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America's Fabulous Music Cities! Bring Your Dancing Shoes!

What do New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville have in common? In a word: music. Famed for their foot-tapping, finger-clicking tunes - whether it's jazz, blues, country or good ol' rock 'n' roll - this exuberant trio can be enjoyed on Collette's America’s Music Cities tour.

December 20, 2016

4 minute read

What do New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville have in common? In a word: music. Famed for their foot-tapping, finger-clicking tunes - whether it's jazz, blues, country or good ole rock 'n' roll - this exuberant trio can be enjoyed on Collette's America’s Music Cities tour, a seven-night adventure that delves into the South's soul-stirring musical repertoire. Tour highlights are numerous – and we're not talking about bumping into Elvis impersonators – but the following experiences are really worth singing from the rooftops about.

New Orleans Jazzy Vibes

One of North America's most atmospheric neighbourhoods, New Orleans' French Quarter is a feast for the senses, perfect for savouring on a guided walking tour. As well as admiring majestic architecture – think: colourful heritage buildings with intricate facades and flower-blessed balconies – you'll hear jazzy sounds on almost every corner, day and night. Things reach a crescendo during Jazz Fest, an annual ten-day spectacle (April 28-May 7, 2017) that lures many of the globe's greatest jazz talents, plus pioneers of other genres like gospel, R&B and funk. Previous attendees include Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and Willie Nelson.

Memphis Stories

While the 'Big Easy' – as New Orleans is dubbed – is synonymous with jazz, Memphis, nestled further upstream the Mississippi River, is more renowned for its blues, soul and rock 'n' roll. From Isaac Hayes and Booker T & the MG's to Aretha Franklin and Justin Timberlake, the city has produced an array of superstars. You'll discover what makes Memphis tick on a coach tour, with local musicians hopping on board to wax lyrical as you absorb the city's top sights, including Beale Street, a downtown stretch lined with historic blues bars.

The King's Palatial Abode

Though he wasn't born in Memphis, Elvis Presley certainly made his mark here. In 1957, aged 22, the 'The King' bought Graceland, a grandiose mansion south of downtown, and it was in his beloved home that he died 40 years ago this August. Don your blue suede shoes – and maybe a leather jacket – for your visit to this veritable shrine to rock 'n' roll royalty, where you'll relive Elvis' highs and lows, peruse a treasure trove of memorabilia (including his iconic Pink Cadillac) and (probably) find yourself humming 'Love Me Tender' or 'Hound Dog'.

Grand Ol Opry

You'll catch lots of live music on this tour, but arguably at nowhere more iconic than Grand Ole Opry. Founded in 1925, this stage show is the pride of Nashville, where country, along with Tennessee whisky and BBQ restaurants, reign supreme. Several nights a week, The Opry hosts classic and contemporary country acts in a classy venue that's a neat contrast to the honky tonk bars of the city's Lower Broadway. And, rather conveniently, it's located next to your Nashville base, the Gaylord Opryland Hotel – a lavish resort with eye-catching water features and lush indoor gardens. Another Nashville highlight to cherish is a tour of RCA Studio B, the city's oldest remaining recording studio. Countless legends have worked their magic here, among them Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison and Elvis.

New Orleans School of Cooking

Throughout the week, you'll refuel on traditional Southern dishes at a variety of local eateries. And you'll also be taught how to make your own tastebud-tickling treats at the New Orleans School of Cooking, a family-run affair set in a renovated 19th century molasses warehouse. Live cooking demonstrations cover a range of flavoursome Louisiana offerings, with an emphasis on Cajun and Creole cuisine, which combines European, Caribbean and Native American influences and ingredients. Expect dishes like shrimp and artichoke soup, corn and crab bisque, and gumbo (a soupy stew with meat or shellfish served over rice). Before you leave, check out the goodies in the school's in-house general store. The pralines are especially tempting – a sweet, buttery confection of brown sugar and pecans that are made fresh, daily.

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America's Music Cities

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1: new orleans, louisiana - tour begins.

