The Blues Highway
(Fly and drive )
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12 days / 11 nights
2 adults - 1 double room
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN CHICAGO Day 2: CHICAGO Day 3: SAINT LOUIS, MO Day 4: NASHVILLE Day 5: NASHVILLE Day 6: MEMPHIS Day 7: MEMPHIS Day 8: VICKSBURG DAY 9: VICKSBURG DAY 10: NEW ORLEANS DAY 11: NEW ORLEANS Day 12: HEADING HOME
Price includes:
- 11 nights in selected hotels or similar (subject to availability at the time of booking)
- A rental car picked up at Chicago Airport on day 1 and returned to New Orleans Airport on day 12, Intermediate SUV category (IFAR), type Ford Escape or similar including: unlimited mileage
- A detailed and personalized road-book of your trip
- 24/7 on-sport assistance and concierge service
Price doesn't include:
- Domestic flights
- Extras, personal expenses and tips
- Admission fees to any activities
- Any parking fee/hotel parking charge
- Any resort fee
- Meals
- A GPS
- Fuel
- One-way fee (about $435)
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From $1445 per person (based on a double room) |
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D
E T A I L S
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Day 1: Arrival in Chicago
• Morning/Afternoon: Arrival at Chicago International Aiport and pick-up of your rental car.
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is one of the largest cities in the United States. It is a cosmopolitan city offering a unique landscape, with both natural and urban overtones.
• Evening: Overnight at the Kimpton Gray Hotel.
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Day 2: Chicago
• Morning: Start with the Loop, a lively downtown neighborhood where you will find landmark monuments, such as Millennium Park. In the Uptown district you will find Art Deco buildings, historic theaters and cabarets. Districts like Chinatown, Little Italy, Lincoln Square and many others reflect the cosmopolitan character of the city. Bucktown and Wicker Park are famous for concert venues and trendy bars.
• Afternoon: Stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk or rent bikes to ride the Lakefront Trail, which follows the lake for 29 kilometers. Chicago also offers a rich cultural experience, with no less than 60 museums. Among them, the Museum Campus. As a family, visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Navy Pier or Wrigley Field Baseball Stadium.
• Evening: Overnight at the Kimpton Gray Hotel. |
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Day 3: Saint Louis, MO
• Morning: Drive to Springfield, Illinois. This charming capital offers many historic and cultural treasures. It is a calm and welcoming city, focused on environmental awareness, with over 100 parks and a comprehensive network of urban cycling paths.
• Afternoon: Then head to Saint Louis. Founded in 1764 by French trappers, Saint Louis was named after the French king, Louis IX. The city offers a wide variety of attractions, exhibitions and culinary specialties, all in a friendly and cosmopolitan environment. The iconic Gateway Arch, erected in 1965, is the tallest arch in the world.
• Evening: Overnight at The Last Hotel - In the Unbound Collection by Hyatt. |
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Day 4: Bowling Green and Nashville
• Morning: Drive to Nashville via Bowling Green. This quaint city with its rolling hills and friendly people provides the type of southern charm that will put anyone’s mind at ease. You can visit the National Corvette Museum, the largest automobile museum dedicated to a single model. Next, head to Motorsports Park or the Beech Bend Amusement Park & Raceway.
• Afternoon: The city also offers a variety hiking trails and a river ride on Kentucky's only underground boat at Lost River Cave. Visit the Jerry Baker Foundation at the Downing Museum as well as the beautiful, yet educational Baker Arboretum. Finally, you can get a glimpse into the history of the area at the Kentucky Museum.
• Evening: Overnight at the Noelle, Nashville, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. |
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Day 5: Nashville
• Morning: Welcome to "Music City", aptly named due to its tremendous influence on the evolution of music in throughout history. Long known as the capital of country music, the city offers an eclectic scene with sounds of pop, gospel, rock, jazz, blues and soul. You will have the opportunity to visit the Johnny Cash Museum and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
• Afternoon: Visit the Capitol District of the State of Tennessee, with the elegant Victory Park, and the Nashville Public Library is the city's true business center. In addition, Nashville has a thriving art scene. Discover the Frist Center for Visual Arts and the Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Arts.
• Evening: Overnight at the Noelle, Nashville, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. |
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Day 6 & 7: Memphis
• Morning: The city built its fortune on the trade of cotton and wood, which you can learn about in the Cotton Museum. The National Civil Rights Museum, constructed at the exact location where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot, affords the chance to learn about the historic movement that forever changed the way we view and treat each other. But of course, Memphis is best known for its music and huge influence during the early days of blues and rock and roll.
• Afternoon: Stroll down Beale Street "Home of the Blues", filled with neon signs, where great artists such as Louis Armstrong and B.B. King created the Memphis blues scene. Passionate music enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Memphis Rock'n'Soul Museum or the Sun Studio. Discover Graceland, home of “The King of Rock and Roll”. Across the street are two of Presley's personal planes at the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum.
