Country Roads of the Deep South a Women-Only tour
From $10,495 /person
Twin room

Country Roads of the Deep South a Women-Only tour

Operated by: Insight Vacations
Tour departs:  
Overview
12 days
6 places
1 country
5+ yrs
From
$10,495 /person
Twin room
Call +61 2 9051 1815
About the Tour
Your tour takes you to:
Nashville
Memphis
Nashville
Memphis
Greenwood
Natchez
Greenwood
Natchez
Lafayette
New Orleans
Lafayette
New Orleans

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Deep South on this 12-day, guided, women-only tour, designed to celebrate and connect with influential women. Experience the soul of Nashville as you stroll through the Broadway entertainment district, surrounded by the lights and sounds of country music legends. Enjoy a guided tour of Studio B and meet a female songwriter at the Country Music Hall of Fame who will share her industry insights. In Memphis, participate in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a tour focused on Courageous Women Fighting for Women’s Rights, Civil Rights, and Justice for All, followed by a private tour of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Explore New Orleans through the Great Women of the Mississippi River Delta tour, discovering the remarkable women who shaped the city. Conclude your journey with a cooking demo led by a female chef and a behind-the-scenes tour of Mardi Gras World.

Overview
12 days
6 places
1 country
5+ yrs
From
$10,495 /person
Twin room
Call +61 2 9051 1815
Itinerary & map
What you'll see
Nashville

Welcome to Nashville, the capital of Tennessee and spiritual home of the US country music scene. From the Everly Brothers’ “Bye Bye Love” to Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman,” the city’s streets echo with legendary tunes. Settle in and relax before meeting your Travel Director and fellow women travellers for a welcome dinner with wine. Prepare to be enchanted by the unique experiences and inspiring females awaiting you over the next 12 days on this extraordinary women-only journey through the Deep South.

Inclusions
The Banker's Alley Hotel
Dinner with Wine
Nashville

Immerse yourself in the heart of Music City over two days, starting with an orientation to get up close and personal with Nashville’s vibrant culture. Explore the scenic Riverfront Park, the historic Tennessee State Capitol, and the sprawling132-acre Centennial State Park, home to a stunning replica of Greece’s Parthenon. Stroll along Broadway, passing lively honky-tonks and street performers, before arriving at the historic RCA Studio B for a guided tour. Discover Nashville’s music history in this iconic studio where over 47,000 songs have been recorded by legends like Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and modern stars like Martina McBride and Carrie Underwood. Learn fascinating stories behind these legendary recordings and see original instruments used in producing over 1,000 hit records. Continue your musical journey to The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where you’ll take in a one-hour performance by a talented female songwriter and enjoy a self-guided tour of this tribute to American music. Conclude your day at the famous Grand Ole Opry, the world-renowned country music venue and the longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history, for an evening of country fun with your group of like-minded women.

Inclusions
The Banker's Alley Hotel
Breakfast
Nashville

Visit the Nashville Farmers Market to savour the diversity of the South’s food scene as you engage with local producers offering delights from Korean bulgogi and bibimbap to authentic Italian pizzas. In the afternoon, dive deeper into Nashville with an Insight Choice. Experience a tour and whiskey tasting session at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, a historic gem founded in the 1800s and once run by Louisa Nelson, one of the few female distillers of her time, before being revived by her great-great-great grandchildren. Alternatively, join a transformative MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at The National Museum of African American Music. Perfect for music enthusiasts, this experience will inspire, educate, and deepen appreciation of American music, highlighting the prominent role African American women have played in shaping the nation’s soundtrack.

Inclusions
The Banker's Alley Hotel
Breakfast
Memphis, Nashville

Whether it’s your first time in Memphis or you’re a frequent visitor, the lively melodies of Beale Street—a melting pot of delta blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, R&B, and gospel music—will captivate you. Take a sightseeing tour of the city passing the Memphis Pyramid and the historic Peabody Hotel, renowned for the Peabody ducks that swim in the hotel fountain. A moving MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience awaits as you join an inspiring female civil rights activist for a tour through the city and to hear her story of living through the Civil Rights Movement, including participating in the Selma March of 1965. End your day byjoining another MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a private evening at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The museum is part of The Soulsville Foundation, which aims to inspire future artists and prepare young adults for life success.

