A TASTE OF SOUTHERN USA 2016 TOUR
For men and women who want to discover the local culinary experiences
of the Deep South, Guided by a Certified Master Sommelier
2nd – 17th September 2016
16 days $8750
Experience the grace and charm of the Deep South and discover some of the most picturesque towns in the U.S.
We will trace the roots of American history on this tour surrounded by beautiful plantation mansions and visiting
dynamic and vibrant cities. We begin our journey in Atlanta full of history of the civil war followed by Savannah one of
the oldest cities in America – a site of many famous Revolutionary & Civil War Battles as well, with beautiful moss
draped trees in Forsyth Park and that park bench where Forest Gump sat waiting for a bus. As we head to the
Mississippi River, where you will enjoy a traditional steamboat cruise, we then settle into our colonial hotel in New
Orleans where you will enjoy the city that comes alive in the evening taking in the sights and sounds along Bourbon
Street and yet immerse yourself in this fascinating sultry melting pot of French, Spanish, Italian, Caribbean, African
and Southern styles that magically blends decadence and elegance. Put on your dancing shoes as we travel to
Memphis – guaranteed to give you a good dose of the true South – the smell of cornbread, the slow moan of a blues
song and the eternal sounds of Elvis. The city of Nashville is pure energy and pure soul – it is the Music City where
music is inspired, created, recorded and performed.
You will be accompanied by our food and wine tour guide who will show you the real cuisine of the south where you
will savour & enjoy authentic southern hospitality at its best.
On this journey we discover that the Deep South is indeed the heart and soul of America.
[email protected]
www.busbystours.com
Laiana: 0431990618
Carol: 0405643161
Day 1, Friday 2nd September 2016 – Arrive in Atlanta, Georgia
Welcome to Atlanta, the southern state of Georgia with its charming streets, civil war history and the home of Martin
Luther King.
You will be met at the hotel by our team and shown to your room. The remainder of the day is at your leisure so why
not head to Peachtree Street to explore the numerous museums, shops, art galleries and where Gone with the Wind
novelist Margaret Mitchell, and her fictional heroine Scarlett, lived.
This evening we will meet and discuss what adventures await over the next couple of weeks followed by a Welcome
Dinner at one of Atlanta’s finest restaurants.
Overnight: Atlanta
Meals: Welcome Dinner (including wine or beverages)
Day 2, Saturday 3rd September 2016
After a leisurely breakfast we will visit some of the most talked about locations in history, Martin Luther King’s birth
home and memorial. The historic Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site commemorates the life, work, and
legacy of the Civil Rights leader. The center takes up several blocks, which include King’s boyhood home and the
Ebenezer Baptist Church, where both King’s father and grandfather served as ministers. You will view many of
Atlanta’s landmarks along the way such as Cyclorama, The World of Coke as well as the Underground Atlanta and
more.
This afternoon will be at your leisure. Tonight we will have our farewell Atlanta dinner at another up and coming new
restaurant.
Overnight: Atlanta
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner (including wine or beverages)
Day 3, Sunday 4th September 2016
On our arrival into Savannah, one of the most beautiful and oldest cities in America relax in your 5 star luxury hotel
where we will stay for the next 2 nights. Why not relax in the hotels luxury spa for some pampering or the fitness
centre for those with energy to burn. Our hotel has optional cooking classes if you wish to try your hand in the kitchen
(If you wish to book this optional Cooking Class please inform us). If you are keen on art, our hotel has an array of fine
art which you may like to peruse this afternoon in their art gallery. Or perhaps take a stroll along River Street, a
glittering multi-faceted gem along the broad Savannah River. The century old buildings, once cotton warehouses,
have been converted to antique shops, distinctive boutiques, spectacular galleries, quaint brew pubs, fabulous
restaurants and unique nightspots. Enjoy some leisure time here this afternoon and a definite must to visit is the holy
grail of Southern candy at the River Street Sweets. Watch candy being made before your eyes and try flavours such
as glazed pecans, salt water taffy, gummies, sugar and spice pecan peanut brittle, fudge, caramel apples and
whatever your sweet tooth desires.
