Southern Charms & Florida

Southern Charms & Florida

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13 Days From

$2965

$2587

Southern Charms & Florida

13 Days Starting in NEW ORLEANS and ending in ORLANDO

Visiting: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Natchez, Memphis, Graceland, Nashville, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Macon, Savannah, St. Augustine, Orlando

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

8290-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

0-0

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, History, Music

From: $2965 $2587 Operator discount: -$378 -13%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the South on this wondrous vacation through the heart of Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. This southern U.S. tour starts with three nights in New Orleans and ends with one night in Orlando. In between, you’ll stay two nights in Memphis, Nashville, and Savannah, and one night each in Natchez and Atlanta. You’ll also spend time in Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s capital; Chattanooga, home of the Chattanooga Choo Choo; and St. Augustine, the oldest European-founded city in the United States.

Music fans will be delighted by the included visits to Graceland, the lavish home of Elvis Presley; Studio B, Nashville’s oldest surviving recording studio; and the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, where you’ll have reserved seating for an unforgettable show. History buffs will enjoy visiting not only St. Augustine, but also the old-world city of New Orleans, with its historic streetcars and French Quarter, and the LSU Rural Life Museum & Windrush Gardens in Baton Rouge to see what life was like for the laboring classes and different cultural groups in Louisiana during the 18th & 19th centuries. In Atlanta, you’ll stop at the grave and eternal flame dedicated to preserving the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. And in Savannah, you’ll have time to explore the many attractions of this historic seaport, including its 22 charming, iconic Squares.

You’ll also enjoy seeing the countryside between cities as you drive through the heart of Cajun Country from New Orleans to Baton Rouge and through rural Mississippi from Natchez to Memphis. From southern cities to southern charm - this tour of the South has it all!

Highlights

  • Explore the vibrant city of New Orleans, including the French Quarter, St. Louis Cathedral, and Jackson Square

  • Discover Baton Rouge's art deco State Capitol and the LSU Rural Life Museum & Windrush Gardens

  • Visit Natchez, a thriving port during the golden years of the cotton trade

  • Experience Memphis, the Birthplace of Rock and Roll, and visit Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley

  • Enjoy a show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, the "Capital of Country Music"

  • Tour Chattanooga, home of the Chattanooga Choo Choo, and Atlanta, with a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Park Visitor Center

  • Stroll through the historic seaport of Savannah, shaded by live oak trees and surrounded by elegant homes

  • Stop at St. Augustine, the oldest European founded city in the United States, before heading to Orlando

Places You'll See

Fairfield Inn By Marriott New Orleans Downtown/French Quarter

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Natchez

Doubletree Hotel Memphis Downtown

The Inn At Opryland, Gaylord Hotel

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown

Best Western - Savannah

Wyndham Garden Orlando - Universal/I-Drive

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: New Orleans

Location: New Orleans

Accommodation Name: Sheraton New Orleans

Welcome to New Orleans! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
NEW ORLEANS Welcome to New Orleans! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.

Day 2: New Orleans

Location: New Orleans

Accommodation Name: Sheraton New Orleans

The morning is dedicated to the sights and sounds of this Old-World city with a guided tour. First, visit the French Quarter, including St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. Next, learn about the city’s unique burial customs at an above-ground cemetery, followed by a leisurely drive down historic St. Charles Avenue to enjoy its stately mansions and clanging streetcars. A lavish optional brunch features many of New Orleans’ culinary classics as well as live music. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
NEW ORLEANS The morning is dedicated to the sights and sounds of this Old-World city with a guided tour. First, visit the French Quarter, including St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. Next, learn about the city’s unique burial customs at an above-ground cemetery, followed by a leisurely drive down historic St. Charles Avenue to enjoy its stately mansions and clanging streetcars. A lavish optional brunch features many of New Orleans’ culinary classics as well as live music. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 3: New Orleans

Location: New Orleans

Accommodation Name: Sheraton New Orleans

A day to explore at your own pace. Stroll through the centuries-old French Quarter or take a carriage ride while listening to tales of voodoo queens and pirates. History enthusiasts may venture out to a plantation to catch a glimpse of life the way it used to be in the Old South. Tonight, you might like to experience the city’s beautiful skyline on an optional jazz dinner cruise from the heart of the French Quarter.
NEW ORLEANS A day to explore at your own pace. Stroll through the centuries-old French Quarter or take a carriage ride while listening to tales of voodoo queens and pirates. History enthusiasts may venture out to a plantation to catch a glimpse of life the way it used to be in the Old South. Tonight, you might like to experience the city’s beautiful skyline on an optional jazz dinner cruise from the heart of the French Quarter.

