THE MOST IMMERSIVE PREMIUM TOURS OF THE USA & CANADA
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COUNTRY ROADS OF THE DEEP SOUTH INSIGHTVACATIONS.COM
MAKE TOURING WITH INSIGHT VACATIONS YOUR NEXT BEST DECISION
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YOU WON’T NEED TO LIFT A FINGER
Every travel detail is managed for you by our professional, on-the-road team of 3 experts – a Travel Director, Wellness Director and a Driver. They will ensure the day to day running of your tour is smooth, effortless and absolutely memorable, for all the right reasons. Check page 6 for more information on how they make your trip stress free for you.
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LUXURY COACHES WITH PLENTY OF SPACE
We’ve designed our own fleet of unique luxury coaches to give you plenty of extra space to travel comfortably. You’ll get twice the standard legroom, so you can stretch out and take in the scenic views as your driver continues to your next destination. Check page 12 for more information on why our coaches are the best in the business.
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STAY AT GREAT HOTELS IN THE BEST LOCATIONS
Others will say it, but we mean it! We only select hotels that serve your best interest when travelling. We know time is short, so we partner with hotels in central locations so you can head out and have incredible things to do within minutes. Check page 8 for more information about our selection of hotels.
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INSIGHT VACATIONS | USA PREMIUM TOURING EXPERTS
Every one of our itineraries are unique and will have you discovering different parts of this vast country. But, what you get from your Insight holiday remains the same, regardless of which tour you choose to do. Here are the 5 main reasons you’ll want to tour the USA & Canada with us, the next time you travel.
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EXPECT AUTHENTIC DINING AT ITS FINEST
You might think touring means mediocre meals. That is not the case when travelling with us. We include incredibly delicious lunches and dinners that often top our guests’ “Favourite Experiences” list. As standard we also include hearty breakfasts every morning, so you're raring to go. Check page 10 for more information about the types of dining experiences you can expect.
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GET THE VIP EXPERIENCE WHEN SIGHTSEEING
No more queueing in long lines waiting to get inside. Not only do we include VIP entries to landmarks, we also connect you to Local Experts for private tours so you get the very best experience of the destination you’re in. Check page 14 for more information on how we make your day-to-day sightseeing fully immersive.
It doesn’t stop there either; we go the extra mile with other small touches that are a step above the rest: ARRANGING YOUR FLIGHTS
Upon request we will arrange your flights from your local airport. We find the best deals across economy and business so you can rest assured you’re getting great value and even better service.
INCLUDED ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE TRANSFERS If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times (outside schedule hours will incur charge).
INSIGHT VACATIONS | USA PREMIUM TOURING EXPERTS
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COUNTRY ROADS OF THE DEEP SOUTH EXCITING NEW ITINERARY
12 DAYS | ACTIVITY LEVEL: BALANCED 19 superb meals | 10 included experiences Start Nashville | End New Orleans
Cowboy hats and saxophones at the ready, as it’s time to delve into a world of country music, blues, jazz, honky-tonks and hearty diners in Southern USA. Like music legends Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash before you, follow the neon lights to the Music City. Release your inner songwriter at a central recording studio in Nashville and hear the toe-tapping tales of local jazz musicians in New Orleans. 4
INSIGHT VACATIONS | USA PREMIUM TOURING EXPERTS
TENNESSEE MEMPHIS (Days 4 & 5)
(Days 1, 2 & 3)
2
Graceland
Mississippi Blues Trail
GREENWOOD
1
(Days 6 )
MISSISSIPPI
LOUISIANA 1
NATCHEZ (Days 7)
LAFAYETTE
2
(Days 8 & 9)
MAP KEY 1
1
Central Hotels + Nights Scenic Hotels + Nights
2
3
NASHVILLE
NEW ORLEANS (Days 10, 11 &12)
UNESCO Heritage Site Place Visited
Join/Leave Options
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS 9 Join your Travel Director at a Welcome Dinner with wine in Nashville. 9 Go behind the scenes of a Nashville recording studio. 9 Visit Nelson’s Green Brier in Nashville, a local Tennessee distillery, and learn what makes this drink's unique taste. 9 Be guided through five centuries of history at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. 9 Enjoy a private evening at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis. 9 Visit Sun Studio in Memphis, the “birthplace of rock and roll”, where music legends, including B.B. King, Johnny Cash and Elvis recorded. 9 Enjoy a tour of Graceland in Memphis. 9 Dine at The Beauty Shop in Memphis, a former parlour where Elvis’ ex-wife, Priscilla, was said to get her hair done. 9 Visit the Viking Cooking School, in Greenwood, for a demonstration class that introduces you to regional specialty, Hot Tamales. 9 Tour the amazing Antebellum Mansions in Natchez.
