Musical Trails of America

Day 1 — Istanbul – Atlanta

Meeting at 12:00 in front of the Turkish Airlines counter at Istanbul Airport. Following ticketing, baggage, and passport procedures, departure for Atlanta at 15:10 on Turkish Airlines flight TK 31. Arrival in Atlanta at 20:10 local time. Following passport control and luggage collection, transfer to our hotel via our private coach waiting at the airport. After room allocation, free time to rest. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Day 2 — Atlanta

Breakfast included

Following breakfast, we depart our hotel to discover Atlanta on an introductory city tour. We head first to the city centre and visit the key sights: CNN Center: we step into the heart of the media world with a visit to this headquarters of the globally renowned news network, CNN. Olympic Park (Centennial Olympic Park): host of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, this park has become one of Atlanta's iconic landmarks. Strolling through the park, you will be able to see the enduring legacy of the Olympics. World of Coca-Cola: touring this museum where you will discover the history of Coca-Cola, its brand culture, and collections from around the globe, you can also sample Coca-Cola products not available in Turkey. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park: we will visit the area home to the birthplace and final resting place of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Here, we will gain in-depth insight into the American Civil Rights Movement. Following these visits, we see the Swan House and proceed to the Buckhead district. Here, we will explore Atlanta's most prestigious mansions and historic estates. Swan House: featured in the film "The Hunger Games", this historic mansion is one of the city's finest and most spectacular residences. Buckhead Mansions: we will discover the stately homes and magnificent living quarters of Buckhead, one of Atlanta's most exclusive neighbourhoods. Buckhead Village - Luxury Shopping and Charming Cafés; Buckhead Village: we will take an enjoyable break in Buckhead Village, one of the city's premier shopping and lifestyle districts. Here, you can browse boutiques from luxury designer brands and unwind in chic, stylish cafés. Buckhead is renowned for Atlanta's most upscale shopping avenues, designer boutiques, and elegant cafés. Luxury Shopping: stores of world-famous labels such as Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton are located here, making it a wonderful stop for shopping or window-shopping alike. Stylish and Charming Cafés: Buckhead Village is home to some of the city's trendiest coffee houses. Soaking in the local atmosphere, you can enjoy a coffee here. After the tour, guests who wish may continue exploring the World of Coca-Cola. Overnight stay at our hotel in Atlanta.

Day 3 — Atlanta – Nashville

Breakfast included

Departing our hotel early in the morning, we set off for Nashville, the capital of Country Music. Following a pleasant journey of approximately 293 miles (around 4,5 hours including comfort breaks), upon our arrival we will take a tour introducing this captivating city. Nashville is not only celebrated as the birthplace and home of world-renowned artists such as Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, and Johnny Cash; it is also home to names such as Dierks Bentley, Caleb and Jared Followill (Kings of Leon), Julianne Hough (Dancing with the Stars), Martina McBride, and Ronnie Milsap. This city is the heart of America’s music industry and the undisputed centre of country music. City Tour; Broadway: The city’s most vibrant and entertaining street, famed for its bars, restaurants, and live music venues. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: We will have the opportunity to visit this famous museum that illuminates the history of country music. Ryman Auditorium: An iconic concert hall known as the "Mother Church of Country Music". Marathon Motor Works: One of Nashville’s historic landmarks, this former factory is today a modern complex surrounded by restaurants, shops, and galleries that you will have the chance to explore. Here, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a whiskey tasting at a dedicated whiskey establishment. Parthenon: Built inspired by the Parthenon in Greece, the Nashville Parthenon has become a hallmark symbol of the city and is open to visitors with its imposing structure. Touring this building, you will discover its historic and architectural splendour. We will also see other significant buildings and historic points of the city during our tour. Evening; After checking into our hotel, we depart the hotel to explore Nashville’s renowned live music venues. In this city, you will find the opportunity to listen to first-rate live music at every corner. Overnight: At our hotel in Nashville.

Day 4 — Nashville – Memphis

Breakfast included

Following breakfast, we set off for Memphis. After our breakfast break along the journey of approximately 212 miles (lasting 3,5 hours including the break), upon arrival in Memphis we will take an introductory city tour. We will explore the city's key highlights: Peabody Hotel: One of Memphis's most iconic and historic hotels, The Peabody is famous for its duck marches. Every day at designated times, ducks leave the fountain and march across the hotel lobby, offering guests an entertaining spectacle. Lorraine Motel: Lorraine Motel is a site of immense historical significance. In 1968, Dr Martin Luther King Jr, one of the prominent leaders of the civil rights movement, was assassinated here. Today, this motel houses the National Civil Rights Museum, preserving this vital historical landmark. Upon entry, you will have the opportunity to learn about Dr King's life and the history of the civil rights struggle in America. Beale Street: Situated in the heart of Memphis, Beale Street epitomises the city's celebrated music scene. This street is renowned for its blues music and nightlife. Enjoying a pleasant evening stroll along Beale Street, you will have the chance to experience blues music and smoked barbecue flavours. You can listen to live music at the venues lining the street and sample traditional smoked barbecue meats. Memphis Pyramid: Formerly a basketball arena, this pyramid structure now houses retail centres, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Sun Studio: Known as the "Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll", this studio is where music legends such as B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis made their first recordings. At Sun Studio, where numerous music genres such as blues, gospel, country, and rock 'n' roll were first recorded, you will have the chance to stand in the room where Elvis Presley recorded his first notes and hear about pivotal moments in music history.

