Welcome to The Deep South, USA!

Brimming with character and vitality, Deep South USA is as much a cultural concept as it is a geographical realm. From Civil Rights to Civil War, cotton fields to plantation homes, country music to rock ‘n’ roll, Kentucky Fried Chicken to po’boys, and a whole lot of Southern grace and hospitality thrown in, Deep South USA is a destination to truly immerse yourself in.

Walk the famed colonial streets of New Orleans; savour the unique and distinctive musical heritage of Nashville; stroll the picturesque townships that line the mighty Mississippi River; dine on the finest, freshest seafood in Alabama; or follow the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky.

A visit to Deep South USA is more than simply a holiday – it’s a chance totouch, see, taste, smell and experience the United States like never before.

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KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

MISSISSIPPIALABAMA

LOUISIANA

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This Southern State is on the Gulf of Mexico bordered with Florida, Georgia, Mississippi & Tennessee. It’s a melting pot of culture with pictureperfect beaches, inspiring history, vibrant cities and mouth-watering food. Popular destinations within the state include Muscle Shoals, Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile and Orange Beach/Gulf Shores.

Best known for being the birthplace of the American Civil Rights movement, in Alabama you can visit the Dexter Parsonage museum in Montgomery where Dr Martin Luther King lived between 1954 to 1960. America’s musical history also runs deep in Alabama, its famous studios in Muscle Shoals cut many hit records in the 1950’s and 60’s.

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EXPERIENCE! Fairhope - A small, bustling town that lies on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, Fairhope is known for its beautiful green spaces and stunning views of Mobile Bay and is full of charming galleries, boutiques, cafés and fabulous seafood restaurants. Birmingham - Known as the ‘magic city’, Birmingham was at the heart of the civil rights movement and is home to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The city is also home to a growing food and fashion scene which really comes alive in the evening. Festivals - Alabama has a full calendar of music, food and drink festivals, but notably the most famous is America’s oldest Mardi Gras in Mobile. Founded in 1703 the three-week celebration is still going strong every year.

SEE! Marine life - A variety of whales, dolphins and manatees live in the shores off the Gulf of Mexico - bottlenose dolphins use the bays and bayous for nursing, feeding and breeding. There are plenty of sightseeing tours that take in these magical sights that you would be pushed to find anywhere else. Huntsville - Known as the ‘Rocket Capital of the World’, Huntsville is home to the USS Space and Rocket Centre. Here you can see an authentic Saturn V moon rocket – one of only three on display in the world, as well as exploring the history of space with interactive exhibits. Mobile - This quaint and charming coastal city offers history, amazingly fresh seafood, and a quiet place to watch the world go by. It’s also home to Memorial Park which features Battleship USS ALABAMA which served in WWII.

EXPLORE! Orange Beach & Gulf Shores - Boasting 32 miles of stunning sugar-white beaches, the Gulf Shores offer family-friendly beaches for relaxing, fishing or just having fun. In particular Orange Beach offers golf, restaurants and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Little River Canyon National Preserve - This astounding national park offers backcountry exploring, scenic drives, and taking in spectacular views of the forest, waterfalls, sandstone cliffs and more. Lake Guntersville State Park - Enjoy more than 30 miles of hiking trails, picturesque panoramas and various platforms for viewing wildlife including the American Bald Eagle.

TASTE! Sample all of the amazing food that Alabama has to offer, from legendary BBQ to fresh from the Gulf seafood. Don’t miss Highlands Bar & Grill in Birmingham, named most outstanding restaurant in America at the James Beard Foundation 2018 awards. Craft Beer - With craft beer breweries popping up all over the state, make sure to try one of Alabama’s local beers. BBQ - All over the state of Alabama you can try the amazing BBQ. Why not head to Big Bob Gibson’s, widely regarded as one of the oldest and most prestigious barbeque restaurants in the world, famous for its Original BBQ White sauce!

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EXPERIENCE! Kentucky Derby - Probably one of the world’s most famous horse races, the Kentucky Derby takes place every May in Louisville. Held at Churchill Downs and preceded by a 2-week long festival, the race is the main event on the Kentucky racing calendar. Horse Farms & Kentucky Horse Park - There are a number of horse farms you can visit throughout Kentucky to admire these magnificent creatures and experience a bit of Kentucky’s culture. Newport Gangster Tours - Join gangster guides for a high-octane discovery of the streets, clubs and casinos where the mob made their millions and gamblers lost their lives.

