A once in a life time incredible 14 night fly drive holiday to the Splendid Southern States visiting Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville, Memphis, Lafayette, New Orleans, Destin & Alabama
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Mid morning flight from London to Atlanta
After collecting your luggage and clearing US immigration make your way to the Alamo car hire desk to collect your car. After familiarising yourself with the cars controls and US driving regulations proceed to Marriott Marquis resort where you will be spending the first night of your holiday.
The distance to the hotel is 12 miles, about a 15 minute drive
Atlanta is both historically interesting and full of excellent attractions; it’s a city that has a great deal to offer its visitors. Visit Stone Mountain Park, tour the Coca Cola Museum and the CNN centre where you can see a news cast being prepared and broadcast.
Marriott Marquis
Experience the bustling energy and stylish vibe at Atlanta Marriott Marquis, a destination downtown Atlanta hotel conveniently located in Peachtree Centre, with indoor MARTA access Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport just 15 miles away. This contemporary Atlanta, GA hotel is steps from the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and few blocks from CNN Centre, Georgia World Congress Centre, Philips Arena, and Georgia Dome.
The breathtaking atrium is marked by the 50-foot colour changing sail of Pulse, a classically cool cocktail lounge and the iconic symbol of this downtown Atlanta, Georgia hotel.
Sear - As the signature restaurant of the hotel, this chic, fire-inspired venue features seared steaks and seafood with exquisite décor including the visible kitchen throughout the dining room. To complement the mouth-watering cuisine, Sear serves 140 varieties of wines from its five floor-to-ceiling, temperature-controlled wine vaults. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, each day promises something different, yet extraordinary all the same. Join us. Your table is ready.
Take pleasure in 1569 guestrooms and 94 spacious suites boasting lavish conveniences and floor to ceiling windows with amazing skyline views. Create the perfect atmosphere for meetings in over 160,000 square feet of contiguous meeting space at the unrivalled Marriott Marquis Hotel in downtown Atlanta, GA.
Day 2
Today’s short drive takes you over the state line into the musically influenced state of Tennessee and Chattanooga. Chattanooga’s most well-known landmark is the famous Choo Choo Train which is proudly on view. Rock City Gardens, The Tennessee Aquarium and Ruby Falls are also well worth a visit..
Driving distance today is 115 miles a driving time of 2 hours
On arrival in Chattanooga you will be checking into The Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel, the terminal station in Downtown Chattanooga has been converted into the most fun and beautiful of all Chattanooga hotels!
Chattanooga Choo Choo - Historic Hotels of America
The Chattanooga Choo Choo is the only Historic Hotels of America resort in Chattanooga, TN. The terminal station in Downtown Chattanooga has been converted into the most fun and beautiful of all Chattanooga hotels! Whether you stay in one of the Victorian Train Cars, Hotel Suites or Standard Rooms, as one of the top Tennessee resorts, you can enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, gardens and on-site shopping.
Experience a classic Chattanooga evening of entertainment and fun as you dine from a delicious selection of steaks, ribs, and seafood. The area which once housed the rail station's baggage room is now home to the most unique of all Chattanooga restaurants. Your delicious dinner comes complete with exciting entertainment provided by a live band and your own personal server. Each entree is accompanied by a generous Railway Baggage Cart Salad Bar, featuring "all-you-can-eat" fresh shrimp. The talented serving staff takes turns on stage throughout the evening to bring you live entertainment from all varieties of music. You'll never forget these "Singing Servers
All Aboard! Chattanooga Choo Choo Trolley - while strolling through the gardens at the Choo Choo, you may hear this invitation bellowed out by the Conductor of the Choo Choo’s authentic 1924 New Orleans’ Trolley. Just step aboard the Trolley and you will begin an exciting, entertaining, and educational excursion around the Choo Choo complex. How this unique mode of transportation made it to the Choo Choo attraction is a story in itself.
Day 3
Your next stop is Nashville, the home of country music. There is so much to see and do in Nashville that we have included a three night stay. Ride the General Jackson Showboat along the Cumberland River, visit the historic Ryman’s Auditorium and the Grand Ole Oprey or sample the great shopping at Opry Mills, and if you get the chance why not enjoy some line dancing at the wild horse Saloon.