Day 4: New Orleans,Baton Rouge,Natchez

Location: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Natchez

Accommodation Name: Hampton Inn And Suites Natchez

Drive through the heart of Cajun Country to Baton Rouge. Visit LSU Rural Life Museum & Windrush Gardens that includes 32 historic outbuildings where you can see how life was for the laboring classes in the 18th and 19th centuries. Then go on an orientation tour of the city that features the art deco State Capitol, the tallest in the country. Next, on to Natchez, a thriving port in the golden years of the cotton trade. This evening, perhaps join our optional Dinner and Historic Antebellum Home Tour.
NEW ORLEANS–BATON ROUGE–NATCHEZ Drive through the heart of Cajun Country to Baton Rouge. Visit LSU Rural Life Museum & Windrush Gardens that includes 32 historic outbuildings where you can see how life was for the laboring classes in the 18th and 19th centuries. Then go on an orientation tour of the city that features the art deco State Capitol, the tallest in the country. Next, on to Natchez, a thriving port in the golden years of the cotton trade. This evening, perhaps join our optional Dinner and Historic Antebellum Home Tour.

Day 5: Natchez,Memphis

Location: Natchez, Memphis

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis

Meals Included: Breakfast

Drive through rural Mississippi to Memphis. On arrival, acquaint yourself with the town during an included orientation tour. Don’t miss the optional excursion to the Birthplace of Rock and Roll, Sun Studio, followed by dinner and a drink on Beale St. where you’ll explore more of the melting pot that is Delta blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, R & B, and gospel.
NATCHEZ–MEMPHIS Drive through rural Mississippi to Memphis. On arrival, acquaint yourself with the town during an included orientation tour. Don’t miss the optional excursion to the Birthplace of Rock and Roll, Sun Studio, followed by dinner and a drink on Beale St. where you’ll explore more of the melting pot that is Delta blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, R & B, and gospel. (B)

Day 6: Memphis,Visit To Graceland

Location: Memphis, Graceland

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis

A trip to Memphis would not be complete without visiting Graceland, the palatial home of “The King,” Elvis Presley. Our guided audio tour focuses on the memorial garden and the opulent 15,000-square-foot mansion. Afterward, if you haven’t done so already, get a taste of Memphis with some authentic southern barbecue, visit the National Civil Rights Museum, or experience the world-famous Duck March at the elegant Peabody Hotel.
MEMPHIS–VISIT TO GRACELAND A trip to Memphis would not be complete without visiting Graceland, the palatial home of “The King,” Elvis Presley. Our guided audio tour focuses on the memorial garden and the opulent 15,000-square-foot mansion. Afterward, if you haven’t done so already, get a taste of Memphis with some authentic southern barbecue, visit the National Civil Rights Museum, or experience the world-famous Duck March at the elegant Peabody Hotel.

Day 7: Memphis,Nashville

Location: Memphis, Nashville

Accommodation Name: The Inn At Opryland, Gaylord Hotel

This morning, leave the “Home of the Blues” as you head for Nashville, the “Capital of Country Music.” Afternoon arrival in Nashville. This evening, you have reserved seating for an unforgettable show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, a mecca for country musicians since 1925.
MEMPHIS–NASHVILLE This morning, leave the “Home of the Blues” as you head for Nashville, the “Capital of Country Music.” Afternoon arrival in Nashville. This evening, you have reserved seating for an unforgettable show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, a mecca for country musicians since 1925.

Day 8: Nashville

Location: Nashville

Accommodation Name: The Inn At Opryland, Gaylord Hotel

Its association with country music has made the name “Nashville” world famous, but it’s not just music fans who will find this bustling Southern city a delight. Start your day with a visit to RCA Studio B, one of the country’s most revered, and Nashville’s oldest surviving recording studio. Afterward, sightseeing includes the recording studios of Music Row, a life-size reproduction of the Parthenon, the State Capitol, and Bicentennial State Park. The remainder of the day is free. Perhaps take an optional excursion to the Country Music Hall of Fame with its glittering costumes, rare instruments, and Elvis Presley’s “solid gold” Cadillac.
NASHVILLE Its association with country music has made the name “Nashville” world famous, but it’s not just music fans who will find this bustling Southern city a delight. Start your day with a visit to RCA Studio B, one of the country’s most revered, and Nashville’s oldest surviving recording studio. Afterward, sightseeing includes the recording studios of Music Row, a life-size reproduction of the Parthenon, the State Capitol, and Bicentennial State Park. The remainder of the day is free. Perhaps take an optional excursion to the Country Music Hall of Fame with its glittering costumes, rare instruments, and Elvis Presley’s “solid gold” Cadillac.

Day 9: Nashville,Chattanooga,Atlanta

Location: Chattanooga, Atlanta

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown

First stop today is Chattanooga, home of the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Then, enter the “Peach State” of Georgia and journey to its fast-growing metropolis, Atlanta, home of 1996 summer Olympics. An orientation tour, followed by a visit to the National Park Visitor Center that honors civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
NASHVILLE–CHATTANOOGA–ATLANTA First stop today is Chattanooga, home of the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Then, enter the “Peach State” of Georgia and journey to its fast-growing metropolis, Atlanta, home of 1996 summer Olympics. An orientation tour, followed by a visit to the National Park Visitor Center that honors civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.

