Discover just how much the vast, eclectic USA has to offer as we journey from the deep south to the bustling East Coast.

What does Elvis Presley have in common with Texas Longhorns, Voodoo Priests and Tabasco sauce? The United States of America. On this cultural whirlwind of an adventure you’ll discover just how much this vast, eclectic country has to offer. Jazz it up in New Orleans, ring the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and get political in Washington D.C. Travel from the deep south to the east coast and get a little cultured along the way.

We spend 15 days exploring USA. We visit New York, Washington DC, Asheville, Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans, Lafayette, Austin, Fort Worth.

What Is Included...

  • Your fantastic Busabout crew

  • 14 nights’ accommodation

  • 12 breakfasts

  • All coach transport

  • Visit an alligator rescue centre in Louisiana

  • Take a tour of Avery Island Tabasco factory

Trip Highlights
  • Eat iconic American food such as cheesesteaks and BBQ
  • Dance to the best jazz, blues and country music
  • Visit Washington DC’s memorial sites

Check these off your bucket list

New Orleans New Orleans
Memphis Memphis
Washington D.C. Washington D.C.

15 Day Itinerary

Southeast Adventure 15 day full itinerary breakdown and route map

Day 1

New York to Philadelphia to  Washington  D.C.

Our adventure kicks off in the Big Apple! We’ll hit the road early and make our way to Philadelphia. Arriving late morning, you’ll have plenty of time to try a famous Philly Cheesesteak and check out the sights like the Liberty Bell. This afternoon we’ll venture onwards towards Washington D.C. and take a driving tour upon arrival to orientate you with the best sights. After you’ve seen the key landmarks, we’ll get settled into our accommodation and you’re free to head out and explore! Check out the local restaurants and enjoy your first night out with your new crew.

Day 2

Washington D.C.

See Washington D.C. on your own terms today! We recommend joining an optional bike tour, as this is a great way to see views of the White House, the Capitol Building, the Washington and Lincoln Memorials and so much more. You can also make the most of the Smithsonian Museums, which have free entry! For those interested in espionage, you can’t miss a visit to the International Spy Museum. If you have spending money burning a hole in your pocket, then it’s time to hit the shops! Georgetown is where you need to be for that, with a range of shops along the cobblestone streets, surrounded by Federal-style architecture. This evening head out with your Busabout group and enjoy a meal and a couple of drinks together.

Day 3

Washington D.C. to Asheville 

Settle into the comfy coach this morning, as we make our way to Asheville. Arriving this afternoon, we’ll get checked in and then head out together on a walking tour of downtown. Once you feel familiar with the city, we’ll make our way to an awesome rooftop bar to get epic views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Tonight, we’ll get out on the town and explore the renowned food scene and find some live music venues.

Day 4

Asheville 

Spend today however you please, as you’ve got plenty of options for your free day in Asheville. Head out with your guide on a trip to the great outdoors, exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway with its many hikes, waterfalls and lookout points! If you’d rather stay in the city, make sure you check out the River Arts district, which is bound to appeal to any art-lovers in the group. There are loads of galleries, mural-covered walls, studios and street musicians to be discovered. Asheville is sometimes known as “Beer Town”, and you’ll see why if you wander around the beautiful industrial district – 30 impressive craft breweries will be waiting for you! If you feel like food rather than a drink, check out some of the awesome BBQ restaurants in the city.

Day 5

Asheville to  Nashville

Today we’ll be journeying to Nashville, Tennessee! But first, we’ll be crossing the Central Time Zone, so don’t forget to wind those watches back an hour. We’ll stop for a break in Knoxville, where you can visit the Sunsphere. This was built back in 1982 for the World Fair and features a 360-degree observation deck so you can see the view from up high! Later, we’ll make our arrival in Nashville, home to spicy Southern food, and of course, country music. Tonight, make sure you see a show at the Ryman, which is the home of the Grand Ole Opry. Head out to some of the bars and listen to some authentic country music from the locals who play it best!

Day 6

Nashville 

Get out this morning and explore Nashville! The day is yours, so take a trip to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge; one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world. Make sure you take your camera, as you’ll have great shots of the city’s skyline. For music fans, don’t miss an optional tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Afterwards, head to the Centennial Park with its exact replica of the ancient Parthenon or explore some of the other districts of this buzzing city. Tonight you can head to lively Broadway for a night of honky-tonk bar-hopping, and good times all around!

Day 7

Nashville to Memphis

Farewell country, hello blues and soul! That’s right, today we say goodbye to Nashville and make our way to Memphis. This is a city with claims to an impressive slice of American culture: rock & roll, the Civil Rights Museum, Elvis Presley and even Justin Timberlake all call or called this richly diverse city home. We’ll arrive in the early evening and head for a driving tour where we’ll pass plenty of sights to get oriented, such as the National Civil Rights Museum and Mud Island. Tonight, we’ll make our way to Beale Street to visit some blues bars and delicious restaurants.