Today’s driving distance 135 miles, 2 hours driving time.
For your accommodation in Nashville we are suggesting the Doubletree hotel
The Double Tree Hotel Nashville
The Doubletree Hotel Nashville in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee invites you to experience the rich culture and heritage of "Music City USA" and the true meaning of southern hospitality. The downtown hotel, located within walking distance of Tennessee's Capitol and the Nashville Convention Centre, is only ten minutes from Nashville International Airport.
Swank's Martini & Wine Bar is the ideal spot to relax and savour the end of the day with your favourite beverage.
The distinctive Meritage Grille restaurant serves incomparable regional cuisines at breakfast, lunch, and dinner to savour, A la carte and buffet available, specialising in steaks and seafood for dinner.
Day 6
From one music town to another, this time it’s Memphis, the birthplace of Rock & Roll and home of the blues. Spend some time on Mud island, a 52 acre park which showcases the Mississippi River and is home to the Memphis Belle, or perhaps visit the Rock & Soul Museum, or spend a day at Graceland Elvis Presley’s’ Mansion.
Driving distance to Memphis is 212 miles and will take you approximately 3 hours.
In Memphis we have chosen the Crowne Plaza Downtown for you to spend the next two nights of your holiday.
Crowne Plaza Memphis
The hotel offers affordable hotel accommodations in the heart of Memphis. This downtown Memphis hotel is just 12 miles from Memphis International Airport (MEM) and minutes from the Cook Convention Centre, making us the perfect Memphis meeting and convention hotel for business travellers and corporate conventions.
The convenient downtown Memphis hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of the Memphis trolley system which provides easy access to the convention centre and business district as well as the local tourist attractions that help make Memphis a great vacation destination.
Looking for something fun to do in Memphis? Music enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the world-famous Beale Street Entertainment District is within walking distance of the hotel and Elvis Presley’s Graceland is just 8 miles away. Sports fans can catch a game at AutoZone Park, home of the Memphis Redbirds, or the FedEx Forum, home of the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies.
All the hotel rooms offer warm décor with modern accents. Comfortable beds with seven pillows each help you sleep soundly and free high-speed, wireless Internet access will ensure that you can stay connected. Extra amenities include a work desk with an ergonomic chair and an easy chair.
Rhythm & Blues Restaurant and Bar - Located in the hotel lobby, the restaurant serves a variety of dishes and offers an extensive beverage menu. Check out the daily specials. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 8
Although it’s rather a long drive today you will enjoy some beautifully scenery as you travel south through the state of Mississippi following the Natchez trace Parkway, an ancient path traversed by traders and Indians. Once you arrive in Natchez we suggest you visit the pre–Civil war mansions, built by the cotton farmers, and perhaps take a nostalgic horse drawn carriage.
The distance to your next destination is 312 miles, a time of approximately 4¾ hours
Tonight’s accommodation is at the Natchez Eola hotel
The Natchez Eola Hotel
Built in 1927 the hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Natchez Eola Hotel offers its guests the ambience and charm of the Old South with the convenience of modern amenities.
The Natchez Eola Hotel is graced with elegant interiors, arched doorways, crystal chandeliers, marble trim, stately columns, Mississippi River view balconies, and a New Orleans courtyard with an original fire-and-water fountain.
Grand and stately, the Eola Hotel is furnished throughout with fine antiques, original oil paintings, statuary, fountains and lush florals.
Step out of the Eola's courtyard into the heart of historic downtown Natchez, where you'll discover Natchez Under-the-Hill, riverboat gambling, and the city's renowned Antiques Row, all within walking distance of the Eola. Horse-drawn carriages will deliver you to the door of magnificent antebellum mansions graced with innumerable white columns, rich Italian marble and moss-laden trees.
Accommodations - 131 rooms, Standard and Premium Rooms, suites, Grande Suite, Smoking, non-smoking, some with refrigerators, microwaves, ice machines, some with fireplaces, balconies, connecting balconies.
