Southeast USA Tours & Trips
Atlanta's historic sites tell important stories, begging to be explored. Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, with its haunting beauty, is a place where moss-draped oaks stand sentinel. A food tour of Savannah, on the other hand, offers a taste of authentic Southern cuisine. The historic district preserves centuries of architecture, while Forsyth Park provides green space, River Street follows the Savannah River, showing that history runs deeper than most visitors expect.
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Martha • traveled in October
Great trip and the tour guide was very knowledgeble
America's Music Cities featuring New Orleans, Memphis & Nashville (New Orleans, LA to Nashville, TN) (2025) - B
Barbara • traveled in April
We were fortunate to have Claire Kredens as our driver guide. She is a gifted leader and could cope with ant situation. Such a tour is useful to learn which cities you might like to re-visit because our time in each is very short. Four and five hour drives every other day is exhausting and maybe the number of places visited could be edited downward. On the whole, I enjoyed the trip altho the age range 15-99 is unwise. 15-80 would be much more realistic.
Georgia History Trail to Nashville - L
Lee • traveled in November
Great experience of seeing Tupelo/Memphis/Gracelands/Nashville with excellent company
Southern Sounds & Elvis
Table of contents
- The best Southeast USA tour packages
- Travel Southeast USA your way
- Best tour companies for Southeast USA tours
- Popular Southeast USA Cruise Ships
- Southeast USA tours for every type of group
- Top Southeast USA travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Southeast USA
- Contact our Southeast USA travel experts
- What our customers ask about Southeast USA Tours & Trips
The best Southeast USA tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSoutheast USA travel expert at TourRadar
America's Music Cities featuring New Orleans, Memphis & Nashville (New Orleans, LA to Nashville, TN) (2025)
77 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Lots of great experiences and a few surprises. Wonderful hotels. Enjoyed Graceland and Grand Ole Opry.”
DonnaParrey, traveled in May
This musical heritage tour showcases French Quarter jazz, Graceland mansion, and Grand Ole Opry shows. Visit GRAMMY Museum Mississippi and Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum with expert cultural guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations New Orleans, Oxford, Memphis, Nashville Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Collette From
- NZ$5,249
Duration 7 days Destinations Knoxville Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Adventures in Good Company From
- NZ$6,030
Georgia History Trail to Nashville
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This is a good tour if you want to learn about different parts of southern American history. It's a good trip.”
David, traveled in September
The Southeast USA's cultural gems unfold on this $3,500 tour from Atlanta to Nashville. Gothic Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Black History tour in Charleston, and Uncle Nearest Distillery await. Suitable for ages 15+, with 7 nights in hotels and guided food tours showcasing regional specialties.
Duration 8 days Destinations Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, Asheville, Nashville Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$6,360
Duration 8 days Destinations Miami, Orlando, St. Augustine, Crystal River, Tampa, Sarasota, Naples, Everglades National Park, Key West Age Range Ages 21+ Operator Omega Tours From
- NZ$2,753
Southern Sounds & Elvis
51 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very organised, very informative.”
Susan, traveled in October
This 8-day musical odyssey through the Southeast costs around $2,500. Sun Studio in Memphis, RCA Studio B in Nashville, and Graceland Estate showcase music history. New Orleans' French Quarter, B.B. King Museum in Indianola, and live shows at the Grand Ole Opry await. Suitable for ages 5+, featuring top-rated local guides and deluxe coach transport.
Duration 8 days Destinations New Orleans, Tupelo, Memphis, Nashville Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cosmos From $3,739
5% Off- NZ$3,539You save $200
Music Cities USA Tour featuring Memphis, Nashville & The Biltmore
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was a fantastic experience with a professional and friendly guide.”
Lourdes, traveled in June
The Southeast's music capitals unfold from Memphis' Graceland to Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame. Pigeon Forge's entertainment scene and Smoky Mountain National Park dazzle visitors. The grand Biltmore Estate in Asheville caps the trip, with luxury stays at the Guest House at Graceland.
Duration 8 days Destinations Memphis, Nashville, Pigeon Forge, Asheville Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Tours of Distinction From
5% Off- NZ$6,037
Sunsets and Southern Charm
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was my 3rd attempt for this tour and it was well worth it. I would travel with her again.”
Katherine, traveled in April
Charleston's historic district, Beaufort's antebellum architecture, and Savannah's cultural landmarks showcase the Southeast's charm. Charleston Tea Plantation, Andrew Low House, and dolphin watching off Tybee Island complete the experience.
Duration 5 days Destinations Charleston, Beaufort, Savannah Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Tours of Distinction From
5% Off- NZ$4,312
New York to Miami
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent coordination. Very good accommodation and transport.”