Inclusions
The Guest House at Graceland, Memphis.
Breakfast
Memphis

Take an immersive journey into the life of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. At Graceland,explore Elvis’s private retreat where he found solace away from the stage. Your self-guided tour of the mansion includes the living room, the iconic Jungle Room, and exhibits showcasing Elvis’s career including automobiles, wardrobe, gold records, custom jets, and more from the Graceland Archives. Next, head to Sun Studio, the legendary recording studio where Elvis started his career. Led by a local musician, discover the legendary recording studio, known as “the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll” where Elvis started his career. In the evening, enjoy a unique dining experience at The Beauty Shop, a former parlour turned whimsical New American eatery, where Elvis’s wife, Priscilla, was said to get her hair done. Join us for a memorable journey celebrating the iconic legacy of Elvis Presley.

Inclusions
The Guest House at Graceland, Memphis.
Breakfast and Dinner
Memphis, Greenwood

Journey through the Mississippi Delta along the captivating Mississippi Blues Trail, where the stories of pioneering businesswomen unfold. Arrive in the historic town of Greenwood, Mississippi, and delve into its significance in the Civil Rights Movement. Your Travel Director will share profound insights into Greenwood’s role as a hub for protests and voter registration efforts from 1962 to 1965. Embrace a truly unique experience with an Insightful Encounter at the Viking Cooking School. Here, a cook will guide you in crafting hot tamales, a flavourful regional specialty of meat wrapped in corn husks. Discover the rich cultural heritage behind this beloved dish, making your culinary adventure both enlightening and delicious.

Inclusions
The Alluvian, Greenwood.
Breakfast and Dinner with Wine
Natchez, Greenwood

Learn more about Southern history and hospitality as you head to Natchez on the banks of the Mississippi River. Tour the historic antebellum Stanton Hall and discover the preservation efforts of later generations to gain an understanding of how slavery and cotton allowed plantation owners to build these mansions. Test your mixologist skills as you concoct a traditional Southern cocktail, the mint julep. Refreshing, cooling and with a touch of sweetness, you’re sure to learn a few party tricks to bring back home with you. Arrive at your hotel with the option to enjoy an evening to yourself or ask your Travel Director for restaurant suggestions to try Southern favourites from crawfish and gumbo to grits and fried oysters.

Inclusions
Natchez Grand Hotel, Natchez
Breakfast
Natchez, Lafayette

Move on to Lafayette for a taste of the Cajun and Creole countryside. Your in-depth journey continues, with an unforgettable boat tour through moss-draped cypress trees where elegant egrets perch just out of the reach of alligators. On your excursion in the Atchafalaya Basin Swamp, explore the diverse natural beauty and rich ecological systems of America’s largest and most mysterious swamp ecosystem. A Native Cajun tour guide will explain from personal experience what it is like to live on a houseboat or survive off the swamp, while pointing out the abundant plants of the area and getting you up close and personal with the wildlife.Later, listen to ancestral Cajun and Creole music and stories during a private concert along the banks of the river.

Inclusions
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette.
Breakfast
Lafayette

After breakfast, start the day with a visit to the Vermilionville Historic Village. Your Local Specialist will guide you through the village where you will learn more about the people, music, and sounds that give Lafayette its distinct and charming character. You’ll love this opportunity to discover the stories of the origins, migration, settlement and contemporary culture of the Acadians (Cajuns) with your fellow female travellers. Then, tap into your culinary side with a crawfish farm tour as you learn all about this succulent Southern staple. Your Local Expert will help you catch your lunch the old-fashioned way using hand nets, typical of crawfish boils with roots dating back to the late 1700s. Learn how to prepare a traditional boil before sitting down to enjoy your authentic meal. If crawfish are out of season, take part in a boil experience with seasonal seafood (an alternative will be provided for guests who don’t eat seafood).

