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North America

Music of the South

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13 days From $5,795 per person
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Discover the rich historic soundtracks of America’s South, taking nostalgic journeys on legendary rail routes

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager

Mobility Rating 2

2026 Tour code: DSG26

About the tour

Historic tracks lead us on an unforgettable rail tour through the heartlands of great American music - from Nashville, home of country music, to the blues, soul and rock 'n' roll of Memphis and the expressive jazz of New Orleans.

Starting our journey in North Carolina, we discover the music legends of Tennessee, then continue on the City of New Orleans train through Mississippi to Louisiana, tracing musical tracks on a culture-packed adventure.

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Unforgettable Experiences

Delve into Nashville
Delve into Nashville
Watch a live country music show at the legendary Grand Ole’ Opry, visit RCA Studio B and experience the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Ride the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
Ride the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
Enjoy an elating trip on the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, one of the world's steepest passenger railways which has been running since 1895.
Visit Oak Alley Plantation
Visit Oak Alley Plantation
Learn about Louisiana’s infamous role in America's Slave Trade during the 19th century at this historic sugar cane plantation.
Explore Graceland
Explore Graceland
Experience the 14-acre mansion that was Elvis Presley’s home, seeing his preserved living quarters and collection of classic cars and private jets

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - To Charlotte, North Carolina’s largest city

Your vacation begins as you make your way independently to our hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina. With its tree-lined neighborhoods, diverse dining, and proximity to both mountains and beaches, Charlotte is the perfect city to introduce us to the Southern charm we'll experience over the next two weeks.

Day 2 - To Gatlinburg, gateway to the Smoky Mountains

This morning we travel by coach to our next destination, Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We stop en route in Ashville, in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Up among this iconic American landscape, part of the Appalachian Trail, is Biltmore House - the largest stately home in the United States, once the home of the railroad magnate, George Vanderbilt and his family. We have lunch at the Stable Café before a self-guided tour of this grand, historic estate.

We continue by coach to Gatlinburg, a characterful mountain resort town at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After checking in to our hotel, close to Gatlinburg's downtown area, the remainder of the day and evening is free to get acquainted with the town. Eating options in Gatlinburg are typical of southern states: steakhouses, Cajun-style restaurants and pizzerias. The town also has a brewery, a cider house and a 'moonshine' distillery, plus highly-rated coffee shops.

Includes
  • Lunch
Day 3 - Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Today's excursion is one of our tour highlights - a journey into the Smoky Mountains National Park on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad*. Travelling aboard a restored heritage railway, our route follows the Tennessee and Nantahala River, crossing a historic bridge over the expansive Fontana Lake and into the stunning Nantahala Gorge. There is a choice of onboard dining options or you could choose to pre-purchase a packed lunch to dine as we travel. This four-and-a-half-hour round-trip through the Gorge includes a stop to relax along the river.

We transfer back to our hotel in Gatlinburg and have another chance this evening to savor some great Southern food in one of the town's restaurants. Local specialties to try are the clam chowder, crab stuffed with shrimps, and seafood hush puppies.

*Please note: for the Mardi Gras departure on February 7th 2026, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will not operate. Instead, we will drive through the Great Smoky Mountains, making scenic stops in the National Park.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 - To Chattanooga and the Look Out Mountain Incline Railway

Today we make our way to the city of Chattanooga, famous as the site of several battles in the American Civil War and for its railways which were vital for the South. Set on the banks of the Tennessee River and surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, Chattanooga's official nickname is 'Scenic City'.

After free time over lunch to dine independently, we board the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway for a trip on one of the world's steepest passenger railways. As we travel up among the steep forested hillsides above the Tennessee River to the mountain ridge, we look out across the sprawling city of Chattanooga. At the top of Lookout Mountain is a battlefield site and the Visitor Center there explains the significance of the site. At the bottom of the Incline Railway is a collection of trading outlets including a coffee shop, ice cream bar and an outdoor restaurant.

We return to Chattanooga and, after checking into our downtown hotel for the night, you are free to explore the city and its many eateries. The city is also known for its bluegrass music and you may hear strains of this as you wander through downtown.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 - Jack Daniel’s Distillery & Nashville, the home of country music

This morning we leave Chattanooga by coach, heading to the world's capital of country music, Nashville. On our way, we stop off in Moore County, Tennessee - an area which has been 'dry' since the days of prohibition, which is extraordinary, given that this is the home of the Jack Daniel's Distillery. During our visit, we are taken on a tour and tasting of the iconic whiskey.