Day 8

Memphis  

This is your free day in Memphis! Elvis fans should definitely take a trip to Graceland, where the King of Rock & Roll lived. His mansion is now a museum, as well as being the site of his final resting place. Of course, Memphis is also home to the infamous Lorraine Motel where Civil Rights Activist Martin Luther King Jr was tragically assassinated. Now the motel is the National Civil Rights Museum and it is certainly worth seeing. If you’re after more music history, Sun Studios should not be missed. Those wanting a more active day could venture to Mud Island and enjoy the Riverwalk, a miniature recreation of the Mississippi. Tonight, head out and soak up some more Blues and Soul on the bustling Beale Street.

Day 9

Memphis to New Orleans

Today we make tracks to Louisiana, the home of smooth jazz. We’ll arrive at The Big Easy, New Orleans, later on this afternoon. When we get in you can head out with your Busabout squad to explore the bustling French Quarter, with its cobblestone streets and historic Jackson Square. Tonight, make sure you get a taste of the electric live jazz the city is known for by visiting some authentic bars. We recommend the Playhouse, Fritzel’s, Maison Bourbon and Preservation Hall to name a few! Lose yourself to the incredible tunes and be sure to try a New Orleans cocktail or two.

Day 10

New Orleans

This is your day in New Orleans to spend however you please. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to go wrong! We recommend starting the day with a coffee and a beignet pastry in Café du Monde. Wander your way around the flea markets or the lapping lakefront or join in a bike tour to make your way through the city. If you want to get into the Voodoo spirit, learn more about the rich spiritual folkways kept alive by the traditions of the African diaspora at Rev. Zombie’s House of Voodoo. Tonight will certainly be a highlight with a visit to Frenchman Street, to soak up the live music, casual eateries and the energetic bustle of this unique city.

Day 11

New Orleans to Avery Island to Lafayette 

This morning we hit the road and make our way to Avery Island. We’ll arrive in the early afternoon and visit the Tabasco factory! We’ll enjoy a self-guided tour and learn all about how Tabasco sauce is made. After lunch, we’ll continue to Lafayette, the unofficial capital of Acadiana and centre of Cajun culture. This afternoon get out on the water of the wetlands and go on an optional swamp tour and see if you can spot a few gators. Fans of all things Cajun will love Lafayette for its food, music and uber-cool vibe.

Day 12

Lafayette to Austin

First on the agenda today is an alligator rescue centre. Here we’ll learn all about the work being done to reintroduce these incredible creatures back into the wild. When that’s done and dusted, we’ll continue onwards to Austin where we’ll arrive in the afternoon. Get checked in to the accommodation before we head out to wander the streets and soak in Austin’s cool bohemian vibe! Marvel at sights like the Moonlight Towers, the Capitol Building, the University of Texas, and lots more. Later, we’ll visit Rainey Street to eat our fill from the food trucks, and enjoy the music and bar scene. Get ready to take in the party spirit of this awesome city!

Day 13

Austin

Austin is your oyster for the day! The city has a quirky nature, and we urge you to experience as much of it as you can. Make sure you visit the graffiti parks, the Cathedral of Junk, Zilker Park, swim at Barton Springs Pool, or row on Ladybird Lake. If you want to see what two million Mexican free-tailed bats look like when they’re flying all at once, make sure you’re at the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset! These creatures fly out every night and feast on six tonnes of bugs as the sun goes down; it makes for quite a sight. When the sun’s all but vanished, head towards Sixth St for another evening of music and fun.

Day 14

Austin to Fort Worth

Today we have an early start to head onwards to our final stop of Fort Worth. We’ll stop for a short stretch in Waco, the birthplace of Dr Pepper, and head to the Magnolia Markets for shopping and food. After we arrive in Fort Worth, you’re free to explore! Fiercely proud of its cowboy roots, Fort Worth was the centre of Texas’ cattle industry. There’s no better way to experience that cowboy heritage than with a trip to the Stockyard National Historic District! Here you’ll find horse-and-cart rides, wandering cowboys, a longhorn drive, and a whole host of BBQ joints. For history buffs, check out the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame! Those looking for a slower pace should set-up by the Trinity River for a dip or a canoe ride. Tonight, we recommend dropping into Billy Bob’s Texas, the World’s Largest Honky-Tonk. This huge venue can hold up to 6,000 people and has over 30 bar stations. We can’t think of a better way to spend the final night of this adventure!

Day 15

Fort Worth

Time say farewell to your new friends. We hope to see you again soon!

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