Inclusions
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette.
Breakfast and Dinner
New Orleans, Lafayette

Discover the rich tapestry of New Orleans, a city brimming with music, culture, and cuisine. Indulge in the flavours of Creole dishes and refreshing mint juleps while exploring this fascinating destination. Begin with a behind-the-scenes tour of Mardi Gras World, where you’ll uncover over a century of celebrations and even design your own Mardi Gras mask. Enjoy dining by the Mississippi River, surrounded by the city’s grandiose mansions and elaborate architecture.  En route to New Orleans, take a spicy detour at the TABASCO® Factory on Avery Island for a self-guided tour to learn how the world-famous hot pepper sauce is made. Discover the history of this family recipe, crafted by the McIlhenny Companysince 1868. Upon arrival in New Orleans, join talented chefs at the New Orleans School of Cooking, housed in a renovated molasses warehouse from the early 1800s in the heart of the French Quarter, for a live demonstration and lunch featuring the city’s most iconic cuisine.

Inclusions
New Orleans Marriott, New Orleans
Breakfast and Lunch
New Orleans

Your tour continues as you experience architecture, heritage and art shaped by a range of female influences. Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods with a Local Expert, delving into their unique architecture and dynamic art scenes. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of Mardi Gras World, where the extravagant carnival floats are built each year. Led by one of the talented Mardi Gras World artists, you’ll design your own premium Mardi Gras mask, complete with glitter, feathers, and felt backing. This eclectic memento will be a cherished reminder of your time in The Big Easy.

Inclusions
New Orleans Marriott, New Orleans
Breakfast and Dinner with Wine
New Orleans

While it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as your adventure ends, the friendships formed will last a lifetime. Your departure to the airport will be at leisure.

Inclusions
Breakfast
Dates & pricing
12 Sept 2025
Friday
23 Sept 2025
Tuesday
From
$10,495 /person
Twin room
September
12 Sept 2025
Friday
23 Sept 2025
Tuesday
From
$10,495 /person
Twin room
Things to know

Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.

Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours

  • All deposits, service fee, and payments are non-refundable.
  • Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation for credit due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, an additional service fee above and beyond the existing fees in the agreed payment schedules applies for A$300 per person will apply.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.

Date Changes

  • Changes can be made on request by contacting the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
  • Tours pricing is dynamic and can change at any time.
  • Additional fees and fare difference may apply.
  • Changes are not permitted after your final payment date.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.
  • Date change conditions listed above do not apply to flights or pre- and post-tour accommodation booked with us. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s). For pre- and post-tour accommodation, these reservations are not directly linked to your tour and may require a separate cost to change, as stated in your ‘My Escapes.’

Itinerary Amendments & Changes

  • Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
  • In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees toward flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
  • You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).

Surcharges

  • After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
  • Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.

Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.

  • Date changes can be made on request by contacting us via phone or email. Prices and spaces on the tour and are subject to availability.

For all new bookings, if you can’t travel as a direct result of border closures or Government-imposed travel restrictions that directly impact your booking, we will:

  • allow you to change the dates of your tour
  • offer you a credit for another tour, cruise or accommodation offer, less any third-party costs that we can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers), or
  • refund the full value of your tour, less any third-party costs that we can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers)

Package inclusions are correct at the time of purchase, and are outlined in more detail in the “Highlights and Inclusions” section, as well as in the itinerary. Refer to your booking confirmation for details.

  • If transfers are included in your package, please note that these are only available on the first and last day of your tour. Arrival and departure transfers are included between the hours of 6am and 6pm only. If you arrive outside these hours a supplement may apply. Please contact our trusted, third-party tour partner for further information.
  • If booking a Twin Share package, transfers are based on two people sharing the one vehicle. If you are arriving on different flights at different times, a supplement will be charged for two separate vehicles
  • Flight details must be advised as per our trusted third-party tour partner’s requirements. Failure to provide your confirmed flight details within the time period specified by our trusted, third-party tour partner may result in forfeiting your transfer.

Any items and matters not referred to above, including, airfares to and from your destination, air-related taxes and fees (except where specified); additional fees charged by airlines such as checked and/or excess baggage, seat selections and any other services; passport and visa fees; insurances of all kinds; tips/gratuities to Travel Directors, Local Guides, Motorcoach Drivers and other ; laundry; phone calls; minibar; drinks and meals not detailed in the itinerary; and all items of a personal nature.