MathewAbraham, traveled in August
Tennessee to Florida unfolds through Great Smoky Mountains, Nashville's music scene, New Orleans' French Quarter, and Kennedy Space Center. The Inn at Opryland and Hilton New Orleans Riverside provide luxurious stays.
Duration 14 days Destinations New York City, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Williamsburg, Roanoke, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Nashville, Memphis, JacksonSee all destinations Age Range Ages 21+ Operator Omega Tours From
5% Off- NZ$5,007
Music Cities: Nashville & Memphis
131 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“LOVED THE ITINERARY. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER IT.”
Mary, traveled in May
Music flows from Nashville's Music Row to Memphis' Beale Street. RCA Studio B echoes Dolly Parton's recordings while Sun Studios remembers Elvis's beginnings. Gaylord Opryland Resort and Guest House at Graceland offer memorable stays.
Duration 7 days Destinations Nashville, Brownsville, Memphis Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From $5,379
5% Off- NZ$5,129You save $250
Bluegrass Country & the Smoky Mountains featuring Louisville, Lexington, Gatlinburg & Asheville (Louisville, KY to Asheville, NC) (2026)
41 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
The Kentucky Derby Museum and Blue Ridge Mountains' Biltmore Estate anchor this Southern journey. Bourbon crafting at Buffalo Trace Distillery, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Cherokee's Qualla Arts Cooperative offer diverse experiences. Upscale accommodations throughout.
Duration 9 days Destinations Louisville, Bardstown, Lexington, Berea, Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Asheville, Blue Ridge, Charlotte Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Collette From
5% Off- NZ$6,499
Travel Southeast USA your way
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Southeast USA tours
Intrepid, Cosmos and Travelling Time all get solid feedback from travelers who've explored the Southern US with them. Intrepid's tours stand out for how they handle sustainable travel and really dig into the region's history - they don't just skim the surface. A lot of our customers mention how their guides take time to unpack complex historical events and local perspectives. Cosmos has built a strong reputation for keeping things running smoothly, and their tour director Kris Kimball gets mentioned by name quite a bit in reviews for knowing exactly how to handle everything from scheduling to local insights. The coaches are comfortable and the daily planning hits that sweet spot between structured and relaxed. For music fans heading to Nashville, Travelling Time seems to have the CMA Festival figured out nicely. Their hotel picks work well for the event and travelers particularly like how they handle the seating at Nissan Stadium. The company's focus on good value shows through in little details like location convenience, transport timing and consistent service quality. Each company brings something different to the table while covering the essentials well. If history and sustainability matter most, Intrepid's your best bet. Want everything handled with practiced expertise? Cosmos has that down. And for Nashville's biggest music events, Travelling Time knows exactly how to make it work.
Popular Southeast USA Cruise Ships
Southeast USA tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Southeast USA travel itineraries to fit your plans
7 Day Itineraries
10 Day Itineraries
2 Week Itineraries
Demographics
Solo Travelers64 tours- Couples51 tours
- Seniors (50+)28 tours
Best time to visit Southeast USA
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter in the Southeast takes on a special charm, especially during the holiday season. Our most popular December tours explore Charleston's historic district all lit up for Christmas, with special evening visits to James Island County Park's dazzling light displays. Several routes include stays at the grand Jekyll Island Club Hotel, where you can join Christmas caroling sessions before dinner in the historic dining room. Travelers particularly enjoy how these winter trips blend indoor and outdoor activities - you might start your morning at Savannah's Pin Point Heritage Museum learning about Gullah Geechee culture, then spend your afternoon exploring St. Simons Island's boutique shops and cozy cafes. Florida-bound winter tours offer a warmer escape, with stops at Siesta Key's white sand beaches and evening entertainment in Marco Island's waterfront district.
- 15 tours
- popular 21 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring brings perfect weather for exploring the Southeast's musical heritage and coastal gems. Our travelers love how March through May tours combine Nashville's recording studio experiences with Charleston's historic walks and Savannah's food scene. You can record your own track at Studio B where Elvis and Dolly laid down hits, then head south to sample local honey and British-inspired pies on Savannah's culinary walks. The spring routes through the Blue Ridge Mountains are especially nice - you'll visit craft breweries in Asheville, tour America's largest home at Biltmore Estate and stop at small-town distilleries where you can taste award-winning Tennessee whiskey. Many spring tours include special access to Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, where expert guides share stories that inspired poets and filmmakers.
- 29 tours
- 40 tours
- popular 47 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer tours really lean into the region's water-based activities and indoor cultural spots to beat the heat. Popular routes combine Memphis' musical landmarks with refreshing stops at Panama City Beach's crystal waters. Our travelers start their mornings early at spots like Sun Studio or the Rock and Soul Museum, then spend afternoons swimming in the Gulf of Mexico or enjoying Universal Studios' water parks. The Miami-bound summer tours include cooling breaks in Little Havana's shaded cafes and optional speedboat rides across Biscayne Bay. Many summer itineraries build in flexible schedules so you can explore places like Bourbon Street or Frenchmen Street during cooler evening hours when the music scene really comes alive.
