USA Music City Fly Drive – Chicago to New Orleans

Includes Return Flights, 11 Night Accommodation in Famous US Music City Locations, and Car Hire

Embark on an unforgettable journey through America’s most iconic music cities with this 11-night USA Music City Fly Drive. Starting in the vibrant city of Chicago, explore its blues clubs, jazz bars, and world-famous architecture before hitting the open road in your rental car. Travel through historic Springfield and St. Louis, experiencing the heart of the Midwest and the iconic Gateway Arch.

Continue to Nashville, the world-renowned Music City, where country music legends, live honky-tonks, and cultural landmarks await. Drive onward to Memphis, the birthplace of blues and home to Beale Street and the legendary Graceland. Discover the charm of Natchez, with its antebellum architecture and scenic Mississippi River views, before concluding your adventure in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, vibrant French Quarter streets, and unforgettable cuisine.

This fly drive combines cultural exploration, musical heritage, and scenic drives through America’s heartland and southern states. With return UK flights, car hire, and carefully planned accommodations included, it’s the ultimate way to experience the rhythm, soul, and history of the USA on one incredible journey.

Arrive in Chicago, collect your rental car, and check into your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, explore the vibrant Magnificent Mile, stroll along Navy Pier, or enjoy the city skyline from the Willis Tower Skydeck.

Chicago

There is lots to see and do in Chicago, go to the beach, shops on the Magnificent Mile, stare at the reflections in the giant "Cloud Gate" stainless steel bean sculpture or stand on the glass "Ledge" 103 floors up in the Willis Tower(formerly Sears Tower), the tallest building in the US. You can enjoy a fine dining experience with a view in the Signature Room on 95th Floor of the John Hancock Building. Route 66 starts in Chicago at the Buckingham Fountain, and there is the amazing elevated CTA metro system which defines the central Loop area of Downtown Chicago.

Spend a full day in Chicago, immersing yourself in its rich music heritage and culture. Visit Chicago Blues clubs, enjoy live jazz, and explore iconic neighborhoods. Take in landmarks such as Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the scenic Lake Michigan shoreline.

Depart Chicago and drive southwest to Springfield, Illinois, known as the hometown of Abraham Lincoln. Visit the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincoln Tomb, and local museums. Enjoy a relaxed evening exploring Springfield’s charming downtown.

Springfield

Springfield, Missouri, often called the “Queen City of the Ozarks,” is a charming town that blends small-town hospitality with a vibrant cultural scene. Nestled in the scenic Ozark region, Springfield is known for its rich history, including its connections to Route 66, which runs through the city and offers a nostalgic glimpse into classic Americana. Visitors can explore historic districts, local museums, and attractions like the Fantastic Caverns, a stunning underground cave system, or the Dickerson Park Zoo, perfect for family adventures. The town’s lively downtown is filled with shops, cafés, and galleries, providing a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and tourists alike.

Beyond its cultural attractions, Springfield is a gateway to outdoor adventures. The surrounding Ozark Mountains and nearby lakes offer hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Springfield also hosts a variety of annual events and festivals, celebrating everything from music and art to food and local heritage, which showcase the town’s community spirit and creativity. With its combination of history, outdoor beauty, and a friendly, approachable vibe, Springfield provides an ideal stop for travelers seeking an authentic Midwestern experience.

 

Continue your journey to St. Louis, Missouri. Visit the iconic Gateway Arch, stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront, and explore the historic neighborhoods. St. Louis’ vibrant music scene and local cuisine make it a perfect stop on this musical road trip.

St Louis

St. Louis, Missouri, is a dynamic city rich in history, culture, and iconic landmarks, making it a must-visit destination in the American Midwest. Known as the “Gateway to the West,” the city’s most famous symbol is the Gateway Arch, an architectural marvel soaring 630 feet above the Mississippi River. Beyond the Arch, St. Louis offers a vibrant downtown area filled with museums, theaters, and historic sites, including the Old Courthouse and the Missouri History Museum. The city’s neighborhoods are full of character, from the lively Central West End to the charming Soulard district, where visitors can explore local shops, restaurants, and the famous Soulard Farmers Market.

St. Louis also boasts an impressive array of family-friendly attractions and green spaces. The St. Louis Zoo and St. Louis Science Center offer hours of entertainment and learning, while the Missouri Botanical Garden provides a serene escape with beautifully curated plant collections. Sports fans can catch a Cardinals baseball game at Busch Stadium or cheer on the Blues in hockey action. With its combination of historical significance, cultural diversity, and modern attractions, St. Louis is a city that offers something for every traveler, blending Midwestern charm with cosmopolitan excitement.

 

Drive southeast to Nashville, Tennessee, the world-renowned Music City. Check into your hotel and enjoy an evening at a live honky-tonk or a local music venue.

Nashville

Nashville, Tennessee—fondly known as Music City, is a vibrant destination where creativity, history, and Southern hospitality come together in perfect harmony. Best known as the global heart of country music, Nashville is home to legendary venues such as the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the historic Ryman Auditorium. Live music fills the city day and night, from intimate songwriter rounds to energetic honky-tonk performances along Broadway, where neon lights and the sound of guitars spill into the streets. Beyond its musical roots, Nashville boasts a thriving arts scene, excellent museums, and striking architecture that reflects both its storied past and modern growth.