Step back in time on a cultural getaway that opens in the “Jazz Capital of the World,” New Orleans! This soulful city abounds with rich history, mouthwatering Cajun and Creole cuisine, and of course, an incomparable soundtrack. Take in the sights, flavors, and sounds of New Orleans on your own today before meeting your group in the morning. Stay: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel (2 Nights)

Day 2: New Orleans

Explore the many sides of New Orleans and how jazz began and thrives here. Join a local guide for a panoramic city tour, seeing the famous St. Louis Cemetery #3 and Esplanade. Then, it's on to a walking tour of the French Quarter viewing St. Louis Cathedral, Pirates Alley and more.

Tonight, get to know your travel companions at a New Orleans-style dinner before continuing on to Maison Bourbon, a live jazz club in the French Quarter. (B/D)

Day 3: New Orleans - Oxford, Mississippi

Leave New Orleans on a high note and head to the next music landmark. Explore the history of one of the world's most prestigious awards in music at GRAMMY Museum Mississippi.

Later, arrive in the charming college town of Oxford for a laid-back evening. (B/D) Stay: Courtyard by Marriott

Day 4: Oxford - Memphis, Tennessee

Travel north to Memphis, the birthplace of the Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Soul. Enjoy Southern hospitality at your hotel before jiving along to “Jailhouse Rock” as you visit Graceland, the stately mansion of the “King” himself, and tour Elvis’s 14-acre estate, including his home, private jets, and Meditation Garden. (B/D) Stay: The Guest House at Graceland (2 nights)

Day 5: Memphis

This morning, embark on a civil rights history tour via coach and follow the route of Martin Luther King Jr.'s last march, stopping at Mason Temple where he gave his famous “I've Been to the Mountaintop” speech the night before he was assassinated. Take time to explore the National Civil Rights Museum and grab lunch on your own.

Later, get acquainted with the musical history of Memphis with a visit to Sun Studio, perhaps the most famous recording studio in the world before continuing on to the Memphis Rock ‘n' Soul Museum, highlighting the musical journey of this popular city. (B)

Day 6: Memphis - Nashville

Roll along Music Highway to Nashville – the “Music Capital of the World.” Arrive in Nashville and tour the historic Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry. What began as a building where a local radio broadcast show aired once a week in 1925 has grown to become an entertainment complex that attracts music fans from all over the world.

This evening, take your reserved seat at the renowned Grand Ole Opry. (B) Stay: Gaylord Opryland Resort (2 Nights)

Day 7: Nashville

Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, the world's largest museum of popular music, and check out the vast collections of memorabilia, costumes, recordings, and instruments. Tour RCA Studio B and gain an insider's look at Nashville's oldest remaining recording studio, where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Charley Pride once recorded classic hits. You may even have the opportunity to record your own hit! After one more lunch together, it's your choice! Join a hands-on chocolate-making lesson at the iconic Goo Goo Candy Shop -OR- visit the Johnny Cash Museum where you'll be immersed in the life and legacy of Johnny Cash, a "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" honoree and the biographical inspiration for the blockbuster film, Walk the Line. (B/L)

Day 8: Nashville - Tour Ends

Your rockin' musical journey comes to a close today. (B)

Trip Inclusions Expand All

Journey highlights.

• Embark on a one-of-a-kind tour of Memphis tracing its ties to the Civil Rights Movement.
• Tour the historic RCA Studio B for an up-close look at Nashville's oldest remaining recording studio.
• Enjoy reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry, the “home of American music.”
• Discover historic Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry.
• Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, the largest museum of popular music in the world.
• Enjoy Creole delights at a favorite French Quarter restaurant in New Orleans.

Trip Inclusions

• Expertly crafted itineraries
• 4-star+ accommodation
• Skilled and engaging tour managers
• Expert local guides with insider knowledge
• Attraction entrance fees
• Many meals full of local flavour
• Unparalleled sightseeing
• Enriching cultural experiences
• Comfortable on-tour transportation
• Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
• Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour

Activity Level

• This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets.

Private Airport Transfers

• Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
• Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
• Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
• Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.

Trip Optionals Expand All These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.

America's music cities tour gratuities.

