"A fascinating journey through America’s music capitals, this escorted tour is jam-packed with country, jazz and rock ‘n’ roll history! Travelling by comfortable, air-conditioned coach, you will be taken to the birthplace of jazz, the home of the blues, Graceland and the legendary Sun Studios in Memphis – the heart of rock ‘n’ roll and the place where Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash enjoyed a spontaneous jam in the winter of 1956. Add in the incredible southern soul food and a group of like-minded travellers, and you have the makings of an unforgettable trip!"
Fly into Atlanta, then transfer to the Alabama state capital, Montgomery. Spend the night in the city where country legend Hank Williams was laid to rest, and where a special museum celebrates his short, spectacular career.
The gentle landscape of Harper Lee's Alabama gives way to the vast verdant wetlands of Louisiana as we follow the Gulf Coast to New Orleans. Once there, head out to absorb the exuberant energy of this lively city, or join our optional dinner jazz cruise on board a traditional southern steamboat.
When travelling to the USA, British citizens require passports with an integrated chip (shown on the front by a small rectangular symbol beneath the word PASSPORT), valid beyond the return date from the USA. Visas are not normally required for entry, but visitors must apply for an ESTA online with US Immigration at least 72 hours before departure atwww.cbp.gov/esta. The current charge is $14 for British Citizens. British subjects and anyone who has a criminal record or has ever been arrested should consult the US Embassy as a visa may be required. Note too that if you have visited Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationality with any of these countries, you do require a US visa and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program.
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person's earnings. The customary gratuity for a coach driver or Tour Manager is about $5 per person per day. It is normal to tip 15-20 per cent of the bill for a taxi or in a restaurant, and to leave a dollar or so per drink in a bar.
Smoking is not permitted on any coach forming part of your holiday; regular stops will be made though for your comfort en route. The majority of hotels in North America are non-smoking throughout including in all bedrooms. In general smoking outside is acceptable, but do look out for signs prohibiting this close to public entrances or bus stops.
All outbound flights depart and arrive on the same day. All return flights leave in the evening and land in the UK the next day. On-board meals will usually include lunch and a snack on outward flights, and dinner and breakfast on flight home. Soft drinks are complimentary, but some airlines will charge for alcoholic drinks.
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Standard hotel rooms in North America will contain one or two double- or queen-sized beds, and it is not possible to add extra beds to the room. Parties consisting of more than two travellers, but who have only booked one room, will be expected to make use of the two beds provided. If this is a concern, you may wish to consider booking more than one room for your group.
This offer applies to new bookings on air-inclusive holidays and river cruise only made between 14th and 18th February 2019 (inclusive) only. Prices shown when booking do not include the discount. The discount will be applied to your booking once the promo code (VAL10) has been entered and will be confirmed before purchase. The discount applies to your final holiday price at the time of booking (excluding holiday insurance if selected). This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time.
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately two hours.