Arrive in the ‘Peach State’ of Georgia and its cosmopolitan capital city Atlanta for a two-night stay. There is so much to see in the city including many pretty parks and gardens, trendy and distinctive neighbourhoods, and world-class attractions. Visit the well-known World of Coca Cola and learn about this iconic drink brand and even get to drink some in the ‘tasting room’. The Georgia Aquarium houses over 70 amazing habitats where you can see penguins, sealions, dolphins and sharks. Other must visits include the boyhood home of Martin Luthur King and the moving National Centre for Civil and Human Rights.

Pick up your car and drive south-west into ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ and to the states capital city Montgomery. A compact and pristine city, Montgomery lies on the Alabama River and is regarded as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement. World-changing events took place here including the Bus Boycott, which began when Rosa Parks famously refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus. Visit the interesting Rosa Parks Library and Museum to learn about her story and the positive changes her brave actions led to. You can also visit the church where Martin Luther King was a pastor. Visit the Hank Williams Museum in downtown to see many of the famous country singers’ memorabilia including his baby blue cadillac. For a drink and a delicious dinner head to the lively Alley entertainment district.

Head north to Alabama’s largest city Birmingham which played a vital role in the Civil Rights Movement as it was the centre of the civil rights struggle for African-Americans. Learn about their struggles at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and successes in introducing the Civil Rights Movement. The Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, just a short walk away is the city’s most famous civil rights landmark, when on the 15 September 1963, a bomb planted by the Ku Klux Klan tragically killed four young girls. Dining is a pleasant experience in the city with an array of fantastic restaurants that are some of the best in the USA.

Travel to the north-west corner of Alabama, stopping in Huntsville to learn about space travel at the U.S. Space and Rocket Centre. With some interesting and fun interactive activities there is so much to learn and experience! Carry on to Muscle Shoals, the ‘Hit recording capital of the world’ to learn about the states musical history, where world famous artists came to record their hit records. Tour the Fame Recording Studio founded by Rick Hall where artists including Etta James, Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin made hit songs. Also visit Muscle Shoals Sound Studio where Tina Turner recorded some of her hits and find the secret bar! Stay in the nearby town of Florence for two nights.

Today we visit the state of Mississippi and Tennessee as we continue our musical theme to visit Tupelo, where Elvis Presley was born. Visit his humble childhood home, his family’s church, and the Tupelo Hardware store where Elvis was bought his first guitar. Continue to Memphis, Elvis’ beloved hometown and home of the ‘blues’, rock ‘n’ roll and soul music. Visit Graceland and tour Elvis’s home and see some of his most loved possessions including his planes, classic cars, and glitzy jumpsuits. Music is around every corner in Memphis including Sun Studios where Elvis recorded some of his hits and the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. In the evening visit lively Beale Street to watch the street entertainers, listen to live music and enjoy barbecue food!

Enjoy a change of music genre as we head to Nashville, the ‘Country Music Capital of the World’. Buy some cowboy boots and have a drink and listen to some live country music in one of the many fun honky-tonk bars! Don’t miss a memorable visit to RCA Studio B where many country songs were recorded by artists such as Elvis Presley. Head to one of the largest music museums; the Country Music Hall of Fame and end your holiday with a country music concert in the iconic Grand Old Opry!

Last day to revel in the warm southern charm before dropping off your car and boarding your flight back to the UK.