Day 1 Fly from the UK to Huntsville, Alabama and collect your car

Get stuck straight into the ‘Tastes of Alabama’ at one of Huntsville’s fantastic restaurants! Whether it’s fine dining or something more casual, you’ll find plenty to tantalise your taste-buds whatever the time of day. Try the Braised Meyer Ranch beef short ribs at the Cotton Row Restaurant, or check-out the exciting night time entertainment in the downtown area, such as Humphrey’s Bar and Grill which showcases live music and great food. Visit the new Bridge Street Town Centre which 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. 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. 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.

Stay two nights in Huntsville .

Day 3 Drive to Birmingham, approx. 100 miles

Don’t fill up on too much breakfast before you leave Huntsville, and make a stop in Decatur (half an hour drive from Huntsville) to taste the fabulous Big Bob Gibson's Bar-B-Q – the mouth-watering slow-cooked meats and nationally award-winning sauces have earned it the title of "Best Barbecue Restaurant in Alabama," by the Birmingham News.

Birmingham is Alabama's largest city and known for its diversity. Overlooked by Red Mountain, Birmingham is home to ‘grits, gravy, great culture and gracious folks’. Indeed, it's easy to find great music and cuisine - Jazz echoes from downtown nightclubs and the Five Points entertainment district has music of all types as well as great dining. People in Birmingham love to eat and those who visit here will get a taste of its fabulous variety. Try baked grits at the award winning Highlands Bar and Grill, pulled pork and cheese biscuits at Jim ‘N Nick’s or Full Moon’s famous half-moon cookies and chow-chow – a spicy, sweet Southern relish. Award-winning Chef Rodney Scott of Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ has been perfecting the art of barbecue for over 25 years and favourites include Rod’s whole-hog pork, as well as burgers, ribs, smoked chicken wings and crispy fried catfish.

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 two nights in Birmingham.

Day 5 Drive to Montgomery, approx. 90 miles

Moving south today, 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". Enjoy southern favourites at the hot bar at Derk’s Filet & Vine. You will find numerous restaurants and live music at the ‘Alley’ entertainment district. 

Enjoy southern favourites at the hot bar at Derk’s Filet & Vine in the historic Old Cloverdale Neighbourhood, or classic hotdogs and chilli sauce at Chris’ Hot Dogs, a 101-year-old Montgomery classic, which have been enjoyed by everybody from Martin Luther King Jr. to Hank Williams to Elvis Pressley. If it’s soul food you are searching then Martha’s Place is the place to go for authentic Southern staples, or if you’re dreaming of more barbeque the place to be is Dreamland Bar B Que in downtown Montgomery. 

Stay one night in Montgomery.

Day 6 Drive to Mobile, approx. 170 miles

The historic port city of Mobile is one of the oldest cities in America. 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. 

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. 

 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. 

Stay two nights in Mobile.