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Introduction
Following a recent visit by 2 members of our team to this region our Deep South fly drive has been slightly altered and enhanced to take full advantage of their experiences.

Our Deep South fly drive really does offer something very unique. Everything about this itinerary oozes exciting experiences, from the strong music theme that runs throughout to the typically southern lodging experiences waiting for you in Jackson, Natchez and Lafayette. The itinerary offers a blend of world-renowned cities such as Atlanta, Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans to the charming Mississippi River towns of Natchez and Lafayette in the heart of Cajun Country.

You will travel through the cotton growing fields of the Mississippi Delta, the hotbed for the birth of the Blues music and still brimming with bars playing live Blues each day. Visit the home of rock and roll legend Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee and don’t miss the many fabulous museums in the region telling the story of Blues, Rock n Roll and Country Music. You will can also enjoy a Cajun Dinner and dancing evening in Lafayette and sample the unique Zydico music of the south in New Orleans.

By the time you reach the Buckhead region of Atlanta at the end of your trip for some last minute shopping bargains you will have a very real appreciation of the American Deep South, the music the hospitality and the rich history.

We recently drove this very itinerary and have now put the package together so that you have the opportunity to experience this exciting tour for yourself.

Itinerary summary -'Deluxe Accommodation at Moderate Prices’

Flights
We are very proud to work with British Airways and have negotiated special inclusive tour rates exclusive to Complete North America for this itinerary giving you a great deal on non-stop flights with one of the finest carriers in the world. Should you be interested we can also extend special reduced travel rates in British Airways World Traveller Plus, Club World and FIRST.

Accommodation
We are particularly excited about the accommodation used on this itinerary. Each hotel has been hand picked and thoroughly inspected by us and thanks to the fabulous deals negotiated with all properties we can offer deluxe accommodation throughout for the same price as moderate accommodation would normally cost.

Not only have we got amazing deals we have some truly unique Southern lodging experiences for you. From beautifully restored grand hotels to small and quite stunning B&B experiences in Jackson, Natchez and Lafayette. I really could go on for page after page about the superb accommodation in this itinerary but instead we’ll just leave it to you to enjoy first hand if you book this fabulous fly drive itinerary to America’s Deep South.

Financial Protection
By booking this complete package with Complete North America you benefit from reduced rates on flights, accommodation and car rental along with complete financial protection. We are fully bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority and this package is ATOL protected under ATOL No.5368.

Arrive Atlanta, GA.

Depart London Heathrow – 1500
Arrive Atlanta – 1905
Journey Time – 9 hours 5 minutes

On arrival collect your fully inclusive Compact sized car and transfer to your hotel. The capital of the Peach Tree State Atlanta is famous for its links with Margaret Mitchell’s classic Gone With the Wind and rose from the ashes of the Civil War to become a commercial and financial giant of the Southeast. Visit the Carter Presidential Centre, the World of Coca Cola Pavilion or tour the CNN Centre, home of the largest TV network. Have a great evening in the city known as ‘The Big Peach’ as you choose from the abundance of superb restaurants and take in some of the many jazz bars.
Hotel – Hilton Atlanta

Atlanta GA. – Chattanooga TN. 114 miles

Travel north today, into the Appalachian Mountains to Chattanooga with a stop en-route to see the Confederate Memorial at Stone Mountain Park. Chattanooga began as an outpost on the border of the Cherokee Nation and developed into a diverse city, which saw action during two Civil War battles.