SEE! National Corvette Museum - Shift your holiday into top gear at the National Corvette Museum. A true icon, the 60-year old Corvette is the world’s longestrunning, produced passenger car. Take this opportunity to watch the assembly process and immerse yourself in the history and passion surrounding the world-famous muscle car. Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory - With a 120ft replica baseball bat located right outside you can’t miss the Louisville Slugger Museum. The museum and factory which is a producer of major league baseball bats is a celebration of baseball and in particular the role that Louisville Slugger has played in its history. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace and National Historical Park - Located south of Louisville this fascinating piece of history is home to the first Lincoln Memorial, as well as Abraham Lincoln’s boyhood home at Knob Creek.

EXPLORE! Mammoth Cave National Park - Located in central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to some of the most magnificent collections of cave lands. Delve underground to discover the beauty of Mammoth Cave, the world’s longest known cave, or stay above ground and explore the beautiful lakes, rivers and forests in the area. Hiking at Red River Gorge - A stunning network of canyons located on the Red River in East-central Kentucky; perfect for climbing and hiking in the heart of Kentucky’s natural heartland. Daniel Boone National Forest - Home to many spectacular natural features, the Daniel Boone Natural Forest spans more than 2 million acres and over 21 counties, yet it remains one of Deep South USA’s best kept secrets and a paradise for hikers, bikers and climbers. Cumberland Falls - Sometimes referred to as ‘Little Niagara’, this beautiful waterfall is the central feature of the Cumberland Falls State Park, perfect for walking and wildlife lovers.

TASTE! The Home of Kentucky Bourbon - Bourbon is intwined in the history of Kentucky and visiting distilleries is much more than just a tasting experience but also a delve in to the history of the Bluegrass State. Bluegrass Farm-to- Table - The Bluegrass Region of Kentucky is arguably one of its most visited regions, whilst famous for its horses and bourbon is also famous for its food - with many farm-to-table restaurants - the produce here couldn’t be fresher! Regional Dishes - Kentucky’s history is steeped in cuisine which is still enjoyed today; try one of its regional dishes such as Hot Brown. Other local specialities include Benedictine, Deviled Eggs, Spoon Bread and of course the worldfamous Kentucky fried chicken.

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With French, Spanish, English, Irish, Cajun, Creole and Afro-Caribbean influences, Louisiana has so many cultural influences that help to make it one of Deep South USA’s most characterful and colourful states. A state of varying landscapes, a road trip through Louisiana can quite feasibly take you from gentle rolling hills and piney forests one day, to thriving cities with lively jazz halls and tax free shopping the next!

No place in America is better known for incredible indigenous food and music. Cajun and Creole delicacies – dishes with curious names like gumbo, jambalaya and étouffeé – can be found around every corner. It is the birthplace of jazz, the home of Cajun and zydeco music and a key player in the history of American blues, country and rock ‘n’ roll.

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EXPERIENCE! New Orleans - One of the world’s most treasured cities, New Orleans is a city that fuels the senses. Exquisite culinary offerings, a rousing live music scene and vibrant nightlife all feature against a backdrop of iconic architecture and historic cobbled streets. Festivals - Reflecting its love for life, Louisiana is host to a calendar full of festivals all year round. The most famous of which is Mardi Gras, which is celebrated state-wide for an entire month. Lafayette - Known as the ‘Happiest City in America’, Lafayette is a place where the good times roll and a distinctive blend of food, music and culture ensures visitors will always have smiles on their faces.

SEE! Tour a plantation - Many of Louisiana’s amazing grand plantation homes and opulent gardens are meticulously restored and open to visitors. Taking a tour of one of these majestic marvels offers a fascinating look at lifestyles of the past and a crucial period in the history of the United States. St Louis Cathedral, New Orleans - Noted as the oldest Cathedral in North America, St. Louis Cathedral is one of New Orleans’ most cherished landmarks. Atchafalaya Basin - Louisiana’s swamps hold a special place in the state’s culture and this is the largest river swamp in the U.S, covering 1 million acres. Explore the basin in search of alligators and other exotic wildlife on a guided swamp tour or by kayak.