This evening you will experience some local beverages with your evening meal in one of Savannah’s most popular
restaurants.
Overnight: Savannah
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner (including wine or beverages)
Day 4, Monday 5th September 2016
Stunning natural beauty, magnificent architecture, fascinating history and warm southern hospitality have lured
millions of visitors to Savannah each year. With its quaint country squares and many areas of historic interest there is
much to see and do in Georgia’s first city. You experience the main sites of Savannah today, Davenport House, City
Market, Colonial Park Cemetery, Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, Mercer House, Broughton Street, Andrew Low
House, Telfair Museum, The Waving Girl, and much, much more. Hear how British General James Edward
Oglethorpe established Georgia's First City atop a natural bluff on the Savannah River. Experience the magic and
mystery of the city that was the inspiration for John Berendt's novel, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Learn
the history, legend and lore which has shaped Savannah into a unique place that is known both as one of the most
romantic and most haunted cities in America.
After you tour of Savannah we take a leisurely stroll to the 30 acre Forsyth Park nested in the heart of Savannah’s
landmark historic district with lush walking paths, memorials dedicated to the Confederacy and the Spanish-American
War where we relax and enjoy a lovely picnic lunch under the moss draped trees beside Forsyth Fountain.
Overnight: Savannah
Meals: Breakfast / Picnic Lunch
Day 5, Tuesday 6th September 2016
This morning we will transfer to Savannah Airport to board our flight to New Orleans. Our colonial hotel near the
French Quarter of New Orleans will immerse you into the real buzz of this city for the next 4 nights.
Your day is at leisure to soak up the atmosphere of Bourbon Street with many shops displaying their Mardi Gras items
or stroll beside the Mississippi River for a leisurely afternoon. This evening you will have the opportunity to visit
Preservation Hall as a VIP guest where the Jazz performances are the quintessential music experience in New
Orleans in this 150 year old building. If you are feeling more music is needed this evening maybe a stroll or dance
along Bourbon Street listening to all the entertainment spilling onto the street is absolutely a moment to savour.
Overnight: New Orleans
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6, Wednesday 7th September 2016
Your guide today will bring the French Quarter to life with stories, legends and interesting facts about the Creole
people and the architecture, courtyards, food, music, art & gardens that all lend to this district’s unique character.
You will saunter down the sidewalks of Royal Street, Bourbon Street and other quaint streets named after European
saints and sinners and learn of the homes in this area originally settled by the French in the early 1700s. You will also
visit the French Market for a culinary history tour where you may like to try fried alligator on a stick as well as taking a
peek at the making of beignets at the famous Café du Monde.
Our food guide has arranged a special dinner this evening in one of New Orleans most talked about restaurants.
Overnight: New Orleans
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner (including wine or beverages)
Day 7, Thursday 8th September 2016
Experience the beauty and romance of old New Orleans today aboard an authentic sternwheel Steamboat on the
Mississippi River. Step back in time when cotton was king while Dixieland jazz plays for your entertainment while you
enjoy brunch and champagne, relax and watch the city of New Orleans go by as you steam down the mighty
Mississippi on a paddle-wheeler like travellers of old.
Optional evening tours can be arranged for you, perhaps a ghost, witches or voodoo tour for the brave?
Overnight: New Orleans
Meals: Breakfast / Brunch (including beverages)
Day 8, Friday 9th September 2016
This morning is at your leisure for some retail therapy or strolling cobblestone streets.This afternoon we will visit one
of the most popular breweries in New Orleans. This brewery is the city’s premier beer brewing company located along
the Mississippi River where you will enjoy tasting lagers and ales with your BBQ lunch.
Overnight: New Orleans
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch (including beverages)
Day 9, Saturday 10th September 2016
This morning we hit America’s Blues Highway towards Jackson for an overnight stay on-route to Memphis.
On our arrival in Jackson, the location of the movie The Help, you will be shown many of the locations and buildings
from this movie before we settle into our hotel for a relaxing afternoon.