- 21 tours
- popular 24 tours
- 21 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Fall brings ideal conditions for exploring the Southeast's historic districts and musical heritage. Our autumn tours often start in Atlanta with visits to the MLK Jr. National Historic Site, then wind through the Blue Ridge Mountains when the foliage is at its peak. Travelers particularly enjoy how these routes combine Chattanooga's scenic railway rides up Lookout Mountain with tours of Jack Daniel's historic distillery. Several itineraries include evening shows at the Grand Ole Opry, where you might catch both legendary performers and rising stars on America's longest-running radio show. The autumn routes down to New Orleans take advantage of cooler temperatures for exploring the French Quarter on foot and enjoying jazz performances in the outdoor courtyards of historic restaurants.
- popular 47 tours
- 34 tours
- 29 tours
Contact our Southeast USA travel experts
Joseph
Expert in Southeast USA at TourRadar
Joseph is one of our seasoned Southeast USA Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Southeast USA tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Southeast USA Tours & Trips
How Does Music Shape the Southeast USA Experience?
The Southeast's music scene is incredibly rich and varied you'll find authentic experiences around every corner. Nashville's Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium is a must-see with 3 acts performing in what locals call the "Mother Church of Country Music" its intimate 2362-seat venue really lets you feel the energy. Down in Memphis head to Beale Street Historic District where B.B. King's Blues Club and Lafayette's Music Room (where Elvis actually performed) serve up genuine blues nightly. For jazz lovers Preservation Hall in New Orleans is housed in this amazing 1750s building while over on Frenchmen Street The Spotted Cat Music Club keeps things fresh with contemporary jazz fusion. Here's something really special you can actually record your own track at Nashville's RCA Studio B where more than 35000 legendary songs were recorded between 1957 and 1977.
What Historical Sites Tell the Southeast's Story Best?
The Southeast's history runs deep and complex you'll find incredible stories preserved across the region. Charleston's McLeod Plantation really brings Gullah Geechee culture to life through living demonstrations and original slave quarters while Savannah's Pin Point Heritage Museum tells an inspiring story of how freed slaves built thriving communities in an old oyster factory. The Little Rock Central High School site offers these amazing ranger-led tours that really help you understand the 1957 desegregation crisis. In Memphis the National Civil Rights Museum keeps Room 306 exactly as it was when Dr. King spent his final hours there. For a glimpse into antebellum life Natchez's Longwood mansion Americas largest octagonal house stands frozen in time unfinished when the Civil War began.
Where Can I Experience the Southeast's Natural Beauty?
You wouldn't believe how many different landscapes you can explore within just a few hours drive. Take an airboat tour through Louisiana's Jean Lafitte National Park with expert guides who'll help you spot gators and over 200 different bird species. Up in Virginia's Shenandoah the Stony Man Trail is a moderate 3.8-mile hike that rewards you with incredible valley views from 4011 feet up. The Great Smoky Mountains are absolutely stunning with 2900 miles of streams and Cades Cove's wildlife-rich valley best seen at dawn or dusk. For coastal adventures Panama City Beach's Shell Island is this pristine natural spot only reachable by boat while the Everglades' 38-mile Loop Road shows you parts of subtropical wilderness most people never see.
Which Tours Help Solo Travelers Really Connect?
Some of the best connections happen on small-group tours that really get you involved with local life. Intrepid's Georgia History Trail keeps groups intimate (8-15 people) and includes these amazing home-cooked meals with local families plus special experiences like after-hours access to Savannah's Bonaventure Cemetery. If you're 18-35 Contiki's Dallas to Miami tour is great for meeting people while doing authentic stuff like cooking classes in New Orleans homes. Globus runs this fantastic Music Cities tour with just 24 people max giving you proper attention during exclusive experiences like private Studio B recording sessions and backstage Grand Ole Opry access.
What Local Foods Should I Try While Touring the Southeast?
The food here tells such amazing stories through local flavors. In Memphis Central BBQ's been serving incredible dry-rub ribs since 1948 using recipes passed down through four generations. Charleston's 82 Queen makes this amazing she-crab soup with local Atlantic blue crab and sherry while New Orleans' Dooky Chase Restaurant (going strong since 1941) serves Chef Leah Chase's legendary Creole gumbo. You've got to try Nashville hot chicken at Prince's they created it back in 1945 and Atlanta's Brunswick stew at Mary Mac's Tea Room's been a local favorite just as long. For fresh seafood Savannah's Low Country boil at The Crab Shack is incredible using local shrimp and sweet Vidalia onions straight from nearby farms.