THE STARTING ITINERARY
Below is a sample itinerary designed to inspire your custom journey through the Deep South. From historic cities to scenic drives and cultural landmarks, each element — from accommodations to experiences — can be personalized to match your travel style and interests.
* This itinerary can begin in either Nashville or Atlanta, with flexible options to shorten the duration, focus on one or two of the three legs, upgrade accommodations and add exclusive experiences.
FIRST LEG
Day 1: Arrival in Nashville, Tennessee
Start your Southern adventure in
Nashville, where country music, Tennessee whiskey, and comfort food welcome you with open arms. Upon arrival, collect your rental SUV and head to your centrally located 4-star hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy your first evening in the vibrant
Lower Broadway district. Dine in one of the lively BBQ joints or Southern kitchens, visit a classic
honky-tonk, and maybe even try your hand at karaoke in Music City.
Overnight in Nashville – 4-star Downtown/Music Row Hotel or similar
Day 2: Explore Nashville
Dedicate your day to exploring the heart of Nashville. Visit iconic sites such as the
Country Music Hall of Fame,
Johnny Cash Museum, and Ryman Auditorium. Cross the
Cumberland River to discover the artsy neighborhood of
East Nashville, where vintage shops, live music venues, and independent cafés bring Southern creativity to life.
Outside the downtown core, explore the
Vanderbilt University campus, relax at
Centennial Park with its full-scale Parthenon replica, or head toward the Grand Ole Opry for a guided backstage experience.
Optional Detour: Take a half-day trip to
Lynchburg (approx. 1.5 hours) to tour the world-famous
Jack Daniel’s Distillery.
Evening free to enjoy live music or a Southern dinner with skyline views.
Overnight in Nashville – 4-star Downtown/Music Row Hotel or similar
Day 3: Day 3: Nashville → Great Smoky Mountains → Asheville, North Carolina
Depart Nashville and begin your scenic drive toward the
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (approx. 4.5 hours). This UNESCO World Heritage site offers some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the eastern U.S.
As you approach the mountains, take time to explore a portion of the
Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America's most iconic scenic drives. Stretch your legs at scenic overlooks, capture panoramic views, or enjoy short walks through the forested trails.
Continue east toward the artistic mountain town of
Asheville, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Explore the
River Arts District, known for its working artist studios, or visit local breweries and boutiques.
Optional Highlight: Consider extending your stay to visit the
Biltmore Estate, a grand Gilded Age mansion and America’s largest privately owned home.
Overnight in Asheville – 4-star Historic Inn or Boutique Mountain Hotel
Day 4: Asheville → Grandfather Mountain → Charleston, South Carolina
Depart Asheville early for a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Parkway toward
Grandfather Mountain, home to the famous
Mile-High Swinging Bridge — the highest suspension footbridge in the U.S., perched more than one mile above sea level. Built in 1952, this iconic engineering marvel offers stunning
360-degree views of the surrounding Appalachian landscape.
After your mountain visit, continue your journey southeast toward
Charleston, South Carolina (approx. 5h15), a charming coastal city rich in Southern history and architecture.
Overnight in Charleston – 4-star Historic District Hotel or similar
Day 5: Charleston
Spend the day exploring
Charleston, often considered the crown jewel of the South. This beautifully preserved city blends colonial elegance with a laid-back coastal atmosphere, featuring
cobblestone streets,
colorful row houses, and a timeless Southern charm.
Top experiences include:
- A guided walking or horse-drawn carriage tour through the Rainbow Row and Battery neighborhoods
- Visiting historic plantations such as Magnolia or Middleton Place, to explore both their beauty and their difficult legacy tied to slavery
- A sunset boat cruise or scenic harbor ride
- Dining, art galleries, and boutique shopping in the Historic District
Overnight in Charleston – 4-star Historic District Hotel or similar
Day 6: Charleston → Beaufort → Savannah, Georgia
Depart Charleston and drive the scenic coastal route toward
Savannah (approx. 2.5 hours). Along the way, stop in
Beaufort, a picturesque Southern town known for its antebellum mansions and cinematic waterfront views.
Upon arrival in
Savannah, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon discovering the city’s lush squares, moss-draped oak trees, and historic architecture. For easy sightseeing, we recommend a narrated
Trolley Tour of the Historic District.
Don’t miss the iconic
Forsyth Fountain, dating back to 1858 — a popular photo stop and local gathering point.
Overnight in Savannah – 4-star Hotel in the Historic District or similar
SECOND LEG
Day 7: Savannah, GA → Montgomery, AL
Leave Georgia behind and head west toward Montgomery, the capital of Alabama and a pivotal city in the
Civil Rights Movement (approx. 5h30 / 340 miles). Arrive in the early afternoon to begin exploring one of the South’s most historically significant cities.