Dining & Lounge - With two on-site restaurants & a lounge, the Natchez Eola Hotel offers fine dining, casual dining, and a relaxing bar where you can join friends after a busy day of business meetings or local sightseeing.
Juleps Restaurant overlooks a courtyard with flowing fountain and gaslights. Juleps is perfect for enjoying a casual breakfast or lunch, or an after-dusk dinner before a night on the town. Cafe LaSalle offers superb regional cuisine for dinner in a quiet and elegant atmosphere.
Enjoy brunch or a light afternoon meal in the Eola's New Orleans Courtyard. Sip a cool one by the light of the gas lit fire-fall fountain. Hang out at Peacocks Bar & Grill. This corner bar, popular with locals, is the perfect spot to unwind, with your favourite drink and light meal after a busy day touring the town.
Location - Located in downtown, historic district, within easy walking distance of most downtown attractions, including Natchez-Under-the-Hill, riverboat gambling, Antiques Row, museum, conference centre, churches, and carriage drawn city tours.
Day 9
Today you enter the heart of Cajun country to Lafayette. Here you will have the opportunity to learn about the Cajun Culture at Acadian Village, a restored bayou town that brings to life the early 19th century.
Driving distance 150 miles 2½ hours
Tonight’s hotel is the Acadiana
Acadiana Lafayette
The Hotel Acadiana offers full service amenities in a friendly and regal setting. The hotel is conveniently located minutes from downtown, the Oil Centre, the Cajundome, University of Louisiana at Lafayette and area shopping and business. The friendly multilingual staff is ready to ensure a great stay for guests travelling on both business and pleasure.
The hotel offers oversized, well-appointed guest rooms, each equipped with a wet bar, expanded cable television, and free wireless internet access.
For your convenience the hotel offer complimentary wireless internet throughout hotel, seasonal outdoor pool, 24 hour business centre and complimentary shuttle service within a 3 mile radius.
Day 10
Drive along the Mississippi River today heading for New Orleans. Now you arrive at our third music city, New Orleans, home to jazz and the lively Bourbon street. The big Easy, as its known, with its French Influences is very historic and wonderfully scenic. Take a step back in time and enjoy a steam boat cruise before heading for your next destination.
Distance to your next hotel 140 miles, 2¼ hours
For the next two nights you will be staying at the Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter
Hotel Monteleone – New Orleans
All Things New Orleans
It’s been said that the French Quarter begins in the lobby of the Hotel Monteleone. In fact, this venerable establishment sits majestically at the foot of Royal Street giving guests the best point of departure for all things New Orleans. Visitors need only step outside this French Quarter hotel to discover shop after shop of fabulous European antiques, estate jewellery, Oriental rugs, and art and antiquities from around the world. Quaint restaurants and specialty shops 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. At this New Orleans hotel you’ll find history around every corner.
This historic landmark is a member of Historic Hotels of America, since 1886 the Hotel Monteleone has proudly stood as one of the first landmarks in the world-famous French Quarter
Each spacious guestroom offers in-room safe, refrigerator, high-speed Internet access, large flat screen HD Television, iron and ironing board, two phones per room with voice mail, and coffee maker and coffee.
The bathrooms are elegantly appointed and feature marble floors and granite counter-tops, hairdryer, and plush robes
Dining & Entertainment - New Orleans has been world-famous for its exceptional cuisine for more than a century, and the Hotel Monteleone is steps away from the best meals you’ll ever encounter. Whether you walk across the street to one of the restaurants in the famous Brennan family dynasty or stumble upon your new favourite culinary discovery, the Hotel Monteleone is in the middle of it all.
Carousel Bar - Immortalised in the writings of Ernest Hemingway among others, the revolving Carousel Bar is a part of New Orleans history. A favourite of New Orleans locals, it has a wild circus motif and is often filled with colourful local characters telling stories about Hotel Monteleone and this celebrated city.
Day 12
Travelling along the Gulf Coast today brings you to Florida’s Panhandle. Make sure you take time to stop off in some of the pretty seaside towns and historic ports along the way before arriving at the coastal town of Destin. Destin is a superb beach location and provides the perfect time to relax and reflect on the destinations you’ve visited so far.
