17 Days | USA Great Southern Discovery | With Flights

New York City 

Welcome to New York City! Meet your group and tour leader in the evening for an informal welcome at the hotel. Until then, feel free to roam the famed streets of New York like a local, or rest up for our great adventure ahead. 

Accommodation: 4-Star Martinique NY On Broadway or similar 

New York City Philadelphia  Washington D.C. 

We depart New York for Philadelphia, where we spend the morning exploring the gorgeous historic district of the “City of Brotherly Love” and the birthplace of a nation. See landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, and stroll through Independence National Historic Park and Mall. Continue to the iconic capital of the United States, Washington, D.C.

Accommodation: 4-Star Washington Hilton or similar 

Washington D.C. 

Ready to explore the capital inside out? Tag along with your expert guide to learn all about the marvellous sights such as the Capitol Building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the White House and Arlington National Cemetery, site of the JFK Memorial. Enjoy your personal leisure time in the afternoon, perhaps visiting some of the many museums such as the famous Smithsonian Institute, or simply stroll the banks of the Potomac River.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-Star Washington Hilton or similar 

Washington D.C.  Williamsburg  Roanoke 

Our journey continues to Willamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. Visit the Duke of Gloucester Street and discover the city’s impressive public buildings, authentic colonial houses and the college of William and Mary. Then we ride inland towards Roanoke, famous for the “Lost Colony”, where we spend the night.

Accommodation: 3-Star Holiday Inn Tanglewood or similar 

Roanoke  Blue Ridge Mountains  Great Smoky Mountains National Park  Gatlinburg

Watch the charming landscape as we drive along the Blue Ridge Mountains, setting up the scene for the fascinating Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In the afternoon, we arrive in Gatlinburg, with abundant evening time to spend at your leisure. Explore the unique restaurants and cafés on the high street of this historic town, before a refreshing rest at the hotel.

Accommodation: 3-Star Edgewater Hotel & Conference Centre or similar 

Gatlinburg  Nashville

Our adventure this morning takes us through Knoxville, the third-largest city of Tennessee, before arriving to the Music City of the USA - Nashville! Arriving early in the afternoon, absorb the buzzing music scene and the modern skyline of the city at your own tempo.  Legendary country music venues include the Grand Ole Opry House, home of the famous “Grand Ole Opry” stage and radio show. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and historic Ryman Auditorium are Downtown, as is the District, featuring honky-tonks with live music and the Johnny Cash Museum, celebrating the singer's life. 

Accommodation: 3-Star Gaylord The Inn at Opryland or similar 

Nashville  Memphis 

Without skipping a beat, we travel on to Memphis! The city is acclaimed for blues music and home to the legendary Sun Records, where immortal artists such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded albums. Take a tour of the city with your guide to explore Beale Street, the ever-beating heart of blues. In the afternoon, you can join an optional tour to Graceland, the former home of the one and only Elvis Presley.

Accommodation: 3-Star Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown or similar 

Memphis  Jackson  New Orleans

Today we head further into the heart of the south to Mississippi, the ‘Magnolia State’. Driving through the state capital, Jackson, we continue to Louisiana and New Orleans. See the home of the infamous costume parade on Mardi Gras, and learn why New Orleans is called the ‘Big Easy’. Enjoy round-the-clock nightlife, a buzzing live-music scene and spicy, fascinating heritage with influences of American, French and African cultures. In the evening, you can familiarise yourself with the Creole culture on an optional Mississippi Riverboat dinner cruise, complete with live tunes by a Dixieland jazz band.

Accommodation: 4-Star Hilton New Orleans Riverside or similar 

New Orleans

The day is yours to enjoy at leisure! Soak in the French flavour and splendour of New Orleans oozing in the air. Venture into the French Quarter with its distinctive iron balconies, hanging over narrow streets of cobblestone. Climb atop an infamous New Orleans levee to grasp how these unique engineering projects safeguard the city against nature. If nothing else, frequent one of the trendy live music venues or grab yourself a bowl of gumbo! 

Accommodation: 4-Star Hilton New Orleans Riverside or similar 

New Orleans  Gulf of Mexico  Pensacola 

Following the Mississippi Gulf Coast through Mobile in Alabama, we travel to the city of Pensacola and arrive in Florida. Here, we will take a tour of one of the top ten rose gardens in the United States, the Bellingrath Home. Then, visit Pensacola Beach to roam among sea oats dancing in the wind and dip your toes in the warm turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Accommodation: 3-Star Courtyard By Marriott Pensacola or similar 

Pensacola  Orlando 

We continue east towards central Florida, taking a panoramic route through Ocala, a region renowned for thoroughbred horses and fields of citrus. Our next stop will be the fantasy land of thrilling entertainment, Orlando! Arrive in Orlando around 6:00pm, explore the town on your terms and have a good night’s rest before an adventurous day tomorrow.

Accommodation: 3-Star Delta Hotels Orlando Celebration or similar 

Orlando

Make the most of your free day in Orlando. Explore the city in depth, recharge by the pool, take an airboat ride through the Everglades, or up the adrenaline with a visit to one of Orlando’s world-famous attractions such as Universal Studios or Walt Disney World Resort. 

Accommodation: 3-Star Delta Hotels Orlando Celebration or similar 

Orlando  Kennedy Space Centre  Miami 

Departing sunny Orlando, we ride on to the distinguished Kennedy Space Centre - home of the American space program, NASA! Visit the centre in fascination of the amazing feats accomplished, with tremendous efforts to expand humanity’s horizon. We continue to Miami to land on the famous Miami Beach, always vibrant and diverse! We will arrive at the hotel around 7:00pm, enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Accommodation: 3-Star Holiday Inn Miami Beach (Oceanfront) or similar 

Miami  Australia

Our trip will end in Miami after we say goodbye to our new friends and check-out of the hotel by 11:00am. Depending on the timing of your flight home, guests are welcome to utilise the luggage storage facilities onsite, and squeeze in one more day of exploring Miami. 

Meals: Inflight Menu

In Transit 

Expect to spend today in the sky, crossing multiple timezones on your way home. 

Meals: Inflight Menu

Australia 

Welcome back to Australian soil! Your flight will likely land at around 6:00am to 7:00am. We hope you enjoyed your time in the United States, and safe travels until your next adventure. 

Meals: Inflight Menu