• Location: Pawtucket, RI. Cost: $167.
• You can now include pre-paid tipping into your guided tour purchase. You pay for your tipping up front, we handle the rest, and you can cross one more thing off your “To Do” list. No more running to an ATM at the last minute on tour, or carrying around cash you won’t spend. Transportation is not included Prepaid gratuities are only available to guests departing from Australia & New Zealand. This covers tips for the Tour Manager, driver(s), and local guides including optional tours. Airport transfer and extension gratuities are not included in this amount

New Orleans Jazz Afternoon

• Location: New Orleans, LA. Cost: $150.
• This afternoon, enjoy a jazz brunch at one of New Orleans’ most famous restaurants, The Court of Two Sisters. Relax and enjoy the live jazz music as you soak in the centuries-old atmosphere and the largest courtyard in the French Quarter. Indulge in the expansive brunch buffet, with over 60 items available, including made to order omelets and Eggs Benedict. After lunch, embark on a leisurely cruise aboard the traditional Steamboat Natchez, iconic in New Orleans. The ambience will transport you back in time to the 19th century when steamboats were the mode of transportation of choice to travel along the Mississippi. Sit back and take in your surroundings during your narrated harbor tour, listening to stories of days gone by along the way. As your paddlewheel boat makes its way back, it is time for a lively jazz band to take the stage for some toe-tapping fun! Duration approximately 4.5 hour(s). Transportation is not included A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
• Location: Pawtucket, RI. Cost: $199.

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8 Great Reasons to Take Collette Tours of America’s Music Cities

Discover 8 great reasons to travel with Collette Tours on any trip, and take a closer look at Collette America’s Music Cities Holiday tour. Collette Tours started with a single trip in 1918—Jack Collette leading a road trip on dirt roads from Boston to Florida. Over 100 years later, Collette Travel Services is one of the most trusted names in the travel industry and they now operate guided excursions to all seven continents—sign me up for that Antarctica tour.

This article has two parts. First, we share 8 great reasons to consider Collette Tours for any trip. Second, we share highlights of the Collette America’s Music Cities Holiday tour.

Collette Tours hosted our America’s Music Cities Holiday Tour and several meals. All opinions, text, and photos are our own and are carefully crafted so you can make informed decisions and Travel Happy on future trips.

8 Great Reasons to Travel With Collette Tours

1. Planned Itinerary

A compelling reason to book any guided tour is to leave the trip planning and transport details to someone else. For Collette guests, lodging, transport between destinations, and some planned activities and meals at each stop are included in the price.

Expert guidance by qualified and enthusiastic Collette tour managers makes their excursions memorable and valuable.

2. Flexible Itinerary

But Collette tour itineraries allow plenty of time to explore on your own along with optional activities to join or skip. Plus most scheduled activities are not mandatory. If you want to meet a friend for dinner at a special restaurant, then go for it.

As an example, the “Choice on Tour” options for my  America’s Music Cities Holiday tour were exploring New Orleans on a coach bus or a guided walking tour of the French Quarter—but I chose to explore on my own.

3. Insider Knowledge

Our professional Collette Tour Manager (Erin) provided dozens of destination and attraction tips throughout the trip but one particular tidbit stuck with me. I hung around the Elvis car at the County Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville for several minutes and watched guests look at the car.

Erin mentioned that the car had actual gold records on the ceiling but not one person looked at the ceiling of the car until I got down on the floor to take this picture. Then a few people did look up out of curiosity and I even heard one woman tell her husband, “Wow, look, there are gold records in the car. I never saw them before.”

View this post on Instagram Who likes #Elvis? Read on for a precious Presley hidden gem. . Loving my current #hosted tour with @gocollette with our stellar tour guide @erinjeanee. . Earlier today, Erin mentioned that Elvis’ car at @officialcmhof has plenty of gold components including gold records on the ceiling. I noticed most visitors look at the car, admiring various things, but no one noticed the gold records. . Only when I got down low and dirty for my photo did people wonder why. I told a few about the gold records. One couple said they had been there many times and did not know about the records. Thank you, Erin, for that insight. And for the other 100 insights from this past week on our American Music Cities tour ????. That is one of the values of a guided group #GoCollette tour, the knowledge of the tour guides, the hidden gems, secrets, unique aspects, of destinations and attractions. . #travel #traveltheworld #traveltour #collette #collettetours #collettetravel #travelfun #mccooltravel #funness #travelhappy #happytravel #wanderfreude #visitmusiccity #nashville #nashvilletn #elvispresley A post shared by Charles McCool | McCool Travel (@charlesmccool) on Dec 14, 2019 at 6:47pm PST

4. Customer Service

Being a family-owned company allows Collette to offer personalized and customizable opportunities along with attentive customer service. Jack Collette sold his travel business to his brother-in-law Dan Sullivan in 1962 and the Sullivan family still owns and operates Collette. Unlike larger corporate-owned travel companies, guests feel like family when they travel on Collette Tours.

