Southern Sounds & Elvis (8730)

8 days from New Orleans to Nashville

2026 Tour Details View 2025 Tour Details »

If you are a music fan, don’t miss this Southern Sounds & Elvis tour! Begin with two overnights in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, where a Local Guide introduces you to the sights and sounds of the Big Easy. From New Orleans, travel to Indianola, Mississippi, the hometown of the legendary musician B.B. (Blues Boy) King, and visit the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center to learn about his life and 60-plus year career and why the Mississippi Delta is the birthplace of the blues. Stay three nights in Memphis, where you’ll take a tour with an expert Local Guide who knows Memphis’ history like no one else - including the inside, “backstage” stories from the folks who were there. You’ll visit Graceland, Elvis’ palatial estate, and walk through the same rooms as the “King of Rock-n-Roll.” You can even board his private jet! Then visit the Meditation Garden, where Elvis went to reflect on life and where he and his only child, Lisa Marie Presley, are laid to rest. Spend two nights In Nashville, where you’ll enjoy reserved seats at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry where country’s biggest names have performed! You’ll also have the chance to take an optional excursion to see both Historic RCA Studio B, Nashville’s oldest surviving recording studio where Elvis recorded more than 200 songs, including “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” and visit the Country Music Hall of Fame to see the memorabilia, musical instruments and glittering costumes of the people who shaped country music. With included must-see sights and free time to explore on your own, this budget-friendly musical journey through the Southern U.S. states is not to be missed!

The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available). Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!

Your Tour Includes:
• Guided city sightseeing in New Orleans and Memphis
• Admission to the B.B King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center
• Admission to Graceland, including audio tour and access to private jets
• Overnight at the Guest House at Graceland
• Orientation tour of Nashville
• Tickets to a musical performance at the Grand Ole Opry

Dates & Prices Book Online
800.646.5374
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Southern Sounds & Elvis map

 Photo Highlights

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

2 breakfasts

 Itinerary

Day 1 NEW ORLEANS

Welcome to New Orleans! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00 p.m. this afternoon to answer any questions.

Once settled into your hotel, perhaps head out and start exploring this lively city full of character, interesting shops, delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine, and music!

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Day 2 NEW ORLEANS

The morning is dedicated to the sights and sounds of this vibrant city on a guided sightseeing tour. First, visit the French Quarter to see St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. Next, learn about the city’s unique burial customs at an above-ground cemetery, followed by a leisurely drive down historic St. Charles Avenue to enjoy its stately mansions and clanging streetcars. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps spend some more time in the French Quarter to take a closer look at the unique architecture and ornate balconies and peruse the many boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops. This evening, listen to some live New Orleans Jazz while you dine aboard a paddle-wheel boat on an optional Jazz Dinner Cruise on the Mighty Mississippi.

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Day 3 NEW ORLEANS–INDIANOLA–MEMPHIS

Depart New Orleans this morning for Indianola, hometown of the legendary musician B.B. King. Visit the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center to learn about B.B (Blues Boy) King’s fascinating 60-plus year career. Learn about his time as a sharecropper to his big break on Memphis’ Beale Street and then becoming an international music star. Artifacts, images, and a guitar studio, where visitors can play instruments, bring it all to life. Also learn why the Mississippi Delta is widely recognized as the birthplace of the blues. Afterward, journey to Memphis, where you spend the next three nights.

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Day 4 MEMPHIS

This morning, experience this amazing city on a sightseeing tour with an expert Local Guide who knows the history of Memphis like no one else and shares the inside, “backstage” stories from the folks who were there. Later, have the chance to go on an optional excursion to Sun Studio, widely known at the birthplace of Rock ’n’ Roll and where Elvis Presley started his career, followed by dinner. Then perhaps venture out to Beale Street where Delta blues, jazz, Rock ‘n’ Roll, R & B, and gospel join in a melting pot of American music.

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Day 5 MEMPHIS. EXCURSION TO GRACELAND

Today is dedicated to Graceland. Take a guided audio tour and experience life as Elvis did by walking through the decadent and quirky rooms of his estate. Board his customized jet featuring a living room, private bedroom, and gold-plated seat belts! Finish your tour with a visit to the Meditation Garden, where Elvis often went to reflect on life, and where he is now laid to rest along with Lisa Marie, his only child. Tonight, check in to the nearby Guest House at Graceland for an overnight stay.