  1. International Flights (either side of tour)
  • Flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in your tour’s start destination on your chosen tour start date. Please ensure you allow for travelling time, and please do NOT book your flights until your tour is confirmed.
  1. Visas
  • A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
  • Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 12 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing time.
  • A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
  • When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
  1. Personal Expenses
  • Optional activities and day tours are not included in your tour package, nor are meals and drinks not stated in the itinerary.
  1. Tipping & Gratuities
  • Tipping and gratuities are included for the services included in your trip, but are not included for your Motorcoach Driver and (where applicable) your Trip Manager, Wellbeing Director, Local Hosts or Local Guides. These are at your own discretion, and should be extended on a voluntary basis at the end of your journey. As a guide, approximately A$5 – A$10 per person, per day, is the industry standard.
  1. Travel Insurance
  • Travel insurance is strongly recommended. We recommend purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
  • we can assist you in purchasing travel insurance through our preferred provider. Please enquire for further information and to see if our policy is suitable for you.
  • COVID-19 requirements vary from country to country and region to region and you may be required to be fully vaccinated and provide evidence of vaccination. Evidence of negative COVID tests may also be required. Airlines and other transport providers may also have separate requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply at all times with these requirements. No refunds will be given if you are unable to undertake some or all of your holiday due to your failure to comply with these requirements. You will be responsible for any resulting additional costs including travel and accommodation.
  • Travellers are advised to check the vaccine requirements for their trip with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccines require 30 days or more to be effective. Please check with your health professional that you hold the appropriate vaccination entry requirements for your destination.
  • Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from our ground operator prior to departure. You may be asked to upload your proof of vaccination to the operator’s brand portal prior to departure.
  • Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from our ground operator prior to departure. You may be asked to upload your proof of vaccination to the operator’s brand portal prior to departure.
  • Important: The hotel, transportation and/or destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your departure.
  • Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities in this tour. Further, travellers acknowledge and agree that neither we nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (are we or the tour provider liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).
  • In most cases the tour operator can cater for special dietary requirements but please note that on occasion, this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry supplies with you.
  • Any dietary requirements must be received by the tour operator at least 30 days prior to your scheduled departure date. Failure to provide these details by this date may result in an inability to cater for your requirements.
  • Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures that may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to Covid-19 health and safety restrictions. Our trusted third-party suppliers will inform guests of these changes as soon as possible.
  • we reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. The supplier reserves the right to cancel or alter tour itineraries as deemed necessary. Tour operation or alterations to itineraries may occur due to road or weather conditions, strikes, public holidays, accommodation availability and/or other factors. Accommodation will be of a similar or better standard if a change is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
  • For more than 40 years, we have delighted our loyal travellers with all the sights and the insights, up close and personal, in comfort and in style. We are renowned for our smaller groups, our specially designed, customised luxury coaches with twice the legroom and twice the view, and our brilliant collection of more than 70 authentic and unique Insight Experiences, our deliciously authentic dining options, and the way we stay in style. We are committed to supporting initiatives which protect the people, planet, and wildlife so they remain vibrant for generations to come.
  • Stay in style - We take the greatest possible care in choosing highly rated 4.5+ star hotels with excellent style, location, and service. We want you to love your home away from home.
  • With more 2- and 3-night stays than any other operator, Insight gives you the time to spread out, relax and not have to pack and unpack each day. You have time to enjoy your fine hotel and all the exciting shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural options that await just outside its doors. Great food is at the heart of every journey. From thoughtful vegetarian options to seasonal specialties in amazing locations, you will sip, savour, and sense the local flair at every meal. Meet fascinating people and step into their homes and their lives. Learn about history and pioneering projects, take a cooking class or learn to dance with over 100 included Insight Experiences. Travel in style with more personal space - Your Insight coach is uniquely customised for extra space. Sit high above the traffic with unobstructed views and enjoy twice the legroom and personal space of a regular coach.
  • From the moment you arrive, our talented people are there to welcome you and ensure that you enjoy your guided holiday to the fullest. Your 'travelling concierge' lives in the destination and is with you all the way, a friendly face in a foreign land and a great travelling companion. They're exceptionally experienced, well-organised, knowledgeable and at the pinnacle of their careers. They make everything run smoothly and take time out to help you with your specific priorities and interests.
  • We are renowned for our smaller groups, and our specially designed, customised luxury coaches with twice the legroom and twice the view. We now give you the option to travel in your preferred group size. Classic group tours feature a maximum of 40 guests, small group tours have no more than 24 guests, while private groups have a cap of just 12 guests. Please contact us to enquire about private tours.
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