NASHVILLE
9 Test your mixologist skills as you participate in a cocktail-making class in Natchez. 9 Join a Local Expert in Lafayette, who will help you catch your lunch using hand nets before teaching you how to prepare a traditional crawfish boil. 9 Visit the Tabasco Factory in New Orleans for a guided tour and learn how this hot sauce is made. 9 Learn about New Orleans’ cuisine with a guided tour and included lunch at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum.
BEALE STREET, MEMPHIS
9 Reminisce with your new travel friends at a Celebration Dinner in New Orleans on your final night.
CLICK HERE TO PLAY NEW ORLEANS
INSIGHT VACATIONS | USA PREMIUM TOURING EXPERTS
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LOOK FORWARD TO THESE AUTHENTIC DINING AT ITS FINEST
COOKING DEMONSTRATION AND LUNCH IN LAFAYETTE
TRADITIONAL FLAVOURS OF THE MISSISSIPPI Dine on a mouth-watering dinner at Fan & Johnny’s in Greenwood. The chef, Taylor Bowen Ricketts, is a James Beard Award finalist and her unique dishes feature a smorgasbord of local ingredients inspired by her weekends away at her grandparents’ house. The interior of this intimate restaurant is the cherryon-top of a memorable dining experience, featuring original art created by Taylor and her husband. COOKING DEMONSTRATION AND LUNCH IN LAFAYETTE Join a Local Expert at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum, who will help you catch your lunch the old-fashioned way, by using hand nets. You’ll then be taught how to prepare a traditional crawfish boil, before sitting down to dine on this unique Southern dish.
THE BEAUTY SHOP HIGHLIGHT DINNER One of the best parts of eating at Beauty Shop in Memphis is knowing you’re eating in the building that used to create Priscilla Presley’s famous beehive hairdos. Indulge in its eclectic menu as you appreciate the small nods to its days as a beauty salon, with hair-washing sinks at the bar, hairdryer chairs as seating and its huge curved mirror that notes the daily specials.
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INSIGHT VACATIONS | USA PREMIUM TOURING EXPERTS
TOP-RATED HOTELS IN THE BEST LOCATIONS
MONMOUTH HISTORIC INN AND GARDENS NATCHEZ
MONMOUTH HISTORIC INN AND GARDENS NATCHEZ Travel back in time during your stay at the Monmouth Historic Inn and Gardens. The grand mansion provides a glimpse to what the South would have looked like in the past with its antebellum-era styling and period accurate furnishings. Paired with traditional southern meals and the area's famous southern hospitality, you will be living in luxury whilst staying here. KIMPTON HOTEL FONTENOT, NEW ORLEANS This hotel brings together New Orleans' famous over-the-top, ornate charm with a modern and contemporary twist. It sits in the middle of downtown, giving you access to all the city has to offer. Many entertainment venues are in close proximity along with the New Orleans French Quarter. Plus, there are many hotel amenities for you to enjoy as you wind down after a day of exploration.
THE GUEST HOUSE AT GRACELAND This unique accommodation is inspired by the warm hospitality that Elvis always showed his guests. From the southern colonial exterior to the specialty suites, every aspect of The Guest House will reflect Elvis' personal style and the unique character of Graceland. It's the gateway to your visit to Graceland and the perfect place to stay while discovering everything that Memphis has to offer.
INCREDIBLE INCLUSIONS IMMERSIVE INSIGHT EXPERIENCES
NASHVILLE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME
NASHVILLE RECORDING STUDIO TOUR Go behind the scenes of a Nashville recording studio. This intimate experience will introduce you to a performing artist, musicians and the techniques behind a song’s development. You’ll even have the opportunity to connect with a runner up from the hit television show, The Voice.
