Nashville to New Orleans - 15 Day Self Drive with flights

Upon your arrival, collect your rental car and kick off your journey with a visit to the Ryman Auditorium, hailed as the "Birthplace of Bluegrass." Nashville offers numerous venues to immerse yourself in the soulful tunes of bluegrass during your stay. Enhance your musical experiences with a tour of Nelson's Green Brier Distillery. Delve into the history of the distillery, founded by a German immigrant, and savour the flavours of hand-crafted Tennessee whiskey through a tasting experience.

Dedicate a full day to exploring the diverse attractions that Nashville has to offer, including the Country Music Hall of Fame, the iconic Grand Ole Opry, Opryland U.S.A., and the world-renowned Printer's Alley.

Venture a few miles south, nestled directly between the musical hubs of Nashville and Memphis, and uncover a magical enclave crafted by four small adjacent Alabama cities. Florence, Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia, and Sheffield collectively form the renowned "Hit Recording Capital of the World." This area, where legends like The Rolling Stones and Aretha Franklin recorded their chart-topping hits, also holds significance as the birthplace of the Father of the Blues, W.C. Handy, and a place where Native Americans believed the river sang.

Journey through this musical haven, touring the historic Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, exploring W.C. Handy's log cabin birthplace, and immersing yourself in the rich exhibits of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Uncover the heritage of Helen Keller at her childhood home, visit an ancient Indian mound, and experience the architectural brilliance of the only Frank Lloyd Wright home open to the public in the Southeastern USA. This unique and harmonious blend of music, history, and culture awaits your discovery in the heart of Alabama.

Journey just a short distance east to Huntsville, aptly nicknamed "The Rocket City" for its significant role in U.S. space missions. The city's proximity to Muscle Shoals has transformed it into a thriving live music hub, boasting local music halls and the Roman-style Amphitheatre known as The Orion. Huntsville, a dynamic southern city, is not only a haven for rocket scientists but also a hotspot for brewpubs.

Explore the rich offerings of Huntsville through the Huntsville and North Alabama All-In-One Ticket package (optional), which includes four of the city's top attractions: The U.S. Space & Rocket Centre (the world's largest space museum), Huntsville Botanical Garden, Burritt On The Mountain, and Early Works Children's Museum. This ticket offers exceptional value, and you can also opt to explore additional attractions in North Alabama, such as a Tiger Preserve, two State Parks with caves, the museum dedicated to Olympic winner Jesse Owens, and more. Huntsville invites you to immerse yourself in the convergence of space exploration, music, and diverse cultural offerings.

Today, your journey takes you to Birmingham, renowned as the "Dinner Table of the South." With a culinary landscape ranging from America's best barbecue to southern-influenced global dishes crafted by James Beard Award-winning chefs, Birmingham's dining scene is a delightful feast for the senses. The city boasts four vibrant entertainment districts in the downtown area—Uptown, Five Points South, Avondale, and Pepper Place—each offering a diverse array of restaurants, bars, and music halls.

Exploring downtown Birmingham reveals a network of parks, including the expansive 10-city block CityWalk. As Alabama's largest city, Birmingham offers an abundance of attractions and activities. Whether strolling through entertainment districts, enjoying a park walk, or savouring the diverse culinary offerings, Birmingham promises a rich tapestry of experiences in the heart of the South.

Travel south to Montgomery, a historic city nestled on the banks of the Alabama River. Known for its easily navigable downtown, Montgomery has earned the title of the best historical city in the United States, owing to its pivotal role in the American Civil War and the Civil Rights movement. Montgomery was a significant centre where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. lived and preached, Hank Williams strummed his guitar on the streets, Rosa Parks took her courageous stand, and Jefferson Davis was sworn in as the president of the Confederate States of America. The city echoes with the resonance of pivotal historical events, making it a captivating destination that encapsulates the diverse layers of American history.

Discover the epitome of relaxation along America's finest coastline at Gulf Shores/Orange Beach. These twin resort cities in Alabama beckon with their pristine white sand beaches and the inviting warmth of the Gulf of Mexico waters. Positioned at the heart of this coastal paradise is Gulf State Park, spanning 6,100 acres and featuring 28 miles of paved trails, over 2 miles of sugary sand beaches, and a diverse array of ecosystems. The park provides accommodations to suit various travel styles, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience.

Between the two resort cities, a total of 32 miles (51 km) of delightful beaches await your enjoyment. Immerse yourself in the beachside atmosphere, where beach bars, live music, and delectable seafood await.

Whether it’s excitement and adventure or laid-back days by the beach you’re after, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer a diverse range of experiences. Take a leisurely stroll along the pristine sugar-white sand or hop on a cruise to spot playful dolphins in the Gulf waters. For those craving adventure, cast your fishing line into one of the nation's largest artificial fishing reefs on a deep-sea fishing trip.

A brief drive leads to the historic port city of Mobile, renowned as the birthplace of Mardi Gras in America and founded in 1702 as the original capital of the Louisiana Territory. Mobile stands as a vibrant mosaic of people, flavours, cultures, and traditions. Take a leisurely stroll through Bienville Square, named after the city's founder, where a delightful city park square enveloped by trees invites with a gentle breeze. Legend has it that Bienville's housekeeper first combined African fruit in a fish stew, giving birth to the dish later known as Gumbo.

Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Mobile, where you must savour the locally born West Indies Salad, featuring crab meat and onions marinated in oil and vinegar. Explore nearby attractions within walking distance, such as the GulfQuest Maritime Museum, the History Museum of Mobile & Fort Conde, and the Conde Charlotte Museum. Mobile unfolds its rich history and diverse flavours, inviting you to discover the charm and unique heritage of this coastal gem. Enjoy a full day exploring.

Return to New Orleans to enjoy one more afternoon and night in one of the most captivating cities in the world.

Today marks the end of your self-drive adventure in the South. Return your car at the airport before your departure flight.