Discover the best cities of the Eastern USA from New York all the way to Miami on a 14-day journey, getting to the bottom of the American spirit with guided tours in every destination. The Southern Explorer trip is perfect for those who have a cultural inclination, making a stop at the country’s iconic cities of music, arts, and European heritage. Once you experience the plethora of sights in New York and Washington D.C., head inland, and pass through the grand Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. Taking in the views, arrive at the legendary music city Nashville and feel the country groove at its best. Memphis will change the tunes to blues and rock and roll, where you will get to trace the footsteps of the world’s most iconic musician, Elvis Presley. Revel in the unique and frisky culture of New Orleans and enjoy Florida’s modern attractions.
Duration
Destination
Start/Ends in
14 Days
USA
New York / Miami
Hotels
Group Size
Age Requirement
3-4 Star
Max 55
21+
Trip Rating
Trip Theme
Departs
0
0 reviews
Discovery
April to October
Why You’ll Love This Tour
Visit a mixture of historic and cultural landmarks with your local guide in the most recognized cities of the eastern half of the USA in 14 days.
Stay in the comfort of 3 & 4-star hotels with central locations and great facilities. Spend less time on the road with the carefully designed itinerary.
Wander among the historic symbols of Washington D.C. for a visual tour of America’s revolutionary history and learn the stories from your guide.
Spend a night in the mountainous town of Gatlinburg watching the night sky revolve over the Great Smoky Mountains. Feel free to explore the picturesque alleys of the town at your own pace.
Take an optional and very much-needed tour of Graceland, the famed home of Elvis, or feel the memory of countless musicians as you stroll down Beale Street in the legendary Memphis.
You can choose to immerse in the local culture with an optional cruise on an authentic Mississippi River Boat. The quirky charm of New Orleans will put a spell on you over 2 nights.
Spend a free day in Orlando, pay a visit to Disneyland if you wish, and engage in the thumping atmosphere of the sun-kissed Miami beach.
Identified with the Blues heritage of the legendary Memphis, Tennessee, Beale Street is the focal point of the downtown, booming with music and activity at night.
Duke of Gloucester Street
Duke of Gloucester Street revives a corner from Colonial Williamsburg as a result of great efforts to redesign it, featuring a horse path and colonial houses.
French Quarter
The magnificent French Quarter is blazed with culture and history, with jazz clubs reverberating in the iconic Bourbon Street and arts thriving in the French Market.
Great Smoky Mountains NP
One of the most abundant troves of nature and wildlife, The Smokies sprawl over 800 square miles between North Carolina and Tennessee.
Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf is almost entirely surrounded by Continental North America, huddling some of the coast’s finest beaches including the famous Pensacola beach.
Independence National Historic Park
Located in Philadelphia, the park serves as a symbol of the American Revolution and the values of democracy and freedom.
Kennedy Space Center
Today, Kennedy Space Center is more than an operation base for NASA, and constitutes one of the nation’s greatest historical landmarks.
Nashville
The one and only music city, Nashville has been the main character in the country music scene of the US for decades, home to legendary venues and shows.
The F.B.I. Building
The F.B.I. headquarters in Washington D.C. offers an intriguing tour including interactive exhibits, layouts of famous cases, and information about the agency.
The White House has been the official seat of the president of the United States since the 1800s, an intriguing sight with layers of history and profound symbolism.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Welcome to New York City! Meet your group and tour leader in the evening for an informal welcome at the hotel. Until then, feel free to roam the famed streets of New York like a local or rest up for our great adventure ahead!
Accommodation Hyatt Grand Central New York – 4 Star (or similar)
We depart New York for Philadelphia, where we spend the morning exploring the gorgeous historic district of the “City of Brotherly Love” and the birthplace of a nation. See landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, and stroll through Independence National Historic Park and Mall. Then continue to the nation’s iconic capital, Washington, D.C.
Accommodation Washington Hilton – 4 Star (or similar)
Included Activities Sightseeing of Independence Hall
Sightseeing of Liberty Bell
Ready to explore the capital inside out? Tag along your expert guide to learn all about the marvellous sights such as the U.S. Capitol Building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the White House and Arlington National Cemetery, site of the JFK Memorial. Enjoy your personal leisure time in the afternoon, perhaps visit some of the many museums including the famous Smithsonian Institute or simply stroll the banks of the Potomac River.
