Rhythms of the Road
Rhythms of the Road
Rhythms of the Road
10 Days Starting in Chicago and ending in New Orleans
Visiting: USA
Tour operator:
Tour code:
8240-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 43
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Please Advise Request
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The Heartland of America comes alive on this wonderful vacation featuring locations that have played a role in the evolution of American music. This North to South U.S. tour starts with two nights in Chicago, ends with two nights in New Orleans, includes two nights in Nashville and Memphis, and an overnight in St. Louis. Enjoy a sightseeing or an orientation tour in each of the cities. Highlights of this tour include places near and dear to music lovers’ hearts. In Nashville, visit RCA Studio B, Nashville’s oldest remaining recording studio where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and many more stars recorded their biggest hits. You’ll also enjoy the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, a must for any country music fan, where you’ll have reserved seating for a show. In Memphis, see where scenes from the film, “Walk the Line,” were filmed and visit Graceland, Elvis’ lavish home and final resting place. Other tour highlights include a trip to the top of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, a visit to the Tina Turner Museum, plus the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center which tells the story of his life and the region that gave birth to the Blues. On this music filled tour, you’ll also have plenty of time to explore on your own or to join optional outings. In Memphis, you may want to visit a blues club on famous Beale Street or join an optional excursion to Sun Studio, followed by dinner and live music. In New Orleans, perhaps enjoy shopping in the French Quarter or have dinner on a Mississippi River paddleboat. For music lovers and those desiring to experience the South, this value-minded tour is the perfect vacation!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Chicago
Accommodation Name: Courtyard Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
Welcome to the “Windy City.” Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 2: Chicago
Accommodation Name: Courtyard Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
Included sightseeing shows off the city’s landmarks, then an afternoon at leisure. Maybe ride the elevator to the top of Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) or stroll along Michigan Avenue, better known as the Magnificent Mile. In the evening, perhaps enjoy one of Chicago’s legendary blues clubs.
CHICAGO Included sightseeing shows off the city’s landmarks, then an afternoon at leisure. Maybe ride the elevator to the top of Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) or stroll along Michigan Avenue, better known as the Magnificent Mile. In the evening, perhaps enjoy one of Chicago’s legendary blues clubs.
Day 3: Chicago,St. Louis
Accommodation Name: Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Convention Center
Travel across the fertile Illinois farmlands to St. Louis, “Gateway to the West.” An orientation tour includes a trip to the top of the Gateway Arch National Park, which commemorates the city’s key role in westward expansion. Visit the museum under the Arch, celebrating Lewis & Clark’s famous expedition 200 years ago.
CHICAGO–ST. LOUIS Travel across the fertile Illinois farmlands to St. Louis, “Gateway to the West.” An orientation tour includes a trip to the top of the Gateway Arch National Park, which commemorates the city’s key role in westward expansion. Visit the museum under the Arch, celebrating Lewis & Clark’s famous expedition 200 years ago.
Day 4: St. Louis,Paducah,Nashville
Accommodation Name: The Inn at Opryland, Gaylord Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Recross the Mississippi River today and roll southeast to Paducah, Kentucky on the Ohio River. Late-afternoon arrival in Nashville.
ST. LOUIS–PADUCAH–NASHVILLE Recross the Mississippi River today and roll southeast to Paducah, Kentucky on the Ohio River. Late-afternoon arrival in Nashville. (B)
Day 5: Nashville
Accommodation Name: The Inn at Opryland, Gaylord Hotel
Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Nashville’s famous landmarks and the Music Row recording studios. Then tour historic RCA Studio B, cradle of the 1960s “Nashville Sound” where stars such as Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Willie Nelson, and the Everly Brothers recorded many of their biggest hits. Tonight, enjoy reserved seating for a show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, a mecca for country musicians.
NASHVILLE Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Nashville’s famous landmarks and the Music Row recording studios. Then tour historic RCA Studio B, cradle of the 1960s “Nashville Sound” where stars such as Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Willie Nelson, and the Everly Brothers recorded many of their biggest hits. Tonight, enjoy reserved seating for a show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, a mecca for country musicians.
Day 6: Nashville,Brownsville,Memphis
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis
Visit the Tina Turner Museum in the one-room schoolhouse attended by a young Anna Mae Bullock (a.k.a. Tina Turner). See the collection of the “Queen of Rock’s” memorabilia, including costumes, gold records and even her high school yearbook! Afterward, cross Tennessee to Memphis, “Home of the Blues” and a city with a distinct Southern flavor. Enjoy an orientation tour on arrival and see where scenes from the film Walk the Line were filmed. Consider the optional excursion to Sun Studio, where rock ‘n’ roll was first recorded, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
NASHVILLE–BROWNSVILLE–MEMPHIS Visit the Tina Turner Museum in the one-room schoolhouse attended by a young Anna Mae Bullock (a.k.a. Tina Turner). See the collection of the “Queen of Rock’s” memorabilia, including costumes, gold records and even her high school yearbook! Afterward, cross Tennessee to Memphis, “Home of the Blues” and a city with a distinct Southern flavor. Enjoy an orientation tour on arrival and see where scenes from the film Walk the Line were filmed. Consider the optional excursion to Sun Studio, where rock ‘n’ roll was first recorded, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Memphis,Visit To Graceland
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis
A good portion of the day is devoted to Graceland, Elvis Presley’s beautiful estate. Your guided audio tour focuses on the memorial garden, and the opulent 15,000-square-foot mansion. Also see Elvis’ custom jets and his favorite automobiles! Return to Memphis mid-afternoon and, if you haven’t done so already, get a taste of Memphis with some southern barbecue or visit the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum near historic Beale Street.
