Tour Graceland – the home of Elvis Presley!
New Orleans & Memphis Tour
The Music Cities of the South
April 7-14, 2027
Day 1 – Wednesday, April 7th – We’ll begin our excursion as a group at the Salt Lake City airport with a nonstop flight to Memphis, the birthplace of the Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Soul. We will transfer to the luxurious Guesthouse on the grounds of Graceland, where you’ll receive gracious “rock ‘n’ royal” treatment for your two-night stay. Be sure to check out this amazing hotel and stroll around the manicured grounds as this hotel offers an experience like no other. You can dine at EP’s Bar and Grill or Delta’s Kitchen on site this evening.
Day 2 – Thursday, April 8th – This morning we’ll “eat like the King” at The Arcade, Memphis’ oldest café, where Elvis frequently dined. Around the corner, we’ll visit the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. Here we’ll see the site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, as well as experience interactive and immersive exhibits of the history and impact of the Civil Rights movement. Lunch will be at nearby Central BBQ, famous for their smoked meats and tangy spices. This afternoon, we’ll enjoy a thrilling ride through music history on a bus tour guided by a professional Beale Street musician. Narrated with live music, comedy, history, and storytelling, we’ll see Memphis’ highlights including Sun Studios, Cotton Row, and the Leavitt Shell. You’ve never experienced a city tour quite like this one! The tour will conclude at Beale Street for browsing and dinner. (breakfast included today)
Graceland – the home of Elvis Presley
Day 3 – Friday, April 9th – After a hearty buffet breakfast at Delta’s Kitchen in the Guesthouse, we’ll spend the morning visiting legendary Graceland, 120 acres dedicated to Elvis Presley. We’ll tour his iconic mansion, see a collection of his favorite classic cars, step aboard his custom jets, visit the Meditation Garden, and immerse ourselves in Elvis’ incredible career with 100s of Elvis-dedicated artifacts and memorabilia. This afternoon we’ll board the motorcoach bound for the historically rich Vicksburg, Mississippi. (breakfast included today)
Day 4 – Saturday, April 10th – After breakfast we will visit Vicksburg National Military Park, were one of the most decisive battles of the Civil War took place. With our knowledgeable, licensed guide, we’ll learn about the siege, campaign, and defense of Vicksburg as we visit the battlefield, monuments, trenches, and earthworks. We’ll also see the USS Cairo, a restored Union gunboat, and visit the Vicksburg National Military Cemetery. After a quick stop for lunch, we’ll head south to New Orleans, Louisiana! Upon arrival, we’ll get checked into our hotel which is located on Canal Street in the French Quarter. This weekend is the French Quarter Festival, a fun family friendly festival offering musical events, food, and cultural experiences for all ages. The entertainment is free, plus there are plenty of food vendors and a flea market. Get ready for some jazz, R & B, blues and Cajun music! (breakfast included today)
Day 5 – Sunday, April 11th – Enjoy a relaxing morning today in the “Jazz Capital of the World.” Perhaps you’d like the walk to Café du Monde for their signature French-style beignets, wander the streets of the French Quarter, or attend 9:00 Mass at St. Louis Cathedral or another nearby worship service. No visit to the South is complete without a proper Sunday brunch! At 10:30, we’ll enjoy timeless elegance and Southern Hospitality with brunch at the Court of Two Sisters, set in a majestic courtyard in the heart of the French Quarter. While we dine on an array of classic Southern breakfast fare, we’ll enjoy lively jazz music. Sunday afternoon includes a visit to the Whitney Plantation. Here, our expert guide will narrate the full, unvarnished history of this plantation as we tour the grounds, the Big House, the slave cabins, and many other features. Whitney Planation is dedicated to telling the story of slavery. (brunch included today)
Day 6 – Monday, April 12th – This morning begins with a walking tour of the French Quarter, led by a knowledgeable local guide. She’ll show us the architecture and history that make the French Quarter unforgettable. Our tour will pause for lunch at Jackson Square with recommendations of dining options. Then we’ll board the motorcoach for a panoramic tour of the rest of New Orleans, including a stop at the charming Garden District, a visit to one of the unique cemeteries, and a drive by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Mid-afternoon, we’ll visit Mardi Gras World, a museum dedicated to educating us about the culture and traditions of the Mardi Gras celebration. We’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how the production of the Mardi Gras parade comes to life. This evening you are in for a treat! We’ll board NATCHEZ, the last authentic paddle wheel boat to cruise the Mississippi River, for an enjoyable jazz dinner cruise. A classic Creole buffet will be served for dinner, followed by a leisurely cruise along the Mississippi River. While the sun sets, the captain narrates, and a lively Dixieland band entertains us on the deck. (breakfast & dinner included today).
Day 7- Tuesday, April 13th – Get ready for a wind encounter! We’ll begin the morning at the swamps with Cajun Pride Swamp Tours, where our native Cajun captain will guide us through the fascinating sights and sounds of the swamps and bayous. We’ll see the American alligator and other swamp wildlife, appreciate the abundant and varied flora, and hear about the history of the Manchac Swamp. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the amazing National World War II Museum, an expansive, carefully curated museum that tells the American story of the Second World War. Take a journey through the war with the Road to Tokyo and Road to Berlin exhibits, along with many others, to help us understand the cost of freedom. We’ll finish our visit with the 4D showing of the Beyond All Boundaries cinematic experience. (breakfast included)
Day 8 –Wednesday, April 14th – With many great experiences and memories, we’ll pack up and leave the hotel. Before flying home, we’ll make one last stop for breakfast at Daisy Dukes, known for exceptional service and authentic Louisiana cuisine. (breakfast included)