• Evening: Overnight at the Hotel Napoleon, Ascend Hotel Collection. |
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Day 8: Birthplace of the Blues
• Morning: First stop in Tupelo MS. Here, you can visit his childhood home and a museum dedicated to the life and career of Elvis Presley, as well as a small wooden church that the Presley family used to frequent. Next, pass through Oxford, a quaint rural town, full of charm. As we are still in the land of blues, don't miss the Blues Archive, on the campus of Mississippi State University.
• Afternoon: The head to Clarksdale where the blues is rumored to have been born. You'll pass through Blues Alley, a historic neighborhood dedicated to the iconic genre. Then, stop at the Ground Zero Blues Club. For die-hard blues lovers, a stop at the intersection of Highway 61 and Highway 49 is a must, known as “The Crossroads”.
• Evening: Overnight at The Corners Mansion Inn. |
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Day 9: Vicksburg
• Morning: Perched on the heights and overlooking the Mississippi River, Vicksburg is a city filled with history. The city itself, is a testament to the Civil War. The National Military Park protects the main battlefield and offers a 15-mile loop of Civil War history. In addition, the story of the power of the city can be found at Pemberton House and the Old Court House Museum.
• Afternoon: The city center is divided into two parts: upper city and lower city. Having suffered enormously from bombings, it was rebuilt after the war but has retained its Victorian style, Also discover the Jacqueline House: African American Museum, Vicksburg's only museum dedicated to the history and culture of black people in the county since the pre-liberation era.
• Evening: Overnight at The Corners Mansion Inn. |
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Day 10: New Orleans
• Morning: The city is crossed by the Mississippi River and offers many facets: between the plantations, the bayous, its rich history and the world-famous Mardi Gras festival. A uniquely mellow metropolis, New Orleans lives to the rhythm of jazz music in a charming architectural setting, giving it a vibe that is truly unlike any other in the United States.
• Afternoon: You can admire the architecture of this city through about twenty historical districts. Start with the French Quarter or “Vieux Carré” with its narrow streets often bearing French names such as Bourbon, Toulouse, Chartres, Orléans, etc. You will find colonial style houses with wrought iron balconies, some of them over 250 years old. This area was designed by a French architect at the beginning of the 18th century with the modest aspirations of simply building a charming village.
• Evening: Overnight at The Maison Dupuy Hotel. |
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Day 11: New Orleans
• Morning: Start with the French Quarter with its narrow streets. Don't miss Jackson Square, the lively heart of the old district. Not far away is the St Louis Cathedral, with its 3 high and pointed bell towers, dating from the 18th century. Continue on to the French Market, located between the square and the Mississippi River.
• Afternoon: You can also admire the city from the Mississippi River, aboard one of its many steamboats, like the Natchez or Creole Queen. Don't forget to walk up the majestic and residential avenues of the Garden District, the extremely chic district. Several museums are also worth a visit, such as the National World War II Museum.
• Evening: Overnight at The Maison Dupuy Hotel. |
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Day 12: Heading home
Your day will have to be organized according to your flight schedule. Head back to New Orleans International Airport and drop-off your rental car.
End of our services. |
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Day 1: Arrival in Chicago
• Morning/Afternoon: Arrival at Chicago International Aiport and pick-up of your rental car.
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is one of the largest cities in the United States. It is a cosmopolitan city offering a unique landscape, with both natural and urban overtones.
• Evening: Overnight at the Kimpton Gray Hotel.
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|
|
|
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Day 2: Chicago
• Morning: Start with the Loop, a lively downtown neighborhood where you will find landmark monuments, such as Millennium Park. In the Uptown district you will find Art Deco buildings, historic theaters and cabarets. Districts like Chinatown, Little Italy, Lincoln Square and many others reflect the cosmopolitan character of the city. Bucktown and Wicker Park are famous for concert venues and trendy bars.
• Afternoon: Stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk or rent bikes to ride the Lakefront Trail, which follows the lake for 29 kilometers. Chicago also offers a rich cultural experience, with no less than 60 museums. Among them, the Museum Campus. As a family, visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Navy Pier or Wrigley Field Baseball Stadium.
• Evening: Overnight at the Kimpton Gray Hotel.
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Day 3: Saint Louis, MO
• Morning: Drive to Springfield, Illinois. This charming capital offers many historic and cultural treasures. It is a calm and welcoming city, focused on environmental awareness, with over 100 parks and a comprehensive network of urban cycling paths.
• Afternoon: Then head to Saint Louis. Founded in 1764 by French trappers, Saint Louis was named after the French king, Louis IX. The city offers a wide variety of attractions, exhibitions and culinary specialties, all in a friendly and cosmopolitan environment. The iconic Gateway Arch, erected in 1965, is the tallest arch in the world.
• Evening: Overnight at The Last Hotel - In the Unbound Collection by Hyatt.
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Day 4: Bowling Green and Nashville
• Morning: Drive to Nashville via Bowling Green. This quaint city with its rolling hills and friendly people provides the type of southern charm that will put anyone’s mind at ease. You can visit the National Corvette Museum, the largest automobile museum dedicated to a single model. Next, head to Motorsports Park or the Beech Bend Amusement Park & Raceway.