EXPLORE! Baton Rouge - Historic sites abound in and around the capital city of Baton Rouge, ranging from the Louisiana Old State Capitol building to the LSU Rural Life Musuem. Lake Charles - Offering everything from glitzy casinos and award-winning golf courses, to Cajun two-stepping, famous festivals and swamp tours, Lake Charles has a diverse Cajun culture that has something for everyone. Shreveport - Traditional southern hospitality and family entertainment go hand-in-hand in Shreveport, Louisiana’s third largest city. Located on the picturesque bank of the Red River, the city boasts many restaurants, museums and retail stores – and when the sun goes down there’s still plenty to do at the city’s many bars, gaming casinos and clubs.

TASTE! Louisiana’s Farmers’ Markets - Whilst the rest of the world is catching up with the ‘buy local’ trend when it comes to food, Louisiana has always maintained this local and fresh outlook. With so many gourmet goods produced locally there is always a farmers market on for you to try a taste of something special. Local Creole and Cajun food - Whilst in Louisiana you have to try some authentic Creole or Cajun food. Pick up a po’boy, shrimp and grits, gumbo or jambalaya, for flavours to die for! Home of TABASCO ® Sauce – Avery Island - Ever wondered where the famous TABASCO ® Sauce is made? Visit Avery Island for a tour to discover how the sauce is made and sample some of the products.

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Lush, rolling hills and flat cotton fields combine with white sandy beaches and the fabled Mississippi River to create horizons like no other in America.

Best known for the famous river that forms its western border, Mississippi is a state that runs deep. America’s music, be it blues, gospel, country or rock’n’roll, got its start here. Visit the B.B. King Museum, Elvis’ birthplace, the GRAMMY Museum or the new Mississippi Arts Experience for an interactive experience found only in America.

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EXPERIENCE! Home of a King - The Elvis Presley birthplace in Tupelo is an attraction on every travel bucket list. Super fans to passers-by come to Tupelo to see where the King’s story began. You can visit the house where Elvis was born and the church where he sang on Sundays. Chasing the Blues - One of the most popular (and free) exhibits is the Mississippi Blues Trail. More than 200 markers across the state tell stories of bluesmen and women and how the places where they lived and the times in which they existed – and continue to exist – influenced their music. Home Sweet Home - A visit to Mississippi would not be complete without touring one of the state’s beautiful antebellum homes. Natchez, with its historic mansions, boasts the most of these grand estates, but they can also be found in Vicksburg, Meridian and Columbus as well. Pay a visit or stay overnight.

SEE! Jackson - The new Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is a powerful and moving testimony to the bravery and sacrifice of individuals from the 1800’s to the modern day. The next-door History Museum recounts 15,000 years of deep history from prehistoric times to the present day. Clarksdale - Packed full of memorabilia from the 1920’s, including Muddy Water’s homeplace, the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale recounts how the music that started in the Delta cotton fields migrated to Memphis and Chicago and eventually around the world spawning the likes of the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and Led Zeppelin.

EXPLORE! Down on the Gulf Coast - If gaming, shopping and time in the sand is your preference, then the Mississippi Gulf Coast is where you will find plenty of options. Beyond gaming, the coast features A-list entertainers, relaxing spa experiences and activities for children. Dine on delicious freshly caught seafood dishes and then visit the artistic towns of Bay St. Louis and Ocean Springs. Natchez Trace Parkway - Everyone loves a road trip and this is THE American road trip! The Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic drive that passes through 3 states and has developed a name for itself as one of the most iconic scenic driving routes in the country. Oxford - From the picture-perfect town square to William Faulkner’s Rowan Oak and the manicured campus of Ole Miss, Oxford is quintessentially Southern. Vicksburg - President Lincoln described Vicksburg as “The Key to the South” in the American Civil War and visitors can relive the history at the expansive National Military Park.

TASTE! Try a Hot Tamale - Dating back more than 100 years, the Hot Tamale is a savoury snack local to the Mississippi Delta and is not to be missed! Greenwood - Discover how to make the perfect fried chicken, shrimp grits or fried green tomatoes at the Viking Cookery School, adjacent to the luxury Alluvian Hotel. Breweries – Mississippi’s craft brewing reputation is growing, from Lucky Town in Jackson to Crooked Letter in Gulfport and Southern Prohibition in Hattiesburg. BBQ – Barbecue may not have been invented in Mississippi, but it sure was perfected here. Whether you’re in the state’s Northern Hills region, on the Gulf Coast, or anywhere in between, delicious barbecue is never too far away. And don’t forget to ask for the Come Back sauce!

