Explore America’s Deep South: Holidays by Air, Motorhome or Escorted Tour from €1,299 Including Flights

Discover the legendary music, food, history and hospitality of America’s Deep South with city breaks, escorted tours and motorhome adventures.

From the home of country music in Nashville to the birthplace of jazz in New Orleans, and from Atlanta’s thriving modern music scene to the rock ’n’ roll legacy of Graceland, America’s Deep South is a dream destination for music lovers. But beyond its legendary music scene, there is so much more to discover. Steeped in history and shaped by the Civil Rights Movement, the region is also famed for its world-class cuisine, fascinating culture and warm southern hospitality. A journey through the southern states of America is every bit as inspiring as it is entertaining.

America’s Deep South states include Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee, so deciding where to go can feel overwhelming – but that’s where I come in! I have chosen three iconic cities to base yourself in: Atlanta, Nashville and New Orleans, each offering a completely different experience and a perfect taste of the South.

They are also ideally located for exploring nearby southern US states, famous landmarks and attractions. Better still, with direct flights from Dublin to both Atlanta and Nashville, it is easy to fly into one city and home from another.

To help you plan your trip, I have selected a small sample of USA specialists American Sky‘s Deep South holidays below,with durations ranging from 6 -13 nights across a variety of travel styles. You will find multi-centre trips to Nashville, New Orleans and Atlanta by air, as well as escorted tours and motorhome adventures for those who want to explore more of the Deep South region. And, all holidays have flights included and accommodation included.

As always, dates, durations, cities and hotels can be changed to suit your requirements. So if you want to swap Nashville for New Orleans, or drive between cities instead of flying, simply talk to the experts in American Sky and they will arrange the perfect Deep South itinerary for you. They can be contacted online, by phone, or you can visit their Customer Lounge in Dublin if you prefer to book your dream American holiday in person. 

This 9-Night Deep South adventure includes all three of these cities, and you can find many more itineraries below.

9 Night Nashville, New Orleans & Atlanta Adventure, from €1649pp

This trio of the American South’s most vibrant cities is the perfect way to experience the Rhythms of the South and, with internal flights included throughout, there is no need to hire a car.

Fly directly into Atlanta and spend three nights exploring its lively neighbourhoods, famous movie locations and fascinating cultural attractions, before flying to Nashville, the home of country music and exciting Southern cuisine.

Your final stop is New Orleans, reached by a short 90-minute flight. Explore the historic French Quarter, enjoy live jazz from its many bars and cafés, and with more than 100 festivals taking place throughout the year, chances are you will catch one during your stay.

Price from €1649pp includes all flights and 9-night hotel stays. Price is based on travel in November, but many more dates are available. Quote ref 734757-2

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is the city everyone is talking about! The new direct service from Dublin has made Tennessee’s vibrant capital more accessible than ever, and, with word spreading about its lively atmosphere and world-famous music scene, it is quickly becoming one of the best places to visit in the Deep South.

Known as the home of country music, Nashville boasts over 250 live music venues and more music museums than anywhere else in the world. The Grand Ole Opry is it’s ultimate live music experience, where every week top country music artists as well as rising stars perform on one stage.

Another must-visit attraction is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where visitors can discover the stories of Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift. Music lovers should also take a tour of RCA Studio B, where stars including Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton recorded countless hits over the years.

Beyond the music, Nashville is packed with trendy neighbourhoods, rooftop bars and an exciting food scene. Famous for spicy hot chicken and Southern cuisine, it also offers international flavours from Michelin recognised restaurants.

With major sporting events, festivals and live performances happening year round, there is always something happening in Nashville, making it highlight of any Rhythms of the South itinerary.

9 Night Music Cities by Motorhome, from €1579pp

Exploring The Deep South by motorhome is the ultimate American adventure. American Sky has suggested this nine-night loop through the southern states of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee, combining the iconic music cities with key landmarks from the Civil Rights Movement.

This trip starts and ends in Atlanta, but you could also choose to fly in and out of Nashville, and spend more time visiting New Orleans.

Price from €1579pp includes flights, 1 night airport hotel on arrival, 9 day motorhome rental with 1,500 pre paid miles allowance. Price is based on travel in October, but many more dates are available. Quote ref 734757-5

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans needs little introduction. The birthplace of jazz is a city bursting with energy, soul and culture. From the lively clubs and open-air markets on Frenchmen Street to brass bands performing on street corners, music is woven into everyday life here, shaped by French, Spanish, African and Caribbean influences.

The city is almost as famous for its food and drink as it is for its music, with iconic dishes such as gumbo and jambalaya, alongside signature cocktails like the Hurricane, all adding to the experience.

There is history at every turn too, with attractions such as the National WWII Museum, St. Louis Cathedral and Mardi Gras World all worth exploring. Make sure to hop on the historic St. Charles Streetcar while you are there – the world’s oldest continuously operating streetcar line, dating back to 1835.

Add with more than 100 festivals each year, including Mardi Gras and Jazz, as well as beautiful sunsets over the Mississippi River, and it is easy to see why New Orleans is a must-visit city in America’s Deep South.

6 Night Nashville & New Orleans Twin Centre from €1299pp

With direct flights from Dublin to Nashville, it is easy to combine two of the Deep South’s most iconic music cities on one short break. Spend three nights in both Nashville and New Orleans, soaking up the legendary live music scene, famous attractions and outstanding cuisine, with hotel accommodation and an internal flights included.

Of course, you can also extend your adventure further. If you fancy exploring more of the Deep South, the team at American Sky can tailor an itinerary to suit you.

Price from €1299pp includes all flights and 6-night hotel stays. Price is based on travel in November, but many more dates are available. Quote ref 734757-4

Atlanta, Georgia

With twice-daily direct flights from Dublin, Atlanta is the perfect place to begin or end your Deep South adventure. The city has a vibrant modern music scene and is home to global stars such as OutKast and Usher. There are plenty of stylish rooftop bars, live music venues and clubs to experience it, as well as a thriving food scene that blends classic Southern comfort dishes with international cuisine.

Known as the ‘Hollywood of the South’, countless movies and TV shows have been filmed in Atlanta, including Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Walking Dead, Stranger Things and one of my personal favourites, Ozark. Be sure to pre-book a movie locations tour to visit some of the famous filming spots from your favourite shows.

Atlanta is also steeped in history and played a central role in the American Civil Rights Movement, so a visit to Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is a must. Other top attractions include World of Coca-Cola and High Museum of Art.

13 Night Escorted Tour of the Deep South, from €3329pp

With stays in Georgia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina, this superb escorted tour is a fantastic way to experience America’s Deep South. Starting and ending in Atlanta, it combines iconic music cities, fascinating history and famous southern hospitality in one memorable trip.

Over 13 nights, you will enjoy a variety of guided tours, including visits to Charleston and Memphis, as well as a trolley tour through historic Savannah. Visits to important Civil Rights landmarks in Montgomery and Selma are sure to be highlights, alongside time to soak up the legendary nightlife, live music and atmosphere of Atlanta, New Orleans and Nashville.

Price from €3329pp includes flights, 13-night hotel stays, and 9 tours and activities as per itinerary. Price is based on travel in October, but many more dates are available. Quote ref 734757-3

I hope this post on America’s Deep South will inspire you to take a trip there soon. This is just a small sample of the many American holidays from Ireland that American Sky offer. They can tailor make the perfect trip to suit your requirements, and can be contacted online, by phone, or you can visit their Customer Lounge in Dublin if you prefer to book package holidays to the USA in person. 

While every effort was made to ensure accuracy, prices, attractions and activities are subject to change. This post was sponsored by American Sky.