We then continue to Nashville, where we check into our downtown hotel for three nights. This afternoon and evening you are free to soak up the city's unique atmosphere and history and to enjoy dinner independently. Besides its reputation as a music city, Nashville is also known for its vibrant neighborhoods packed with great indie coffee shops, breweries and boutiques. Plus, there's some outstanding cuisine to be enjoyed across the city. While you can take your pick from a fantastic variety of international dishes, from ramen to ravioli, the meals that Nashville does best are traditional Southern comfort foods. Maybe head to a café and order some fiery hot chicken, rich mac and cheese, or a plate of mouth-watering barbecue ribs - you won't regret it.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 6 - Nashville’s musical history and an evening at The Grand Ole Opry

This morning we delve further into Nashville on a guided tour. The city has been synonymous with country music since the 1940s, thanks to its collection of famous recording studios on 'Music Row', which is in downtown Nashville.

After this morning's memorable music experience, the rest of the day is free to enjoy at leisure until this evening's entertainment.

In the early evening, we visit one of Nashville's most famous institutions, the legendary Grand Ole Opry*, an excellent introduction to Nashville's music heritage. Founded as a radio station in the mid-1920s, this popular venue still hosts a regular live music broadcast, in addition to its stage shows. We take our seats for this extraordinary performance, featuring a line-up of eight or more artists, from legendary music stars to upcoming talent. In 2025 the venue turns 100, so be prepared for a sensational night of live music on 'Country's most famous stage'. At the end of the evening, we're transferred back to our downtown hotel - the city's bars and venues will still be humming, if you'd like to keep on partying.

*Please note: for the Mardi Gras departure on February 7th 2026, we will visit the Grand Ole Opry on Day 7 instead.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 - Studio B & the Country Music Hall of Fame

Today we visit the legendary RCA Studio B, where artists including Elvis, The Everly Brothers and Dolly Parton once cut records and wrote songs. Our guided tour ends at the fantastic Country Music Hall of Fame, the world's largest music museum where we are free to explore and find out more about the stars and superstars that have shaped the history of country music, from its roots until today. There are various interactive exhibitions here, and the center has an unrivalled collection of country music recordings dating back to the 1930s.

After our tour of this famous institution, the remainder of the day is free to explore Nashville at your own pace.

Other Nashville attractions are the Johnny Cash museum, which has a beautifully curated collection of memorabilia on 'the Man in Black'. A treat for vinyl lovers is to browse in the Ernest Tubb Record Shop, which has an amazing collection of bluegrass, gospel and country music. Another 'not-to-be-missed' experience is to walk down 'Honky Tonk Highway', a vibrant stretch of Broadway which buzzes with live music and honky tonk bars.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 8 - To Jackson and into the heart of Memphis

Leaving Nashville this morning our journey through Tennessee continues. On our way to Memphis, we stop at Jackson, famous for its railway culture and as the birthplace of rockabilly music. The city is also the title of a well-known song sung by Johnny Cash and June Carter. We have free time to find lunch independently in this interesting town.

From Jackson, we continue to the Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in the historic town of Brownsville, for a guided tour. The center is dedicated to the diverse history of the southern states; from the rich musical traditions to the area's infamous history of slave labor in the cotton fields. The exhibits also pay tribute to music legends like Tina Turner.

We complete our journey to Memphis and check in to our accommodation at The Guest House, right next to Elvis Presley's legendary home, Graceland. This evening, we have Memphis-style barbecue dinner at the hotel. Well known for being cooked 'low 'n' slow', this three-course feast is presented to us in traditional family-buffet style.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Paying tribute to the two ‘Kings’ at Graceland and Sun Studio

This morning, we set off on today's excursion - a visit to Graceland, the mansion Elvis Presley called home. We get an insight into the King of Rock' n' Roll as we experience his preserved living quarters with an eclectic mix of memorabilia on display, and admire his incredible car collections.

This afternoon we're introduced to the main attractions of Memphis' musical history. We visit the iconic Sun Studio, where legendary blues artists Howling Wolf and BB King first cut records. The studio also claims the title of 'the birthplace of rock 'n' roll' - and who are we to dispute that - as both Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded here during their careers.

We're transferred back to our hotel and the rest of the day is free. After some time to unwind and enjoy the hotel facilities, you could step into the past on a trip to downtown Memphis. Beale Street is the heart of the city, known as rock'n'roll street and the birthplace of the Blues, the colorful shops and music bars pay tribute to artists including B.B. King, Muddy Waters and Louis Armstrong. With live music in every bar, the street has an upbeat energy and fun atmosphere.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 10 - The City of New Orleans train to Louisiana and the Oak Alley Plantation

This morning we take another trip into the past aboard Amtrak's City of New Orleans train service. The stories go that blues music spread along this route by rail, and we retrace the journey from Tennessee through Mississippi to Louisiana. The views from the train are captivating, as the pretty, floral towns of Brookhaven and McComb lead into the peaceful Cajun creeks of the Louisiana Bayou.

