The Rhythm Road - Chicago to New Orleans

Days 1-3  Chicago  
Fly to Chicago. With its cosmopolitan atmosphere, striking architecture and diverse entertainment, it’s a great city to explore. For an amazing bird’s eye view over the city and Lake Michigan head to the 360 Chicago Observation Deck. Back down at ground level an array of worldclass museums, theatres and shopping on the Magnificent Mile awaits. Blues legends such as Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters made Chicago their home and the city is renowned for its blues clubs and bars.  

Day 4  Chicago to St Louis  
Pick up your car and drive the first section of iconic Route 66 through Illinois. Search out kitsch Americana, neon signs and 1950s diners en route to St Louis, home to the Gateway Arch. Take the lift to the top of this spectacular 190m steel arch for panoramic views over the city.  

Days 5-7  St Louis to Memphis
Drive to legendary Memphis, birthplace of rock‘n’roll. Pay homage to Elvis Presley at his Graceland mansion. Visit Sun Studio, where Elvis and Johnny Cash laid down their tracks, and celebrate music icons at the Stax Museum of American Soul and the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. In the evenings hit the bars along Beale Street for live music late into the night.  

Day 8  Memphis to Greenwood  
Drive down the ‘Blues Highway’ via Clarksdale, where Robert Johnson sold his soul at the crossroads in exchange for mastery of the guitar. Next, head to Cleveland, home of the fantastic Grammy Museum and then on to Dockery Farm which lays claim to being the birthplace of the blues. Arrive in Greenwood, a classic Mississippi Delta town.  

Day 9  Greenwood to New Orleans  
Continue south and break your journey in the charming riverside town of Natchez before heading down the Great River Road to fabulous New Orleans.  

Days 10-11  New Orleans  
This unique city will captivate you with its rich blend of architecture, paddle steamers, voodoo myths and cool jazz bars. Stroll along charming Royal Street with its antique shops and art galleries and enjoy the entertainment in Jackson Square.  

Days 12-13  Fly home