Deep South Loop
Tour the music, mountains and historical cities of the Deep South
Follow the rhythm of the American South on this unforgettable 13-night self-drive adventure through Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama, with time to experience the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. From the vibrant energy of Atlanta to the misty peaks of the Smokies, the live music of Nashville, the blues of Memphis and the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans, this journey blends iconic cities, rich history and unforgettable scenery.
Along the way, you’ll explore the spectacular landscapes of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, trace pivotal moments in America’s Civil Rights story in Montgomery and Memphis, wander among Natchez’s elegant antebellum mansions, and savour the South’s famous flavours — from smoky barbecue to Creole classics. This is a richly rewarding Deep South road trip, where every mile tells a story and every stop reveals a new side to this soulful region.
Remember: We’re UK-based, and every holiday we create is fully flexible – you can add nights, upgrade hotels, or enhance your itinerary. We love designing tailor-made self-drive adventures just for you!
13 night self drive holiday from £2,299pp including flights, accommodation & car rental
Highlights
Explore the Great Smoky Mountains – spend two nights in Pigeon Forge with easy access to America’s most visited national park.
Experience America’s Music Trail: Visit Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, Memphis’ Graceland, and New Orleans’ French Quarter.
Learn about pivotal moments in Montgomery and Memphis’ National Civil Rights Museum.
Discover Natchez’s elegant plantation mansions and Mississippi River history.
Your itinerary
Days 1–2: Atlanta Arrival & Discovery
Start your Deep South adventure in Georgia’s vibrant capital city
Fly into Atlanta and collect your car for two nights in this energetic southern metropolis. Discover the impressive Stone Mountain Park, featuring a monumental carved memorial and scenic trails. Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park or the World of Coca-Cola, where you can explore the story of one of America’s most iconic brands. In the evenings, enjoy the lively dining and nightlife scene of Midtown or Buckhead.
2 Nights in
Atlanta, GA
Arrive &
Explore
DAYS 3–4: PIGEON FORGE & GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
Mountain views, scenic drives and the beauty of the Smokies
Leave Atlanta behind and head for the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, staying for two nights in lively Pigeon Forge. This is your gateway to one of America’s most beloved national parks, where scenic roads, forest trails, waterfalls and panoramic mountain vistas create an unforgettable contrast to the Deep South’s great cities. You can explore highlights such as Cades Cove, Newfound Gap Road and charming Gatlinburg, while Pigeon Forge itself offers family-friendly attractions, dinner shows and easy mountain access.
2 Nights in
Pigeon Forge, TN
245 miles
Days 5-6 : Nashville, Tennessee
Discover country roots and world-famous live music in Nashville.
Continue west to Nashville, Tennessee — a city that lives and breathes music. Explore Broadway’s neon-lit honky-tonks, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, and tour RCA Studio B where Elvis and Dolly Parton recorded. Don’t miss the Johnny Cash Museum or a backstage tour of the historic Ryman Auditorium. Cap your stay with a night at the Grand Ole Opry — a true Nashville institution.
2 Nights in
Nashville, TN
220 miles
DAYS 7-8: MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
Discover Graceland, Sun Studio, and the roots of American music
Head west to Memphis, where the sound of blues and the spirit of Elvis Presley still echo through the streets. Tour Graceland, the King’s iconic mansion, and visit Sun Studio — where rock ’n’ roll began. Pay tribute at the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the former Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Don’t miss the Beale Street nightlife and classic Memphis barbecue for an authentic taste of the city’s rhythm.
2 Nights in
Memphis, TN
215 miles
Day 9: natchez, Mississippi
Step back in time along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway
Drive south through Vicksburg, a pivotal Civil War site, before arriving in Natchez — a jewel on the Mississippi River. Famous for its beautifully preserved antebellum homes and grand plantations, Natchez offers a glimpse into the South’s elegant past. Wander through its historic district or visit Longwood Mansion, a stunning yet unfinished architectural gem. Sunset views over the river are the perfect way to end your day.
1 Night in
Natchez, MS
295 miles
Days 10–11: New Orleans, Louisiana
Immerse yourself in Creole culture and the sound of live jazz in The Big Easy
Continue through Baton Rouge to the cultural heart of Louisiana. Spend two unforgettable nights in New Orleans, where the French Quarter’s wrought-iron balconies and Bourbon Street’s rhythms will sweep you away. Visit Jackson Square, ride a historic streetcar, or take a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi. Enjoy classic Creole dishes like jambalaya and beignets, and experience live jazz that fills the night air.
2 Nights in
New Orleans, LA
170 miles
Day 12: Mobile, ALABAMA
Discover one of America’s oldest Gulf Coast cities
Cross into Alabama and arrive in Mobile, a city with deep French, Spanish, and British roots. Explore the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park or stroll the oak-lined streets of the historic district. Mobile’s colourful Mardi Gras museum reveals the origins of this festive tradition. Enjoy fresh Gulf seafood and relax by the bay as the sun sets over the water.
1 Night in
Mobile, AL
145 miles
Day 13: montgomery, ALABAMA
Complete your Deep South adventure where history changed a nation
Spend your final night in Montgomery, Alabama’s historic capital and one of the most important cities in the Civil Rights Movement. Visit the Rosa Parks Museum, the Freedom Rides Museum and the powerful Civil Rights Memorial, each telling the story of those who helped shape modern America. Enjoy one last evening sampling classic southern cuisine in the revitalised downtown district.
The following morning, enjoy a final drive back to Atlanta (around 160 miles) where you’ll return your car at the airport and board your flight home — carrying with you the unforgettable music, landscapes and stories of the American South.
1 Night in
Montgomery, AL
170 miles
June - mid Sept: Many lodgings and transport links are only open during the Summer. Amazing wildlife including bears, bald eagles, whales, sea otters and seals can be spotted.
Daytime temperatures are usually cool but very comfortabl, generally in the 15-20°C range and even into the high 20s. Days are long during the with July being the peak month.
You’ll need a connecting flght from the UK, probably via Seattle or Vancouver, we highly recommend a couple of days to explore the connecting city. Alaska is 8 or 9 hours behind the UK.
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