Day 1 – Arrive in Atlanta (2 nights)The
gateway to America’s Deep South, with daily direct flights from London to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. You can collect your car directly from here and make the onwards journey to your hotel. 2 nights in Atlanta allows you to explore its 50 plus malls, as well as being home to Coco Cola and the hometown of Martin Luther King.
Our top tip: For anyone interested in the civil rights movement, Atlanta was the hub for one of America’s most significant events, giving visitors the opportunity to retrace MLK’s footsteps.
Day 3 – Atlanta to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (4 nights)Approximately a 4 hour (215 miles) journey from Atlanta to the Pigeon Forge area, located on the fringe of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This natural haven attracts a staggering 10 million visitors annually, drawn here by its 521,896 acres of peaceful trails and mountainous terrain to explore. 4 Nights staying here is an ideal amount of time to see and do everything on your Great Smoky Mountains list. ÂÂÂÂÂÂ
Our top tip: While in Pigeon Forge spend a day at Dolly Parton’s theme park, ‘Dollywood’, featuring an array of exciting roller coasters, rides and top class entertainment. One day tickets are $59 for adults and $47 for children.
Day 7 – Smoky Mountains to Nashville (2 nights)Travel the 3 and a half hour journey (210 miles) into Nashville, a unique city that offers plenty in terms of music, entertainment, exquisite Deep South cuisine and speciality shopping. Nashville is perfect to uncover authentic country and blues music from local and globally renowned artists, particularly in the Downtown area of the city, where visitors can stroll from live venue to live venue.
Our top tip: We highly recommend to opt for an accommodation that is situated in the Downtown Nashville area, in the heart of all the city’s pulsating live music and entertainment.
Day 9 – Nashville to Memphis (3 nights)Just over 3 hours by car (215 miles) and you will arrive in the hugely popular city of Memphis. Highlights of the city include Beale Street, voted as the most iconic street in the entirety of America and home to one of the world’s musical legends, Elvis Presley. Memphis is also situated on the Mississippi River, offering enticing river cruises to explore the stunning surrounding area.
Our top tip: For anyone travelling with a smart phone, the Mississippi Blues Trail App is a must download, demonstrating the history of blues via a route to follow and best of is that it is free to download on both iOS and Android.
Day 12 – Memphis to New Orleans (3 nights)One of the routes longest drives at 6 hours (400 miles), takes you into the state of Louisiana and beautiful city of New Orleans, characterised by its un-American feel, influenced by French and Spanish settlers. In particular New Orleans is renowned by its food, as well as tax free shopping which is 10-12% cheaper than most other places in the states. Travel just outside of New Orleans offers a unique opportunity to embark on a swamp tour.
Our top tip: For the city’s best hotels and most idyllic location make sure to stay within New Orleans chic French Quarter, where many of the city’s attractions and landmarks can be found.
Day 15 – New Orleans to Panama City Beach (3 nights) Take the scenic coastal drive from New Orleans to Panama City Beach with a duration of approximately 5 hours (320 miles) to reach your final destination of Panama City Beach in Florida. 3 Nights here allows you to unwind and relax on some of America’s finest beaches, surrounded by the warm waters from the Gulf of Mexico.
Our top tip: For your last few days of this action packed itinerary, your final destinations should always be a relaxing experience, allowing you to arrive back home feeling refreshed and reenergised.
Day 18 – Panama City Beach to Atlanta The last leg of the journey should take no longer than 5 hours (290 miles) to reach Atlanta’s International Airport. On arrival you can wave goodbye to your car and begin the journey home.
Our top tip: As one of the busiest airports in the world, we suggest checking in with plenty of time to ensure a stress free flight home.
17 Night multi-centre package holiday with flights and car hire On a budget itinerary: £1,049 per personOur top picks itinerary: £1,139 per personLuxury living itinerary: £1,319 per person Prices are based on 4 people sharing in November 2014, with return flights from London Heathrow to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport with Virgin Atlantic. Car hire for the entire duration is also included within the price. For alternative dates, destinations and accommodations you can contact Ocean Florida on 020 7939 7775 or make an online enquiry here http://www.ocean-florida.co.uk/enquiries.aspx  
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