America's Civil Rights Movement, music heritage and space exploration all came to a head in the explosive and exuberant atmosphere of the 1960s. Our tour encompasses the highlights and tragic lows of this era through the country music of Nashville, the rock 'n' roll and jazz of Memphis and the rhythmic blues of New Orleans before concluding at the Houston Space Centre.
As Texas's biggest city, Houston is home to some of the finest museums, performing arts and entertainment in the United States. Extend your stay in this sprawling city to further experience the culture or treat yourself on a trip to one of the many shopping malls.
Depart on your scheduled direct flight to Nashville. On arrival, you will be met by a local tour director and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure in Nashville, 'Music City USA', a city set amidst rolling farmland and known worldwide as the home of country music.
Breakfast
This morning, embark on a tour of Tennessee's rhythmic capital, Nashville, whose energetic ambience is characterised by its vibrant music scene, neon-lit avenues and bustling honky-tonks. For music lovers, your tour begins with a visit to Studio B, Nashville's oldest surviving recording studio regularly used by stars such as Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and The Everley Brothers, to name just a few . You will then head to the Country Music Hall of Fame – a vast museum celebrating all things country and western, featuring films, videos, costumes, and Elvis Presley’s solid gold Cadillac. Continue on to the Johnny Cash Museum to admire historical documents, awards, and stage outfits. Afterwards, you’ll pass by the impressive Parthenon – the only full-scale replica of the original Greek structure and the reason behind Nashville’s nickname, “Athens of the South.” There will also be an optional opportunity to experience one of Nashville’s famous honky-tonks, known for their lively country music performances. To end the day off, enjoy an unforgettable night of live music at the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville’s most iconic stage and a true celebration of country music past and present.
Breakfast & Dinner
After experiencing the iconic highlights of Nashville, enjoy a full day at leisure to delve deeper into one of the world’s greatest musical cities. Take a backstage tour of the legendary Ryman Auditorium (additional cost), or shop for unique finds in the trendy Gulch neighbourhood or unwind in one of the many rooftop bars with sweeping views of the skyline.
As the evening sets in, prepare for an unforgettable night at Ole Red Nashville, the lively venue inspired by country star Blake Shelton. Savour the Flavours of the South with a delicious dinner featuring classic dishes, all while enjoying top-notch live performances from rising country artists.
Breakfast & Dinner
The tour will head for Memphis, yet another highlight of this Southern Musical Medley tour. Travel through central Memphis and admire architectural landmarks such as Court Square Fountain, the Lincoln American Tower and Calvary Episcopal Church whilst your guide entertains you with tales about this rowdy riverside town and its inhabitants. This afternoon, take a trip to the National Civil Rights Museum built on the spot where Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968. Telling the story of the fight for freedom from slavery through to the Civil Rights Movement of the early fifties and sixties, prepare yourself for an emotional and unforgettable experience. In the evening, head to the old-school Blues City Cafe for blues music and soul food.
Experience another unforgettable moment for music lovers with a visit to Graceland, the legendary home and final resting place of Elvis Presley. Step into the world of The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll as you embark on an immersive audio tour through the opulent yet eccentric rooms of his mansion. Marvel at the famous Jungle Room, with its Polynesian-inspired décor, where Elvis would unwind while watching football games and kung-fu movies. Wander through the Trophy Building, which showcases his countless gold records, and the Meditation Garden, where he and his family are laid to rest, offering a poignant tribute to his extraordinary legacy.
This afternoon, continue your musical journey with a visit to Sun Studio, the legendary birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. Stand in the very recording room where a young Elvis recorded his first hit, That’s All Right, launching a career that would change music history forever. Feel the energy of the studio that also produced legendary hits from Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and B.B. King, and see Jerry Lee Lewis’s iconic piano still in its place.
As evening falls, enjoy a night at leisure to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Memphis. Stroll down the neon-lit Beale Street, where live blues, jazz, and rock spill out from historic juke joints and bars. Savor authentic Southern cuisine at a local eatery, from smoky Memphis barbecue to classic soul food. Choose to dance the night away in one of the city's many music venues or relax with a cocktail while listening to live performances.
Today the tour leaves Memphis and follows the path of the mighty Mississippi River and travels deep into the heart of the Mississippi Delta via Jackson before crossing the border into Louisiana. Driving across Lake Pontchartrain on the longest causeway in the world you will arrive in New Orleans, a melange of European style and Caribbean flavours and a city full of flamboyance, festivities, and a whole lot of soul.
The rest of the day and evening are for you to enjoy at your leisure, but make sure you live the New Orleans' motto 'Laissez les bons temps rouler' - let the good times roll! Or perhaps spend the evening upon the mighty river with an optional excursion of relaxing Jazz Cruise dinner.
Breakfast & Dinner
Begin your day with a guided exploration of New Orleans' most iconic sights, starting in the heart of the city—the French Quarter. Stroll through the lively streets, taking in the unique blend of French, Spanish, and Creole architecture, as well as the electric atmosphere that defines this legendary neighbourhood. Wander down Bourbon Street, famous for its vibrant nightlife and jazz-filled bars, before meandering to the more refined Royal Street and Jackson Square, one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. Here, you'll be immersed in the creative spirit of New Orleans, surrounded by street performers, local artists displaying their work.
Continue your journey with a visit to a local distillery, where you'll gain insight into the city’s deep-rooted craft spirits culture. Learn about the intricate distillation process with expert guides, before indulging in a tasting experience featuring up to three different spirits. Whether you enjoy a smooth bourbon, a classic Louisiana rum, or a unique house blend, this tasting is the perfect way to savour the flavours of the region.