Day 5 — Memphis – New Orleans

Breakfast included

Departing from our hotel early in the morning, we set off for New Orleans, another of America’s music capitals. This will be the longest distance of our trip, but upon our arrival in New Orleans after the journey, we will take an introductory city tour before transferring to our hotel. The key sights we will see during this tour include: French Quarter: We will stroll through the French Quarter, the most famous and historic district of New Orleans. Here, we will encounter the city’s unique architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Historic Jackson Square: At Jackson Square, one of the city’s historic squares, we will discover the cultural and historical fabric of the area. St. Charles Avenue: On St. Charles Avenue, one of New Orleans’ most iconic thoroughfares, we will wander amongst historic buildings and luxurious mansions. City of the Dead: In this cemetery unique to New Orleans, we will discover the city’s famous tombs and distinctive cemetery culture. French Market: Browsing the French Market, one of the oldest open-air markets in the city, we will learn about handcrafted goods, artworks and local flavours. City Park: City Park is one of the largest and oldest parks in New Orleans. Here, we will explore attractions such as expansive walking trails, lagoons, historic trees and art galleries. The park is also home to cultural venues such as the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden. At the end of the tour, we will transfer to our hotel, and following room check-in, we will have free time to rest. Evening: If you wish, you can take a walk, shop, and sip your drinks accompanied by jazz music along Bourbon Street, known as the heart of New Orleans nightlife and famous for its jazz bars. Bourbon Street is a wonderful venue where you can enjoy a pleasant evening immersed in the city's distinctive atmosphere. Overnight stay at our hotel in New Orleans. Distance: Memphis – New Orleans 396 Miles / 7 Hours with rest stops. Day New Orleans Following breakfast in the morning, we will embark on a magnificent tour of New Orleans. We will take an alligator-watching tour on an airboat through the bayous of the Mississippi Delta. On this thrilling tour, we will learn about the wetlands and native wildlife, while having the opportunity to observe the region’s wildlife up close. Afterwards, A Historic Excursion: Oak Alley Plantation: For the remainder of the day, we head to Oak Alley Plantation. This historic estate is one of Louisiana’s most iconic and magnificent plantations. Built in the 18th century, Oak Alley is famous for its 28 colossal oak trees; these trees are aligned along a grand avenue in front of the plantation house, creating a spectacular "natural canopy". Walking in the shade of the oak trees on either side, you will learn a great deal about the lives once led by enslaved people and southern aristocrats. Upon arriving at the plantation, you will be captivated by the stately architecture and manicured gardens. During your visit, you will take a guided tour explaining how enslaved labourers worked and the living conditions of bygone eras. You will also discover the history of the plantation and the role slavery played here. At the end of the day, jazz music awaits us on Bourbon Street. You can spend an enjoyable evening in New Orleans’ famous jazz bars and soak up the local atmosphere. Overnight stay at our hotel in New Orleans.

Day 6 — New Orleans

Breakfast included

Following breakfast in the morning, we shall set off on a magnificent tour of New Orleans. We will embark on an alligator-spotting tour in the bayous of the Mississippi Delta aboard propeller-driven vessels known as airboats. On this thrilling excursion, we will learn about the wetlands and local wildlife whilst enjoying the opportunity to observe the region’s fauna up close. Afterwards, a Historical Journey: Oak Alley Plantation: For the remainder of the day, we head to Oak Alley Plantation. This historic manor is one of Louisiana’s most iconic and majestic plantations. Built in the 18th century, Oak Alley is famous for its 28 monumental oak trees, which line a grand avenue leading to the plantation house, creating a wonderful 'natural gallery'. Walking beneath the shade of the oak trees on either side, you will learn a great deal about how enslaved people and Southern aristocrats lived in the past. Upon arriving at the plantation, you will be captivated by its stately architecture and manicured gardens. During your visit, you will take part in a guided tour detailing how enslaved labourers were made to work and their living conditions in historic times. You will also discover the plantation’s history and the role slavery played here. Note: With its architecture and natural setting, Oak Alley Plantation is an absolute photographer’s paradise. After completing the tour, you can take away lasting memories of all this grandeur alongside a profound insight into the city's history and culture. At the end of the day, live jazz music awaits us on Bourbon Street. You can spend a delightful evening in New Orleans' famous jazz bars and soak up the local atmosphere. Overnight stay at our hotel in New Orleans.

