OCLB - 8 Day Musical Journey Through The South

Special Music Tour Event!

How to Book

* The following additional fees are not included, where applicable: airfare, optional tours and gratuities. Lead prices are for land only.

Calling All Music Lovers!

An 8 Day Musical Journey Through The South!

, Memphis, Vicksburg and New Orleans

GO OCLB is organizing a musical journey through the South with Gate 1 Travel beginning April 22 through April 29, 2024.

In addition, we have secured a specific tour guide (Timothy), who is one of Gate 1 Travel's most respected Tour Guides.  

 Timothy is GAY!  So this trip will be fabulous!

Of course you may want to arrive early (Dollywood!) and/or extend your stay (more New Orleans!) which will of course be the responsibility of each member.

Nashville awaits!

IMPORTANT!

REGISTRATION:  To register for the Tour, go directly to the Gate 1 Travel website and register for the April 22 (start date) tour.

Registration, payment, all associated travel and information for the tour will be handled by Gate 1 Travel. 

GO is not liable nor will be held accountable for any issues with this tour, GO is simply a conduit for information.

Gate1Travel website for this event:

https://www.gate1travel.com/usa-canada/usa/2024/escorted/southeast-escorted-8dmjts24.aspx

Registration on the GO website for this event is just letting us know who will be attending this specific tour beginning April 22.

This is NOT an exclusive GO tour event nor a 'gay only' event, we will be joining a tour that has others attending from around the country/globe.

Below are some of the details;  There will be an option for either "Land Only" or "Air & Land".

Cost:  The tour package cost for this event will be determined by Gate 1.  Prices range from $2,199 and up; but Gate1Travel also has sales that may occur periodically.

OCLB selected this date in the hopes that we beat much of the heat and the humidity before it become oppressive in the South.

Air & Land packages with Gate 1 Travel will be available as an option at a higher price.  

Rooms:  Typically two people are assigned per room- two beds. 

A single supplement charge will be added if one person per room option is chosen - so find that friend to take advantage of the price.

Escorted Package Includes Land Only or Air/Land

• 7 nights accommodations
  • 2 nights Nashville
  • 2 nights Memphis
  • 1 night Vicksburg
  • 2 nights New Orleans
• Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
• Hotel porterage
• 10 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
• Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
• Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
• Services of English-speaking local guides
• Entrance fees per itinerary
• Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring

Special Features

• In Nashville, tour historic RCA Studio B, one of the oldest remaining recording studios in the U.S.
• Attend a performance at the renowned Grand Ole Opry, famous home of country music
• Follow in the footsteps of great musicians on the Nashville’s Walk of Fame on Music Mile
• Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, the world's largest popular music museum
• Tour Graceland, the palatial mansion of American legend Elvis Presley on his 14 acre estate
• Travel to Indianola to tour the BB King Museum honoring his extraordinary life and music
• Walking tour of the iconic French Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in vibrant New Orleans

Is This Trip Right for You?

This moderately active program covers a good amount of ground each day. Expect from two to three hours walking every touring day. The pace is moderate, and you will encounter some uneven or wet surfaces. Airport transfers are not included. Consider a taxi or shared ride service as the least expensive options. This is a Classic program. 

French Quarter in New Orleans!

Detailed Itinerary:

DAY 1, Monday - Arrive in Nashville
Welcome to Nashville, lovingly called the "Music City" with its charming mix of music, history, and culture. Transfer independently to the hotel. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 5 PM
Overnight: Nashville

DAY 2, Tuesday - RCA Studio B, Music Row, Evening at the Grand Ole Opry
Your Nashville discovery begins with a tour of historic RCA Studio B. On to the heart of Nashville's entertainment industry at Music Row, home to hundreds of businesses solely related to country, gospel, and Christian music. Travel past the Tennessee State Capitol, stopping at Bicentennial Mall State Park. Then, drive through Centennial Park with the full-scale reproduction of the ancient Parthenon in Athens. Time for lunch on your own on Broadway. Tonight after dinner, attend a performance at the renowned Grand Ole Opry,* iconic home of country music
*Location of the performance may change due to special performances and events.
Overnight: Nashville
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 3, Wednesday - Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame, Walk of Fame, Memphis
Morning visit to the Ryman Auditorium to discover the roots of country music. Continue to the Country Music Hall of Fame, offering ever-changing exhibits highlighting the performers of country music past and today's hottest stars. View the museum's assemblage of costumes, recordings, instruments, and memorabilia. Then follow in the footsteps of great musicians on the Walk of Fame on Music Mile, a landmark tribute to those who have made a significant contribution to the industry. In the afternoon travel to Memphis. Upon arrival check into the hotel
Overnight: Memphis
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Thursday - Graceland, Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
Begin your day with a tour of Graceland, the palatial mansion of American legend Elvis Presley. Tour the mansion, including the famous Jungle Room. Continue with a visit to the Meditation Garden where Elvis and members of his family have been laid to rest. Spend free time in Graceland before returning to Memphis. Continue with a tour of Downtown Memphis, view historical statues and cultural landmarks such as Pyramid Arena. Arrive at the corner of legendary Highway 61, "The Blues Highway", and Beale Street to visit the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, an exhibition highlighting the birth of rock and soul music
Overnight: Memphis
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Friday - Indianola's BB King Museum, Travel to Vicksburg
Travel to Indianola, in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, to tour the BB King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center. Hometown of the legendary musician, this museum honors his life and music and preserves the rich cultural and musical heritage of the Delta. After lunch at a nearby club with live music, continue with a drive to Vicksburg. Spend your evening at leisure
Overnight: Vicksburg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6, Saturday - Vicksburg National Battlefield , Travel to New Orleans
This morning, begin your day with a visit to the Vicksburg National Battlefield. Afterward, journey to New Orleans, the birthplace of Jazz and home of the Mardi Gras. As you approach New Orleans, drive through Lake Pontchartrain. The basin provides a necessary habitat for numerous types of flora and fauna. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure
Overnight: New Orleans
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Sunday - French Quarter Walking Tour
Embark on a morning walking tour of the iconic French Quarter. At historic Jackson Square, view the timeless Mississippi and the city's historic buildings, including the majestic St. Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo, once a seat of the colonial government. Visit the Musical Legends Park located on Bourbon street. The balance of the day is at leisure. Perhaps, spend the afternoon on the optional Swamp Tour to learn more about the culture and nature from Louisiana's untamed wilderness. Tonight during dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Optional: Swamp Tour (PM)
Overnight: New Orleans
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Monday - Return Home
Transfer independently to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

If you have any questions, Lance (leader for this event) can be reached at: