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    Travel South USA: Rhythms of the River Self Drive Itinerary

    Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana trace the path of the Mississippi River and the story of American music, making them a compelling region for travellers. Music lovers can follow the blues from Chicago’s live clubs and St. Louis’s National Blues Museum to Memphis’s Sun Studio and Graceland, the Mississippi Delta’s Blues Trail, Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and the jazz of New Orleans’ Preservation Hall and Frenchmen Street. History and culture are just as strong, from Route 66 and Abraham Lincoln’s Springfield to the Gateway Arch, the antebellum mansions of Natchez and the French Quarter’s historic streets. Food is a major drawcard too, with Chicago deep-dish pizza, Memphis barbecue, Nashville’s meat-and-three restaurants and New Orleans beignets and jambalaya. With cities, small towns and scenic drives the region suits a self-drive holiday.

    Deal Details

    Travel Dates

    1 Jun 2027 - 9 Jun 2027

    Sale Ends

    Nov 30, 2026

    Priced From

    $3,079
    Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana trace the path of the Mississippi River and the story of American music, making them a compelling region for travellers. Music lovers can follow the blues from Chicago’s live clubs and St. Louis’s National Blues Museum to Memphis’s Sun Studio and Graceland, the Mississippi Delta’s Blues Trail, Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and the jazz of New Orleans’ Preservation Hall and Frenchmen Street. History and culture are just as strong, from Route 66 and Abraham Lincoln’s Springfield to the Gateway Arch, the antebellum mansions of Natchez and the French Quarter’s historic streets. Food is a major drawcard too, with Chicago deep-dish pizza, Memphis barbecue, Nashville’s meat-and-three restaurants and New Orleans beignets and jambalaya. With cities, small towns and scenic drives the region suits a self-drive holiday.

    Accommodation

    Rhythms of the River Self Drive Itinerary (4 stars)

    product 15304

    This road trip follows the Mississippi River south through the American Midwest and South, starting in Chicago, Illinois and finishing in New Orleans, Louisiana, with music as the common thread. Highlights in Chicago include Cloud Gate (The Bean) and Navy Pier, before the route follows historic Route 66 to Springfield and on to St. Louis, Missouri for the Gateway Arch and National Blues Museum. Next is Nashville, Tennessee, for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry, then Memphis for Sun Studio, Graceland and Beale Street. The trip continues along the Mississippi Blues Trail through Clarksdale and Cleveland, Mississippi, then follows the Natchez Trace Parkway to Natchez and its antebellum mansions. It ends in New Orleans, where travellers can explore the French Quarter, hear live jazz at Preservation Hall and enjoy local dishes such as beignets and jambalaya.

    Rooms

    Self Drive Itinerary (8 nights)

    01 Jun - 09 Jun 27
    Stay price: $3,079.00

    Includes: Self Drive inclusions as specified

    Note: Based on select departure 01 June 2027. Other dates available at a seasonal surcharge.

    Features

    • 9 Days / 8 Nights Rhythms of the River Self Drive Itinerary – Chicago, Illinois to New Orleans, Louisiana
    • 9 day Alamo Midsize Car Rental. Pick up Chicago O’Hare Airport and drop off New Orleans International Airport-Louis Armstrong
    • 1 Night Chicago, Illinois accommodation at RIU Plaza Chicago (4 star) in a Deluxe King Room, including breakfast
    • 1 Night Springfield, Illinois accommodation at President Abraham Lincoln Springfield DoubleTree by Hilton (4 star) in an Economy Room
    • 1 Night St. Louis, Missouri accommodation at Hotel Indigo St. Louis Downtown by IHG (4 star) in a Standard room
    • 1 Night Nashville, Tennessee accommodation at Virgin Hotels Nashville (4 star) in a Standard King Room
    • 1 Night Memphis, Tennessee accommodation at The Westin Memphis Beale Street (4 star) in a Traditional King Room
    • 1 Night Cleveland, Mississippi accommodation at Cotton House Cleveland a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (3 star) in a 2 Queen Beds Room
    • 1 Night Natchez, Mississippi accommodation at Dunleith Historic Inn (4 star) in a Courtyard King Room
    • 1 Night New Orleans, Louisiana accommodation at New Orleans Marriott (4 star) in a King Bed Room
    • Note: Pricing is per person double share, unless specified
    • Airfares are additional
    • Mandatory hotel fees may apply, are additional & payable direct  
    Terms & Conditions