Must-visit sites include:
- The powerful Civil Rights Memorial, located near Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. served as pastor
- The steps of the Alabama State Capitol, where Dr. King delivered a defining speech at the conclusion of the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery March
- The Rosa Parks Museum and Library, commemorating the 1955 Bus Boycott
Overnight in Montgomery – 4-star classic Hotel or similar
Day 8: Montgomery → Selma → Mobile
Today you’ll follow the path of the
1965 Voting Rights March, driving from Montgomery to
Selma, where the historic
Edmund Pettus Bridge stands as a national symbol of the Civil Rights Movement. Along the way, stop at key historic landmarks including:
- Brown Chapel AME Church
- National Voting Rights Museum & Institute
- Interpretive markers along the Selma-to-Montgomery National Historic Trail
After exploring Selma, continue south to the Gulf Coast city of
Mobile (approx. 2h45 / 180 miles). Arrive in time to enjoy the waterfront and try regional seafood specialties.
Optional: Dine at
Felix’s Fish Camp for classic Southern seafood with a view.
Overnight in Mobile or nearby – 4-star Gulf Coast Hotel/Historic Inn or similar
Day 9: Mobile → New Orleans, Louisiana
Spend a relaxing morning exploring
Fairhope and
downtown Mobile before heading west along the Gulf Coast toward New Orleans (approx. 2h30 / 150 miles). Consider stopping in
Biloxi or
Gulfport for a seaside lunch en route.
Arrive in
New Orleans in the afternoon. After check-in, take a stroll along the
Mississippi Riverfront or begin exploring the iconic
French Quarter, known for its architecture, live music, and creole cuisine.
Overnight in New Orleans – 4-star Hotel in the French Quarter or similar (upgrades to 5-star available)
Day 10: Exploring New Orleans
Today is dedicated to discovering the rich cultural fabric and unmistakable soul of New Orleans — a city shaped by French, Spanish, and Creole influences. Acquired by the United States in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, New Orleans retains a deeply European character, visible in its vibrant neighborhoods and timeless architecture.
We recommend exploring the city’s diverse districts — each with its own distinct identity:
- French Quarter – the historic heart of the city
- Garden District – known for grand antebellum mansions
- Tremé & Marigny – hubs of Creole culture and jazz
- Algiers & Uptown – charming and off the beaten path
Stroll along the iconic avenues:
Canal Street,
Royal Street,
Bayou Road, and
St. Charles Avenue, where oak-lined streets frame stately homes.
Optional Experiences
- Guided walking tour of the French Quarter or cemeteries
- Jazz river cruise on the Mississippi
- Haunted history or voodoo legends tour
- Private food and culture experiences
If budget permits, we strongly recommend booking a
local guide to gain deeper insight into New Orleans' layered past and living culture.
Overnight in New Orleans – 4-star Hotel in the French Quarter or similar (upgrades to 5-star available)
Day 11: Louisiana Plantations & Bayou Country
Step beyond the charm of New Orleans today and venture into the surrounding
Bayou and River Road region — a land of striking natural beauty, historic mansions, and deeply complex history.
Spend the day exploring
two sides of Louisiana’s past:
- Whitney Plantation – Unlike most historic homes, this site is dedicated entirely to the history of slavery in the South. Through preserved slave cabins, powerful memorials, and first-person narratives, Whitney offers a deeply moving and educational perspective on the lives of the enslaved people who built these plantations.
- Oak Alley Plantation – Known for its iconic oak-canopied lane and stately Greek Revival mansion, Oak Alley offers insight into the architecture and economy of the antebellum South, while also acknowledging the lives of those who were enslaved on the grounds.
In the afternoon, consider adding an
airboat tour through the cypress swamps to discover the region’s unique ecosystems — from alligators to herons.
This day is not just about scenic beauty, but an opportunity to engage with
Louisiana’s full story, honoring both its grandeur and its hard truths.
Overnight in New Orleans – 4-star Hotel in the French Quarter or similar (upgrades to 5-star available)
THIRD LEG
Day 12: New Orleans → Jackson → Memphis (TN)
Leave
New Orleans early and head north through western Mississippi toward
Memphis. Today will be one of the longest drives of the tour (approx. 5–6 hours / ~400 miles), so an early departure is recommended.
Halfway along your route, stop in
Jackson, Mississippi — a vibrant city with deep roots in the
Civil Rights Movement and a flourishing arts and music scene. Here you can visit the
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and explore exhibits that contextualize the struggles and triumphs you’ve encountered in Montgomery, Selma, and beyond.
Enjoy lunch at a local café before continuing your journey to
Memphis, Tennessee, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed dinner downtown.
Overnight in Memphis – 4-star City Center Hotel or similar
Day 13: Memphis, Tennessee
Today is yours to dig into the soul of
Memphis — a city that lives and breathes music, history, and Southern culture. Located along the
Mississippi River, Memphis is much more than “another music city.” It’s a place where blues, rock‑n‑roll, and soul were forged and where history echoes from every corner.