Accommodation Washington Hilton – 4 Star (or similar)
Included Activities Sightseeing of Washington D.C.
Our journey continues to Willamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. Visit the the Duke of Gloucester Street and discover the city’s impressive public buildings, authentic colonial houses and the college of William and Mary. Then we ride inland towards Roanoke, where we spend the night.
Accommodation Holiday Inn Tanglewood – 3 Star (or similar)
Included Activities Sightseeing of Williamsburg
Watch the charming landscape as we drive along the Blue Ridge Mountains, setting up the scene for the fascinating Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In the afternoon, we arrive in Gatlinburg with abundant evening time to spend at your leisure. Explore the unique resturants and cafes on the high street before a refreshing rest at the hotel.
Accommodation Edgewater Hotel & Conference Center – 3 Star (or similar)
Included Activities Panoramic Sightseeing of Great Smoky Mountains
Today, our adventure takes us through Knoxville, the third largest city of Tennessee, to Music City USA, Nashville! Arriving early in the afternoon, absorb the buzing music scene and the modern skyline of the city at your own tempo.
Accommodation The Inn at Opryland, A Gaylord Hotel – 3 Star (or similar)
Meals Included Breakfast
Without skipping a beat, we travel on to Memphis! The city is acclaimed for blues music and home to the legendary Sun Records, where immortal artists as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded albums. Take a tour of the city with your guide to explore Beale Street, the ever-beating heart of blues. In the afternoon, you can join an optional tour to Graceland, the former home of the one and only Elvis Presley.
Accommodation Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown – 3 Star (or similar)
Included Activities Memphis City Tour
Optional Activities Graceland Tour
We delve further south and into Mississippi, the ‘Magnolia State’. Driving through the state capital, Jackson, we continue to Lousiana and New Orleans. See up close the home of the infamous costume parade on Mardi Gras and why New Orleans is called the ‘Big Easy’. Enjoy round-the-clock nightlife, a buzzing live-music scene and spicy, fascinating heritage with influences of American, French and African cultures. In the evening, you can familiarise yourself with the Creole culture on an optional Mississippi Riverboat dinner cruise with live tunes by a Dixieland jazz band.
Accommodation Hilton New Orleans Riverside – 4 Star (or similar)
The day is yours to enjoy at leisure! Soak in the French flavor and splendor of New Orleans oozing in the air. Venture the French Quarter with its distinctive iron balconies hanging over narrow streets of cobblestone. Climb atop an infamous New Orleans levee to grasp how these unique engineering projects safeguard the city against nature. Frequent one of the trendy live music venues.
Accommodation Hilton New Orleans Riverside – 4 Star (or similar)
Following the Mississippi Gulf Coast through Mobile, we travel to the city of Pensacola. Here we will take a tour of one of the top 10 rose gardens in the United States, the Bellingrath Home! Then, visit Pensacola Beach to roam among sea oats dancing in the wind and dip your toes in the warm turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Accommodation Courtyard by Marriott Pensacola – 3 Star (or similar)
Included Activities The Bellingrath Home visit
Sightseeing of Pensacola Beach
We continue east towards central Florida taking a panoramic route through Ocala, a region renowned for thoroughbred horses and fields of citrus. Our next stop will be the fantasyland of thrilling entertainment, Orlando! Arrive in Orlando around 6pm, explore the town on your terms and have a good night’s rest for an adventrous day tomorrow.
Accommodation Holiday Inn & Suites Orlando SW – Celebration Area – 3 Star (or similar)
Included Activities Panoramic Sightseeing of Ocala
Make the most of Orlando, the ‘City Beautiful’ for yourself! You can explore the city in depth, recharge by the pool, or up the adrenaline with a visit to one of Orlando’s world-famous attractions such as Universal Studios, Walt Disney World or Sea World!
Accommodation Holiday Inn & Suites Orlando SW – Celebration Area – 3 Star (or similar)
Departing sunny Orlando, we ride on to the distinguished Kennedy Space Center, home of United States’ space programme! Visit the centre in fascination of the amazing feats accomplished with tremendous efforts to expand humanity’s horizon. We continue to Miami to land on the famous Miami Beach, always vibrant and diverse! We will arrive at the hotel around 7pm, enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Accommodation Holiday Inn Miami Beach-Oceanfront – 3 Star (or similar)
Included Activities Kennedy Space Center visit
Our trip will end in Miami after we bid our farewells and check-out of the hotel by 11:00am.