Collette travel counselors do a wonderful job of booking convenient flights and transfers at the start and end of trips. You can further customize your vacation by arriving prior to your Collette tour or staying additional days afterward.

Collette also has a focus on sustainability and social responsibility. For their 100th anniversary, Collette employees raised 1 million meals during that year’s  Collette Cares initiative. I would love to see Collette and other travel companies further reduce paper and plastic waste and one thing I appreciate is their smartphone app.

5. Convenient Collette Compass Mobile App

Communication from the Collette office is clear and helpful but I found the Collette Compass mobile app really helpful. It listed my flight information, provided notifications (such as flight check-in notification and airport gate info), and highlighted daily information and destination tips during the tour.

Erin would mention meeting times on several occasions (on the bus, getting off the bus, during dinner) but still, I would wake up and not remember if she said to meet in the lobby at 8:30 or 9:00. The app provided that information.

6. Collette Tours Have Variety

I must admit that prior to my tour I thought Collette only operated coach bus tours and river cruises—and only in the USA and Europe. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Collette also leads safaris, cultural immersions, and countless types of journeys.

These varied itineraries can include rail, in-trip flights, and all kinds of transport options. Even staying in a single hotel for a week and absorbing a destination (like Paris); check out Collette Spotlight Tours for that option.

While my tour group had 40 persons, Collette also offers smaller group tours for deeper exploration. Want to travel by yourself? Collette embraces and fosters solo travel in a group setting and there were a few solo travelers on my tour.

7. Themed Collette Tours Make Travel Fun

On top of the variety of tour types (only some are mentioned above), Collette tours can focus on themes—including holidays, city stays and getaways, classic attractions, and inspirational journeys.

My Collette tour focused on USA’s great music cities of New Orleans (jazz), Memphis (Elvis/BB King/Johnny Cash), and Nashville (country).

Want to create your own themed tour? Collette will even host dedicated groups, family reunions, friends, any situation where you want to ensure you travel only with a defined set of people.

Because, yes, we have all been there, when there is “that person” on a group tour. Thankfully, there was no “that person” on my latest tour. Wait a sec, perhaps I was “that person.” Yikes.

8. Popular Events

Collette operates many tours that include admission to popular events around the world. It is appealing to let someone else plan your visit to New Orleans Jazz Fest, Nice France Carnival, Holi Festival, or the Keukenhof Tulip Festival—and save time and aggravation, and perhaps even money, too.

McCool Travel tip : to determine if any travel company—whether a tour company like Collette, a cruise line, etc.—is “right for you” simply visit their website and look at their brochures to see if the pictures and information resonate with you. The way people are dressed, their demographics, and the scenarios either will appeal to you or not. It is a very accurate test of whether the company is the right fit for you.

Highlights of Collette America’s Music Cities Holiday Tour

Collette America Music Cities Tour is a fantastic way to visit three Places for Music Lovers in one week.

We visited three cities with deep musical roots.

During the tour, we spent three nights in New Orleans, one night in Memphis, and three nights in Nashville. Collette offers this tour at other times of the year and that version spends two days each in Memphis and Nashville.

The holiday tour spends an additional night in Nashville because of the special activities there (see below).

Our hotels for the Collette America’s Music Cities Holiday tour were Sheraton New Orleans, The Guest House at Graceland, and Gaylord Opryland.

New Orleans Highlights with Collette Tours

Staying three nights at Sheraton New Orleans on Canal Street was a sweet kick-off to the Collette bus tour. The location is convenient and phenomenal, a quick five-minute walk to Bourbon Street, French Quarter, the waterfront, and much more.

The tour itinerary allowed for plenty of independent time to explore, and I did. In addition to the organized and optional activities already mentioned, we attended a live jazz set at Maison Bourbon, went on a swamp tour, and met for our first group dinner across the street at Palace Cafe.

One tip I heard from locals and past residents was that the larger New Orleans hotels have lavish Christmas decorations and I made sure to visit them. Do you have a favorite hotel for Christmas decorations?

