Description
From New Orleans to Corinth Mississippi with lots more in between. Immerse yourselves in the rich culture and proud heritage of America’s Deep South on this fantastic multi centre fly drive adventure!
Day: 1, 2 & 3 New Orleans Louisiana
Your exciting journey begins with a three night stay in “The Big Easy”, an amazing city that’s rightly famous for its vibrant nightlife, live music scene and eclectic Southern Style – it’s a spectacular beginning to this wonderful journey through some of America’s most iconic Southern States.
The Hilton New Orleans Riverside is your perfect “Big Easy” base camp with easy access to streetcar lines, historic attractions, nightlife and restaurants. – the hotel is right next to Harrah’s Casino and the Riverwalk, a historic walking area that’s filled with things to see and do including the shoppers paradise at the Riverwalk Marketplace Mall.
No trip New Orleans would be complete without a trip to the French Quarter that’s just a four block stroll from the hotel, often referred to as the heart and soul of the city it’s sure to be high up on your holiday to do list. Explore the narrow cobblestoned streets and take in attractions like Jackson Square, Faulkner House and the Cabildo, part of the Louisiana State Museum. Mule drawn carriages, Streetcars and Steamboat Cruises are great ways to explore the area further. In the evening take a stroll down Bourbon Street, the famous or should we say infamous party hub of the city – it’s packed with lively bars, street performers and fortune tellers.
The National World War II Museum houses an impressive and poignant collection of artefacts from WWII including uniforms, weapons and fully restored aircraft from the time, make sure you take in the moving 4D theatre experience narrated by Tom Hanks.
Enjoy authentic jazz music and much more on Frenchman Street; shop until you drop on Magazine Street, an area filled with high-end retail outlets, antique shops, art galleries and fantastic bars and restaurants, make sure you take a ride across the city on a vintage streetcar.
Spend a day amongst sharks, electric eels and other marine species at Audubon Aquarium, take a day trip through the local Bayous and swamps on an airboat, flat boat or kayak, join up for a cemetery tour and visit Lafayette Cemetery #1, the backdrop to scenes from “Interview With a Vampire” – New Orleans truly has something for everyone!
(Hotel: Hilton, New Orleans Riverside)
Day 4 & 5 Orange Beach / Gulf Shores Alabama
Check into the comfortable and well-appointed Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach hotel, a relaxing Alabama retreat that’s located just a few yards from the and beach and close to lots of popular local attractions – then get ready to check out the local fun and games.
Set on Alabama’s southern border in the Gulf of Mexico and with 32 miles of soft white sand, clear waters and a host of recreational activities, there’s no shortage of seaside fun and games to be found. Diving kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing and paddle boards are all available locally.
Take a leisurely drive and drive catch the ferry to Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge on the Fort Morgan Peninsula for a wonderful wildlife adventure, while you’re there find out all about Fort Morgan’s historical role and watch the past come alive through exciting re-enactments.
Other popular local attractions include; the hummingbird zip line at Gulf State Park Adventure Centre, the 110 foot sky dive at the Track Family Recreation Centre and the boutique shops, speciality restaurants and lively evening entertainment to be found at The Wharf Entertainment Complex. Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum is less than an hour away and well worth the trip – discover history hands on style and see more than 4,000 artefacts and over 150 beautifully restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviation. Make sure to have a go on one of the thrilling Flight Simulators while you’re here!
(Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach)
Day 6 Mobile Alabama
Next stop Mobile Alabama and a one night stay in the luxurious Battle House Renaissance Hotel & Spa handily located in the heart of downtown Mobile close to major local attractions including the not to be missed USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Tip top hotel facilities include a luxurious Spa & Sauna, three on site restaurants, a driving range, a tennis court, and a rooftop pool – plenty of fun to keep all the family happy. Other popular attractions close to the hotel include the Forte Conde Museum, Fort Gaines Historical Site, the Gulf Coast Emporium & Imax Theatre and the Mobile Carnival Museum.