Day 1 New York
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 New York
Welcome to New York City! Meet your group and tour leader in the evening for an informal welcome at the hotel. Until then, feel free to roam the famed streets of New York like a local or rest up for our great adventure ahead!
Accommodation Hyatt Grand Central New York – 4 Star (or similar)
Day 2 New York – Philadelphia – Washington D.C.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 2 New York – Philadelphia – Washington D.C.
We depart New York for Philadelphia, where we spend the morning exploring the gorgeous historic district of the “City of Brotherly Love” and the birthplace of a nation. See landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, and stroll through Independence National Historic Park and Mall. Then continue to the nation’s iconic capital, Washington, D.C.
Accommodation Washington Hilton – 4 Star (or similar)
Included Activities Sightseeing of Independence Hall
Sightseeing of Liberty Bell
Day 3 Washington D.C.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 3 Washington D.C.
Ready to explore the capital inside out? Tag along your expert guide to learn all about the marvellous sights such as the U.S. Capitol Building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the White House and Arlington National Cemetery, site of the JFK Memorial. Enjoy your personal leisure time in the afternoon, perhaps visit some of the many museums including the famous Smithsonian Institute or simply stroll the banks of the Potomac River.
Accommodation Washington Hilton – 4 Star (or similar)
Included Activities Sightseeing of Washington D.C.
Day 4 Washington, D.C. - Williamsburg - Roanoke
Detailed Itinerary
Day 4 Washington, D.C. - Williamsburg - Roanoke
Our journey continues to Willamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. Visit the the Duke of Gloucester Street and discover the city’s impressive public buildings, authentic colonial houses and the college of William and Mary. Then we ride inland towards Roanoke, where we spend the night.
Accommodation Holiday Inn Tanglewood – 3 Star (or similar)
Included Activities Sightseeing of Williamsburg
Day 5 Roanoke - Blue Ridge Mountains - Great Smoky Mountains - Gatlinburg
Detailed Itinerary
Day 5 Roanoke - Blue Ridge Mountains - Great Smoky Mountains - Gatlinburg
Watch the charming landscape as we drive along the Blue Ridge Mountains, setting up the scene for the fascinating Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In the afternoon, we arrive in Gatlinburg with abundant evening time to spend at your leisure. Explore the unique resturants and cafes on the high street before a refreshing rest at the hotel.
Accommodation Edgewater Hotel & Conference Center – 3 Star (or similar)
Included Activities Panoramic Sightseeing of Great Smoky Mountains
Day 6 Gatlinburg - Nashville
Detailed Itinerary
Day 6 Gatlinburg - Nashville
Today, our adventure takes us through Knoxville, the third largest city of Tennessee, to Music City USA, Nashville! Arriving early in the afternoon, absorb the buzing music scene and the modern skyline of the city at your own tempo.
Accommodation The Inn at Opryland, A Gaylord Hotel – 3 Star (or similar)
Meals Included Breakfast
Day 7 Nashville - Memphis
Detailed Itinerary
Day 7 Nashville - Memphis
Without skipping a beat, we travel on to Memphis! The city is acclaimed for blues music and home to the legendary Sun Records, where immortal artists as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded albums. Take a tour of the city with your guide to explore Beale Street, the ever-beating heart of blues. In the afternoon, you can join an optional tour to Graceland, the former home of the one and only Elvis Presley.
Accommodation Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown – 3 Star (or similar)
Included Activities Memphis City Tour
Optional Activities Graceland Tour
Day 8 Memphis - Jackson - New Orleans
Detailed Itinerary
Day 8 Memphis - Jackson - New Orleans
We delve further south and into Mississippi, the ‘Magnolia State’. Driving through the state capital, Jackson, we continue to Lousiana and New Orleans. See up close the home of the infamous costume parade on Mardi Gras and why New Orleans is called the ‘Big Easy’. Enjoy round-the-clock nightlife, a buzzing live-music scene and spicy, fascinating heritage with influences of American, French and African cultures. In the evening, you can familiarise yourself with the Creole culture on an optional Mississippi Riverboat dinner cruise with live tunes by a Dixieland jazz band.