TOUR GRACELAND Explore Elvis Presley’s home of Graceland and immerse yourself in his life and legacy at Elvis Presley's Memphis Entertainment Complex. Graceland is so much more than a mansion; it was the private retreat of the King of Rock 'n Roll. It’s where his family grew up, spent their time together and enjoyed life together.
HOT TAMALES COOKING CLASS You’ll visit the Viking Cooking School in Greenwood, for a demonstration class that introduces you and your fellow travel companions to a regional specialty, Hot Tamales. This Mesoamerican dish is made up of a corn-based dough that is filled with meats, cheeses or vegetables before being boiled.
VIKING COOKING SCHOOL
INSIGHT VACATIONS | USA PREMIUM TOURING EXPERTS
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Country Roads of The Deep South | 12 days
DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE
DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN NASHVILLE Welcome to Nashville, the capital of Tennessee and the USA’s glittering centre stage. Your airport transfer will whisk you to your hotel. Relax and unwind before meeting your Travel Director and mingling with guests at 18:00 followed by a Welcome Dinner with wine. Dinner with Wine | Renaissance Hotel. DAY 2 | TAKE CENTRE STAGE IN NASHVILLE Start your day with an orientation tour of music city. You'll visit the picturesque Riverfront Park, Tennessee State Capitol and the 132 acre Centennial State Park, where you'll encounter an exact replica of the Parthenon. Make your way to the Ryman Auditorium, former home of the Grand Ole Opry. It is here where Johnny Cash first met June Carter, where bluegrass was born and where country music found an audience. Tonight, head to the famous Grand Ole Opry, the world-renowned country music stage and longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history.
MANSION, NATCHEZ
DAY 5 | A DAY DEDICATED TO THE KING Begin your day with a visit to Sun Studio, the “birthplace of rock and roll”, where music legends, including B.B. King, Johnny Cash and Elvis recorded. Then make your way to the magnificent Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley. Tonight, dine at The Beauty Shop, a former parlour turned whimsical New American eatery where Elvis’ ex-wife, Priscilla, was said to get her hair done. Breakfast, Dinner with Wine | The Guest House at Graceland. DAY 6 | MEMPHIS TO GREENWOOD Travel to the Mississippi Delta down the Mississippi Blues Trail, a route that tells the stories of bluesmen and women. Explore the Delta town of Greenwood at your own pace, before heading to the Viking Cooking School for a demonstration class that introduces you to the regional specialty, Hot Tamales. Later, dine on a mouthwatering dinner at Fan and Johnny’s. The restaurant’s chef is a James Beard Award finalist and features southern inspired dishes that include produce local to the area.
Breakfast | Renaissance Hotel. DAY 3 | A DAY OF LEGENDS Go behind the scenes of a Nashville recording studio. This intimate experience introduces you to a performing artist, musicians and the techniques behind a song’s development. Make a stop at the Nashville’s Farmers' Market and Market House to explore its artisanal food stalls, crafts and produce. Later, visit Nelson’s Green Brier, a local Tennessee distillery and home of the Original Tennessee Whiskey. Learn more about the process that creates this drink's unique taste. Tonight's dinner will introduce you to the flavours of Nashville.
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Breakfast, Dinner with Wine | The Alluvian. DAY 7 | MOVING ON TO NATCHEZ Learn more about Southern history and hospitality as you head to Natchez. Tour the historic Antebellum Mansions while reflecting on the reality of America's slavery history, and learning new lessons about the preservation efforts of later generations. Test your mixologist skills as you concoct a traditional Southern cocktail, the Mint Julep. Minty, cooling and with a touch of sweetness, you're sure to learn a few party tricks to bring back home with you. Enjoy an evening to yourself.
Breakfast, Dinner | Renaissance Hotel.
Breakfast | Monmouth Historic Inn and Gardens.