Day 10: Atlanta,Savannah

Location: Atlanta, Macon, Savannah

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Savannah Historic District

Meals Included: Breakfast

Head south through rich, rolling farmland to the historic seaport of Savannah for a 2-night stay. En route, make a lunch stop in Macon, “Where Soul Lives”, and home of music greats Little Richard and Otis Redding. Arrive in Savannah and begin soaking up its sultry charms. Stroll the historic squares shaded by huge live oak trees and surrounded by charming churches and elegant homes.
ATLANTA–SAVANNAH Head south through rich, rolling farmland to the historic seaport of Savannah for a 2-night stay. En route, make a lunch stop in Macon, “Where Soul Lives”, and home of music greats Little Richard and Otis Redding. Arrive in Savannah and begin soaking up its sultry charms. Stroll the historic squares shaded by huge live oak trees and surrounded by charming churches and elegant homes. (B)

Day 11: Savannah

Location: Savannah

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Savannah Historic District

A day at leisure. Perhaps explore the city on the optional Hop on/Hop off Trolley and see attractions like City Market, Forsyth Park, and the Mercer House, or spend time shopping on cobblestoned River Street. Don’t miss the chance to sample some Low Country cuisine at one of the many restaurants.
SAVANNAH A day at leisure. Perhaps explore the city on the optional Hop on/Hop off Trolley and see attractions like City Market, Forsyth Park, and the Mercer House, or spend time shopping on cobblestoned River Street. Don’t miss the chance to sample some Low Country cuisine at one of the many restaurants.

Day 12: Savannah,St. Augustine,Orlando

Location: Savannah, St. Augustine, Orlando

Accommodation Name: Wyndham Garden Orlando - Universal/I-Drive

Travel into the “Sunshine State” of Florida, stopping first at St. Augustine, the oldest European founded city in the United States. You will see the Government House and the Spanish fortress, Castillo de San Marcos, on your orientation tour. Then, drive to magical Orlando.
SAVANNAH–ST. AUGUSTINE–ORLANDO Travel into the “Sunshine State” of Florida, stopping first at St. Augustine, the oldest European founded city in the United States. You will see the Government House and the Spanish fortress, Castillo de San Marcos, on your orientation tour. Then, drive to magical Orlando.

Day 13: Orlando

Location: Orlando

Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the “Sunshine State” further.
ORLANDO Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the “Sunshine State” further.

What's Included

  • Accommodations

    Stay in comfort at selected hotels: Natchez: Hampton Inn and Suites Natchez, Memphis: Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis, Nashville: The Inn at Opryland, Gaylord Hotel, Atlanta: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown, Savannah: Best Western - Savannah, Orlando: Wyndham Garden Orlando - Universal/I-Drive.

  • Guided Tours

    Explore vibrant cities and historical sites with guided tours in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Savannah, St. Augustine, and Orlando.

  • Special Experiences

    Enjoy unique experiences including a show at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, a visit to Graceland in Memphis, and a tour of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Park Visitor Center in Atlanta.

  • Meals Included

    2 Breakfasts provided during the tour.

What's Not Included

  • Meals Not Listed

    Meals not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions, including most lunches and dinners, are not covered.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions and personal spending are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Airport Transfers

    Airport transfers are not included in the tour package.

Meals

6 Breakfasts

Accommodation

New Orleans:Fairfield Inn by Marriott New Orleans Downtown/French Quarter
Natchez:Holiday Inn Express & Suites Natchez
Memphis:Doubletree Hotel Memphis Downtown
Nashville:The Inn at Opryland, Gaylord Hotel
Atlanta:Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown
Savannah:Best Western - Savannah
Orlando:Wyndham Garden Orlando - Universal/I-Drive

Check out our Q&As

  • What cities will the tour visit?

    The tour will visit New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Natchez, Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Savannah, St. Augustine, and Orlando.

  • Are meals included in the tour?

    Yes, 2 breakfasts are provided during the tour.

  • What are some of the highlights of the tour?

    Highlights include exploring New Orleans, visiting Graceland in Memphis, enjoying a show at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, touring Chattanooga and Atlanta, strolling through Savannah, and stopping at St. Augustine before heading to Orlando.

  • What type of accommodations can be expected?

    Accommodations include the Hampton Inn and Suites in Natchez, Holiday Inn Downtown Memphis, The Inn at Opryland, Gaylord Hotel in Nashville, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown, Best Western in Savannah, and Wyndham Garden Orlando - Universal/I-Drive.

  • Are there any guided tours included?

    Yes, there are guided tours in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Savannah, St. Augustine, and Orlando.

  • What is not included in the tour package?

    Meals not listed, optional excursions, personal spending, travel insurance, and airport transfers are not included.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

Trustpilot
Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

Trustpilot
John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

Trustpilot
Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

Trustpilot
Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

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1 Select your preferred date

Wednesday - Monday

Apr 16, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025
$3048 $2670

Operator discount: -$378

Wednesday - Monday

May 21, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025
$3048 $2670

Operator discount: -$378

Wednesday - Monday

Jun 18, 2025 - Jun 30, 2025
$3048 $2670

Operator discount: -$378

Wednesday - Monday

Sep 17, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025
$3048 $2670

Operator discount: -$378

Wednesday - Monday

Oct 22, 2025 - Nov 03, 2025
$2965 $2587

Operator discount: -$378

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.