2-Week Southern USA Tour Packages
Ready for extended Southern U.S. exploration? Check out New Orleans' music and food, Memphis for blues and BBQ, Nashville's country scene, and Charleston's charm and complex history. Visit Civil Rights sites in Birmingham, Montgomery, Selma, Savannah's squares, Atlanta's emergence, and Gulf Coast beaches. The hospitality's real, music traditions run deep, food's excellent, and history's complicated.
Insider tips: Recommended 2-week Southern USA tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern USA travel expert at TourRadar
14 Days in Southern USA, incl. Atlanta and New Orleans
Southern heritage shines through this two-week tour of 7 cities, highlighting Bonaventure Cemetery, recording sessions at Studio B, and visits to Graceland. Features 13 breakfasts and special experiences like jazz brunch at The Court of Two Sisters.
- Days 1-2
Atlanta to Savannah: Begin in Atlanta with a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site.
Then take the 4-hour drive to Savannah. A past visitor shared: "The Bonaventure Cemetery tour was a highlight - go early morning when it's cooler and the light is perfect for photos." Schedule morning activities to avoid the Georgia heat.
- Days 3-4
Savannah & Charleston: Get to know Savannah's historic district through its food scene.
British pie shops and honey stores offer glimpses into early settler life. After a 2-hour drive to Charleston, take the Black History tour. Book your restaurants ahead of time and plan activities for early morning or evening to avoid the downtown crowds.
- Days 5-6
Asheville: Take the scenic 4.5-hour drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains to artistic Asheville.
Visit the Biltmore Estate right when it opens at 9 AM to avoid crowds. You'll need 2-3 hours for the mansion tour. Bring comfortable walking shoes. For craft beer enthusiasts, the South Slope district lets you walk between different breweries.
- Days 7-9
Nashville: Stop at a Tennessee whiskey distillery during your 4-hour drive to Music City.
Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame early to beat the crowds. Try your hand at recording music at Studio B. Skip the tourist-heavy Broadway and check out Printer's Alley for more authentic local music.
- Days 10-11
Memphis: Start with the Stax Museum before driving 3.5 hours from Nashville.
Get to Graceland by 9 AM to avoid long lines. Book tickets online. Save Beale Street for nighttime when the blues clubs create an electric atmosphere.
- Days 12-14
New Orleans: The 7-hour drive brings you to your final stop.
A previous visitor noted: "The cooking class was incredible - ask lots of questions since the chef really knows authentic Cajun cuisine." Look beyond the busy French Quarter to areas like the Marigny for local jazz spots. Finish your trip with jazz brunch at Court of Two Sisters. Book the 9 AM seating for the best experience.
- Days 1-2
North Carolina
Begin in Charlotte and drive 2 hours to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visit Chimney Rock State Park for a 6-mile hike that takes 2-3 hours. You'll need good hiking shoes since trails can get slippery. The best views of the 535-million-year-old monolith are in early morning before the heat and haze build up.
- Days 3-4
Asheville & Nashville
Visit Asheville's River Arts District between 10am-2pm when studios are most active. Take the brewery tour in the afternoon but pace yourself with the stronger-than-usual craft beers. Next day, drive 4.5 hours to Nashville through mountain scenery. Get to Broadway's honky-tonks at 5pm when they open to secure a good spot for the evening.
- Days 5-7
Nashville & Memphis
Start at the Country Music Hall of Fame before the mid-morning crowds arrive. Drive 3.5 hours to Memphis, arriving between 2-4pm to skip rush hour traffic. Beale Street is best after dark, with blues performances starting around 9pm. "B.B. King's Blues Club was packed by 8pm—get there early and try the ribs while waiting for the band."
- Day 8
Mississippi Delta
Take Highway 61 south to Clarksdale. Visit the Delta Blues Museum when it opens at 10am. Red's Lounge, an authentic juke joint, opens after 9pm and only takes cash.
- Days 9-11
New Orleans
The drive from Clarksdale to New Orleans takes 5 hours through bayou country. Arrive after 2pm for hotel check-in. On your final day, start with beignets at Cafe du Monde before 8am to avoid long lines. Then explore the Garden District on the St. Charles streetcar. "The streetcar was just $1.25 each way, but bring exact change and hold on tight—those wooden seats slide around corners!"
11 Day Southern USA Music Trail Itinerary, incl. Nashville and New Orleans
A vibrant 11-day music tour winds through 7 Southern cities, showcasing Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame, Memphis's Graceland mansion, and New Orleans' jazz scene. Features 10 guided experiences and premium hotel stays for approx. $530 per day.
- Days 1-2
Atlanta to Nashville
Begin your music journey in Atlanta before driving north to Nashville (4 hours). Wait until after 10 AM to leave Atlanta to skip the morning traffic rush. You'll travel through beautiful Appalachian foothills into Tennessee's capital. Book your stay in Midtown near Music Row to be close to the main attractions.
- Days 3-4
Nashville Highlights
Start at RCA Studio B in the early morning to avoid tour groups. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame after 2 PM when crowds thin out. Book Grand Ole Opry tickets at least 2 weeks ahead since evening shows often fill up. On Day 4 drive to Muscle Shoals, Alabama (3.5 hours southeast) to visit FAME Studios. Bring a light jacket since studios keep temperatures low to protect their equipment.
- Days 5-6
Memphis Music Legacy
Take a 2-hour drive to Tupelo to visit Elvis's birthplace before continuing to Memphis (2.5 hours). Stay near Beale Street which gets lively after 8 PM. You'll want to be within walking distance to avoid parking problems. Visit Graceland right when it opens at 9 AM to get ahead of the crowds. Sun Studio runs tours every hour but space is limited. The 11 AM tour offers great photo opportunities with smaller groups.
- Days 7-8
Natchez to New Orleans
Drive south through Mississippi to Natchez (5 hours) and take the Stanton Hall mansion tour to learn about Civil War history. The next day continue to New Orleans (3 hours). Summer visitors should plan indoor backup activities since afternoon storms are common. If you're staying in the French Quarter pick a room away from Bourbon Street for quieter nights.
- Days 9-11
New Orleans Immersion
Start your French Quarter exploration early before crowds and heat build up. Take the walking tour first thing when the cobblestones are dry. Book morning swamp tours to see more wildlife. If you're taking the Mississippi River dinner cruise request a window table when you book.
Southern USA 14 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
Best of the South: Atlanta to New Orleans
USA's Deep South - Country & Blues
America's Music Heritage
The American South
Rhythms of the South (11 Days)
Tunes of Glory!
Music Cities - "Southern Style"
America's Musical Heritage with New Orleans Jazz Festival
America's Musical Heritage with Extended Stay in New Orleans
Southern Symphony