DAY 4 | HEADING BACK HOME TO MEMPHIS This morning you'll head to Memphis. Spend the morning on a sightseeing tour of the city, followed by a visit the National Civil Rights Museum. While there, you’ll be guided through centuries of Civil Rights Movement history and its impact on our culture today. End your day with a private evening at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The museum is part of The Soulsville Foundation, which aims to prepare young adults for life success and inspire future artists.
DAY 8 | NATCHEZ TO LAFAYETTE Move on to Lafayette for a taste of the Cajun and Creole countryside. Get to know more about Cajun culture and how it is defined by its French roots. Head to the Acadian Cultural Center followed by a unique Cajun music experience. A genre rooted in the ballads of the French-speaking Acadians, it is both eclectic and joyous. Learn more about this fast tempo music and its history from a local accordion maker and musician. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner with your fellow travellers.
Breakfast | The Guest House at Graceland.
Breakfast, Dinner | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette.
INSIGHT VACATIONS | USA PREMIUM TOURING EXPERTS
COUNTRY ROADS OF THE DEEP SOUTH INCLUSIONS 9 11 nights hotel accommodation in great locations.
9 19 delicious meals - 11 full breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners and 4 dinners with wine. 9 A Travel Director, Driver, Wellness Director and Local Expert Guides. CRAWFISH FARM TOUR
9 Travel on luxury coaches with double the legroom (avg of 33 guests).
DAY 9 | LAFAYETTE FOR FOODIES Start the day with a crawfish farm tour just outside the city. You will be joined by a Local Expert who will help you catch your lunch the old-fashioned way, using hand nets. You’ll be taught how to prepare a traditional boil, before sitting down to the meal. If crawfish are out of season, you'll take part in a boil experience with seasonal seafood. Later, enjoy time at leisure or head out on an optional swamp tour.
9 Sightseeing and exclusive Insight Experiences as highlighted in the itinerary.
Breakfast, Lunch | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette.
9 All porterage throughout.
DAY 10 | WELCOME TO THE BIG EASY New Orleans is a lively and dynamic city, known for its vibrant culture and electric jazz festivals. On the way down South, stop at the Tabasco® Factory for a self-guided tour and discover how the world-famous red hot pepper sauce is made. This afternoon, head to the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, where you’ll learn more about the city’s diverse cuisine with a guided tour and included lunch.
9 Arrival and departure transfers in America. 9 Included arrival and departure transfers (time restrictions apply).
9 Complimentary Wi-Fi in hotels and on coaches.
SAVE UP TO €460 WHEN YOU BOOK BY 30TH NOVEMBER 2021
PLUS save an extra 5% if you've travelled with us before.
Breakfast, Lunch | Kimpton Hotel Fontenot.
CLASSIC DEPARTURES (MAX 40 GUESTS)
DAY 11 | FESTIVITIES IN NEW ORLEANS Get to know the city with a Local Expert as you discover each neighborhood's unique architecture and explore the vibrant art scene. In the afternoon, take your pick of optional activities, perhaps geting to know the local culture through a jazz music experience or by meeting a voodoo specialist. End your day with a Celebration Dinner with your fellow travellers.
Summer 2022 Autumn/Winter 2022
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine | Kimpton Hotel Fontenot.
Prices based on 2 guests sharing a twin/double room. Single supplement prices are available upon request. Pre and post accommodation pricing is available on request.
DAY 12 | DEPART NEW ORLEANS It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as you depart to the airport. Breakfast.
Want all out luxury, but love this tour? Consider taking Luxury Gold's (our sister brand), Southern Grace tour instead. For details see page 83
From €4,038 Was from €4,250 From €4,149 Was from €4,609
SMALL GROUP DEPARTURES (MAX 24 GUESTS)
For up to date availability and pricing on all Small Group departures, please contact your Insight Vacations expert.
We can arrange flights from various airports in economy, premium economy or business class. Economy flights from approximately €820pp
FOR YOUR CUSTOM QUOTE, PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL YOUR INSIGHT VACATIONS EXPERT
INSIGHT VACATIONS | USA PREMIUM TOURING EXPERTS
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CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT TO BOOK OR REQUEST A QUOTE BOOK BY 30TH NOVEMBER 2021
Please visit insightvacations.com/booking-conditions for full terms and conditions.
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