Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans are three of America's most characterful cities - each shaped by music, history, and food in a way that is entirely its own. Nashville is the beating heart of country music. Memphis gave the world the blues, rock and roll, and Elvis. New Orleans is jazz, Creole cuisine, and a city that genuinely dances. Together they form one of the great road journeys in the world.
In This Guide
Three Ways to Travel
There is no single best way to experience the American South. Your ideal itinerary depends on how much you want handled for you, how much freedom you want, and how you like to travel. Here are three approaches, each of which I can tailor to your preferences.
Small Group Journey
Travel with a small group on a carefully planned route from Nashville to New Orleans. Expert guides open doors - from after-hours access to Elvis's Graceland to a private performance at Preservation Hall. Everything is handled; all you need to do is show up and enjoy.
Nashville: 3 Nights at the Four Seasons
Begin in Nashville, the world's Music City. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame before the doors open, take part in a live songwriting session, and enjoy the city's legendary venues from the Ryman Auditorium to the Grand Ole Opry. Between tours, wander Broadway's honky tonks and soak up the creative buzz.
Memphis: 2 Nights at The Peabody
Continue to Memphis, home of the blues and birthplace of rock and roll. Stay at the historic Peabody Hotel, famous for its daily duck parade. Explore with a local musician as your guide, visit Sun Studio and the Civil Rights Museum, and enjoy exclusive after-hours access to Elvis's Graceland with dinner among his car collection.
Jackson: 1 Night at The Westin
Head south along the Blues Highway, stopping in Clarksdale and Indianola to explore the Delta Blues Museum, the B.B. King Museum, and historic Club Ebony. Stay overnight in Jackson, Mississippi's state capital.
New Orleans: 3 Nights at The Ritz-Carlton
Follow Louisiana's River Road to New Orleans - the city of jazz and Creole cuisine. Explore the French Quarter, take part in a cooking class, and enjoy an exclusive performance at Preservation Hall. Visit the acclaimed National WWII Museum and end with a farewell dinner at a classic French Quarter restaurant.
Self-Drive Road Trip
This tailor-made self-drive gives you the freedom to explore Nashville, Memphis, Natchez, and New Orleans at your own pace. All accommodation can be tailored to suit your budget and taste.
Nashville: 3 Nights at the Omni Nashville
Collect your car and explore at your own pace - the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, the pedestrian bridge for sweeping skyline views, and Broadway's Honky Tonk Highway in the evenings.
Memphis: 2 Nights at The Peabody
Drive west to Memphis and watch the famous duck march before heading to Sun Studio, the Civil Rights Museum, and Elvis's Graceland. Beale Street's barbecue joints and blues clubs await in the evening.
Natchez: 1 Night at Monmouth Historic Inn
Continue south to Natchez, a town full of antebellum mansions and Southern charm. Your base is a 19th-century estate surrounded by landscaped gardens - warm Southern hospitality and plenty of character.
New Orleans: 3 Nights at Hotel Monteleone
Return your car in New Orleans and explore on foot. Hotel Monteleone sits in the heart of the French Quarter, famous for its Carousel Bar and literary heritage. Jazz at Preservation Hall, the National WWII Museum, and a final evening in one of the city's great restaurants.
Tailor-Made Fly Holiday
This option keeps things simple with just two bases and a short internal flight linking Nashville and New Orleans. Fewer hotel changes, more time to absorb each city.
Nashville: 4 Nights at the Cambria Hotel Downtown
Stay two blocks from Broadway. Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, the Johnny Cash Museum, and the Grand Ole Opry. Evening honky tonks and Tennessee whiskey.
New Orleans: 4 Nights at the Dauphine Orleans Hotel
Fly south to a historic French Quarter hotel with leafy courtyards. Discover the French Quarter on foot, cruise the Mississippi on the Steamboat Natchez, and end your journey with jazz, Creole cooking, and a farewell dinner.
How I Help
Choosing between the many ways to experience these three cities can feel overwhelming. I take the time to understand what you are looking for - the pace you enjoy, the level of comfort you prefer, and how you imagine spending your days. With trusted partners across the USA, I can compare every option and build the trip that is right for you.
Prices and Planning
Airlines and hotels constantly update their offers, so I do not display fixed prices on my website. Share your plans using my enquiry form and within one working day I will arrange a no-obligation consultation, followed by a personalised quotation.
Trusted Partners & Peace of Mind
I am part of The JLT Group, which means you enjoy the personal service of an independent travel advisor backed by the security of an award-winning company. Every holiday I arrange is fully protected, and my support continues before, during, and after your trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal, with warm weather, fewer crowds, and plenty of live music events and festivals. Summer is hot and humid in New Orleans; winter is mild but quiet.
How many days should I spend in each city?
A nine to ten night trip works well, with around three nights each in Nashville and New Orleans, and two in Memphis. This gives you time to explore at a relaxed pace without rushing.
How do you travel between the cities?
You can travel by coach on an escorted tour, drive yourself on a flexible road trip, or fly between cities for a seamless journey. The driving distances are manageable - around three hours Nashville to Memphis, and six hours Memphis to New Orleans.
Are there interesting stops between Nashville and New Orleans?
Yes. If you are driving, consider Clarksdale for the crossroads of the blues, the Delta Blues Museum in Indianola, the charming antebellum streets of Natchez, and a night in Jackson. Each adds depth and character to the journey.
Can I combine this holiday with another US destination?
Absolutely. New York, Miami, New Orleans, and Nashville each work well as add-ons or extensions. I can design an itinerary that combines several cities if you have the time.
Is this trip suitable for couples or families?
Yes. These holidays work beautifully for couples, friends, or families with teenagers. The experiences can be adapted to suit your interests - whether that is music history, food culture, outdoor activities, or all three.
Are flights included?
Flights can be arranged from your preferred UK airport and added to your personalised itinerary. I will find the most convenient routing and schedule to match your travel dates.