In the afternoon our train arrives in the Louisiana town of Hammond, where a coach takes us to the Oak Alley Plantation for a guided tour. We learn the history of this grand house with its beautiful grounds which stands as a testament to the privileged lives of Louisiana landowners and to the awful suffering of those who were enslaved to work on the sugar cane fields of the plantation.

We continue to New Orleans, where we check into our hotel in the historic heart of this sensational city, right in the French Quarter, for three nights. Our hotel is just around the corner from Bourbon Street, which only simmers with activity during the daytime but comes alive at night with the blast of jazz trumpets, lively cocktail bars and flamboyant dance shows.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 11 - The French Quarter and a Mississippi cruise

On a guided tour this morning, a local expert introduces us to the surrounding neighborhood. Officially a National Historic Landmark, the renowned French Quarter is one of the best-known areas of New Orleans, and the hub of the party during Mardi Gras. During our tour, we stop at the hugely popular Café Du Monde - an open air café and a great spot for people watching - and enjoy a beignet, a delicious, deep-fried choux pastry, and a café au lait.

After some free time to get to know the city, we regroup for an afternoon excursion. We board a traditional paddle steamer for a sightseeing cruise along the Mississippi River, taking in the Battle of New Orleans site. Our cruise takes place on board the Creole Queen, an authentic steamboat which offers a view of the 'Big Easy' that only the river can provide. After disembarking, you are free to enjoy your evening in this exciting city. As you will have already discovered, this is a carnival city, and during the Mardi Gras the party never stops!

Please note: for the Mardi Gras departure on February 7th 2026, today is the parade day and you have tickets to enjoy the show. The French Quarter guided tour and the Mississippi River sightseeing cruise will take place on Day 12 instead.

Day 12 - Free as a bird in New Orleans

Your day is free to soak up New Orleans. Known the world over as the South's party city, due to its Mardi Gras celebrations, there's a year-round sense of spirited adventure and playfulness. A wander through the colourful streets offers an introduction to NOLA's eclectic architecture that stretches back centuries. For example, the stunning St. Louis Cathedral, North America's oldest cathedral. For an authentic New Orleans experience, you could hop on a streetcar on St Charles' Avenue, taking in the city sights as you travel from uptown to downtown, or you could spend some time in the peaceful green space of one of the city's great parks.

As you'll have discovered, the French Quarter has an endless choice of eateries for your last evening in the South. Most places offer traditional Southern food, from po-boys (meat, seafood or crawfish-filled bread rolls) and jambalaya to fresh oysters - served raw, baked or char-grilled.

Day 13 - Homeward bound

On your final morning in New Orleans, spend time revisiting your favorite spots or simply relaxing before making your way home. On your way, think over the many unforgettable memories of this musical tour of the South. From the beautiful Smoky Mountains and musical heritage in Nashville and Memphis to the exciting streets of New Orleans - every moment has showcased the very best of the South.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours, they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.

Hotels

Atlanta Airport Marriott

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Chattanooga Marriott Downtown

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Crowne Plaza Downtown Memphis

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Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, New Orleans

Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, New Orleans

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Hyatt Place Nashville Downtown, Nashville

Hyatt Place Nashville Downtown, Nashville

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Trains

Amtrak's City of New Orleans
Amtrak's Sunset Limited
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

Reviews

2.0 stars2.0 / 5 · 2 reviews

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  5. 1 star
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Phyllis Murchland

3 stars

Submitted 26/Apr

Some of the hotels were run down, terrible service and disorganized. Food not always available when leaving early. UK tour. Tour guide was good. Only 3 Americans.

from Vacations By Rail
Hi folks - Thank you for sharing your feedback. During our recent telephone chat, I was sorry to hear that some of the accommodations did not completely live up to your expectations. I would love to hear more, as we're always striving to improve. To share more, please drop me a line at XXX@XXX. or call our Chicago office at 877-929-7245. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am CST to 7:00 pm CST. and Saturdays from 9:00 am CST to 3:00 pm CST.
1 comment

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Barbara Leitao

1 stars

Submitted 2/May

It reads "Vacations by Rail"; it should read "Vacations by Bus".

from Vacations By Rail
Hello again Barbara! Thank you so much for discussing your review with me earlier today. I've relayed your feedback about the trip to our management and tour development teams, as honest input is essential for making changes. I really hope this recent experience won't keep you from enjoying America Coast to Coast this October – it's a dream trip for rail fans!
This is your response “Thank you and hope you enjoy coast to coast in Oct?” So, it’s okay to dismiss the fact that I was misled with your false advertising and pictures of a train as opposed to a bus? This is unacceptable and unbelievable. I can’t wait to tell all of my friends and relatives about my first solo trip with Vacations by Rails. There were no rails.
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