Day 7 — New Orleans – Houston

Breakfast included

Following breakfast, we set off towards Houston. Upon our arrival, before transferring to our hotel, we will take a half-day panoramic tour introducing Downtown Houston. Highlights to be seen while discovering the city during this tour include: Historic Downtown Houston: touring this heart of the city, we will discover the harmony between Houston's historic architecture and modern landmarks. Convention Center: we will visit this centre, which hosts the city's major events and conventions. Market Square Park: we will wander through this park, which brings Houston's historic past and modern life together. Chase Tower: we will catch a panoramic view of this tower, one of Houston's tallest buildings. Tunnel System: Houston's subterranean tunnel network is among the sights we will explore as one of the city's most unique features. City Hall: we will make a panoramic visit to this historic building, the seat of Houston's municipal government. Historic Texas Avenue: we will tour this significant, historic avenue and explore the surrounding heritage buildings. Following the city tour, we will enjoy some shopping at Houston Premium Outlets. Here, you can shop at world-famous designer stores and make the most of the deals on offer. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the hotel and given free time to relax after room allocation. Overnight stay: at our hotel in Houston.

Day 8 — Houston and Galveston & Kemah Tour

Breakfast included

Following breakfast in the morning, our free time begins. Guests who wish may spend their day shopping or discovering the sights of Houston at their own pace. However, for those seeking a more bespoke experience, there is also the opportunity to join the NASA-Johnson Space Centre and Galveston & Kemah Tour organised by our tour leader. (220 Usd) NASA-Johnson Space Centre Tour: You will tour the NASA-Johnson Space Centre, the largest space exploration centre in the United States, and see up close the rockets launched into space, satellites, and the launch pads from which Space Shuttles departed. On this tour, you can also visit the original Mission Control Room from which the first human was sent to the Moon. After discovering this historic NASA centre, you will have the chance to purchase space exploration souvenirs. Galveston and Kemah Tour: Following the NASA visit, we set off for Galveston and Kemah, two lovely towns where the city of Houston opens out to the Gulf of Mexico. Galveston: In this town, we will visit areas offering tremendous views, such as Porretto Beach and Seawall Boulevard. Strolling through the historic district known as The Strand, you can walk among 19th-century buildings and have the opportunity to explore seaside boutique shops, restaurants, and cafés. As one of Galveston’s most popular visitor areas, this street offers a nostalgic experience infused with historic charm. Kemah: Next, by taking a walk along the Kemah Boardwalk, we will witness the vibrant social life of this town. The Kemah Boardwalk is renowned for its diverse amusement attractions, restaurants, and retail shops. You can also stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the calming sea views. Overnight stay at our hotel in Houston.

Day 9 — Houston – San Antonio

Breakfast included

In the morning, we set off towards San Antonio. On our city tour upon arrival, we will discover the city’s most significant and historic landmarks: The Alamo: We will visit this historic site, one of the iconic symbols of the Texas Revolution. Pearl Brewery Entertainment Complex: This former brewery site, redeveloped for the city, houses a variety of restaurants, shops, and event spaces. Market Square El Mercado: We will stroll through San Antonio’s oldest and largest open-air market and explore Mexican culture up close. San Fernando Cathedral: We will visit this historic edifice, the oldest church in the city. Spanish Governor's Palace: We will enjoy a panoramic view of this building bearing the hallmarks of the Spanish era. King William Historic District: In this neighbourhood, we will explore magnificent homes dating from the late 19th century. San Antonio Museum of Art: One of the city’s most prestigious venues for art lovers, where we can view notable works of art. River Walk: We will wander along this pedestrian path running beneath the city centre, discovering the city from a unique vantage point. Theatre District: We will visit the theatres located in this cultural heart of San Antonio. Overnight stay at our hotel in San Antonio.

Day 10 — San Antonio – Houston – Istanbul

Breakfast included

After breakfast in the morning, we depart once again for Houston for our flight. As our flight is in the evening, we will spend our final day until flight departure time at San Marcos Premium Outlets, one of the largest outlet centres in the region. Afterwards, transfer to the airport and departure for Istanbul at 21:10 on Turkish Airlines flight TK34. Overnight on board the aircraft.

Included services

• Return economy class flight ticket between Istanbul / Atlanta – Houston / Istanbul with Turkish Airlines.
• 2 nights' accommodation at a 4* hotel in Atlanta.
• 1 nights' accommodation at a 3,5* hotel in Nashville.
• 1 night's accommodation in a 3,5* hotel in Memphis.
• 2 nights' accommodation at a 4* hotel in New Orleans.
• 2 nights' accommodation at a 4* hotel in Houston.
• 1 night's accommodation at a 4* hotel in San Antonio.
• Breakfasts to be taken at the hotel or out
• Comprehensive city tours in all cities
• Oak Alley Plantation & Mississippi Delta Tour
• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum tour in Nashville
• Sun Studio tour in Memphis
• All transfers specified in the tour itinerary
• Professional Turkish-speaking guiding and assistance services

Not included

• Tours indicated as optional
• Lunches and dinners
• International departure tax (Can be paid at designated banks or at the tax office desk at the airport)
• Personal expenses