Travel South USA: Rhythms of the River Self Drive Itinerary

Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana trace the path of the Mississippi River and the story of American music, making them a compelling region for travellers. Music lovers can follow the blues from Chicago’s live clubs and St. Louis’s National Blues Museum to Memphis’s Sun Studio and Graceland, the Mississippi Delta’s Blues Trail, Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and the jazz of New Orleans’ Preservation Hall and Frenchmen Street. History and culture are just as strong, from Route 66 and Abraham Lincoln’s Springfield to the Gateway Arch, the antebellum mansions of Natchez and the French Quarter’s historic streets. Food is a major drawcard too, with Chicago deep-dish pizza, Memphis barbecue, Nashville’s meat-and-three restaurants and New Orleans beignets and jambalaya. With cities, small towns and scenic drives the region suits a self-drive holiday.

Accommodation

Rhythms of the River Self Drive Itinerary (4 stars)

This road trip follows the Mississippi River south through the American Midwest and South, starting in Chicago, Illinois and finishing in New Orleans, Louisiana, with music as the common thread. Highlights in Chicago include Cloud Gate (The Bean) and Navy Pier, before the route follows historic Route 66 to Springfield and on to St. Louis, Missouri for the Gateway Arch and National Blues Museum. Next is Nashville, Tennessee, for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry, then Memphis for Sun Studio, Graceland and Beale Street. The trip continues along the Mississippi Blues Trail through Clarksdale and Cleveland, Mississippi, then follows the Natchez Trace Parkway to Natchez and its antebellum mansions. It ends in New Orleans, where travellers can explore the French Quarter, hear live jazz at Preservation Hall and enjoy local dishes such as beignets and jambalaya.

Rooms

Self Drive Itinerary (8 nights)

01 Jun - 09 Jun 27
Stay price: $3,079.00

Includes: Self Drive inclusions as specified

Note: Based on select departure 01 June 2027. Other dates available at a seasonal surcharge.

Features

• 9 Days / 8 Nights Rhythms of the River Self Drive Itinerary – Chicago, Illinois to New Orleans, Louisiana
• 9 day Alamo Midsize Car Rental. Pick up Chicago O’Hare Airport and drop off New Orleans International Airport-Louis Armstrong
• 1 Night Chicago, Illinois accommodation at RIU Plaza Chicago (4 star) in a Deluxe King Room, including breakfast
• 1 Night Springfield, Illinois accommodation at President Abraham Lincoln Springfield DoubleTree by Hilton (4 star) in an Economy Room
• 1 Night St. Louis, Missouri accommodation at Hotel Indigo St. Louis Downtown by IHG (4 star) in a Standard room
• 1 Night Nashville, Tennessee accommodation at Virgin Hotels Nashville (4 star) in a Standard King Room
• 1 Night Memphis, Tennessee accommodation at The Westin Memphis Beale Street (4 star) in a Traditional King Room
• 1 Night Cleveland, Mississippi accommodation at Cotton House Cleveland a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (3 star) in a 2 Queen Beds Room
• 1 Night Natchez, Mississippi accommodation at Dunleith Historic Inn (4 star) in a Courtyard King Room
• 1 Night New Orleans, Louisiana accommodation at New Orleans Marriott (4 star) in a King Bed Room
• Note: Pricing is per person double share, unless specified
• Airfares are additional
• Mandatory hotel fees may apply, are additional & payable direct  

Terms and Conditions

Terms & Conditions: Prices are correct as at 03 November 2026 and are subject to availability & change without notice. Sales period: Valid for sale from 03 November 2026 until 30 November 2026 unless otherwise stated, withdrawn or sold out prior. General conditions: Prices are correct as at 03 November 2026 are subject to availability & are subject to change without notice. From price is per person double share & in NZ Dollars, based on 01 June 2027 departure: other dates available at a seasonal surcharge. Sales period: Valid for sale until 30 November 2026, unless otherwise stated, withdrawn or sold out prior. This is a sample road trip itinerary, to be used as a guide only. Itinerary inclusions will be priced on enquiry and are subject to availability. Drive times listed are approximate. Car rental is based on Alamo Car Rental – Midsize (Hyundai Elantra or similar). Includes unlimited kilometres, additional driver, full to full, mandatory fees and tax. Includes NZD$533.71 one way fee paid locally. Room rates are dynamic providing the best rate of the day dependent on current inventory as such these are subject to availability & change without notice. Airfares & transfers are additional. All prices are per person & in NZ Dollars. All prices are based on payment by cash or EFTPOS only. Airfares & holiday packages include airline, operational costs, pre-payable taxes & airport charges unless otherwise stated. Additional levies, government charges & other applicable fees may apply & are beyond our control. Minimum & maximum stay restrictions may apply. Selected deals are based on restricted flight schedules, hotel check in/out time & are ultimately the responsibility of the passengers upon booking to ensure flight schedules & hotel check in/out time are suitable for their needs. Seasonal surcharges & blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel. Stopovers & alternative routes may incur additional costs. Prices are valid for new bookings only. Accommodation, holiday packages, cruises & tours are based on twin share, unless otherwise stated. Holidays are based on consecutive night stays. The accommodation, cruises, airfares, coach & small group tours & any other components included are provided by carriers & hoteliers with their own terms & conditions, which your booking is subject to. For full terms & conditions visit infinityholidays.co.nz/booking-conditions/