Southern Belles & Caribbean Cruise

Upon arrival at New York Airport, you will be met and transferred* to your hotel.

Today discover New York at your own pace on the Included Hop On – Hop Off double decker bus. View the famous iconic sites of the ‘Big Apple’ such as Broadway, Fifth Avenue, The Empire State building, Chrysler Building, Madison Square Garden and the Statue of Liberty.

This morning, enjoy an Included historical tour of Philadelphia including Abraham Lincoln’s Statue of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, the third year of the Civil War. The Proclamation declared “that all persons held as slaves” within the rebellious states “are, and henceforward shall be free”, transforming the character of the war. Continue to the Amish community of Lancaster and immerse yourself in a community of simple living separated from the industrialised world.

Your Included Amish experience today involves visiting an Amish Farm and house as a local guide explains the culture, faith and traditional way of life, which excludes the use of modern conveniences such as electricity or telephones. This afternoon gain an insight into the American Civil War during an Included guided tour of Gettysburg National Military Park. The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War and was the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln’s immortal “Gettysburg Address”. While touring the battlefield park, visit the Soldiers’ National Cemetery where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous speech.

Visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. The first US President, George Washington and his wife Martha lived in the estate for over forty years. The mansion is set on over fifty acres of Washington’s extensive plantation. Enjoy a Potomac River Cruise to gain a different perspective of the estate and the fascinating world in which Washington lived. Continue to the capital of The United States of America, Washington D.C

This morning enjoy an Included historical tour of Washington D.C. featuring the White House, Capitol Building, Supreme Court, the Lincoln Memorial, Embassy Row and Dupont Circle. This afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. Perhaps visit one of the plethora of Smithsonian Museums.

Transfer to the airport and board your flight to Atlanta, Georgia.

This morning enjoy an Included tour of the famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery enroute to Nashville. Included SCENIC ENRICH: tour the Grand Ole Opry which began as a radio broadcast in 1925 and today is a live entertainment phenomenon and American icon. Known as the ‘home of American music’, the Grand Ole Opry is dedicated to honoring country music’s rich history and dynamic present.

This morning enjoy an Included tour of Studio B and Country Music Hall of Fame Museum. SCENIC ENRICH: Learn of the fascinating country music culture with an Included private performance by one of Nashville’s acclaimed musicians,Exclusive to Scenic Tours. Continue to Memphis, the home of such legendary artists as B.B. King, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley.

Make the ultimate Rock n’ Roll pilgrimage and delight in an Included tour of the famous home of the King of Rock n’ Roll, Elvis Presley. Graceland is set on fourteen acres and showcases where Elvis lived and is now laid to rest.

Travel deeper south to Natchez. SCENIC ENRICH : Learn about America’s Civil War history during an Included plantation tour. Learn of the antebellum experience where grand estates embellished in the finest furnishings, maintained by enslaved servants became ruins after the Civil War

Visit Vermilionville set on banks of the Bayou Vermilion and look out for alligators and the abundant birdlife on your Included wetlands cruise. Continue to Lafayette, known for its sumptuous cuisine and music.

This morning be amazed by the vibrant culture of New Orleans as you tour the city including the preparations for the annual grand spectacular, the famous Mardi Gras – see how the magic is created.

Visit with the local community and environmentalist to learn how New Orleans is recovering after the devastation of Cyclone Katrina,

Select from: (1) cajun cooking class discovering the techniques to making a local ‘Southern’ delicacy; or (2) southern dance lesson moving to the rhythms of the Deep South where music is a way of life; or (3) step back in time and relax on a horse and carriage ride through New Orleans’ French Quarter.

Transfer to the airport and board your flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida (flight not included in tour price, flight is unescorted). Upon arrival in Fort Lauderdale, transfer to your hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, later transfer to Fort Lauderdale’s pier. Step on board your luxurious cruise ship and settle into your Included Verandah stateroom on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Sea or Allure of the Sea for a 7 night Caribbean cruise. Familiarise yourself with the multitude of services, facilities and activities on offer at your convenience and contained all on one lavish vessel.

On the north coast of Hispaniola, surrounded by beautiful mountain slopes and exotic foliage, sits Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private paradise. This exclusive destination offers pristine beaches, breathtaking scenery and spectacular water activities.

Quaint Falmouth was an economic powerhouse and centre for dramatic social change during the English Colonial Period. In today’s Falmouth, visitors still enjoy 19th-century Georgian architecture as well as river bamboo raft rides, arts and crafts shopping, flavourful local fare and horse-and-buggy rides. Just east of Falmouth is Ocho Rios, known for its spectacular Dunn’s River Falls. Travel west to reach Montego Bay and the beaches of Negril.

Relax as you cruise through the picturesque Caribbean.

The waters around Cozumel’s sheltered coral reefs make this one of the best snorkelling areas in the world. Explore the ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Tulúm or explore the underwater world of Chankanaab on a deep-sea adventure aboard the Atlantis Submarine

Relax as you cruise through the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.

Disembark this morning and transfer* to Fort Lauderdale airport for your homebound flight