New Orleans, LA
Welcome to the “Big Easy” Your Tour Leader is on hand from 3-6pm this afternoon in the lobby to answer any questions.
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19 Day Fly /Tour from New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville, Louisville, Chicago, Niagara Falls to New York City
Book By 31 May 2025
19 Day Fly /Tour from New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville, Louisville, Chicago, Niagara Falls to New York City
International flights to New Orleans returning from New York
Get ready for an epic adventure filled with music, history, and Southern hospitality from the Big Easy to the Big Apple
Discover Chicago’s skyscrapers with its magnificent architecture
Follow the American history trail from the capital, DC, to Philadelphia
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Welcome to the “Big Easy” Your Tour Leader is on hand from 3-6pm this afternoon in the lobby to answer any questions.
This morning, discover the sights and sounds of the city on a guided tour that includes the French Quarter landmarks, St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square, and a visit to a unique above-ground cemetery. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the French Quarter. This evening, perhaps join an optional Mississippi River dinner cruise (at your own expense), and enjoy a delightful buffet dinner complete with live jazz—the perfect way to kick off a memorable touring adventure of the South.
This morning head north through Louisiana and cross into Tennessee and Memphis, “Home of the Blues” and a city with a distinct Southern flavor. Enjoy an orientation tour on arrival including seeing where scenes from the Johnny Cash biographical film ‘Walk the Line’ were filmed. This evening is yours to get a taste of Memphis.
A good portion of the day is devoted to your included visit to Graceland, Elvis Presley’s beautiful estate. Your guided audio tour focuses on the opulent 15,000-square-foot mansion and the Meditation Garden where Elvis and members of his family have been laid to rest. You’ll also see Elvis’ custom jets and his favorite automobiles! Return to Memphis mid-afternoon and enjoy free time to explore – maybe pay a visit to the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum near historic Beale Street. Later, consider an optional excursion to Sun Studio, where rock ‘n’ roll was first recorded, followed by dinner at a local restaurant (additional expense)
Arrive in Nashville this afternoon and take a guided sightseeing tour of the famous landmarks and Music Row recording studios. The evening is yours to explore “Music City”. You may choose to opt for an outing with your travel companions to enjoy music, dancing, and dinner (additional expense)
Today you have time at leisure to explore downtown Nashville or join an optional excursion to the Country Music Hall of Fame and 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. Or perhaps visit the Ryman Auditorium or Johnny Cash Museum. Tonight, consider a visit to the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, a mecca for country musicians.
Depart mid-morning for Louisville, Kentucky, located along the Ohio River and known as the ‘Gateway to the South’ as well as the official starting point to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Enjoy an orientation tour upon arrival. This evening, explore Fourth Street Live or historic Main Street, named “One of the Best Main Streets in America”.
Take the day to discover the many attractions in downtown Louisville, including the Muhammad Ali Center, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory or pay a visit to some of the distilleries and tasting rooms along Whiskey Row. You may also choose to join the optional excursion (additional expense) to Churchill Downs, home of the world-renowned Kentucky Derby. There you’ll get to watch the horses during their morning workouts, have a guided track visit and spend time at the Kentucky Derby Museum which celebrates its tradition and history.
This morning, we make our way to St. Louis, “Gateway to the West.” In the afternoon there is an orientation tour followed by time at leisure to explore. Perhaps pay a visit to the National Blues Museum. Or consider joining an optional excursion (additional expense) to the top of Gateway Arch National Park, which commemorates the city’s key role in westward expansion, then visit the museum under the Arch, celebrating Lewis & Clark’s famous expedition 200 years ago.
Travel north across the fertile Illinois farmlands and through mid-western towns as we make our way to Chicago, America’s third-largest city, known for its architecture, skyscrapers, and museums. Arriving late afternoon, you’ll have an orientation tour, then make a stop at Navy Pier with time to explore and enjoy dinner (additional expense) before arriving at the hotel.
This morning’s included sightseeing shows off the Windy City’s many landmarks. With free time in the afternoon to explore, consider a visit to the Skydeck at the top of Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), the second-tallest building in the western hemisphere, stroll along Michigan Avenue, better known as the Magnificent Mile, famous for its shopping, or treat yourself to some Chicago-style deep-dish pizza! This evening is as leisure.
This morning, make your way to Dearborn, where you’ll visit the Henry Ford Museum. Here you’ll experience the spirit of American innovation, see a world-famous collection of automobiles, and view American artifacts like the presidential limo in which President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.
Today we cross into Canada and continue to journey to Niagara Falls. On arrival, you’ll get an orientation tour of the town and then have free time to explore.