Suggested highlights and experiences:
- The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel — a powerful and essential visit for understanding 20th‑century American history
- Sun Studio — the legendary recording home of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and many others
- Stax Museum of American Soul Music — celebrating the legacy of soul legends
- Graceland — the iconic home of Elvis Presley, a must‑see for music lovers
Wander
Victorian Village in the afternoon and admire its grand historic homes, then end the day on
Beale Street, immersed in live music, BBQ joints, and nightlife.
Overnight in Memphis – 4-star City Center Hotel or similar
Day 14: Memphis → Birmingham (AL)
Depart Memphis and head east toward
Birmingham, Alabama (approx. 3h45 / 245 miles), a city that played a pivotal role in the
Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.
Once in Birmingham, explore sites that tell the city’s profound story:
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute — an award‑winning interpretive museum and research center
- Kelly Ingram Park — historic gathering site for marches and demonstrations
- Sixteenth Street Baptist Church — a National Historic Landmark with deep Civil Rights significance
- Railroad Park — a beautiful 19‑acre urban park blending the city’s industrial heritage with modern leisure
If you have extra time en route, consider a detour to Tupelo, Mississippi — the birthplace of Elvis Presley — or a quick stop in Oxford, Mississippi, home of the historic
University of Mississippi (Ole Miss).
Overnight in Birmingham – 4-star Urban Hotel or similar
Day 15: Birmingham → Atlanta
Leave
Birmingham in the morning and journey east toward
Atlanta, the vibrant capital of Georgia (approx. 150 miles / 2.5 hours).
Arrive by early afternoon and check into your upscale hotel, ideally located for exploring the city. Depending on your arrival time, take a stroll through one of Atlanta’s historic neighborhoods or enjoy a relaxing meal in the bustling
Midtown or Buckhead districts.
Overnight in Atlanta – 4-star City Hotel or similar
Day 16: Explore Atlanta
Spend the day discovering the many faces of Atlanta, a city rich in
history,
culture,
cuisine, and Southern hospitality.
Top recommendations for your visit:
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – Includes the Ebenezer Baptist Church, the King Center, and Dr. King’s birth home
- Ponce City Market – A vibrant food hall and shopping destination housed in a historic Sears building
- Historic Georgian Terrace Hotel and nearby Fox Theatre – Iconic Atlanta landmarks worth viewing
- Oakland Cemetery and South-View Cemetery – Reflective, historical sites tied deeply to Atlanta’s heritage
- World of Coca-Cola Museum – An immersive experience into the global brand’s legacy
- The Varsity – The world’s largest drive-in, serving classic Americana since 1928
Whether you’re into Civil Rights history, architecture, culinary experiences, or urban revitalization, Atlanta offers something for every traveler.
Overnight in Atlanta – 4-star City Hotel or similar
Day 17: Atlanta → End of Services
Enjoy a relaxed morning before checking out. Drive to
Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to drop off your rental car.
Your journey through the Deep South concludes — but the memories will last a lifetime.
End of Services
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
For your information, here below you can find prices on some activities/attractions that have been mentioned in the itinerary.
Biltmore Estate
To visit the biggest private house in the United States
From $ 59 to $79 depending on the season/day
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Free
Mile High Swinging Bridge
Adult $ 22
Senior (60+) $ 18
Child (4-12) $ 9
Middleton Place & Gardens (Charleston)
Adult $ 29
Child (6-13) $ 10
Savannah Old Town Trolley
Adult $ 35
Child (4-12) $ 16
Oak Alley Plantation
Adult $ 25 + tax
Youth (13-18) $ 10 + tax
Child (6-12) $ 7 + tax
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
Adult $ 10
Child (4–18) $ 6
Senior (60+) $ 8
Graceland - The House of Elvis
For Simple Admission From:
Adult $ 42.50
Senior (62+) $ 38.25
Youth (13-18) $ 38.25
Child (7-12) $ 21.75
To visit the Airplanes of Elvis, add. $6 per person
STAX Museum in Memphis
Adult $ 13
Senior (62+) $ 12
Child (9-12) $ 10
Sun City Studio
Adult $ 14
Child (5-11) Free
Notes: Children under 5 are not allowed. Contact the museum for more information.
Coca-Cola museum
Adult $ 17
Senior (65+) $ 15
Child (3-12) $ 13
* Prices are for information only and can change without prior notice. For detailed and updated Prices and Schedules, it is recommended to visit the official page of each attraction.
READY TO DESIGN YOUR DEEP SOUTH JOURNEY?
No two travelers are the same — and your road trip through the American South should reflect your unique spirit. From Civil Rights landmarks and antebellum mansions to blues, BBQ, bayous, and beaches, we’ll craft an itinerary that matches your pace, interests, and travel style.
With our expert planning and insider access, you’ll go far beyond the expected — immersing yourself in the rich culture, history, and flavors of the South, all with comfort and authenticity.
Your journey begins here. Contact us today, and let’s bring your vision of the Deep South to life.