MEMPHIS–VISIT TO GRACELAND A good portion of the day is devoted to Graceland, Elvis Presley’s beautiful estate. Your guided audio tour focuses on the memorial garden, and the opulent 15,000-square-foot mansion. Also see Elvis’ custom jets and his favorite automobiles! Return to Memphis mid-afternoon and, if you haven’t done so already, get a taste of Memphis with some southern barbecue or visit the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum near historic Beale Street.
Day 8: Memphis,Indianola,New Orleans
Accommodation Name: Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter
Today, make your way through the state of Mississippi. Visit the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center. Discover the life of B.B. (Blues Boy) King, from his humble beginnings to his big break on Beale Street in Memphis. An evening arrival in New Orleans allows the opportunity for exploring this lively city on your own.
MEMPHIS–INDIANOLA–NEW ORLEANS Today, make your way through the state of Mississippi. Visit the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center. Discover the life of B.B. (Blues Boy) King, from his humble beginnings to his big break on Beale Street in Memphis. An evening arrival in New Orleans allows the opportunity for exploring this lively city on your own.
Day 9: New Orleans
Accommodation Name: Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter
A full morning is dedicated to the sights and sounds of New Orleans, featuring a guided tour that includes the French Quarter landmarks, St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and a visit to a unique above-ground cemetery. This afternoon, join an optional tour of one of the many plantation homes in southern Louisiana. The architecture and beauty of these homes alone is impressive and the stories that go with them are even better. This evening, perhaps join an optional Mississippi River dinner cruise, and enjoy a delightful buffet dinner complete with live jazz—the perfect finale to a memorable touring adventure of the South.
NEW ORLEANS A full morning is dedicated to the sights and sounds of New Orleans, featuring a guided tour that includes the French Quarter landmarks, St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and a visit to a unique above-ground cemetery. This afternoon, join an optional tour of one of the many plantation homes in southern Louisiana. The architecture and beauty of these homes alone is impressive and the stories that go with them are even better. This evening, perhaps join an optional Mississippi River dinner cruise, and enjoy a delightful buffet dinner complete with live jazz—the perfect finale to a memorable touring adventure of the South.
Day 10: New Orleans
Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the “Big Easy” further.
NEW ORLEANS Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the “Big Easy” further.
What's Included
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Accommodations
Stay in comfort at selected hotels including Courtyard Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile, Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Convention Center, The Inn at Opryland, Gaylord Hotel, Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis, and Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter.
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Sightseeing Tours
Enjoy guided tours of Chicago, St. Louis, Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans, featuring landmarks such as the Gateway Arch National Park, RCA Studio B, Graceland, the French Quarter, and more.
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Special Visits
Gain entry to unique attractions like the Tina Turner Museum, B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, and enjoy reserved seating at a show at the Grand Ole Opry.
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Transportation
Travel comfortably across cities and states, with transportation included as per the itinerary.
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Meals
Start your day with a complimentary breakfast on one of the days during your tour.
What's Not Included
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Meals
Most meals are not included, offering you the flexibility to choose where you eat.
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Optional Excursions
Tours such as the Sun Studio visit in Memphis and Mississippi River dinner cruise in New Orleans are not included and may incur additional costs.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Expenses of a personal nature like souvenirs, laundry, and tips are not included in the tour price.
Meals
1 breakfast
Accommodation
Courtyard Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
Located in the heart of Downtown Chicago the Coutryard by Marriott Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile has all the comforts of home and more. Enjoy on-site dining or maybe a dip in the pool or explore the city.
Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Convention Center
Pear Tree Inn carefully renovated the Union Market building in 1990, adding two additional stories for guest rooms. Built in 1925, original features were preserved in the hotel lobby and mezzanine meeting level.
The Inn at Opryland, Gaylord Hotel
The ideal location of The Inn at Opryland brings all the excitement of Music City allowing easy access to Nashville's world-famous attractions. On-site conveniences include restaurants, a large indoor pool and a newly renovated fitness center. Guestrooms feature complimentary weekday newspapers, coffeemakers, and high-speed wired Internet access.
Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis
The Beale Street Entertainment District is home to the Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis. They are conveniently close to the Fedex Forum, Autozone Stadium, and Liberty Park Fairgrounds. Each of their 192 tastefully decorated guest rooms emits a welcoming and soothing warmth. Each room has a Keurig with a selection of Kcups, a full-size ironing board, two phones with voice mail and a modem, and free high-speed wireless internet access.
Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter
Guests of the Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter hotel will find a relaxing getaway when they stay at this convenient and full-service retreat. This New Orleans hotel is the only hotel with a heated indoor pool in the French Quarter. It features a fitness center, on-site restaurant and lounge, on-site laundry, and on-site parking, as well as 374 comfortable deluxe guest accommodations for your full recharge at the end of a long day of historic and cultural sightseeing.
Check out our Q&As
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What cities will the tour visit?
The tour will visit Chicago, St. Louis, Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a complimentary breakfast on one of the days.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Highlights include sightseeing in Chicago, visiting the Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, touring RCA Studio B and attending a show at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, visiting the Tina Turner Museum in Brownsville, exploring Graceland in Memphis, visiting the B.B. King Museum in Indianola, and a guided tour of New Orleans including the French Quarter.
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What type of accommodations can be expected?
Accommodations include stays at selected hotels such as Courtyard Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile, Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Convention Center, The Inn at Opryland, Gaylord Hotel, Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis, and Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter.
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Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation is included as per the itinerary.
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What are the inclusions of the tour?
The tour includes accommodations, sightseeing tours, special visits to attractions like the Tina Turner Museum and B.B. King Museum, transportation, and a complimentary breakfast on one of the days.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.