Southern Explorer Escorted Tour

Arrive in New York City and transfer independently to your hotel where you will meet with your Tour Director in the evening

Transfer from New York to Washington, D.C. via Philadelphia, the birthplace of the nation, where you will stop to see Independence Mall and Liberty Bell

Enjoy a city tour with such highlights as the U.S. Capitol Building, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, the F.B.I. Building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the White House and Arlington National Cemetery, site of the JFK Memorial. Spend the remainder of the day exploring some of the many museums comprising the Smithsonian Institute or stroll the banks of the Potomac River.

Depart this morning for Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. Walk along the Duke of Gloucester Street to visit some of the impressive public buildings, colonial houses and the College of William and Mary (admissions not included).

Travel along portions of Blue Ridge Parkway before an afternoon arrival in Gatlinburg, nicknamed the “Heart of the Smokies”.

Enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Continue through Knoxville to Nashville, capital of Tennessee and home to country music. Bring your boots and join your fellow travelers at the Wild Horse Salon, where you can kick up your heels and give line dancing a go (optional)

Travel across the countryside and arrive in Memphis, the city known for blues music, cotton and home of Sun Records. Take a city tour including Beale Street, the heart of the blues music scene. This afternoon, fans of “The King of Rock and Roll” have the opportunity to tour Graceland, former home of Elvis Presley (optional).

Today’s tour takes you to Mississippi, the Magnolia State. Pass through Jackson, the state capital, and continue to Louisiana and New Orleans, the home of the infamous Mardi Gras celebrations. Tonight, immerse yourself in Creole culture on board an authentic Mississippi Riverboat dinner cruise and enjoy the rhythms of a Dixieland jazz band (optional).

A full day at leisure to take in the French flavor and grandeur of New Orleans. Explore the French Quarter with its trademark wrought iron balconies overlooking the narrow cobblestone streets. Stand atop one of the infamous New Orleans levees and gain the perspective of how these unique feats of architecture guard the city

Travel along the Mississippi Gulf Coast through Mobile, AL to the city of Pensacola. Visit one of the top 10 rose gardens in America at the Bellingrath Home (admission included). While visiting Pensacola Beach, walk along side the swaying sea oats, dipping your toes in the warm waters of the emerald green Gulf of Mexico.

Travel along the Florida panhandle to Ocala, known for thoroughbred horse ranches. Continue through central Florida, heart of America’s citrus industry, and on to Orlando for an evening arrival at your hotel

Day at leisure. Revitalize by the pool, take a hot air balloon flight or visit one of Orlando’s attractions, such as Disney World or Universal Studios (admissions not included)

Visit Kennedy Space Center, home of America’s space program (admission included). Continue to the cultural melting pot of Miami Beach. Your tour ends here.

Your last day to enjoy the beautiful beaches and neighbourhoods of Miami before your departure flight home.