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Day 6 MEMPHIS–NASHVILLE

Today, we head to Nashville, “Music City USA.” Nashville is the ideal destination for music fans, history buffs, and lovers of the South. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour of the city including landmarks like Centennial Park with its reproduction of the Parthenon and Ryman Auditorium, previous home of the Grand Ole Opry. Then have free time to explore this lively town on your own.

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Day 7 NASHVILLE

With so many things to see, it’s hard to choose where to begin, but there is no better place than with an optional excursion to Historic RCA Studio B and the Country Music Hall of Fame. RCA Studio B is Nashville’s oldest surviving recording studio and one of the country’s most important. Between 1957 and 1977, more than 35,000 songs were recorded here, including 262 Elvis Presley recordings. Then learn about the people who have shaped country music and see their glittering costumes, rare instruments, and even Elvis Presley’s “solid gold” Cadillac at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Tonight, take your seat for an unforgettable show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, the world’s premier country music venue since 1925 and the setting for the nation’s longest-running music show.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 8 NASHVILLE

Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore “Music City USA” further.

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Breakfast Breakfast

 Tour Director

With COSMOS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

SUSANNAH JONES

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

“Travel, food, music, and laughter bring people together. There is nothing like seeing faces with bright smiles when they taste a local delicacy, hear live regional music, and make lifelong friends while traveling together. I was raised in the South, lived in Germany, and taught Middle School all before beginning my second career as a Tour Director. I love the joy of making unforgettable experiences for guests from East to West. There are the majestic sights of national parks in Yosemite, the surreal landscape of Yellowstone, the haunting beauty of our Wetlands, and the bluish-green hues of the Shenandoah Valley. Tasting Peanut soup, beignets, and Fry Bread lets you taste local culture. Traveling will change you for the better!”

Tour Director - SUSANNAH JONES

 Accommodations

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyCosmos site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


New Orleans
Memphis
Nashville

New Orleans

Jazz Dinner Cruise on the Mighty Mississippi

Jazz Dinner Cruise on the Mighty Mississippi

Savor the beauty and romance of the New Orleans skyline aboard the authentic Steamboat NATCHEZ-New Orleans only authentic Steamboat!

Price Range: $$$

Memphis

Sun Studio & Dinner at a local restaurant

Sun Studio & Dinner at a local restaurant

Step back to the early years of rock `n roll on this tour of Sun Studio, where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and other future stars got their start, then enjoy a fantastic dinner.

Price Range: $$

Step Back in Time: Breakfast at Memphis' Oldest Cafe

Step Back in Time: Breakfast at Memphis' Oldest Cafe

Step back in time for a classic Southern meal at the Arcade Restaurant. Join your group for a delightful dining experience at Memphis' oldest café - the iconic Arcade Restaurant. Established in 1919 and steeped in history, this nostalgic gem offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that perfectly complements its delicious southern style comfort food. Nestled in the heart of the historic south main arts district, the Arcade's retro 1950's décor, original neon sign and vintage booths have made it a beloved local landmark And for Elvis fans, this stop is a must. The Arcade was one of Elvis Presley's favorite hangouts, and you can even see his favorite booth, marked with a plaque and filled with Presley lore. It's a true treat for anyone who wants to walk in the footsteps of the King.

Price Range: $

Nashville

Country Music Hall of Fame®

Country Music Hall of Fame®

Come relive the stories, the legends, and the songs that continue to define country music as you step Into the Heart of Country Music at the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is a journey through the genre's rich history, celebrating both its legendary past and vibrant present. Nestled in the heart of downtown Nashville, this modern museum often called the "Smithsonian of country music" offers a one-of-a-kind experience that captures the soul of country music.

Price Range: $

Dinner with Nashvilles beloved duo, Dave & Daphne

Dinner with Nashvilles beloved duo, Dave & Daphne

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment! Enjoy a delicious private dinner while being serenaded by Nashville's beloved duo, Dave and Daphne. Dave's world-class guitar skills and Daphne's powerful vocals create a magical combination of country, gospel, and classic hits. Their show includes incredible musical talent, engaging storytelling, and a touch of humor. Making this night even more special, Rylee Barry, a rising star with a soulful voice and fresh energy, will join them on stage.

Price Range: $$$



The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include International airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos).

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