Tonight your overnight accommodation is a little different - stay in an authentic Victorian Train Car aboard the Chattaooga Choo Choo! …Travelling across the nation by private railroad car was the height of luxury in the early 1900's. The railroading excitement of a bygone era is still present onboard one of the 48 Victorian train cars at the Chattanooga Choo Choo complex. Where else can you overnight in a beautifully restored Victorian train car? The only thing missing from your night in a Victorian Train Car is the "clickety-clack" of the rails!
Hotel – The Chattanooga Choo Choo (Traincar room)

Chattanooga TN. – Nashville TN. 133 miles

Drive to “Music City USA”. Nashville is home to the legendary Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Studio ‘B’ where the “Nashville Sound” was created by Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, the Everly Brothers, Elvis and many others. Be sure to hear some live music at a classic honky-tonk like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Kick up your heels to the country sounds at the famous Wildhorse Saloon or take a cabaret dinner cruise aboard the General Jackson Showboat on the Cumberland River. Overnight at the Sheraton Downtown, right in the heart of the city so you can safely walk to the evenings entertainment venues.
Hotel – Sheraton Downtown

Nashville TN. – Memphis TN. 209 miles

Drive west to Memphis, home of the Blues and the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Visit Graceland, Elvis Presley’s beloved mansion, see his two private jets and his many cars at the Automobile Museum, simply a ‘Not to be missed visit’ and you should allow half a day for this. Don’t miss the tour at Sun Studio, where Elvis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash first recorded, you can actually stand on the spot and hold the very same microphone that Elvis held back in the 50’s.

A trip out to Mud Island, the 52-acre park showcasing the mighty Mississippi River is well worth a visit. Enjoy afternoon tea in the Peabody Hotel and witness the hilarious March of the Peabody Ducks. The ducks are the honourary residents at the Peabody Hotel and each morning they come down to the Fountain in the lobby where they remain until 5pm each day when they return with their keep to their Penthouse home on top of the hotel.

Finish your day with a meal at one of the many superb restaurants before soaking up the atmosphere in one of the live music clubs on famous Beale Street. We ate at BB King’s bar and enjoyed some fabulous live music at the same time, well recommended.
Hotel – The Peabody Hotel

Memphis TN. – Jackson MS. 213 miles

Today you will head south in to the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta. These fertile lands are still dominated by the cotton producing industry that saw the birth of the Blues in the1930’s when times were hard and cotton was harvested by hand supplying poorly paid work to 1000’s of African Americans many of who lived close to the bread line for much of their lives.

For those interested in the history of Blues we would suggest a visit to Clarksdale, reputed to be where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads of routes 49 and 61 in return for the gift of being able to play the guitar and sing the Blues

Optional Itinerary Alteration
For real Blues fans why not stop in Clarksdale for the night instead of Jackson and visit the famous ‘Ground Zero Blues Club’ and have dinner and Morgan Freeman’s restaurant Madidi’s. For something completely unique and almost unbelievable stay at the Shack Up Inn where they have six former sharecropper shacks that have been saved and restored to something like their original form. Apart from the clean running water and air-conditioning system this is designed to be as authentic as possible so don’t expect the Ritz! We’d be pleased to talk to you about this place and supply more details on request.

For those not wishing to stay in Clarksdale overnight continue on this afternoon to arrive in Jackson, Mississippi's capital city, where you can take a tour of the Old State Capitol Historical Museum, Governor's Mansion and Manship House. Your overnight stop offers a wonderfully quaint B&B experience in the heart of Jackson.
Hotel – The Old Capitol Inn B&B

Jackson MS. – Natchez MS. 115 miles

Wake up to a true Southern breakfast and then a tour of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry/ National Agricultural Aviation Museum. Complete with a re-creation of "Small Town, Mississippi" as it would have existed in the 1920s, the museum also features the Chimneyville Crafts Gallery, where you may purchase crafts made by Mississippi artisans as a memento of your adventure.

When you are ready to leave Jackson pick up the final leg of the Natchez Trace Parkway which actually runs from Tupelo up in the north down to Natchez but we consider this part of the route to be the most scenic.

You will spend 2 nights in Natchez, a beautiful town home to the largest number of original Plantation homes in the United States, it really is quite spectacular.

