Description
Blend vibrant cities, incredible music and southern charm on our brand new 17 Day USA Great Southern Discovery tour with airfares, now on sale for a range of travel dates in 2025
Begin your adventure in the heart of New York City. From the moment you arrive in this vibrant metropolis, you'll be captivated by its world-famous landmarks, from the towering Empire State Building to the bustling energy of Times Square and the serene beauty of Central Park. After exploring the rich history and modern marvels of the Big Apple, the tour continues to Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, where you can see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, key symbols of American freedom.
Next, you’ll visit the nation’s capital, Washington, DC, a city steeped in history and filled with iconic monuments and museums. From the White House to the Lincoln Memorial, and the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC offers a rich blend of politics, culture, and history. As the tour moves further south, you’ll experience the charming city of Roanoke, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, before heading to the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Here, you'll be able to take in the misty, rolling landscapes and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the region’s famous wildlife.
After enjoying the tranquillity of the mountains, the tour takes you to Gatlinburg, a quaint town known for its Southern hospitality and scenic views, before heading to Nashville, the vibrant hub of country music. Explore the legendary Grand Ole Opry or stroll down Broadway, where live music fills the air. The journey continues to Memphis, home to Elvis Presley’s iconic Graceland mansion and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, offering a blend of music history and American culture.
Travelling deeper into the South, you’ll reach Jackson, Mississippi, a city rich with Civil Rights history and southern charm, before arriving in New Orleans. In the Crescent City, you'll be swept up by the unique atmosphere of the French Quarter, where jazz music, Creole cuisine, and vibrant street life come together in an unforgettable experience. After a brief stop in Pensacola to enjoy the white sand beaches of Florida, we're off to the world-famous attractions of Orlando, including Universal Studios and Disneyland. Finally, our last stop is the tropical allure of Miami, where you can soak up the sun, explore art deco architecture, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. Blending history, culture, music, and natural beauty, our USA Great Southern Discovery Tour with flights from Australia is the perfect way to soak up American culture.
Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15 Day 16 Day 17
Australia United States of America
G'day, USA! Today your flight to the United States will be departing from Australia, although for some guests this may happen on Day 2 depending on your state of origin.
Meals: Inflight Menu
New York City
Welcome to New York City! Meet your group and tour leader in the evening for an informal welcome at the hotel. Until then, feel free to roam the famed streets of New York like a local, or rest up for our great adventure ahead.
Accommodation: 4-Star Martinique NY On Broadway or similar
New York City Philadelphia Washington D.C.
We depart New York for Philadelphia, where we spend the morning exploring the gorgeous historic district of the “City of Brotherly Love” and the birthplace of a nation. See landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, and stroll through Independence National Historic Park and Mall. Continue to the iconic capital of the United States, Washington, D.C.
Accommodation: 4-Star Washington Hilton or similar
Washington D.C.
Ready to explore the capital inside out? Tag along with your expert guide to learn all about the marvellous sights such as the Capitol Building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the White House and Arlington National Cemetery, site of the JFK Memorial. Enjoy your personal leisure time in the afternoon, perhaps visiting some of the many museums such as the famous Smithsonian Institute, or simply stroll the banks of the Potomac River.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-Star Washington Hilton or similar
Washington D.C. Williamsburg Roanoke
Our journey continues to Willamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. Visit the Duke of Gloucester Street and discover the city’s impressive public buildings, authentic colonial houses and the college of William and Mary. Then we ride inland towards Roanoke, famous for the “Lost Colony”, where we spend the night.
Accommodation: 3-Star Holiday Inn Tanglewood or similar
Roanoke Blue Ridge Mountains Great Smoky Mountains National Park Gatlinburg
Watch the charming landscape as we drive along the Blue Ridge Mountains, setting up the scene for the fascinating Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In the afternoon, we arrive in Gatlinburg, with abundant evening time to spend at your leisure. Explore the unique restaurants and cafés on the high street of this historic town, before a refreshing rest at the hotel.
Accommodation: 3-Star Edgewater Hotel & Conference Centre or similar
Gatlinburg Nashville
Our adventure this morning takes us through Knoxville, the third-largest city of Tennessee, before arriving to the Music City of the USA - Nashville! Arriving early in the afternoon, absorb the buzzing music scene and the modern skyline of the city at your own tempo. Legendary country music venues include the Grand Ole Opry House, home of the famous “Grand Ole Opry” stage and radio show. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and historic Ryman Auditorium are Downtown, as is the District, featuring honky-tonks with live music and the Johnny Cash Museum, celebrating the singer's life.
Accommodation: 3-Star Gaylord The Inn at Opryland or similar
Nashville Memphis
Without skipping a beat, we travel on to Memphis! The city is acclaimed for blues music and home to the legendary Sun Records, where immortal artists such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded albums. Take a tour of the city with your guide to explore Beale Street, the ever-beating heart of blues. In the afternoon, you can join an optional tour to Graceland, the former home of the one and only Elvis Presley.