The city also delights visitors with its warm atmosphere, innovative food scene, and welcoming neighborhoods. Nashville has become a culinary hotspot, famous for its spicy hot chicken, Southern comfort food, and an ever-growing collection of award-winning restaurants and craft breweries. Tree-lined streets, scenic parks, and the Cumberland River provide relaxing escapes just moments from the lively downtown core. Whether you’re exploring historic districts, enjoying world-class live music, or soaking up the city’s unmistakable energy, Nashville offers an authentic and unforgettable American experience.

 

Spend a full day exploring Nashville’s music heritage. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, tour historic recording studios, and stroll along Broadway for live music, bars, and southern cuisine. Optional visits include the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium.

Depart Nashville and drive west to Memphis, Tennessee. Explore the home of blues and rock ‘n’ roll. Walk down Beale Street, visit the Sun Studio, and enjoy the lively music scene in the evening.

Nashville

Nashville, Tennessee—fondly known as Music City, is a vibrant destination where creativity, history, and Southern hospitality come together in perfect harmony. Best known as the global heart of country music, Nashville is home to legendary venues such as the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the historic Ryman Auditorium. Live music fills the city day and night, from intimate songwriter rounds to energetic honky-tonk performances along Broadway, where neon lights and the sound of guitars spill into the streets. Beyond its musical roots, Nashville boasts a thriving arts scene, excellent museums, and striking architecture that reflects both its storied past and modern growth.

The city also delights visitors with its warm atmosphere, innovative food scene, and welcoming neighborhoods. Nashville has become a culinary hotspot, famous for its spicy hot chicken, Southern comfort food, and an ever-growing collection of award-winning restaurants and craft breweries. Tree-lined streets, scenic parks, and the Cumberland River provide relaxing escapes just moments from the lively downtown core. Whether you’re exploring historic districts, enjoying world-class live music, or soaking up the city’s unmistakable energy, Nashville offers an authentic and unforgettable American experience.

 

Spend a full day in Memphis, including a visit to Graceland, the iconic home of Elvis Presley. Explore the National Civil Rights Museum and take a riverfront stroll along the Mississippi. Evening options include live blues or BBQ dining experiences.

Memphis

Visit the birthplace of American Soul Music, tour Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley and see where the King of Rock 'n' Roll lived. You will also be able to see where the biggest names in Rock 'n' Soul got their careers started, at the famous Sun Studio. Visit the inspiring museums of America Soul Music at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Rock 'n' Soul museum. Entrance tickets to the following: Graceland the home of Elvis Presley, The Graceland Mansion Tour, Automobile Museum, Sincerely Elvis Museum & Elvis After Dark, Rock 'n' Soul Museum, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Sun Studio.

Travel south along the Mississippi River to Natchez, Mississippi, famous for its antebellum architecture and scenic river views. Explore historic homes, the Natchez Trace Parkway, and enjoy a quiet evening in this charming town.

Natchez

Natchez, Mississippi is a charming and historic town perched high on bluffs overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, offering a glimpse into the elegance and traditions of the Old South. Renowned for its beautifully preserved antebellum mansions and grand plantation homes, Natchez feels like a step back in time. Strolling through its quiet streets, visitors can admire stately columns, wrought-iron balconies, and lush gardens that tell stories of the town’s prosperous past as a major river port. The Natchez Trace Parkway, which begins here, adds to the town’s appeal with scenic landscapes and deep historical significance.

Beyond its architecture, Natchez captivates travelers with its relaxed pace, warm Southern hospitality, and rich cultural heritage. River views at sunset are especially memorable, with the Mississippi stretching endlessly below the bluffs. The town hosts regular festivals, house tours, and cultural events that celebrate its history, music, and cuisine. With its blend of history, romance, and scenic beauty, Natchez offers a peaceful and atmospheric stop that contrasts beautifully with the energy of larger cities along the journey.

 

Continue your journey to New Orleans, Louisiana, the birthplace of jazz. Check into your hotel and begin exploring the French Quarter, with its vibrant streets, historic architecture, and live music venues.

New Orleans

In New Orleans you will find a flavour of the Old South with a distinct French accent, famed for its filigree wrought-iron work in the French Quarter and Mardi Gras celebrations which herald the beginning of Lent. Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), is the last day of the Carnival season as it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Shop at the beautiful river walk and take a ride on the street car line dating back to 1835. Visit Jackson Square in the heart of the French Quarter where the gray spire of St Louis Cathedral towers high in the air. Bourbon Street is where the music never stops and looks much as it did during the 1700s and 1800s with buildings crowding a narrow sidewalk.

Spend a full day in New Orleans discovering the city’s unique culture, music, and cuisine. Visit Bourbon Street, the Garden District, and local jazz clubs. Optional activities include riverboat cruises along the Mississippi or exploring the city’s rich Creole and Cajun heritage.

Return your rental car at New Orleans airport and board your flight back to the UK, concluding your 11-night USA Music City adventure.

Trip Start Date Trip End Date Price
30/12/25 Tuesday 11/01/26 Sunday £2229 View
01/01/26 Thursday 13/01/26 Tuesday £2169 View
02/01/26 Friday 14/01/26 Wednesday £2169 View
03/01/26 Saturday 15/01/26 Thursday £2169 View
04/01/26 Sunday 16/01/26 Friday £2169 View
06/01/26 Tuesday 18/01/26 Sunday £2169 View
08/01/26 Thursday 20/01/26 Tuesday £2169 View
09/01/26 Friday 21/01/26 Wednesday £2169 View
10/01/26 Saturday 22/01/26 Thursday £2169 View
11/01/26 Sunday 23/01/26 Friday £2169 View