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Whether in exciting urban hubs or charmingsmall towns, Tennessee offers authenticAmerican experiences.

See where some of the biggest legends in music found their voice, and where hopefuls come with the dream of one day being on the big stage. Hear the seven genres of music that call Tennessee home and experience “The Soundtrack of America. Made in Tennessee.”

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EXPERIENCE! Nashville is the home of country music; fans and aspiring musicians flock to this part of Tennessee to be immersed in the music culture. Don’t miss “Honky Tonking” on Lower Broad, Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry. Beale Street in Memphis is jam-packed with nightclubs, restaurants and shops. It’s a true melting pot of delta blues, jazz and so many other genres. Experience one or more of the many music festivals celebrating Tennessee’s rich and diverse musical history. Whenever you visit, you will find music that connects with you.

SEE! Elvis Presley’s Memphis at Graceland is an immersive experience into everything Elvis. Learn about the life of Elvis, his roots and influences. Located in Pigeon Forge, Dollywood is an award winning theme park and holiday resort, part-owned by Dolly Parton. Dollywood hosts concerts and special events year-round, including special appearance by Dolly Parton and her family.

EXPLORE! Tennessee’s beauty is unparalleled, especially in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the USA’s most visited national park. You can experience outdoor adventures including hiking, horseback riding, and fishing. Nearby, try zip-lining and white water rafting. Take a drive at Cades Cove, an 11- mile scenic driving loop through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Mountains). You will see beautifully restored buildings, log homes and mills against mountainous backdrops. In Chattanooga Ruby Falls is a breathtaking waterfall located 1,120 feet below the surface of Lookout Mountain, known as the nation’s tallest and deepest underground waterfall, you can take various tours and be amazed by the national phenomenon.

TASTE! Tennessee has world-renowned barbecue. Try it Memphis-style which is slow cooked in a pit and normally consists of pork ribs… mmmm. Or see if you can handle Nashville’s hot chicken. Food festivals are plentiful, including ones that pay homage to barbecue, catfish, cornbread, biscuits, and the MoonPie. Whatever your drink of choice, Tennessee has something homegrown for you to try. Discover craft beer breweries, whiskey and moonshine distilleries across the state. Tastings and tours are available at many locations. Tennessee’s most notable whiskey is Jack Daniel’s, which is only made in the small town of Lynchburg.

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DISCOVER DEEP SOUTH USA WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES & BRITISH AIRWAYS

With the American Airlines and British Airways partnership, travelling across the Atlantic has become easier and more rewarding than ever before. Fly direct from London Heathrow to New Orleans with British Airways, or choose from a host of indirect flight options and connections with American Airlines.

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AMERICAN AIRLINES

As the world’s largest airline, American Airlines delivers an unparalleled experience across the Atlantic and beyond by connecting travellers around the globe. With delivery of one new aircraft a week until 2020, you’ll benefit from state-of-the-art and comfortable plane interiors. Plus, by modernising their fleet and continuously expanding their network, there are now even more options when flying from the U.K. with American.

In Flagship™ Business, relax in fully lie-flat seats with direct access to the aisle on every flight from London. Enjoy a heightened entertainment experience with premium noise-cancelling headphones, plus enhanced dining with chef-inspired menus and an award-winning wine and champagne selection.

In Main Cabin, enjoy over 1,000 hours of the latest movies and TV shows available on demand. Across all cabins, stay connected with Wi-Fi and live TV streaming news and sports channel favourites at 30,000 ft, plus power at every seat to keep devices charged in flight.

BRITISH AIRWAYS

As the UK’s national flag carrier, British Airways continues to pride itself on its exceptional quality and unrivalled level of service. Whether in the air or on the ground, British Airways offers you the widest possible choice and utmost comfort, whichever class you choose to fly.

In Economy Class you can experience a stylish cabin with luxurious seatsand complimentary drinks and meals, or upgrade to World Traveller Plusto enjoy a wider seat, extra legroom and upgraded amenities and meals.

If you would like to experience the comfort of British Airways Club Worldor First Class cabins, you can relax with fully lie-flat seats.

British Airways has also recently introduced a new restaurant-style premium dining service in Club World, allowing customers to select dishes from a choice of freshly prepared starters and desserts served on beautiful new table settings. An exciting new partnership with The White Company also sees upgraded bespoke bedding and elegantly designed amenity kits available to Club World passengers.

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