphis today for the state of Mississippi. Our first visit is Jackson, the state capital. Enjoy free time for lunch before heading to the traditional southern town of Natchez, which feels like it has stopped in time.
Hotel:Natchez Grand Hotel or similar

Natchez was largely spared from the destruction of the Civil War, so it’s a fantastic example of how life was in the pre-Civil War Deep South. We’ll see some of the town’s most beautiful historic buildings, including elegant southern mansions, churches and public buildings. The rest of the day is free for you to wander around this charming town.
Hotel:Natchez Grand Hotel or similar

This morning travel to Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana. Set out on a guided tour of the Louisiana State Capitol Building and learn about the state’s most influential political figure, Governor Huey Long. Hear the stories and legends from the time of his governorship and witness the location of his untimely assassination at the State House. Continue on to Lafayette, the heart of Cajun Country. Visit Martin Accordions, a family-owned accordion shop. Learn about this intricate craft and listen as the Martin-family band entertains you with music and stories.
Hotel: Hilton Lafayette or similar

Today, immerse yourself in the vibrant Cajun culture. Begin at the Acadian Cultural Center at Jean Lafitte National Park for an introduction to the history and culture of Cajun Country. Next, visit Vermilionville, a 23-acre living history museum and folk life park showcasing the Cajun and Creole heritages. Later, cruise along the eerie bayous and through the Atchafalaya Basin — no trip to Cajun Country would be complete without seeing the swamp!
Hotel: Hilton Lafayette or similar

The day begins with a visit to peaceful Avery Island, the birthplace of the famous McIlhenny’s Tabasco Pepper Sauce. Continue on to the “Jazz Capital of the World” — New Orleans — your home for the next three nights.
Hotel: Omni Royal Orleans or similar

Today, take a walking tour of the French Quarter. The steamy streets of New Orleans surround you with elegant villas with balconies of delicate iron lace. Stroll past the majestic St. Louis Cathedral, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Continue on to the bustling French Marketplace and explore Pirates Alley, the Cabildo, the Presbytere and the Pontalba. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to independently discover the “Big Easy.”
Hotel: Omni Royal Orleans or similar

This morning, enjoy a panoramic tour of New Orleans with a local guide. Begin along historic Esplanade Avenue. See St. Louis Cemetery #3, which opened in 1854 and holds some of the most elaborate crypts found in the city’s cemeteries. Then, relax during a drive along the shoreline of Lake Pontchartrain. This romantic road eventually leads to St. Charles Avenue, whisking you past gorgeous mansions as well as Tulane and Loyola, two world-famous universities. Return to the French Quarter this afternoon and have time at leisure.
Hotel: Omni Royal Orleans or similar

After breakfast, check-out. The country music of Nashville, the sounds of Memphis, and New Orleans’ jazz and food comprise a journey full of experiences that will have you humming and smiling long after you return home.