DAY 1: UK - New Orleans.
Fly to New Orleans where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for three nights.
DAY 2: New Orleans. Included sightseeing.
The birthplace of jazz and home of the Mardi Gras is a lively colourful city with a distinctly French feel. On our included morning city tour you will see the French Quarter, including St Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. We then drive by the Garden District to see its stately mansions and stop at a typical New Orleans above ground cemetery. After dark, we explore the ghostly past of the Old French Quarter on a guided tour of the area's most haunted sites. The storytelling of the city's most informed raconteurs will provide chilling and historically accurate narratives of the city's most legendary hauntings.
DAY 3: New Orleans. Included Halloween Parade.
This morning there is free time for you to explore the French Market District, America's oldest city market. Experience the sights of the Market at harvest time and shop for arts and crafts, Cajun spices and Creole pralines and candies. Stop for a break at the famous Café du Monde, a tenant of the French Market since 1862, for a cup of café au lait accompanied by beignets, the Creole version of a doughnut. You may also wish to explore the Garden District with its ornate historic mansions and oak lined trees, and home to the eerie Lafayette Cemetery No.1, a favourite setting for many of Anne Rice's novels. Tonight, a special Halloween celebration is in store as we experience the fabulous Mardi Gras style Krewe of Boo Halloween parade. A relatively new event, the parade was created by 'Mr Mardi Gras', Blaine Kern and is the city's first official Halloween parade. Featuring larger-than-life colourful floats, bands, dance troupes and ghoulish displays, the parade is packed with 'Big Easy' party atmosphere, and a distinct carnival feel.
DAY 4: New Orleans - Baton Rouge - Natchez. Included sightseeing.
We drive north through the heart of Cajun country to Baton Rouge for an orientation tour, featuring the Governor's Mansion and the State Capitol. Then it's on to elegant Natchez, once a thriving port in the golden years of the cotton trade. During your included guided tour you'll visit a gracious pre-Civil War home featuring fine collections of period furniture and paintings. In the evening, relax at your hotel or play the slots in the nearby casino.
DAY 5: Natchez - Memphis.
We drive to Jackson, then north through rural Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee. The 'home of the blues', Memphis is world renowned for its influence on musical history and culture. Tonight, why not visit one of the famous music clubs on Beale Street?
DAY 6: Memphis - Graceland - Nashville. Included city tour and Grand Ole Opry show.
No visit to Memphis would be complete without a trip to the palatial home of the 'King', Elvis Presley. Our included guided Platinum tour focuses on the splendid garden and the opulent 15,000-square-foot mansion. We then head through the fertile farmlands of Tennessee to the 'Capital of Country Music', Nashville. In the evening you have reserved seats for an unforgettable show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, the mecca of country musicians since 1925.
DAY 7: Nashville.
Its association with country music has made the name Nashville Tennessee world famous, but it's not just music fans who will find this charming southern city a delight. We start the day with an included sightseeing tour of the famous landmarks, including the Parthenon, the State Capitol, Bicentennial State Park, and the recording studio of Music Row. We then visit the Country Music Hall of Fame with its glittering costumes, rare instruments and Elvis Presley's solid gold Cadillac. This evening, explore Nashville's darker side and unravel the mysteries surrounding some of Music City's most recognizable landmarks on an optional guided sightseeing walk of the town's atmospheric streets.
DAY 8: Nashville - Chattanooga - Atlanta. Included sightseeing.
First stop today is Chattanooga, home of the Chattanooga Choo Choo. We then enter the 'Peach State' of Georgia and continue through the Chattahoochee National Forest to the fast-growing metropolis of Atlanta, former home and burial place of assassinated civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. After an included sightseeing tour of the city, the rest of the day is yours to explore further or relax. Your tour director will have suggestions for a taste of southern dining this evening.
DAY 9: Atlanta - Savannah. Included sightseeing.
We head south through rich rolling farmland to the historic seaport of Savannah. Nearly 300 years of history are showcased in the Gothic revival architecture, spirited cemeteries and haunted mansions set amongst the slanted sidewalks and oak trees of 'America's most haunted city'. Explore more of Savannah's traditional Southern charm on our included tram tour to the City Market, Forsyth Park, the Mercer House, Madison Square - where General Sherman concluded his 'March to the Sea', Colonial Park Cemetery and River Street. Later, why not join our optional outing to 17Hundred90, one of the City's most haunted locations and oldest operating inn? Here, enjoy a 'spirit' or two with dinner and learn the tragic tale of Anna, why she haunts the 17Hundred90's famous room 204; and discover why Savannah is plagued by more than its share of paranormal activity.
DAY 10: Savannah.
A day at leisure to explore this southern town. Shop on cobblestoned River Street or stroll among the many squares surrounded by elegant homes and majestic gardens. Don't miss Forsyth Park, with its lovely fountain and flowers, or the impressive Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, where you can learn about Savannah's important role in maritime history and view models of famous ships.
DAY 11: Savannah - St Augustine - Orlando.
We travel into the famous 'Sunshine State' of Florida, stopping first at St Augustine, the oldest European city in the United States. On your orientation tour you will see the city's historic district and the Spanish fortress, Castillo de San Marcos. We then drive south-west to the city of Orlando, the USA's fun capital. Tonight, why not round off your Halloween experience on an optional outing to the notorious Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida®? Explore the streets of the theme park which will be transformed into a labyrinth of haunted houses, sensational scare zones and outlandish live shows - the ultimate Halloween experience.
DAY 12: Orlando.
The day is yours to take advantage of the many attractions in the Orlando area, such as visits to Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld, and of course the world-famous home of Mickey Mouse and friends, Walt Disney World Resort. You may also wish to take advantage of Orlando's eight shopping malls - featuring everything from themed boutiques to outlet stores, the area is a true shopping heaven.
DAY 13: Orlando - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
DAY 14: Home landing in the UK.