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Select Cosmos 2021 North America tours are limited to an average of just 24 guests per tour. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos North America tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery Europe vacation is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Total meals included:
Welcome to the “Windy City.” Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Included sightseeing shows off the city’s landmarks, then an afternoon at leisure. Maybe ride the elevator to the top of Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, or enjoy one of Chicago’s legendary blues clubs.
Travel across the fertile Illinois farmlands to St. Louis, “Gateway to the West.” An orientation tour includes a trip to the top of the Gateway Arch National Park, which commemorates the city’s key role in westward expansion. Visit the museum under the Arch, celebrating Lewis & Clark’s famous expedition 200 years ago.
Recross the Mississippi River today and roll southeast to Paducah on the Ohio River. Late-afternoon arrival in Nashville.
Meals included:
Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Nashville’s famous landmarks and the Music Row recording studios. Tour historic RCA Studio B, cradle of the 1960s “Nashville Sound” where stars such as Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Willie Nelson, and the Everly Brothers recorded many of their biggest hits. Afterward, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame with its glittering costumes, rare instruments, and Elvis’ “solid-gold” Cadillac! Tonight, enjoy reserved seating for a show at the world-famous Grand Old Opry, a mecca for country musicians.
Visit the Tina Turner Museum in the one-room schoolhouse attended by a young Anna Mae Bullock (a.k.a. Tina Turner). See the collection of the “Queen of Rock’s” memorabilia, including costumes, gold records and even her high school yearbook! Afterward, cross Tennessee to Memphis, “Home of the Blues” and a city with a distinct Southern flavor. Enjoy an orientation tour on arrival and see where the film Walk the Line was filmed. Consider the optional excursion to Sun Studio, where rock ‘n’ roll was first recorded, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
A good portion of the day is devoted to Graceland, Elvis Presley’s beautiful estate. Your guided audio tour focuses on the memorial garden, and the opulent 15,000-square-foot mansion. Return to Memphis mid-afternoon and, if you haven’t done so already, get a taste of Memphis with some southern barbecue or visit the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum on historic Beale Street.
Today, make your way through the state of Mississippi. Visit the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center. Discover the life of B.B. (Blues Boy) King, from his humble beginnings to his big break on Beale Street in Memphis, TN. An evening arrival in New Orleans allows the opportunity for exploring this lively city on your own.
A full morning is dedicated to the sights and sounds of New Orleans, featuring a guided tour that includes the French Quarter landmarks, St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and a visit to a unique above-ground cemetery. This afternoon, join an optional tour of one of the many plantation homes in southern Louisiana. The architecture and beauty of these homes alone is impressive and the stories that go with them are even better. This evening, perhaps join an optional Mississippi River dinner cruise, and enjoy a delightful buffet dinner complete with live jazz—the perfect finale to a memorable touring adventure of the South.
Your vacation ends this morning. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore the “Big Easy” further.
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
The Inn of Chicago Magnificent Mile is a contemporary, modern destination hotel for leisure and business travelers alike, leaving no detail of amenity, service or comfort overlooked.
A few blocks from the wonderful shops and restaurants of Union Station, the Pear Tree Inn at Union Station puts you right in the heart of St. Louis. Walk to the Scott Trade Center, Busch Stadium, the City Garden or any number of attractions in the area. Just don't forget to first fill up on Pear Tree's extras including complimentary Wi-Fi, soda and popcorn in the lobby, fitness center and hot breakfast.
The ideal location of The Inn at Opryland brings all the excitement of Music City allowing easy access to Nashville's world-famous attractions. On-site conveniences include restaurants, a large indoor pool and a newly renovated fitness center. Guestrooms feature complimentary weekday newspapers, coffeemakers, and high-speed wired Internet access.
Our convenient downtown Memphis hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of the Memphis trolley system which provides easy access to the convention center and business district as well as the local tourist attractions that help make Memphis a great vacation destination.
Guests of the Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter hotel will find a relaxing getaway when they stay at this convenient and full-service retreat. This New Orleans hotel is the only hotel with a heated indoor pool in the French Quarter. It features a fitness center, on-site restaurant and lounge, on-site laundry, and on-site parking, as well as 374 comfortable deluxe guest accommodations for your full recharge at the end of a long day of historic and cultural sightseeing.