Accommodation: 3-Star Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown or similar
Memphis Jackson New Orleans
Today we head further into the heart of the south to Mississippi, the ‘Magnolia State’. Driving through the state capital, Jackson, we continue to Louisiana and New Orleans. See the home of the infamous costume parade on Mardi Gras, and learn why New Orleans is called the ‘Big Easy’. Enjoy round-the-clock nightlife, a buzzing live-music scene and spicy, fascinating heritage with influences of American, French and African cultures. In the evening, you can familiarise yourself with the Creole culture on an optional Mississippi Riverboat dinner cruise, complete with live tunes by a Dixieland jazz band.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hilton New Orleans Riverside or similar
New Orleans
The day is yours to enjoy at leisure! Soak in the French flavour and splendour of New Orleans oozing in the air. Venture into the French Quarter with its distinctive iron balconies, hanging over narrow streets of cobblestone. Climb atop an infamous New Orleans levee to grasp how these unique engineering projects safeguard the city against nature. If nothing else, frequent one of the trendy live music venues or grab yourself a bowl of gumbo!
Accommodation: 4-Star Hilton New Orleans Riverside or similar
New Orleans Gulf of Mexico Pensacola
Following the Mississippi Gulf Coast through Mobile in Alabama, we travel to the city of Pensacola and arrive in Florida. Here, we will take a tour of one of the top ten rose gardens in the United States, the Bellingrath Home. Then, visit Pensacola Beach to roam among sea oats dancing in the wind and dip your toes in the warm turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Accommodation: 3-Star Courtyard By Marriott Pensacola or similar
Pensacola Orlando
We continue east towards central Florida, taking a panoramic route through Ocala, a region renowned for thoroughbred horses and fields of citrus. Our next stop will be the fantasy land of thrilling entertainment, Orlando! Arrive in Orlando around 6:00pm, explore the town on your terms and have a good night’s rest before an adventurous day tomorrow.
Accommodation: 3-Star Delta Hotels Orlando Celebration or similar
Orlando
Make the most of your free day in Orlando. Explore the city in depth, recharge by the pool, take an airboat ride through the Everglades, or up the adrenaline with a visit to one of Orlando’s world-famous attractions such as Universal Studios or Walt Disney World Resort.
Accommodation: 3-Star Delta Hotels Orlando Celebration or similar
Orlando Kennedy Space Centre Miami
Departing sunny Orlando, we ride on to the distinguished Kennedy Space Centre - home of the American space program, NASA! Visit the centre in fascination of the amazing feats accomplished, with tremendous efforts to expand humanity’s horizon. We continue to Miami to land on the famous Miami Beach, always vibrant and diverse! We will arrive at the hotel around 7:00pm, enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Accommodation: 3-Star Holiday Inn Miami Beach (Oceanfront) or similar
Miami Australia
Our trip will end in Miami after we say goodbye to our new friends and check-out of the hotel by 11:00am. Depending on the timing of your flight home, guests are welcome to utilise the luggage storage facilities onsite, and squeeze in one more day of exploring Miami.
Meals: Inflight Menu
In Transit
Expect to spend today in the sky, crossing multiple timezones on your way home.
Meals: Inflight Menu
Australia
Welcome back to Australian soil! Your flight will likely land at around 6:00am to 7:00am. We hope you enjoyed your time in the United States, and safe travels until your next adventure.
Meals: Inflight Menu
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Return economy class airfare to the United States from Australia
- 13 nights in 3 & 4-Star hotel accommodation on twin share basis
- Modern air-conditioned private minibus or coach transport
- Fully guided experience with tour leader and driver throughout the program
Group Size: The typical group size on this program is between 30-40 guests, with a maximum of 55
Optional Tours: Designed to be flexible, there are a range of optional day tours and activities available on this package - please refer to the itinerary for further details
New York City Pre-Tour Extension: Want to explore the Big Apple for a few days before the tour starts? Add three extra nights to your package, and explore sights like Central Park, Times Square or even the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. Now available on check out
Miami Post-Tour Extension: You must be tired from all those adventures, right? How about three extra nights by the beach in Miami to unwind before your flight home. Not quite finished exploring? Consider a day trip to the Everglades! Now available on check out
3, 5 or 7 Night Bahamas & Caribbean Cruise
Did you know that we also offer a wide range of cruises departing from Miami, Florida? If you're interested in exploring this tropical part of the world further, please enquire with us via [email protected] so we can find the perfect fit for you
Exclusions
- Visa fees
- Some entrance fees (please refer to itinerary)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Any meals and drinks not mentioned
- Any additional requests
- Tipping (strongly recommended)
Single Supplement: Travelling solo? Travelling solo? The solo supplement price for this package is $2899.00 to have your own room, and is available via checkout
Age Requirement: Please note that to join this tour, guests must be 21+ in age
Health & Fitness: This tour is available for travellers from 21 to 80 years, providing that all guests are reasonably fit and active to be able to keep up with the group
Visas: Australians travelling to the United States for tourism or business purposes for a stay of fewer than 90 days can travel without obtaining a visa. Instead of applying for a visa, travellers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA)
Travel Insurance: We recommend Covermore travel insurance. To quote and book, please click HERE