Mardi Gras World

One itinerary item I really looked forward to was a guided visit to Mardi Gras World. At Mardi Gras World, we learned Mardi Gras history, facts, and misconceptions, and toured the warehouse to see parade floats and sculptures in various stages (from concept to complete).

Of the hundreds of floats and sculptures we saw at Mardi Gras World, perhaps these were most appropriate since we were on a music theme tour. Other music superstars immortalized in Mardi Gras sculptures included KISS and Elvis Presley.

Memphis  Highlights with Collette Tours

The bus ride between New Orleans and Memphis was split into three 1.5 hour chunks—with two 30 minute rest stops and a lunch stop at a cafeteria. We arrived at The Guest House at Graceland around 4:30 and were greeted with a table of peanut butter cupcakes.

The next day, a lively 90-minute tour of Memphis gave us a great overview of important places to visit in Memphis. We saw St Jude Hospital, Sun Records studio, Levitt Shell at Overton Park, the site of the first rock & roll performance, and the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated.

The Lorraine Motel is now the National Civil Rights Museum .

Collette uses Backbeat Tours for the Memphis city tour and they are fantastic. Our expert tour guide highlighted places where Elvis, Johnny Cash, Machine Gun Kelly, and BB King lived and worked.

Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion

The highlight in Nashville was a self-guided tour of Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion. Graceland is one of the most famous houses and attractions in the United States. Visitors begin their experience at the visitor center, ride a shuttle across the street to the mansion, and then tour Graceland at their own pace.

This was my first visit and I loved seeing the rooms decorated for Christmas.

All Collette Tours incorporate lodging that reflects the tour theme. At The Guest House at Graceland , we learned that the grand staircase is a twin of the one at the Graceland mansion. The chandelier is original and was bought by Elvis Presley and then brought out of storage when the hotel was being built.

The Guest House manager told me that Elvis loved buying lavish things and there remains an impressive inventory in various storage locations.

McCool Travel tips : All guests seem to know about the Elvis-inspired 10 pm Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich bar. However, most guests miss the onsite theater which runs Elvis movies or documentaries at 7 pm every night (and matinees on special weekends). For a splurge worthy of The King, book one or both of the two-bedroom suites for a fun group getaway.

For another Elvis themed hotel splurge, book the Love Me Tender, Love Me Suites at Gulf Hills Hotel in Coastal Mississippi .

Nashville  Highlights with Collette Tours

The highlight of the bus ride between Memphis and Nashville was undoubtedly Music BINGO . Full-length songs from the 50s and 60s played over the speakers and tour guests sang along while marking their BINGO cards.

I sat with four squares marked for at least five songs, then had two other chances to win, but my winning song(s) just did not come up. Dadgumit, Sue won before I could get my five in a row.

Our final stop with Collette Tours was the Gaylord Opryland , the largest USA hotel without a casino. It is massive. I tried to find my way around without a map and got lost (more than twice).

During one of our free periods of time, I chose to visit ICE!, which is a Gaylord Hotels phenomena. I experienced ICE! at Gaylord National (near Washington DC) two weeks earlier (and the past four years) and ICE! at Gaylord Palms two years ago.

The theme of ICE! at Gaylord Opryland in 2019 is A Christmas Story and it is a magnificent event.

McCool Travel tip : arrive early for the breakfast buffet at Cascades American Cafe. At 8 am, there is a 15+ minute wait. Before 7:30 am, there is no wait.

While in Nashville, our Collette group toured Ryman Auditorium (the Mother Church of Country Music), then returned to Ryman that evening for Grand Ole Opry (with Luke Combs, Kelsea Ballerini, Ricky Skaggs, Charlie Worsham, Old Crow Medicine Show, and more).

During my free time exploring downtown Nashville, I loved the street art, honky-tonk bars, and hot chicken lunch. On our second night, we watched The Gift of Christmas with Trace Adkins and Friends at Gaylord Opryland.

The final concert was a perfect ending to our week exploring America’s Music Cities Holiday with Collette Tours. We enjoyed the planned but flexible itinerary, excellent tour guides, and friendly people, and are looking forward to our next trip.

McCool Travel tip: if you spend extra time after the tour before flying home from Nashville, consider a visit to Franklin for incredible liv music.

Have you traveled with Collette tours? Let me know .

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