Arrive into Atlanta international airport, pick up your rental car and proceed to your hotel. Stay 2 nights Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Atlanta Downtown (or similar).
Explore the sights of Atlanta such as world class shopping, family attractions, fascinating museums and historical points of interest, including Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and Margaret Mitchell’s House, the famous writer of ‘Gone with the Wind’. For family attractions visit the Atlanta Zoo to see the giant pandas and the World of Coca-Cola to explore the story of this world’s famous drink.
Day 3: Atlanta – Chattanooga (approx. 118 miles)
Enjoy a scenic drive north into the state of Tennessee and to the quaint town of Chattanooga. This charming city lies along the Tennessee River and the mountains of Southeast Tennessee. Stay 2 nights at Hampton Inn and Suites Chattanooga/Downtown (or similar).
Day 4: Chattanooga
The eco-friendly town is set in a delightful riverfront location offering a variety of attractions and activities. Ride the free electric shuttle to explore the historic downtown area, cruise down the Tennessee River taking in the scenic vistas from Lookout Mountain and experience famous MoonPie, a tasteful snack which has been made daily at Chattanooga bakery since 1917!
Day 5: Chattanooga – Asheville / Smoky Mountains (approx. 201 miles)
Depart Chattanooga driving along the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to Asheville, in North Carolina - your base to venture out to explore the glorious views of the Smoky Mountains. Stay 1 night at Hotel Indigo Asheville Downtown (or similar).
Day 6: Asheville – Louisville (approx. 360 miles)
Today, head to the southern charms of Louisville, Kentucky’s largest town where you can discover an eclectic variety of attractions from sports, history, music and an amazing food. Be sure to stop by the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, a popular tourist attraction for all ages. Stay 2 nights at Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Downtown (or similar).
Day 7: Louisville
Perhaps start the day on Museum Row with the Muhammad Ali Center, pick up a customised baseball bat from the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, take a cruise on the Belle of Louisville or perhaps visit the Kentucky Derby Museum. The city is also a home to famous bourbon, you can visit many distilleries and bourbon bars for its authentic experience. There’s plenty to explore in this southern city.
Day 8: Louisville – Nashville (Approx. 174 miles)
Take a leisurely drive across the state into the country music capital of Nashville. You can stop for a hike in Mammoth Cave National Park and explore the cave labyrinths system (advanced booking required). Stay 2 nights at Hotel Indigo Nashville (or similar).
Day 9: Nashville
You will have a full day to explore the city and attractions that are on offer. By day, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Johnny Cash Museum, or head out to Lynchburg for a tour of the famous Jack Daniel’s whiskey Distillery. By night, visit the ‘country’s most famous stage’ Grand Ole Opry and stop in Honky Tonk district where you can enjoy live music, as well as great food and drinks, until the early hours.
Day 10: Nashville – Memphis (Approx. 210 miles)
Today you will be driving from one ‘Music City’ to another – from the home of country music to the birthplace of the blues and rock ‘n’ roll! En-route, perhaps stop at Natchez Trace State Park for lunch with a wilderness scene, where picnic facilities are available to enjoy the outdoors. Continue your journey on to Memphis. Stay 2 nights at Madison Hotel (or similar).
Day 11: Memphis
This wonderful city is located on the Mississippi River, and is renowned for its influential strains of blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll that originated here. Attractions include Graceland Mansion, the former home of Elvis Presley and now a museum, the Sun Studio where Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and B.B. King recorded their famous songs. For those who love the outdoors head to the Mud Island River Park, where you can rent pedal boats for the best view of the Memphis Skyline. Spend the evening along Beale Street one of the iconic streets in America with its colourful collection of jazz and blues bars. Enjoy your dinner in one of many restaurants in downtown city.
Day 12: Memphis – Birmingham (Approx. 239 miles)
Today, drive through the heart of the South to the historic town of Birmingham, popular for its jazz scene and involvement with the civil rights movement. Break your journey with a stop in Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis Presley and visit the famous house where he was born. Stay 2 nights at Hampton Inn Suites Birmingham Downtown Tutwiler (or similar).
Day 13: Birmingham
Spend the day enjoying jazz clubs, theatre shows, fine dining and lots of outlet shopping. Take time to learn about the Civil rights history at the Civil Rights Institute, visit the world’s largest cast iron statue overlooking downtown Birmingham - the Vulcan and perhaps see a great collection of vintage motorcycles restored to theirs original specifications at the Barber Motorsports Museum.
Day 14: Birmingham – London
Your road trip ends today upon check out of your hotel. Return your rental car before boarding your overnight flight back to London.