America’s Music Cities Eclipse Tour 2017

Arrive Nashville. No activities planned on arrival date as guests’ arrival time vary. Overnight at our hotel in Nashville.
Hotel: Gaylord Opryland Resort 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!
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: Omni Hotel 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. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in Memphis’ award winning Central BBQ restaurant. Central BBQ has been ranked the #1 BBQ in Memphis since 2005. Tonight’s dinner truly captures the Memphis cuisine.
strong>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

Step back in time to the “Jazz Capital of the World” – New Orleans! This soulful city abounds with rich history, mouth-watering Cajun and Creole cuisine, and an incomparable soundtrack.
Hotel: Omni Royal Orleans or similar

Enjoy a 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 to the bustling French Marketplace where you’ll explore Pirates Alley, the Cabildo, the Presbytere and the Pontalba. Stop to taste a true New Orleans favorite – beignets at Café Du Monde. Or, set out on a panoramic motorcoach 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.

Hotel: Omni Royal Orleans or similar

Journey through Louisiana’s swamp on a cruise narrated by your captain. Learn about the history and ecology of this fascinating ecosystem while keeping an eye out for wildlife including bald eagles, herons, turtles and alligators! You’ll also see houses (accessible only by boat) of the local Cajuns who have made their homes here in the bayous. Return to New Orleans. (B)
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.