Highlights

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Did you know?  That jazz was born in the United States? And that the drum set was invented by jazz musicians? Or that The Blues is the foundation of jazz as well as the prime source of rhythm and blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and country music?

Itinerary

Day 1- New Orleans – French Quarter

Arrive in New Orleans, LA  for a three-night stay in a French Quarter hotel.  Dinner is on own this evening.

Day 2 –  New Orleans –  City Tour – Dixieland Jazz Cruise

This morning begins with a narrated New Orleans City Sightseeing Tour.  You will travel by the historic parts of the French Quarter, where you will see some of the oldest sections of the city: Jackson Square, the towering St. Louis Cathedral, the infamous Bourbon Street and the bustling French Market.  No visit to New Orleans would be complete without a tour in one of the historic cemeteries, where you will find the above ground tombs that inhabit these “cities of the dead.” Tonight, savor the beauty and romance of the New Orleans skyline aboard the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River. Climb aboard the Steamboat Natchez for an included Dixieland Jazz Dinner Cruise. (B,D)

Day 3 – New Orleans – Court of Two Sisters Jazz Brunch

Start with brunch at the Court of Two Sisters, offers an authentic blend of food, history and music. In this picturesque old-world courtyard with original gas lights and flowing fountains, is a historic restaurant with a strolling trio that plays real New Orleans Jazz music. Your afternoon is then free to enjoy The Quarter’s many shops, boutiques and entertainment venues.  Dinner is on your own. We recommend that you visit the Preservation Hall, a unique venue featuring the distinctive sound of New Orleans Jazz that embodies the city’s musical legacy. You may easily travel around New Orleans on foot or by public transportation. (B,L)

Day 4 – Natchez – Mississippi Blues Trail 

Today you embark upon the Mississippi Blues Trail. The Blues, with its roots in plantation culture, is a style of music created by slaves who later in post Civil War generations brought it to the cities where it merged with and influenced Jazz, Gospel and Rock n’ Roll.

Enroute to Natchez, visit the Frogmore Cotton Plantation in Ferriday, LA.  Hear the story of cotton in the antebellum era of the South when slaves tended these fields. Equally as important as the agricultural history that the plantation cared for, is the human story. Attend a slave wedding or a church sing. You may hear song coming from the slave quarters as re-enactors portray the lives of their ancestors.

Your next stop is the Delta Music Museum where you will learn how and why music interplayed daily in the lives of the slaves and sharecroppers. Discover how earlier music transformed into Rhythm and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll. Listen to intimate stories about Jerry Lee Lewis, Mickey Gilley, Aaron Neville, Conway Twitty, Percy Sledge and other Ferriday native musicians. You also have a chance to hear their music.

Overnight lodging is in Natchez, MS on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi and amidst magnificent antebellum homes, fascinating history, exciting events and a romantic atmosphere. Your stay features two nights lodging in an antebellum mansion or historic home.  Dinner is served at a historic district restaurant tonight featuring live music. (B,D)

Day 5 – Clarksdale – B B King Museum – Ground Zero Blues Club

This morning you travel through Yazoo City, MS, known for the unique Bentonia style of Blues, on your way to the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola, MS. Your tour begins in the theater and leads you on a journey through the Mississippi Delta and into the life of B.B. King. The Center features the very latest in high-definition projection and audio technology.  You are immersed in the sights and sounds of the Delta, and then introduced to the remarkable legacy of a man known as the King of the Blues. Have lunch on your own at a restaurant near the museum.

The day ends in Clarksdale, located at the intersection of Highways 61 and 49 (“the crossroads.”) Clarksdale and the surrounding Delta region are known as “the land where the blues began.” This evening enjoy a Southern Barbecue dinner and live music at Ground Zero, a restaurant/juke joint that is co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman. (B,D)

Day 6 – Memphis – Delta Blues Museum Rock & Blues Museum – Beale Street

Your morning features a visit to the Delta Blues Museum, an internationally acclaimed museum that showcases the history and significance of the Blues in this region. The museum features a wax figure of Blues great, Muddy Waters and the famous Muddywood Guitar. Many now-legendary musical artists, were born and raised in and around Clarksdale: Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Son House, Ike Turner, Jackie Brenston, Sam Cooke, Junior Parker and W. C. Handy. The likes of Robert Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf and Charley Patton are also associated with the museum.

Next, visit the Rock and Blues Museum. It is packed full of music memorabilia dating from the 1920’s through the 1970‘s.  During your visit, follow the evolution of America’s music, from Blues, R&B, and Rockabilly to Rock ‘n Roll and Soul and see how it influenced people all over the globe.   Travel to Memphis for a three night stay. You will be close to Beale Street so you may conveniently enjoy the sights and sounds and have dinner on own. (B)

Day 7 – Memphis – Rock & Soul Museum – Memphis Music Hall of Fame – Graceland 

Your day begins with an included visit to the Rock ‘n Soul Museum. The museum offers a historical and educational exploration of the origins of Rock and Soul music, of the musical legends that overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to create America’s music and of its influence on world culture.

In search of The Blues, you also tour the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, a gem for both serious blues fans and casual visitors. Filled with robust exhibits and in-depth history, it educates and entertains with all that what is The Blues Culture. This is your introduction to some of the greatest musicians of all time – each responsible for shaping modern music and changing the world forever right here in Memphis!

The rest of the afternoon will be spent at Graceland where you will tour the mansion where Elvis lived during his adult life. You will also see his private airplanes, automobiles and special exhibits.  Return to Beale Street to enjoy another evening among the Blues Clubs and restaurants. (B)

Day 8 – Memphis – Stax Records – Sun Studios – Mo Jo Tour 

This morning is dedicated to recording, where you begin at Stax Records.  Stax is important in American music history, as it is one of the most popular Soul Music record labels of all time – second only to Motown. Next, visit the legendary Sun Studios, the most famous recording studio in the world.  The afternoon features a one-of-a-kind driving tour of Memphis’ musical heritage. Your Mo Jo Tour features live music on the bus, so you are guaranteed to have a good time as you learn about the sights and sounds of the City.  Enjoy dinner tonight at B.B. Kings on Beale Street! (B,D)

Day 9 – Depart for home 

After breakfast, depart for home. (B)

Tour Map