Accommodation Hilton New Orleans Riverside – 4 Star (or similar)
The day is yours to enjoy at leisure! Soak in the French flavor and splendor of New Orleans oozing in the air. Venture the French Quarter with its distinctive iron balconies hanging over narrow streets of cobblestone. Climb atop an infamous New Orleans levee to grasp how these unique engineering projects safeguard the city against nature. Frequent one of the trendy live music venues.
Accommodation Hilton New Orleans Riverside – 4 Star (or similar)
Day 10 New Orleans - Gulf of Mexico - Pensacola
Detailed Itinerary
Day 10 New Orleans - Gulf of Mexico - Pensacola
Following the Mississippi Gulf Coast through Mobile, we travel to the city of Pensacola. Here we will take a tour of one of the top 10 rose gardens in the United States, the Bellingrath Home! Then, visit Pensacola Beach to roam among sea oats dancing in the wind and dip your toes in the warm turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Accommodation Courtyard by Marriott Pensacola – 3 Star (or similar)
Included Activities The Bellingrath Home visit
Sightseeing of Pensacola Beach
Day 11 Pensacola - Orlando
Detailed Itinerary
Day 11 Pensacola - Orlando
We continue east towards central Florida taking a panoramic route through Ocala, a region renowned for thoroughbred horses and fields of citrus. Our next stop will be the fantasyland of thrilling entertainment, Orlando! Arrive in Orlando around 6pm, explore the town on your terms and have a good night’s rest for an adventrous day tomorrow.
Accommodation Holiday Inn & Suites Orlando SW – Celebration Area – 3 Star (or similar)
Included Activities Panoramic Sightseeing of Ocala
Day 12 Orlando
Detailed Itinerary
Day 12 Orlando
Make the most of Orlando, the ‘City Beautiful’ for yourself! You can explore the city in depth, recharge by the pool, or up the adrenaline with a visit to one of Orlando’s world-famous attractions such as Universal Studios, Walt Disney World or Sea World!
Accommodation Holiday Inn & Suites Orlando SW – Celebration Area – 3 Star (or similar)
Day 13 Orlando - Kennedy Space Center - Miami
Detailed Itinerary
Day 13 Orlando - Kennedy Space Center - Miami
Departing sunny Orlando, we ride on to the distinguished Kennedy Space Center, home of United States’ space programme! Visit the centre in fascination of the amazing feats accomplished with tremendous efforts to expand humanity’s horizon. We continue to Miami to land on the famous Miami Beach, always vibrant and diverse! We will arrive at the hotel around 7pm, enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Accommodation Holiday Inn Miami Beach-Oceanfront – 3 Star (or similar)
Included Activities Kennedy Space Center visit
Day 14 Miami
Detailed Itinerary
Day 14 Miami
Our trip will end in Miami after we bid our farewells and check-out of the hotel by 11:00am.
Organised orientation walks at some of the towns visited
Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary hotel and coach Wi-Fi ( where available )
What is NOT included?
What is NOT included?
- Any flights not mentioned above
- Travel Insurance
- Meals not stated above
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips and gestures
- Entrance fees to the sights and museums
- Optional activities
- Other services not stated in the itinerary
Dates & Rates
All prices are per person, based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers not wishing to pay a single supplement will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender.
Hyatt Grand Central Hotel welcomes passengers with 1298 modern & spacious rooms and its perfect location in the heart of New York. Balmain® Spa amenities are readily available in the bathrooms, in addition to 50" flat-screen HDTV, Iron and ironing board. Coffee maker is also provided upon request.
Hilton Hotel
Washington
4 Star
Situated only 2 miles away from the White House and a few steps from the Dupont Circle Metro Station, Washington Hilton Hotel offers a very comfortable stay to its guests. The hotel features a fitness room, outdoor pool, a restaurant & bar.
Omni Shoreham Hotel
Washington
4 Star
With its 834 elegant rooms & luxurious design, Omni Shoreham Hotel offers a pleasant stay to its guests. The hotel features an outdoor pool, SPA, fitness center, a restaurant, bar and café.
Holiday Inn Tanglewood
Roanoke
3 Star
Situated only a couple of minutes away from the downtown Roanoke, Holiday Inn Tanglewood offers a comfortable stay to its guests. The hotel features an outdoor heated-pool, fitness center and restaurant.