• Afternoon: The city also offers a variety hiking trails and a river ride on Kentucky's only underground boat at Lost River Cave. Visit the Jerry Baker Foundation at the Downing Museum as well as the beautiful, yet educational Baker Arboretum. Finally, you can get a glimpse into the history of the area at the Kentucky Museum.
• Evening: Overnight at the Noelle, Nashville, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.
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Day 5: Nashville
• Morning: Welcome to "Music City", aptly named due to its tremendous influence on the evolution of music in throughout history. Long known as the capital of country music, the city offers an eclectic scene with sounds of pop, gospel, rock, jazz, blues and soul. You will have the opportunity to visit the Johnny Cash Museum and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
• Afternoon: Visit the Capitol District of the State of Tennessee, with the elegant Victory Park, and the Nashville Public Library is the city's true business center. In addition, Nashville has a thriving art scene. Discover the Frist Center for Visual Arts and the Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Arts.
• Evening: Overnight at the Noelle, Nashville, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.
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Day 6 & 7: Memphis
• Morning: The city built its fortune on the trade of cotton and wood, which you can learn about in the Cotton Museum. The National Civil Rights Museum, constructed at the exact location where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot, affords the chance to learn about the historic movement that forever changed the way we view and treat each other. But of course, Memphis is best known for its music and huge influence during the early days of blues and rock and roll.
• Afternoon: Stroll down Beale Street "Home of the Blues", filled with neon signs, where great artists such as Louis Armstrong and B.B. King created the Memphis blues scene. Passionate music enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Memphis Rock'n'Soul Museum or the Sun Studio. Discover Graceland, home of “The King of Rock and Roll”. Across the street are two of Presley's personal planes at the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum.
• Evening: Overnight at the Hotel Napoleon, Ascend Hotel Collection.
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Day 8: Birthplace of the Blues
• Morning: First stop in Tupelo MS. Here, you can visit his childhood home and a museum dedicated to the life and career of Elvis Presley, as well as a small wooden church that the Presley family used to frequent. Next, pass through Oxford, a quaint rural town, full of charm. As we are still in the land of blues, don't miss the Blues Archive, on the campus of Mississippi State University.
• Afternoon: The head to Clarksdale where the blues is rumored to have been born. You'll pass through Blues Alley, a historic neighborhood dedicated to the iconic genre. Then, stop at the Ground Zero Blues Club. For die-hard blues lovers, a stop at the intersection of Highway 61 and Highway 49 is a must, known as “The Crossroads”.
• Evening: Overnight at The Corners Mansion Inn.
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Day 9: Vicksburg
• Morning: Perched on the heights and overlooking the Mississippi River, Vicksburg is a city filled with history. The city itself, is a testament to the Civil War. The National Military Park protects the main battlefield and offers a 15-mile loop of Civil War history. In addition, the story of the power of the city can be found at Pemberton House and the Old Court House Museum.
• Afternoon: The city center is divided into two parts: upper city and lower city. Having suffered enormously from bombings, it was rebuilt after the war but has retained its Victorian style, Also discover the Jacqueline House: African American Museum, Vicksburg's only museum dedicated to the history and culture of black people in the county since the pre-liberation era.
• Evening: Overnight at The Corners Mansion Inn.
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Day 10: New Orleans
• Morning: The city is crossed by the Mississippi River and offers many facets: between the plantations, the bayous, its rich history and the world-famous Mardi Gras festival. A uniquely mellow metropolis, New Orleans lives to the rhythm of jazz music in a charming architectural setting, giving it a vibe that is truly unlike any other in the United States.
• Afternoon: You can admire the architecture of this city through about twenty historical districts. Start with the French Quarter or “Vieux Carré” with its narrow streets often bearing French names such as Bourbon, Toulouse, Chartres, Orléans, etc. You will find colonial style houses with wrought iron balconies, some of them over 250 years old. This area was designed by a French architect at the beginning of the 18th century with the modest aspirations of simply building a charming village.
• Evening: Overnight at The Maison Dupuy Hotel.
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Day 11: New Orleans
• Morning: Start with the French Quarter with its narrow streets. Don't miss Jackson Square, the lively heart of the old district. Not far away is the St Louis Cathedral, with its 3 high and pointed bell towers, dating from the 18th century. Continue on to the French Market, located between the square and the Mississippi River.
• Afternoon: You can also admire the city from the Mississippi River, aboard one of its many steamboats, like the Natchez or Creole Queen. Don't forget to walk up the majestic and residential avenues of the Garden District, the extremely chic district. Several museums are also worth a visit, such as the National World War II Museum.
• Evening: Overnight at The Maison Dupuy Hotel.
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Day 12: Heading home
Your day will have to be organized according to your flight schedule. Head back to New Orleans International Airport and drop-off your rental car.
End of our services.
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