This morning, board your Niagara Falls sightseeing cruise for amazing close-up views from the base of the falls! This afternoon is free for independent activities. Perhaps take an optional helicopter sightseeing tour over the Falls or enjoy an optional lunch high-above at Skylon Tower while enjoying more views of the Falls.
Cross the Rainbow Bridge, one of the busiest Canada / USA border crossings. Continue through northern New York and travel along the Susquehanna River to Williamsport, the birthplace of Little League baseball and site of the league’s annual “World Series”. Arrive late afternoon in Washington, DC, the nation’s beautiful Capital city.
The nation’s capital is a sightseeing treasure trove, and your half-day tour with a local guide features Capitol Hill, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, National WWII Memorial, and other well-known sights. Stop for photos at the White House and Capitol Hill. The remainder of the day is free, so perhaps visit one of the many Smithsonian museums. This evening, consider joining the optional Washington Monuments Illumination tour and dinner (additional expense).
This morning, we depart Washington DC, making a stop enroute to the charming town of Annapolis, which sits along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. It is the state capital of Maryland and is also home to the U.S. Naval Academy. Time for lunch (additional expense)where you may want to sample some famous Maryland hard shell crabs or crab cakes! We continue to Philadelphia; a city steeped in history and the birthplace of the United States. After an orientation tour of the “City of Brotherly Love”,you’ll have free time to visit Independence Mall, known as America’s, most historic square mile, and see Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell or visit Reading Terminal Market, one of the nation’s oldest public markets dating back to 1893.
Head north through New Jersey to New York City. On arrival you’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour by coach of Manhattan, including key sites such as Broadway, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and other highlights. New York City is one of the world’s most exciting cities, buzzing with atmosphere and packed with fascinating sights, so enjoy the evening at leisure to take it all in!
Your holiday ends this morning. Make your own way to the airport for your departure flight, or you may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the “Big Apple” further.
Price based on tours starting:
Extra charges apply for:
Price based on departing from Melbourne, Sydney
Extra charges apply for:
Optional excursions will be available for purchase 90 to 7 days prior to departure. Information on how to book these will be supplied with your documents.
Optional excursions mentioned in the itinerary above, are subject to availability and seasonality and may require minimum numbers to operate.
The pace of this tour is fast and lively. The on-the-go nature rewards you with maximum sightseeing opportunities but involves some early starts and a couple of long travel days, with one or two nights in each destination. Scheduled free days allow some downtime, or you have the flexibility to explore further and book optional tours (extra expense).
Hotel names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual hotels may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation.
New Orleans: Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter or similar
Memphis: Doubletree Hotel Memphis Downtown or similar
Nashville: The Inn at Opryland or similar
Louisville: Hampton Inn Louisville Downtown or similar
St. Louis: Pear Tree Inn Union Station St. Louis Downtown or similar
Chicago Area: Hyatt Place Chicago O’Hare or similar
Dearborn: Best Western Greenfield Inn or similar
Niagara Falls: Best Western Plus Cairn Croft (Canada) or
Days Inn by Wyndham Niagara Falls Near the Falls or similar
Washington DC Area: Hilton Garden Inn Bethesda or similar
Philadelphia: Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District or similar
New York City: Holiday Inn New York City Lower East Side or similar
Important Information
Exclusions
Airport transfers, meals not stated, drinks on meals, optional programs, visas (if required), travel insurance (strongly recommended), tipping, personal expenses and anything not explicitly specified are at your own expense.
Payment
A first deposit from $499 per person is required to secure your booking. A second deposit (partial payment) is due 10 months before departure – the amount to be advised at the time of booking. The final balance will be due 5 months before departure. Full payment is due at the time of booking for departures within 5 months.
Fitness
A moderate level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off buses, walking in big cities, up and down stairs. You will be required to carry your own bags to and from hotels, train stations and terminals. This trip is not suitable for people requiring wheelchair, mobility scooters or facilities for disabled guests. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able move about unassisted at the required pace. For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you are required to disclose physical ailments at the time of booking.
Pace
The pace of this tour is fast and lively. The on-the-go nature rewards you with maximum sightseeing opportunities but involves some early starts and a couple of long travel days, with one or two nights in each destination. Scheduled free days allow some downtime, or you have the flexibility to explore further and book optional tours (extra expense)
Solo Occupancy
A single supplement from $3300 per person is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy.
Triple Share
Triple share is not available.
Extra Accommodation
Extra nights in the same tour hotel or similar area, can be added with rates in New Orleans and New York, subject to availability. All hotel requests must paid in advance before leaving Australia. Transfers to and from the hotel and airports are not included.
Child
This tour is best enjoyed by adults and is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Children 12 years and above are subject to the adult price and must be accompanied by an adult.