(Hotel Battlehouse Renaissance Hotel & Spa)
Day 7 & 8 Montgomery Alabama
Montgomery Alabama is up next and a two night stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Montgomery conveniently located in the fascinating historic district that’s just perfect for exploring Montgomery’s interesting historical attractions as well as its downtown shops, restaurants and exciting nightlife.
Wake up to Hampton’s free hot breakfast and get ready to go – the hotel is just across the road from the Hank Williams Museum and only short two block stroll from the Alabama River itself and a further ten minute walk from the historic homes and buildings of Old Alabama Town. Local attractions and things to do include the Civil Rights Memorial & Exhibition Centre, the Baptist Church where Martin Luther King used to preach, the Rosa Parks Library and Museum, the Freedom Rides Museum and Fort Toulouse and Jackson Park. For some added excitement book a riverboat cruise, take a haunted hearse tour or spend some time at one of the cities lively jazz clubs.
(Hotel Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown)
Day: 9 Birmingham, Alabama
Next stop Birmingham Alabama, and a one night stay in the Redmont Hotel by Hilton, a boutique style, Curio Collection Hotel with a superb location close to Birmingham’s up and coming entertainment district. The hotel is just a few blocks away from the McWane Science Centre, Railroad Park and Regions Field, and for a great night out stroll on over to the lively theatre district where you’ll find the Alabama Theatre, the Lyric Theatre and some of Birmingham’s night time hot spots including the Collins Bar and the Paramount Restaurant and Bar.
(Hotel: The Redmont Hotel, Birmingham)
Day 10 Huntsville Alabama
Huntsville Alabama is our next port of call for a one night stopover at the Westin Hotel that’s conveniently located right next to Bridge Street Town Centre and just a short drive from the fascinating US Space and Rocket Centre. Hotel facilities include an indoor and outdoor pool as well as complimentary Wi-Fi that’s handy for keeping in touch with everyone back home.
Top of the to do list is a visit to the US Space and Rocket Centre home to the famous Saturn V Rocket, interactive exhibits, fascinating film shows, and an amazing NASA Bus Tour. Other popular local attractions include Huntsville Botanical Gardens, Monte Sano State Park, and Madison County Nature Trail. And when you get back to the hotel indulge some retail therapy whilst picking up some holiday souvenirs at Bridge Street Shopping Centre – its connected directly to the hotel.
(Hotel Westin Huntsville)
Day 11 & 12: Muscle Shoals Alabama
Florence & Muscle Shoals Alabama is our penultimate stop with a two night stay at the welcoming Hampton Inn & Suites, Downton Florence, handily located in the heart of the Shoals area, close to lots of super shops and restaurants. Local attractions include the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Pope’s Tavern Museum, the Indian Mound Museum, Helen Keller’s birthplace, Natchez Trace Parkway and of course the iconic Muscle Shoals Sound Studio – the recording venue for a host of well-known artists including the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rod Stewart, Bob Segar and lots more. It’s got to be the number one attraction on any music fan’s Muscle Shoals to do list!
(Hotel Hampton Inn & Suites)
Day 13 Corinth
Last stop Corinth Mississippi and the casual and relaxing Hampton Inn conveniently set near the intersection of Highways 45 and 72 and close to lots of major historical attractions – settle into your final stopover, enjoy some traditional Southern Hospitality then let the fun begin. You might want to take the trip to the fascinating battlefield site at Shiloh National Military Park home to the Civil War Interpretative Centre featuring living history events and interactive exhibits – it’s a wonderful day out and a must for history buffs! Other historical attractions includes Corinth National Cemetery home to Confederate and Union burials, Corinth Contraband Camp and the Crossroads Museum housing Civil War and Native American artefacts, and lots more – a fascinating end to our American Adventures.
(Hotel Hampton Inn Corinth)
DAY 14 Memphis
Arrive in Memphis for your flight home.