Edgewater Hotel & Conference Center
Gatlinburg
3 Star
Located very close to the downtown, this charming Gatlinburg hotel offers a comfortable stay to passengers. Guests will have access to an indood & outdoor heated-pool, hot tub & fitness center during their visit.
The Inn at Opryland, A Gaylord Hotel
Nashville
3 Star
The Inn at Opryland is a modern design Nashville hotel that features a heated indoor-pool, 24 hour fitness center and spacious rooms. The rooms are equipped with 37in/94cm flatscreen TV, mini fridge, coffee/tea maker and iron & ironing board.
Crowne Plaza Downtown
Memphis
3 Star
Crown Plaza is a contemporary hotel located in the heart of Memphis. The hotel features an outdoor pool, 24 hour fitness center, a restaurant-bar and spacious rooms.
Hilton Riverside
New Orleans
4 Star
Situated in the heart of New Orleans' business district, Hilton Riverside offers a pleasant & comfortable stay to guests. During their stay, passengers will have access to fitness center, outdoor pool & tennis court and restaurant & lounge bar.
Courtyard by Marriott
Pensacola
3 Star
The newly renovated Courtyard by Marriott Pensacola hotel features an indoor pool, 24 hour fitness center and an on-site restaurant/ bistro. The rooms include mini fridge, microwave, iron & ironing board & coffee/ tea maker.
Holiday Inn & Suites - Celebration Area
Orlando
3 Star
Situated across the street from Kissimmee’s Old Town, Holiday Inn & Suites - Orlando SW Celebration Area offers a comfortable stay to its guests. During their stay, passengers will have accees to an outdoor pool, game room, fitness center, on-site restaurant & lounge.
Holiday Inn Oceanfront
Miami Beach
3 Star
Holiday Inn Oceanfront is a stylish oceanfront hotel that offers a perfect location to its guests. The hotel features a pool, fitness center, restaurant and spacious rooms. The outdoor resort-like beach lounge can be used with a daily fee.
Accommodation
New York
Hyatt Grand Central
4 Star
Accommodation
Washington
Hilton Hotel
4 Star
Accommodation
Washington
Omni Shoreham Hotel
4 Star
Accommodation
Roanoke
Holiday Inn Tanglewood
3 Star
Accommodation
Gatlinburg
Edgewater Hotel & Conference Center
3 Star
Accommodation
Nashville
The Inn at Opryland, A Gaylord Hotel
3 Star
Accommodation
Memphis
Crowne Plaza Downtown
3 Star
Accommodation
New Orleans
Hilton Riverside
4 Star
Accommodation
Pensacola
Courtyard by Marriott
3 Star
Accommodation
Orlando
Holiday Inn & Suites - Celebration Area
3 Star
Accommodation
Miami Beach
Holiday Inn Oceanfront
3 Star
There are currently no reviews for this tour.
At Travel Talk we do not only provide excellent value for premium adventures, but also strive to
exceed expectations in every aspect of our trips, which is reflected in an enviable 98.9%
customer satisfaction. We believe that our affordable tours, quality accommodation,
transportation and sightseeing tours combined with likeminded people, passionate tour leaders
and the overall atmosphere of a Travel Talk tour have made these results. However, we are never
ones to rest on our laurels, and we continually try to improve on this year after year; and what
do we get out of this? The satisfaction of our travellers!
If you are one of our previous travellers and wish to share your experience with others please fill in the
form
below. Thanks!
Why You’ll Love This Tour
Visit a mixture of historic and cultural landmarks with your local guide in the most recognized cities of the eastern half of the USA in 14 days.
Stay in the comfort of 3 & 4-star hotels with central locations and great facilities. Spend less time on the road with the carefully designed itinerary.
Wander among the historic symbols of Washington D.C. for a visual tour of America’s revolutionary history and learn the stories from your guide.
Spend a night in the mountainous town of Gatlinburg watching the night sky revolve over the Great Smoky Mountains. Feel free to explore the picturesque alleys of the town at your own pace.
Take an optional and very much-needed tour of Graceland, the famed home of Elvis, or feel the memory of countless musicians as you stroll down Beale Street in the legendary Memphis.
You can choose to immerse in the local culture with an optional cruise on an authentic Mississippi River Boat. The quirky charm of New Orleans will put a spell on you over 2 nights.
Spend a free day in Orlando, pay a visit to Disneyland if you wish, and engage in the thumping atmosphere of the sun-kissed Miami beach.