Distance to Destin 261 miles 4¼ hours
For the next two nights you will be staying at the Hilton Sandestin Resort
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Cool, calm, and collected - that's the Hilton Sandestinilton Sandestin. In fact, that's one of the all-time best things about this full-service Destin Florida resort hotel, the only Florida Gulf Coast beach resort of its kind in Northwest Florida. They bring you everything you need in one place. They even have a room to fit every need, including bunk beds for children. At the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, they have it all for an unforgettable stay.
The Guest Rooms offer a choice of a king or two double beds as well as a sofa sleeper and parlour area for relaxing. All Guest Rooms at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa have a contemporary décor with a private balcony. These hotel rooms measure 460 square feet each.
At the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, dine among the best Destin Florida restaurants without leaving the hotel.
Whether you're looking for a fine dining restaurant in Destin, in need of a latte on-the-go, craving seafood, or wanting some R&R barefoot and beachside, the Hilton Sandestin has an array of dining venues to suit your mood. From a delicious in-room dining venue to a AAA Four-Diamond steakhouse, at the Hilton Sandestin, your dining experience has endless possibilities.
It's all right here – the best of the best in Florida Gulf Coast beach resorts, immediately at your fingertips. So kick back and relax, knowing they've got you covered. Just a handful of the fine features you'll enjoy:
- 2 Outdoors pools and whirlpool
- 1 Indoor pool and whirlpool
- 11,000-square-feet World-class spa and fitness center
- Four championship golf courses at Sandestin®
- 15 tennis courts at Sandestin®
- Complimentary Internet access in hotel lobby/lounge areas
Day 14
Leaving Florida behind head north up into Alabama and the states historic capital of Montgomery. Visit the dramatic civil rights Memorial inscribed with Dr Martin Luther Kings “I have a dream” speech and the names of the many who gave their lives for freedom. The landscape is scattered with plantation homes, some of which are open to view of how life used to be in the Deep South.
Distance 165 miles 3¼ hours
You will be spending the last night of your holiday at the Renaissance Montgomery
Renaissance Montgomery Hotel
Unique among downtown Montgomery, Alabama, hotels, Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Centre boasts stunning architecture highlighted by modern amenities and a rooftop pool. An Alabama capitol hotel situated downtown near Maxwell Air Force Base, this stylish Montgomery, Alabama, hotel features more than 103,000 square feet of meeting space, an 1,800-seat performing arts centre, a 73,000-square-foot exhibit hall, and a 9,000-square-foot European spa. Comfort reigns supreme in each of our guest rooms, featuring high-tech amenities, such as HD LCD TVs, wireless and touch screen phones, Wi-Fi and a connectivity panel for all your electronic devices. Enjoy delectable cuisine at The House restaurant, sample high-quality seafood at Wintzell’s Oyster House, or mingle at The Exchange at this chic 4-Diamond Montgomery hotel in the historic downtown area. Enjoy the delights of Alabama's capitol at the finest among hotels in Montgomery, Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Centre.
Guest Rooms:
- Discover The downtown Montgomery hotel’s artfully appointed hotel rooms with premium bedding.
- Enjoy multi-channel high-definition LCD TVs at our contemporary Maxwell Air Force Base hotel.
- Connectivity panel allows guests to use and charge laptops, iPods, MP3 players and digital cameras.
- As one of the premier hotels near Maxwell Air Force Base, the guest rooms are lavishly appointed.
- Located in Alabama's capital, the spacious rooms and suites boast separate bathtubs and showers.
The House Restaurant offers an inspired dining experience with a blend of contemporary cuisine infused with Southern ingredients.
The Exchange Pub - Named for the historic Montgomery hotel, the Exchange is a new contemporary location for nightlife. You can enjoy signature cocktails enhanced with the freshest ingredients while listening to live entertainment.
Day 15
Sadly It’s time to leave Alabama and make you way to Atlanta airport dropping off your hire car before checking in for your return flight to the UK.
Distance 155 miles 2¼ hours
Overnight flight from Atlanta to London
For more information on the Splendid South Fly Drive Itinerary or ideas for alternative holiday destinations
call Joanne on 01243 779 737
Link to America Fly Drive Holidays