Price
Surcharges may apply for select travel periods and departure cities. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to availability, change, cancellation, or withdrawal without notice. All prices are in Australian dollars per person twin share unless stated otherwise.
Change & Cancellation Fees
Changes for any reason will incur a fee of $110 per person per change in addition to any travel service provider fees. Cancellation for any reason will incur a fee of $550 per person in addition to any travel service provider fees. Travel service provider fees for the tour and air components of the package are dependent on the date of the change or cancellation as follows:
Airfares are generally non-refundable but any refundable ticket taxes will be returned. Full details of the change and cancellation fees is outlined in the Terms & Conditions available on our website.
Deviation
Any request to deviate from the original dates or routing, including early arrival and stay behind, is subject to a flight deviation fee from $150 per person plus applicable airfare and tax difference. Packaged tour extensions are not subject to the deviation fee (applicable airfare and tax difference may still apply) if booked according to the original advertised dates and routing.
Passport
For international travel, each customer must provide a copy of the passport photo page at the time of booking. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure all names are full names matched to the passport with six months validity beyond trip completion. The customer is liable for all fees due to incorrect names, invalid passport information and expired passports.
Visa
A visa is required for Australian passport holders visiting the USA for the purpose of short-term tourism. Apply online prior to leaving for a visa https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/isa . A visa is not required for Australian passport holder to visit Niagara Falls in Canada (Day 13) when arriving by coach.
Requirements for each origin and destination country are the responsibility of the customer to check and obtain (if required) with the local consulate or embassy. The customer is liable for all visa application costs and fees due to the failure to obtain the required travel documents.
Health
It is the responsibility of the customer to check and comply with the health, vaccination, COVID-19 and immigration requirements of each origin and destination country, and health requirements imposed by air, tour, cruise, and accommodation providers. Vaccinations, testing, and quarantine costs are the expense of the customer. Comprehensive travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is strongly recommended.
Baggage
Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on the coach tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. A light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. A carry-on bag with wheels is not considered hand luggage on motorcoaches. Porterage is not included, and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk, and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings.
Meals
Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements and allergies. We will pass on your preferences but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. You are encouraged to reconfirm requirements with your tour leader whilst on tour.
Accommodation
Accommodation names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual accommodation names may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation. All rooms are lead-in category or run of house unless otherwise specified. The standard check-in time is after 3pm and check-out is before 10am – actual times may vary.
Tipping
In the USA, tipping is a common practice and widely expected and it is considered a standard way to show appreciation for good service. The amount may vary depending on the type of service provided, but tipping is generally seen as a gesture of courtesy and respect.
For the tour leader and driver – the suggested tipping for 19 Days is $389.00 AUD per person.
Flights
The outbound flight may depart one day prior to day 1 shown on the itinerary. The inbound flight may arrive one day after the final day shown on the itinerary. Flights are booked about 8 to 10 months before departure. The flights included in your package are based on a specific predetermined airfare allowance. Should there be a significant increase in airfares, fuel levies, taxes or government fees at the time of booking flights, then an airfare supplement may be imposed. The flights team will discuss options with you prior to ticketing, should this situation arise. Flights may not operate daily or directly to your destination. No show of any flight sectors will result in the automatic cancellation of all onward flights by the airline.
Fuel
In the unlikely event of a significant increase in fuel costs levied by third-party air, land and cruise transportation operators before travel, a fuel supplement may be passed on to the customer.
Transfers
Airport transfers are not included.
Group Size
The maximum number is 45 people on tour. If the trip does not operate, you will be offered a credit.
Itinerary
The operating schedule and itinerary may be impacted without notice by adverse weather, seasonal factors, closures, local conditions, COVID-19 or other factors beyond our control including force majeure. If attractions are not available due to reasons beyond our control such as closures or adverse weather, alternatives will be provided where possible. The itinerary and its order, sightseeing and transportation may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator for optimum safety, enjoyment, and operation. Any reference to ‘optional’, ‘not included’ or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense.
Breakaway
Customers must always remain with the tour group and must not leave the tour unless written approval is provided before departure.
Documentation
Final documentation will be emailed approximately 4 weeks before departure. For packages consisting of multiple tours, documentation will be emailed individually within 4 weeks of departure of each respective tour.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great coverage options.
Force Majeure
Force majeure means any natural disaster, accident, fire, act of God, act of war, terrorism, legally binding judgment, injunction, action of a court or other relevant authority, emergency, unplanned repairs, maintenance, strike, industrial dispute, work ban, blockade or picketing, travel ban, pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of infectious disease, or other event beyond our reasonable direct or indirect control. In case of force majeure or other extraordinary event that prevents safe travel, the supplier reserves the right to adjust, postpone or cancel the trip.
Product Code: MT-2006
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