United States

8 Days / 7 Nights — Memphis, Natchez Trace, Lafayette, Cajun Country, New Orleans.

“The Delta begins in the lobby of the Peabody Hotel in Memphis,” wrote journalist David Cohn. Travel the back roads of the south through this vast agricultural plain created by “Old Man River.”

DAY 1 — Memphis

Arrive in Memphis where you will be met by your chauffeur and transferred to your hotel. Located on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, Memphis is a Mecca for Elvis fans and the birthplace for many of the important musical styles of the 20th century. Lodging: The Peabody

DAY 2 — Natchez

Drive south this morning via Clarksdale to Rena Lard, where in May of 1541, Hernando DeSoto discovered the Mississippi River. Continue through the delta via Greenville, which Union troops burned to the ground during the Civil War, and on to Natchez. Lodging: Monmouth Plantation

DAY 3 — Natchez

Full day to explore the Natchez Trace. This historic parkway commemorates Indian paths that were later used by European settlers to extend their commerce and trade. Lodging: Monmouth Plantation

DAY 4 — Lafayette

Leave Natchez today driving into Louisiana via Baton Rouge and then west to Lafayette, a major center of Cajun life and lore. Lodging: Bois des Chenes

DAY 5 — Lafayette

Full day exploring the sights and sounds of life on the bayou. The Acadian Village, nestled in 10 wooded acres, is a recreation of an early 19th-century bayou settlement. At Vermilionville, on the banks of the bayou, is a 22-acre living history museum, presenting early Cajun, Creole, and Chitimacha Indian life in the region. Lodging: Bois des Chenes

Our chauffeur took us to this little hole-in-a-wall in New orleans and said "Mama King makes the best rice and beans. Trust me." he was right. We never would have found this place on our own.

DAY 6 — New Orleans

Depart Lafayette this morning, following the scenic route that meanders alongside the Bayou Teche, a stream that twists and turns through the semi-tropical land of southern Louisiana. Here you can get a glimpse of giant oaks with 150-foot reach, trailing moss sometimes three feet below the branches. On to the "Big Easy." Lodging: Ritz-Carlton

DAY 7 — New Orleans

Full day to explore this unique city. New Orleans is often called the "Crescent City" because it was founded on the bend of the Mississippi River. The city has more than 35,000 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, more than any other U.S. city. Many of these architectural treasures are located in the 120 blocks of the French Quarter (Vieux Carré), known for its restaurants, antique shops and jazz haunts. Lodging: Ritz-Carlton

DAY 8 — New Orleans

 

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