Self-Drive Southern Treasures

Day 1

Atlanta, GA
Visit the Carter Presidential Center, the World of Coca Cola Pavilion or tour the CNN Center, home of the world’s largest television network. Explore Underground Atlanta for great jazz.
1 night Atlanta.
Standard: Baymont Inn and Suites
Select: Wyndham Garden

Day 2

To Chattanooga, TN (114 miles)
Travel north today, into the Appalachian Mountains to Chattanooga. Incorporated in 1851, the city began as an outpost on the border of the Cherokee Nation and developed into a diverse city with a variety of manufacturing, commercial and cultural activities. Along the way, the city also saw action in two Civil War battles. Don’t miss the Tennessee Aquarium and Ruby Falls!
1 night Chattanooga.
Standard: Best Western Heritage inn
Select: Holiday Inn Choo Choo

Day 3-4

To Nashville, TN (133 miles)
Drive to the home of Country Music and the Grand Ole Opry. Visit the homes and museums of music giants, stop at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Dance to hot country sounds or sail aboard the General Jackson Showboat on the Cumberland River.
2 nights Nashville.
Standard: Quality Inn and Suites
Select: Millennium Maxwell

Day 5

To Memphis, TN (209 miles)
In 1977 Congress declared Memphis“ Home of the Blues,” recognizing the cultural significance of Beale Street, W.C. Handy and Elvis Presley. “The Mountain Top” sculpture honors Martin Luther King Jr., who was assassinated here. Mud Island, a 52-acre park showcasing the Mississippi, is home to “Memphis Belle,” the famed WW II bomber.
1 night Memphis.
Standard: Sleep Inn
Select: Holiday Inn Select

Day 6-7

Little Rock/Hot Springs, AR (206 miles)
Travel today through Little Rock, where a worthwhile stop is at the President William Clinton Library. Continue to Hot Springs. The first federally protected reservation in the nation’s history, Hot Springs Arkansas features amazing 147° thermal water, rich history and beautiful architecture. Hike or drive up “Shaman’s Peak” where ancient warriors once walked, tour the historic Fordyce Bathhouse and Visitor’s Center, or enjoy a relaxing bath massage and spa – all in the historic downtown area.
2 nights Hot Springs
Standard: Howard Johnson Inn
Select: Arlington Hotel

Day 8-9

To Lafayette, LA (391miles)
When expelled from Nova Scotia by the British in the 1700s, French Acadian farmers settled in this area, known as Acadiana. Their descendants, the Cajuns, still speak a French dialect and observe the traditions of their ancestors. Lafayette is surrounded by attractions and historic villages, including the Acadian Village, Vermilionville and Avery Island.
2 nights Lafayette.
Standard: Comfort Inn
Select: Best Western Acadian

Day 10-11

To New Orleans, LA (135 miles)
Head for the “Big Easy,” home to jazz and Bourbon Street, where the party never stops! Explore this marvelous city, which retains the flavor of the French and Spanish cultures which founded it. See Jackson Square, Royal Street, take an afternoon or evening cruise on a steamboat, before trying some famous Cajun or Creole cuisine for dinner.
2 nights New Orleans.
Standard: Holiday Inn French Quarter
Select: Omni Royal Orleans

Day 12

Tallahassee, FL (386 miles)
Travel along the Gulf Coast today. You may want to stop in the historic port city of Mobile, AL, or in any of Florida’s panhandle resort towns.... Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Destin en route to Tallahassee, the capital of Florida for overnight.
1 night Tallahassee
Standard: Quality Inn Tallahassee
Select: Doubletree Tallahassee

Day 13-14

Savannah, GA (303 miles)
Arrive in romantic Savannah, founded in 1733 as England’s last colony. Explore the restored waterfront; many homes are open for touring. The mansion birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, (built 1819-21) is owned and operated by the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. as a memorial to their founder. The many restored churches include the Lutheran Church of Ascension (dating from 1741); the Independent Presbyterian Church (1890) and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (1876), the First African Baptist Church whose congregation dates back the 1788 and Temple Mickeve Israel, the third oldest Synagogue in America.
2 nights Savannah.
Standard: Sleep Inn
Select: River Street Inn

Day 15

To Atlanta/Home (249 miles)
Drive along the Antebellum Trail, through Macon, famous for its plantation style homes, en route to Atlanta, for your flight home.

Day 16

Arrive back to the UK in the early morning at your chosen UK airport.