In Natchez you have the option to stay at the beautiful Dunleith Plantation or in one of their River Suites located in the town itself and overlooking the Mississippi River. Personally we love the River Suites they are gorgeous, huge rooms with just as large bathrooms and stunning balcony views over the River. However, do be aware that the River Suites are situated above ‘Bowies Tavern’ which offers live music on a weekend & can therefore be noisy.For a true Plantation experience you might prefer to stay up at the Plantation itself, either way a hearty breakfast is included at the Castle Pub on the grounds of Dunleith Plantation.

We will be happy to point you in the right direction for things to do during your full day in Natchez, a visit to the visitor centre and a city tour are a must and dinner at Dunleith would be a special way to finish your stay.
Hotel – The River Suites Operated by Dunleith Plantation

Natchez MS. – Lafayette LA. 147 miles

Today drive to the heart of Cajun Country and the town of Lafayette. In Lafayette you can visit the very pretty Acadian Village and visit the home of world famous Tabasco Sauce. This visit however is all abut your chance to experience Cajun hospitality in the form of an evening of dining and dancing. We can arrange for you to visit either Pre Jeans or Randols where you can taste local delicacies like Craw Fish ant Catfish whilst you listen to the live Cajun band. After dinner you can join in or just watch the dancing as the Cajuns let their hair down!

Your stay in Lafayette will be at the Bois des Chenes B&B a quite lovely place that survived the American Civil War and is now listed on the National Historic Register and rated as one of the top 100 B&B’s in America.
Hotel – Bois des Chenes B&B

Lafayette LA. – New Orleans LA. 135 miles

Set out early for ‘The Big Easy’. New Orleans is an engaging amalgam of cultures and contradictions. Explore the French Quarter, where old brick and beautiful iron balconied buildings reflect both French and Spanish influence. Stroll along the narrow streets of this walking neighbourhood, visit the antique shops and jazz clubs and experience Cajun and Creole cooking at its best. Travel on the famed “Streetcar Named Desire”, walk through the historic garden district or take a steamboat evening cruise on the Mississippi River.

We strongly recommend a city tour which takes a couple of hours to give you a good overview of New Orleans, its neighbourhoods and some history and facts about the precarious relationship this city has with Mother Nature!

The location of our hotel choice, Hotel Monteleone could not be better, it sits majestically at the foot of Royal Street giving you the best point of departure for all things New Orleans. You need only step outside this French Quarter hotel to discover quaint restaurants & specialty shops which line the cobblestone French Quarter streets that lead to Jackson Square, the Old French Market and the River Walk where tourists and native New Orleanians stroll the levee and watch the steamboats and barges along the Mississippi River. This historic landmark is a member of Historic Hotels of America.
Hotel – Hotel Monteleone

New Orleans LA. – Birmingham AL. 342 miles.

Today pick up the interstate and head straight for Birmingham your overnight stop en-route back to Atlanta. If you have time visit the Civil rights Institute, the centrepiece of the historic Civil Rights district. Other visits could include the Jazz Hall of Fame, the Botanical Gardens, the Southern Museum of Flight and the Zoo, with its 100 acres of parkland. You might also like to visit Sloss Furnaces Historical Park, the source of the city’s iron and steel wealth earlier this century. Alabama is the birthplace and influence of some of the true greats of music such as WC Handy, Nat King Cole and Hank Williams, be sure to finish your stay in Birmingham with a visit to one of the many jazz clubs, Five Points South is a great place for nightlife with an abundance of bars and restaurants.
Hotel – Tutwiler

Deep South Flydrive - Photo Album

We are pleased to be able to display a selection of photographs from this Flydrive

Prices (in Pounds Sterling)

The prices shown below are 'per person'.

Cost Includes ....

