Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Nashville - Birmingham - Montgomery - Mobile - New Orleans
100% customisable for you
Grab your passports, press play on our specially curated Deep South playlist and head to the airport, because today you’re off to Nashville, Tennessee. Fast-track through security and relax in the airport lounge before boarding your nine-and-a-half-hour afternoon flight.
When you land, collect your hire car and drive half an hour to your hotel in the heart of Nashville’s thriving music scene. You’ll arrive in the early evening, so if you’re winning the battle against jet lag, sip on a nightcap of Jack Daniels on the rocks while listening to some live blues music. If you’re losing the battle, we won’t blame you for heading straight to bed to rest up for tomorrow’s fun.
This morning, indulge in an all-American breakfast – you're in Nashville, so be sure to order a plate of spicy fried chicken and waffles. The afternoon is yours to spend how you please, so check out hotspots like Lower Broad, a lively street lined with honky-tonks (country music bars) and restaurants. If you’re more of a history buff, head to the Civil Rights Room to see photographs, videos and displays about Nashville’s role in changing the face of America during the civil rights movement.
Come evening, we’ve secured you tickets to a concert at the legendary Grand Ole Opry. If you’re a country music lover, nothing beats attending this radio-turned-television performance: it’s the oldest in the United States, and has hosted some pretty big names (think Dolly Parton and Hank Williams). Toes will be tapping and hips will be swaying all night long – there’s no party quite like this one.
Today, bid farewell to both Nashville and Tennessee and drive to Birmingham in ‘sweet home Alabama’. The drive is around 190 miles, giving you just under three hours to sing about how the skies are so blue.
After you arrive, dump your bags and spend the rest of the day exploring. Check out the surrounding suburbs’ restaurants, galleries and bars, or head into Birmingham’s centre to explore the acres of green parks and discover why the city has been dubbed the ‘Dinner Table of the South’ (spoiler: the food is to die for).
We’ve left today free for you to explore Birmingham’s city sights. After breakfast, head downtown to the Birmingham Museum of Art, where you can browse exciting exhibitions and sculptures alongside a permanent collection of European, Asian and Native American art.
Over in the Civil Rights District, learn about Birmingham’s past at historic buildings and exhibits depicting segregation and the city’s involvement in the Civil Rights struggle. While you’re in the area, make sure to check out the nearby Kelly Ingram Park which is home to sculptures depicting heroes and scenes from the movement.
Load your bags back into the car for today’s drive to Montgomery, Alabama’s charming capital. You’ll be on the road for around one-and-a-half hours before arriving in Montgomery’s cobblestoned downtown, where the tree-lined streets are home to myriad shops selling clothing, crafts and collectables. Check into your hotel then pay a visit the touching Civil Rights Memorial, honouring those who died in the struggle for equality.
As evening draws in, head out to explore Montgomery’s bar scene. Enjoy a local brew with a view from one of the city’s many rooftop bars, or check out Tower Taproom, Alabama’s first self-pour taproom. Grab a glass and choose from one of 57 taps dispensing different craft beers, ciders and wines, before sitting back and toasting your first night in Alabama’s capital.
With its rich history and vibrant culture, there’s plenty to do today in Montgomery. Fancy delving into the city’s past? Head to the Rosa Parks Museum, where you’ll find displays on her life and achievements, most notably her famous refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus in 1955. Animal lovers will want to head to the Montgomery Zoo, home to around 750 animals from all over the world and an impressive 40 acres of grounds.
Come dinner time, dive headfirst into Montgomery’s tasty food scene. Whether you fancy Southern comfort food, Gulf Coast seafood or some simple soulful barbecue, the city’s wonderful restaurants will leave your stomachs wanting for nothing.
This morning, roll out of bed and set your satnav for Mobile, a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. This Southern city, set on the shoreline of the Gulf Coast, is Alabama’s oldest and is the place where America’s original Mardi Gras celebrations began.
You’ll be staying in the centre of Mobile, close to the bustling Dauphin Street which is lined with restaurants, bars, galleries and small souvenir shops – perfect for an afternoon stroll. Stick around here for the evening and you’ll be treated to live jazz music as it spills from the bars and onto the streets.
Mobile is steeped in history, and today is all about discovering it. Visit Battleship Memorial Park and step aboard a World War II battleship, the USS Alabama, where you can explore 12 decks and experience what life was like on board. If boats aren’t your thing, stay on solid ground and check out the various wartime planes in the surrounding park.
Mobile also has seven National Register Historic Districts, so spend the afternoon strolling past ancient oak trees and grand old buildings. After a day of history, head back to your hotel and freshen up, ready for an evening of bar hopping and toe tapping to live music.
Today marks the final leg of your Deep South road trip, so load the car and drive two hour to New Orleans. You’ll be spending the next three nights here, so settle in and get ready to spend the day immersed in the soul, spirit and passion of the Louisianian capital of jazz.
The rest of the day is yours for the taking. Chat with friendly locals, join a traditional second line parade, or make a wish at the Voodoo Queen’s tomb in St Louis Cemetery. Feeling peckish? Try the local po-boy sandwiches – fried shrimp, oysters or roast beef on French bread with lettuce and tomatoes, best washed down with an ice-cold Abita Amber. Irresistible!
Over the next two days, dive into some iconic New Orleans activities. Set off on a walking tour around the French Quarter, a historic district brimming with history and culture. As you wander along the streets, your expert guide will transport you 300 years into the past, pointing out different architectural styles and explaining why jazz is so integral to New Orleans culture.
Next, take a break from the city on a classic cruise along the Mississippi River, complete with live jazz entertainment, a delicious lunch or brunch and a live narration jam-packed with fun facts about the musical genre.
It would be criminal to visit New Orleans and not check out its nightlife. After dark, the city is alive with people enjoying Southern music, hearty food and flowing drinks. On your final night, enjoy one last hurrah by dipping into the city’s cocktail culture, tasting a selection of traditional Sazeracs.
This morning, buckle up your seatbelts and wave goodbye to New Orleans, as it's sadly time to begin your journey home. Head to the airport, drop off your trusty hire car and board your nine-hour flight. You’ll land in the UK the next morning, ready to see friends and family and share your stories from your Deep South adventure.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