This evening, we’ve arranged for you to enjoy an entertaining and interactive cooking demonstration, led by a Creole or Cajun expert who will share stories, history, and the secrets behind some of Louisiana’s most beloved dishes. Watch as they prepare classic Southern specialties such as gumbo, jambalaya, or pralines, and indulge in a delicious dinner featuring these local favourites.
Breakfast
Today is a free day for you to enjoy New Orleans in your own time. Stroll around the market in the French Quarter, stop for some lunch at one of the many oyster bars and restaurants, shop for antiques and trinkets or book yourself a tour through the Louisiana bayou aboard an pontoon boat. This evening you can take your pick of the many excellent bars, eateries and music venues for which this laidback city, The Big Easy is world renowned.
Breakfast
This morning, say goodbye to the vibrant city of New Orleans as you head towards Houston, gearing up for your return to the UK the next day. En route, take a refreshing break in Lake Charles, where you'll have an hour to stretch your legs, explore the local charm, and enjoy a leisurely lunch. As you continue your journey, soak in the city sights before arriving at your hotel for a restful overnight stay.
Breakfast
The final day of your main tour includes a visit to Houston's Space Centre, home to NASA and the world's largest collection of moon rocks and lunar samples on public view. You'll also see Mission Control that guided the first moon landings as well as original Saturn, Mercury and Apollo rockets that have been at the forefront of space exploration since the early sixties. Afterwards, return to your hotel and begin your extended stay in Houston.
Breakfast
Spend time at leisure visiting the many sights of Texas' largest city.
Breakfast
After breakfast, depart for the airport to catch your return flight back to the UK.
Your flight lands back in the UK today.
Use discount code TOUR200 at the checkout to save £200 per person on selected tours departing in February 2026, March 2026 and May 2026
Your Next Adventure Awaits! We've been arranging award-winning, expertly crafted hoildays and tours since 1980. We're also ABTA protected and ATOL bonded for your total peace of mind. Call us today to book your next unforgettable holiday!
Mary, our guide, was very informative and comprehensive in her direction and leadership, and communicated with great warmth and Kevin, the driver was funny, supportive, and very safe. All of the days had highlights, some unexpected, such as the Johny Cash Museum and LBJ Space Museum in Houston. We saw what we hoped to see and more.
Richard Boyle
23 May 25The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
All UK passport holders must have a biometric e-passport and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you are expected to arrive back in the UK. Important note: if you do not have a bio-metric e-passport, you will be refused entry into the USA.
You will need to obtain an ESTA visa. This must be applied for at least 7 days before you are due to land in the USA. An ESTA can be applied for directly on the website of the Department of Homeland Security. The Fee for application is approximately $40.00 plus a processing fee and is applied for and payable via a Credit / Debit Card online. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta
Alternatively we work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be who will be able to arrange the ESTA visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. When Calling the Travel Visa Company they will advise you of any changes to the fees or procedure, they will also advise you all of the information they will require in order to apply for the visa.
The US Government enforces a restriction on people who have travelled to Cuba since on or after 12 January 2021. These travellers are no longer eligible to apply for the ESTA Visa Waiver program and need to apply for a US visitor's visa (B1/B2) via their nearest US Embassy. This ban includes transit, where you’re flying on to another country.
Please note your final documentation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. Weight restrictions will be finalized on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0333 188 0407, quoting HX313.
IMPORTANT: A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you. Please note that you should carry your invoice with flight details on it as you will need to show this at the airport.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
The currency in America is the United States Dollar (USD). You will be able to change currency both before you travel and whilst you are away. You will also have access to ATMs during your tour where you can withdraw money in local currency. Major Credit and Debit Cards are widely accepted.
As normal practice you may be asked for your Credit / Debit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.
You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £500-£700 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. Optional excursions are paid by credit/debit card.
Tipping
Tipping is very common practice in America. It is customary to tip your guides and driver. Please allow approx. 8-11 USD per person per day for the Tour Guide and 7-10 USD per person per day for the Driver. (All tips will be collected by your tour director on the last day) Tipping at restaurants, hotel staff etc. is discretionary.
The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 30, and the maximum will be 45. If in the unlikely event there are less than 30 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival and will be accompanied by a guide throughout your stay ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
Your stay in Houston is not escorted by a tour guide and your time will be free to explore the city at your own pace. Transfers are included.
Our standard transport for a USA Tour is an air-conditioned motorcoach with onboard facilities. Motorcoaches included on our USA tours are based on a capacity of 47-55 guests.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist compared to what you might expect in the UK. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs. The hotels listed below are provided for guidance only and may vary on different departure dates. The final confirmation of your hotels will be sent 21 days before travel.
In the USA, the Triple or Quad Room will be a double room with two queen size beds in the room. Most hotels don’t have additional space in the room to add any rollaway bed or sofa bed.
Breakfast (when Included) will be of a continental style, and at some hotels will be a “Grab & Go “ style. A Grab & Go will usually consist of Coffee / Juice and Bakery items. If you would like a full service hot breakfast, there are many locally eatery options outside of your hotel.
Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of local of dishes and flavours. Vegetarian and Vegan meals can be catered for.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed counties water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way as the UK. Bottled Water will be available to purchase at Shops, Hotels & Lodges.
On your arrival in Nashville you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Destination America, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Destination America representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries.
If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are:
Destination America: 5551 Katella Avenue | Cypress, CA 90630 Email: daoperations@destamer.com
Emergency contact information: Please find below the emergency contact details for Destination America 24 hour telephone number: 001 310 617 6635