• Roundtrip non-stop scheduled flights with British Airways
• UK Airport Taxes
• 14 nights room only accommodation as stipulated or similar including tax .
• 14 days Compact car rental based on Alamo ‘Gold Rate’ (Intermediate for Triple/Quad Rates). Click here for details.
• Exclusive travel documentation package including personalised maps, itinerary and driver directions along with all applicable tickets and vouchers
• Due to the varying and frequently changing fuel surcharges imposed by all carriers from time to time the costs above do not include these charges. Any applicable charge will be confirmed to you at the time of enquiry or booking.

Weather
The Deep South offers generally warm year round temperatures if a little humid in the summer months. The region is subject to Hurricane activity generally from August to October. During these periods you are advised to monitor the local news and weather. Evacuation procedures are well drilled and you will be advised to leave any area under threat in plenty of time along designated evacuation routes. It should be kept in mind that a Hurricane is a generally rare occurrence.

Hotel Availability
Sometimes the hotels named in this itinerary are not available at the time of booking. Under these circumstances Complete North America will book alternative accommodation of a similar standard. Such changes will be confirmed in writing to you at the time of booking confirmation. If you are not completely happy with the alternative hotel we will happily discuss other possibilities with you in the same location.

Hotel Upgrades
The standard of accommodation used in this itinerary is of a high standard throughout. That said if you would like something extra special in Atlanta or New Orleans then we would be happy to talk to you about our opinions on these hotels and the costs involved to upgrade.

Best days to travel, seat assignments, special requests and flight upgrades

• British Airways operate non-stop flights daily so subject to availability you can select the travel date that best suits you. Should you wish to fly with an alternative carrier we would also be happy to prepare a quote for you.
• Where available we will be delighted to take care of any special meal requests on your flights (vegetarian, child meals etc) – please discuss with us at the time of booking.
• We have exceptional deals on upgrades with British Airways to World Traveller Plus, Club World and FIRST.
• We have discounted prices for British Airways regional flights to Heathrow, please ask for details and if you are flying from Northern Ireland or Republic of Ireland? Read about special deals for connecting flights here.

Car Rental in America

The car rental included in this package is based on the Alamo 'Gold' rate which represents the mose inclusive rate you can buy. For a full breakdown of just exactly what this rate includes, a full explanation of all inclusions and information on cars please visit our car rental section by clicking on the link below.

As part of our agreement with Alamo we are able to offer you GPS Satellite Navigation as an optional extra that must be pre-booked. For more information on this click the link below.

Go to the car rental section » Read more about Sat Nav »

Travel Insurance
Whilst it is not compulsory to take our travel insurance, it's imperative that you do not travel without comprehensive travel insurance. Our adult premium is £49 per person for 2 weeks (Age restrictions do apply), however we do have rates for family policies and annual travel insurance, please call for details. In all cases taking our travel insurance will require acceptance of the medical health declaration and all pre-existing conditions should be declared to the insurance company.

All travellers must hold a full 10 year machine readable British Passport and have no criminal convictions to travel to the United States without the need for a visa. For more details on passport requirements please visit www.usembassy.org.uk

Ready to book?

Call our booking line on 0845 263 7100

(Mon-Fri. 09.00-18.00 or Sat 10.00-17.00)

A member of our team will be happy to answer any questions you have before processing your booking and the initial non-refundable deposit payment of £150.00 per person. We will endeavour to secure your flights and take care of any special meal requests during this call. The remaining components of your holiday will be put in place and a written 'Confirmation/Invoice' detailing everything we have confirmed on your behalf will be sent by regular mail along with a receipt for the deposit to your nominated contact address. We try to complete this whole process within 7- 10 working days of accepting your order and deposit, however meeting this target is very much dependant on the speed of response from our hotel and tour partners in North America.

Please note - By agreeing to pay a deposit you are instructing us to commence with the booking of your holiday arrangements and as such you enter into an agreement with Complete North America Limited. This agreement is governed by our standard booking conditions a copy of which is available to you at anytime and included with your written holiday confirmation.

Click here to view our Booking Conditions & Promise of Fair Trading