Bourbon, Bluegrass, Elvis & Blues

Day 2 : Covington

Stroll across the Roebling Suspension Bridge (a prototype of the Brooklyn Bridge) spanning the Ohio River and take in the Cincinnati River Front with its parks, baseball and American football stadiums, plus neighbouring entertainment and dining districts.

The banks of the Ohio River in Cincinnati meant freedom to entrapped enslaved people, and the striking National Underground Railroad Freedom Center portrays three centuries of slavery from its introduction into the Americas to its abolition at the end of the American Civil War.

Before there was Las Vegas... there was Newport, Kentucky. Rising from the profits of bootlegging during Prohibition, this little town quickly became the premier US gaming destination. Join a raucous, high-energy Newport Gangster Tour to discover how Newport gave birth to the modern gaming industry.

Day 3 : Lexington (82 miles)

Today, depart Covington and head south towards Lexington, the Horse Capital of the World. Take time to visit the Ark Encounter, a state-of-the-art representation of Noah’s Ark, at 510 feet long, 85 feet wide and 51 feet high it vividly brings this ancient bible story to life. If you’re visiting in April or October then enjoy an afternoon at the races at Keeneland Rance Course, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As home to more than 450 stables this is a place for lovers of all things equine, and the Kentucky Horse Park is the only park in the word dedicated to horses.

Day 4 : Louisville (80 miles)

Louisville is the home of the Kentucky Derby held each May at Churchill Downs. There is racing at Churchill Downs in April, May, June, October and November, and the track is open for tours year-round. The next-door Kentucky Derby Museum offers an excellent hands-on experience and a magnificent audio-visual display that captures the Derby Day atmosphere on a 360° screen. The Ali Center details the life and legacy of the great Muhammad Ali. Don't miss the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, and be sure to sample the Urban Bourbon Trail along Whiskey Row.

Day 5 : Owensboro (107 miles)

Travel to the heart of Kentucky Bluegrass Music, Owensboro. Spend time at the Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Museum, dedicated to the history of bluegrass it includes a variety of tours, jam sessions, concerts, and festivals. Visit the birthplace and homestead of Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass and then head to the Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn, where locals, celebrities and even former US presidents come to indulge in their love of barbecue.

Day 6 : Paducah (128 miles)

Discover the National Quilt Museum – a truly global destination. Here, you can experience the art of today's quilters, but you can also take part in a quilt-making workshop that will bring you even closer to this amazing art. See the colourful revitalization of the Lower Town Arts District of 19th-century architecture in Historic Downtown. Tour the Hotel Metropolitan and learn of its famous guests such as Billie Holiday and B.B. King.

Day 7 : Memphis (179 miles)

Continue your journey along the Mississippi River to Memphis. There is much to see and do but bucket-list items including walking in the footsteps of the king of rock ‘n’ roll at Graceland, the iconic home of Elvis Presley. Visit Sun Studio where Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis, Johnny Cash, BB King and Roy Orbison all recorded and spend an evening on Beale Street.

Day 8-9 : Memphis

With 2 full days to explore you are spoilt for choice. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music winds and twists through a labyrinth of exhibits that promote and preserve the legacy of American soul music and its contributions internationally, highlighting musical giants such as Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, the Staple Singers, and Booker T. & the MGs. Visit the historic Lorraine Motel where civil rights leader Dr Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, the National Civil Rights Museum is the only museum of its kind in the country that gives an overview of the American Civil Rights Movement. Visit the Memphis Music Hall of Fame honours many of the greatest musicians of all time, who created this city's musical legacy and enjoy a farewell drink at Earnestine and Hazel’s with its legendary jukebox and reputation as the inspiration for The Rolling Stones’ Honky Tonk Women.

Day 10 : Cleveland (115 miles)

Follow historic Highway 61 from Memphis to the Mississippi Delta. Start your exploration at the Gateway to the Blues Museum & Visitor Centre, housed in an original 1895 train depot, it’s the perfect introduction into the unique blues music heritage of the Delta. Another option is the Clarksdale Delta Blues Museum, and the state-of-the-art GRAMMY Museum Mississippi in Cleveland covers all genres of music and tells the story of the GRAMMY and its winning artists through interactive exhibits.

Day 11 : Jackson (121 miles)

The Vicksburg National Military Park stands in commemoration of the 47-day campaign for Vicksburg and to those who served as well as the thousands who lost their lives. Whilst the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson promotes a greater understanding of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement. Take time to explore the Historic Fondren District, Highland Village, and the new development at The District at Eastover, all with a wide array of Jackson-owned eateries and boutique shops.

Day 12 : Natchez (103 miles)

Today follow the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway to Natchez. This jewel of the Mississippi River is a "must" on any Southern road trip. It is the oldest permanent settlement on the Mississippi and has many historic homes that are open for visits. Perched on a natural bluff above the Mississippi River with 30-mile views of the river both north and south, Natchez has some of the best sunsets on Ol' Man River, which are best enjoyed while sipping a beverage in a rocking chair on the porch of one of the bars in Natchez-Under-The-Hill.

Day 13-14 : New Orleans (171 miles)

New Orleans is a city that needs no introduction and marks the end of your drive. Spend 2 nights soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, laid-back jazz music and incredible creole cuisine of this Louisiana city, which truly is one of a kind.

Day 15 : Depart New Orleans

Return your car to New Orleans airport in time for your onward flight.