A mix of cultural and ethnic groups provide the city with cuisine that is truly international. You will enjoy a special
dinner this evening to remember your stay in Jackson.
Overnight: Jackson
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner (including wine or beverages)
Day 10 Sunday 11th September 2016
Most recognise Memphis, Tennessee as everything Elvis Presley and of course there is a lot of history as he put
Memphis on the map, so to start our journey we will stop at Tupelo and visit the birth home of Elvis before we arrive in
the heart of Memphis. After we check into our hotel in Memphis, were we spend the next 3 nights, we will gather in the
lounge area of the Peabody Hotel for afternoon tea before we witness one of the highlights of the hotel and of course
in Memphis, the grand parade of the Peabody Ducks which has been a daily ritual since 1930’s. People gather to
watch these well trained ducks arrive down from their luxury roof top home via the lift to walk the red carpet into the
Italian marble fountain in the middle of the hotel.
Overnight: Memphis
Meals: Breakfast / Afternoon Tea (including beverages)
Day 11, Monday 12th September 2016
A walking tour is arranged through Memphis this morning where you will discover the history and soul of a town rich
with the sound of music. View Memphis top attractions on this narrated tour that takes you along the Mississippi River.
Pass Victorian homes, historical statues and cultural landmarks like the Pyramid Arena and the Lorraine Hotel, where
Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated. Next stop is to Graceland Mansion where you will visit Elvis Presley’s former
home and see his personal mementos as you journey from the icon’s humble beginnings through to his rise to
stardom.
Enjoy lunch over some rock n roll juke box music while admiring Graceland’s
Overnight: Memphis
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch (including beverages)
Day 12, Tuesday 13th September 2016
You have a full day of leisure in Memphis today or perhaps you would like to take an optional tour to Sun Studios - the
birthplace of rock 'n' roll, where Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded and made a name for themselves.
You will find a museum featuring hundreds of rare recordings, memorabilia, photographs and vintage recording
equipment.
This evening we have a special dinner arranged for you to farewell our time in Elvis’s home town.
Overnight: Memphis
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner (including wine or beverages)
Day 13, Wednesday 14th September 2016
After a leisurely breakfast we continue our journey along the music trail as we head to Nashville, Tennessee where we
spend the next 3 nights.
Nashville is a city that resonates with life and vibrates to the beat of every kind of song. It’s a wonderland of American
music, Southern hospitality, unbelievable cuisine and a boundless spectrum of nightlife. Once we have settled into our
hotel we will take some time out for a leisurely lunch at one of the local Diners. This evening we will venture down
Honky Tonk Row and enjoy great music from the many venues, from country, bluegrass, and rockabilly to
rock ‘n’ roll, many a famous artist has been spotted enjoying the evening with the locals.
Overnight: Nashville
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch (including wine or beverages)
Day 14, Thursday 15th September 2016
A tour of the city of Nashville awaits you today with a visit to the Grand Ole Opry house with a backstage VIP tour.
Your knowledgeable guide will take you behind the curtain into the concert hall that made Nashville the capital of
country music. Walk in the footsteps of country music’s superstars and get an exclusive look behind the scenes at the
legendary venue.
We have another amazing luncheon location for you today including a visit to a local distillery this afternoon.
This evening is at your leisure and we have a list of some of the best restaurants you may wish to try.
Overnight: Nashville
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch (including beverages)
Day 15, Friday 16th September 2016
Your final day on tour is at your leisure to absorb everything this country city has to offer. We have many optional
tours if you wish to explore further afield from Nashville of perhaps some well-earned pampering is on your list today.
Our Farewell Dinner this evening is located at one of Nashville’s fine dining restaurants where we can share our
memories and adventures from our Southern USA tour.
Overnight: Nashville
Meals: Breakfast / Farewell Dinner (including wine or beverages)
Day 16, Saturday 17th September 2016
After breakfast this morning we say farewell to our new travelling friends and make your way to airport for your journey
home. If you are continuing onto another US location please let us know if you require assistance.
We wish everyone a safe journey homeward and hope that many lasting friendships were made on our
Busby’s Wine and Food Tour, and we thank you