Rhythms of the Road
10 Days Starting in Chicago, IL, USA and ending in New Orleans, LA, USA
Visiting: Chicago, St. Louis, Nashville, Old Brownsville Road, Memphis, Graceland, Indianola, New Orleans
Tour operator:
Tour code:
8240-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 43
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
From:
$2506
$2316 (USD)
Operator discount: -$190
Tour Overview
The Heartland of America comes alive on this wonderful vacation featuring locations that have played a role in the evolution of American music. This North to South U.S. tour starts with two nights in Chicago, ends with two nights in New Orleans, includes two nights in Nashville and Memphis, and an overnight in St. Louis. Enjoy a sightseeing tour or an orientation tour in each of the cities. Highlights of this tour include places near and dear to music lovers’ hearts. In Nashville, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, with its rare instruments and Elvis Presley’s “solid-gold” Cadillac, and RCA Studio B, Nashville’s oldest remaining recording studio and where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and many more stars recorded their biggest hits. You’ll also enjoy the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, a must for any country music fan and where you’ll have reserved seating for a show. In Memphis, see where the film, “Walk the Line,” was filmed and visit Graceland, Elvis’ palatial estate. Other tour highlights include a trip to the top of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. A visit to the Tina Turner Museum plus the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center. Discover the life of B.B. (Blues Boy) King, from his humble beginnings to his big break on Beale Street in Memphis. In Louisiana, perhaps enjoy shopping in the French Quarter. On this music filled tour, you’ll also have plenty of time to explore on your own or to join optional outings. In Memphis, you may want to join an optional excursion to Sun Studio or visit a blues club on famous Beale Street. In New Orleans, you may want to enjoy dinner on a Mississippi River paddleboat. For music lovers and those desiring to experience the South, this value-minded tour is the perfect vacation!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Chicago
Location: Chicago
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Courtyard Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
Welcome to the “Windy City.” Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 2 : Chicago
Location: Chicago
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Courtyard Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
Included sightseeing shows off the city’s landmarks, then an afternoon at leisure. Maybe ride the elevator to the top of Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) or stroll along Michigan Avenue, better known as the Magnificent Mile. In the evening, perhaps enjoy one of Chicago’s legendary blues clubs.
Day 3 : Chicago-St. Louis
Location: Chicago, St. Louis
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Convention Center
Travel across the fertile Illinois farmlands to St. Louis, “Gateway to the West.” An orientation tour includes a trip to the top of the Gateway Arch National Park, which commemorates the city’s key role in westward expansion. Visit the museum under the Arch, celebrating Lewis & Clark’s famous expedition 200 years ago.
Day 4 : St. Louis-Nashville
Location: St. Louis, Nashville
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Inn At Opryland, Gaylord Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Recross the Mississippi River today and roll southeast to Paducah, Kentucky on the Ohio River. Late-afternoon arrival in Nashville.
Day 5 : Nashville
Location: Nashville
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Inn At Opryland, Gaylord Hotel
Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Nashville’s famous landmarks and the Music Row recording studios. Tour historic RCA Studio B, cradle of the 1960s “Nashville Sound” where stars such as Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Willie Nelson, and the Everly Brothers recorded many of their biggest hits. Afterward, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame with its glittering costumes, rare instruments, and Elvis’ “solid-gold” Cadillac! Tonight, enjoy reserved seating for a show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, a mecca for country musicians.
Day 6 : Nashville-Brownsville-Memphis
Location: Nashville, Old Brownsville Road, Memphis
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown
Visit the Tina Turner Museum in the one-room schoolhouse attended by a young Anna Mae Bullock (a.k.a. Tina Turner). See the collection of the “Queen of Rock’s” memorabilia, including costumes, gold records and even her high school yearbook! Afterward, cross Tennessee to Memphis, “Home of the Blues” and a city with a distinct Southern flavor. Enjoy an orientation tour on arrival and see where scenes from the film Walk the Line were filmed. Consider the optional excursion to Sun Studio, where rock ‘n’ roll was first recorded, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7 : Memphis-Visit To Graceland
Location: Memphis, Graceland
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown
A good portion of the day is devoted to Graceland, Elvis Presley’s beautiful estate. Your guided audio tour focuses on the memorial garden, and the opulent 15,000-square-foot mansion. Also see Elvis’ custom jets and his favorite automobiles! Return to Memphis mid-afternoon and, if you haven’t done so already, get a taste of Memphis with some southern barbecue or visit the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum near historic Beale Street.
Day 8 : Memphis-Indianola-New Orleans
Location: Memphis, Indianola, New Orleans
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter
Today, make your way through the state of Mississippi. Visit the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center. Discover the life of B.B. (Blues Boy) King, from his humble beginnings to his big break on Beale Street in Memphis. An evening arrival in New Orleans allows the opportunity for exploring this lively city on your own.
Day 9 : New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter
A full morning is dedicated to the sights and sounds of New Orleans, featuring a guided tour that includes the French Quarter landmarks, St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and a visit to a unique above-ground cemetery. This afternoon, join an optional tour of one of the many plantation homes in southern Louisiana. The architecture and beauty of these homes alone is impressive and the stories that go with them are even better. This evening, perhaps join an optional Mississippi River dinner cruise, and enjoy a delightful buffet dinner complete with live jazz—the perfect finale to a memorable touring adventure of the South.
Day 10 : New Orleans
Location: New Orleans
Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the “Big Easy” further.
What's Included
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
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Fully Guided
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Transport
Private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Insurance
Meals
1 breakfast
Accommodation
Courtyard Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
Located in the heart of Downtown Chicago the Coutryard by Marriott Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile has all the comforts of home and more. Enjoy on-site dining or maybe a dip in the pool or explore the city.
Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Convention Center
Pear Tree Inn carefully renovated the Union Market building in 1990, adding two additional stories for guest rooms. Built in 1925, original features were preserved in the hotel lobby and mezzanine meeting level.
The Inn at Opryland, Gaylord Hotel
The ideal location of The Inn at Opryland brings all the excitement of Music City allowing easy access to Nashville's world-famous attractions. On-site conveniences include restaurants, a large indoor pool and a newly renovated fitness center. Guestrooms feature complimentary weekday newspapers, coffeemakers, and high-speed wired Internet access.
Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis
The Beale Street Entertainment District is home to the Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis. They are conveniently close to the Fedex Forum, Autozone Stadium, and Liberty Park Fairgrounds. Each of their 192 tastefully decorated guest rooms emits a welcoming and soothing warmth. Each room has a Keurig with a selection of Kcups, a full-size ironing board, two phones with voice mail and a modem, and free high-speed wireless internet access.
Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter
Guests of the Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter hotel will find a relaxing getaway when they stay at this convenient and full-service retreat. This New Orleans hotel is the only hotel with a heated indoor pool in the French Quarter. It features a fitness center, on-site restaurant and lounge, on-site laundry, and on-site parking, as well as 374 comfortable deluxe guest accommodations for your full recharge at the end of a long day of historic and cultural sightseeing.
Check out our Q&As
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
Usually max 43 people
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 5 years or above
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Monday - Wednesday
May 13, 2024 - May 22, 2024Monday - Wednesday
Jul 08, 2024 - Jul 17, 2024Monday - Wednesday
Aug 26, 2024 - Sep 04, 2024Monday - Wednesday
Sep 16, 2024 - Sep 25, 2024Monday - Wednesday
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Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025Monday - Wednesday
Sep 22, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025Monday - Wednesday
Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025Monday - Wednesday
Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 65 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 64 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.