Day 1 & 2- Arrive in Memphis, Tennessee & explore the city.

Arrive in Memphis, renowned as the birthplace of Rock'n'Roll and home of the blues for your two night stay. Elvis' mansion Graceland is a 'must see' along with Sun Studio and the historic Beale Street where you can party through the night. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Smithsonian's Rock'n'Soul Museum and the Gibson Guitar are also well worth a visit. Stay in Memphis for two nights. 

Day 3 & 4- Memphis to Nashville, Tennessee (212 miles) 

Move on today to Nashville, home of Country Music and the Grand Ole Opry. Visit the museum of music giants, the Country Music Hall of Fame followed by some live music in one of many bars and lounges in 'The District', Nashville's downtown entertainment area. 

Stay in Nashville for two nights. 

Day 5- Nashville to Muscle Shoals, Alabama and surrounding areas (134 miles) 

On to the northwest corner of Alabama where a cluster of cities bursting with musical talent - Tuscumbia, Florence, Sheffield and Muscle Shoals line the banks of the Tennessee River. Begin your stay by visiting the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia which showcases some of the state's famous music icons including WC Handy, Jimmie Rodgers, Sam Phillips, Hank Williams, Nat King Cole, The Temptations, Alabama and the Commodores.

The Shoals region also boasts some of the most influential recording centres in America. Renowned for their huge contribution to rock, country and R&B music throughout the 60's and 70's, the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and FAME Recording Studio were used frequently by superstars like Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Paul Simon and Otis Redding who all made classic recording here. Both studios are active recording studios but are open for public tours (check ahead for visiting times). 

Stay in Muscle Shoals for one night. 

Day 6 & 7- Muscle Shoals to Huntsville, Alabama (69 miles) 

A short drive brings you to the Rocket City, Huntsville. A two night stay here provides an ideal opportunity to sample some of its exciting day and night time entertainment. Located in the heart of Alabama’s Mountain Region, Huntsville hosts numerous music events throughout the year including one of the state’s largest - the Big Spring Jam every September. The city’s downtown area has a mini entertainment district with venues like Crossroads Cafe and Humphrey’s showcasing Blues, Jazz, Folk and Rock music. For shopping and dining, the new Bridge Street Town Centre features over 70 upscale shops and restaurants, a 10 acre lake with gondola rides, water craft rentals and park areas.

By day, visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, the Earth’s largest space museum featuring a full size Space Shuttle, a Saturn V rocket and the actual Apollo 16 capsule. Families can thrill to interactive rides and flight simulators; they can also attend U.S Space Camp®. Save time for the Huntsville Botanical Garden where you can enjoy the Alabama sunshine whilst exploring 112 acres of flora and fauna.

For a different perspective, go back in time to 1819 by visiting Alabama Constitution Village, the actual site where forty-four delegates gathered to forge the way for Alabama's Statehood. Become a part of Alabama’s history as villagers dressed in period clothing take you through eight reconstructed Federal style buildings. Another living history museum, Burritt on the Mountain, is a remarkable 14-room mansion built in the shape of an X and is insulated with 2,200 bales of wheat straw. The Historic Park contains restored farm buildings which interpret rural life during 1850 and 1900.

Day 8 & 9- Huntsville to Birmingham, Alabama (101 miles) 

Birmingham, your next stop, is Alabama's largest city and known for its diversity. Overlooked by Red Mountain and home to grits, gravy, great culture and gracious folks, it adds its own stamp to the music world. As well as hosting the famous Preserve Jazz Festival every June, Birmingham claims to be the Capital of American Idol due to its reputation for producing a string of talented vocalists. Two of the winners Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks, plus runner up, Bo Bice, all hail from here.

Indeed, it's hard to escape the music in this playful city. Throughout the year, Jazz echoes from downtown nightclubs in places like Ona's Music Room and the Blue Monkey. The Five Points entertainment district has music of all types as well as great dining. Folks in Birmingham love to eat and those who visit here will get a taste of its fabulous variety in cuisine whilst enjoying all the arts that the city offers. Jazz enthusiasts would do well to visit the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame which pays tribute to great artists with ties to Alabama like Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton.

Aside from the music, Birmingham has museums by the dozen and its story of Civil Rights conflict and reconciliation should not be missed. It is told at the moving and educational Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The Barber Motorsports Park and Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum are a must for motor enthusiasts and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Zoo are just some of the city's other great attractions.

Stay in Birmingham for two nights.

Day 10- Birmingham to Montgomery, Alabama (123 miles) 

Moving south to Montgomery, Alabama's State Capital is the birthplace of both the Civil War and Civil Rights. This is where Hank Williams lived from 1937 to 1948. The Hank Williams Museum documents the life of this Country Music pioneer famous for such classics as "Hey Good Lookin" and "Cold Cold Heart". 

Stay overnight in Montgomery. 

Day 11 & 12- Montgomery to Mobile, Alabama (169 miles) 

The historic port city of Mobile which is one of the oldest cities in America is your home for the next two nights. Part of Mobile Bay, the city offers entertainment and relaxation, and boasts the original Mardi Gras which started in 1703 and is still celebrated every year two weeks before Lent.

Mobile features delicious seafood and an array of bars, restaurants and live music venues - just what you would expect from Jimmy Buffet's hometown. The Lo Da Entertainment District has over 20 establishments with live music on different nights of the week. Stop by 'Veets' for a late night drink and live bands. Felix's Fish Camp overlooking Mobile Bay has entertainment most nights and great views over the water. If you're visiting in the Autumn, you'll be lucky enough to see the city's 3 day BayFest Music Festival. This has jazz as its main ingredient but there is continuous music for every taste.

Spot of Tea on Dauphin Street is a favourite for breakfast and a nice place to stroll around as you admire the buildings on Cathedral Square. A drive through the nearby Oakleigh Garden Historic District allows you to take a look at some of the city's finest late 19th Century residences.

During your two night stay, take a trip a few miles down the road to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach which provide 32 miles of pristine white sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Live bands perform at beachfront bars like the Florabama, Pink Pony Pub and The Hangout.

Day 13 & 14- Mobile to New Orleans, Louisiana (144 miles)