Compare Country Roads of the Deep South 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations vs Kayaking the Eastern Shore: The Chesapeake and the Atlantic by Road Scholar

Day 1: Arrive in Nashville

Welcome to Nashville, the capital of Tennessee and the USA’s glittering centre stage. From the Everly Brothers' “Bye Bye Love," to Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman," the streets are paved with talent. Your airport transfer will whisk you to your hotel.Relax and unwind before meeting your Travel Director and mingling with guests at 18:00 followed by a Welcome Dinner with wine.

Day 2: Take centre stage in Nashville

Start your day with an orientation tour of music city. You'll visit the picturesque Riverfront Park, Tennessee State Capitol and the 132 acre Centennial State Park, where you'll encounter an exact replica of the Parthenon. Pass by the city's lively honky-tonks and street performers on Broadway, as you make your way to the Ryman Auditorium, former home of the Grand Ole Opry. Built in 1885 as a building for religious gatherings, it held its first concert in 1892, before opening its doors to Hollywood greats. It is here where Johnny Cash first met June Carter, where bluegrass was born and where country music found an audience. Tonight, head to the famous Grand Ole Opry, the world-renowned country music stage and longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history.

Day 3: A day of legends

Go behind the scenes of a Nashville recording studio. This intimate experience introduces you to a performing artist, musicians and the techniques behind a song’s development. Make a stop at Nashville’s Farmers' Market and Market House to explore its artisanal crafts and produce.Explore Nashville with Insight Choice. Choose to visit Nelson’s Green Brier, a local Tennessee distillery and home of the Original Tennessee Whiskey. Alternatively, visit the National Museum of African American Music, which shares the story of the American soundtrack through history and interactive technology.Tonight's dinner at Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant will introduce you to the colourful flavours of Nashville. Perhaps try the crabmeat cheesecake.

Day 4: Heading back home to Memphis

This morning you'll head to Memphis. Whether it’s your first or hundredth time visiting this vibrant city, you’ll be drawn in by the lively melodies coming from Beale Street.Spend the morning on a sightseeing tour of the city, followed by a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the National Civil Rights Museum. While there, you’ll be guided through five centuries of The Civil Rights Movement history and its impact on our culture today.End your day by joining a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a private evening at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The museum is part of The Soulsville Foundation, which aims to prepare young adults for life success and inspire future artists.

Day 5: A day dedicated to the King

Begin you day with a visit to Sun Studio, the “birthplace of rock and roll”, where music legends, including B.B. King, Johnny Cash and Elvis recorded.Make your way to the magnificent Graceland, the former home of the "King of Rock and Roll," Elvis Presley.Dinner this evening will be served at The Beauty Shop, a former parlour turned whimsical New American eatery where Elvis’ ex-wife, Priscilla, was said to get her hair done.

Day 6: Memphis to Greenwood

Travel through the Mississippi Delta down the Mississippi Blues Trail, a route that tells the stories of bluesmen and women. Explore the Delta town of Greenwood at your own pace, before heading to the Viking Cooking School for a hot tamales cooking demonstration - a regional specialty.Later, dine on a mouthwatering dinner at a James Beard Award finalist restaurant that features southern inspired dishes that include produce local to the area.

Day 7: Moving on to Natchez

Learn more about Southern history and hospitality as you head to Natchez. Tour the historic antebellum mansions, and discover the preservation efforts of later generations to tell the story of African-Americans through the decades, understanding that slavery and cotton allowed plantation owners to build these mansions. Test your mixologist skills as you concoct a traditional Southern cocktail, the Mint Julep. Minty, cooling and with a touch of sweetness, you're sure to learn a few party tricks to bring back home with you. Enjoy an evening to yourself. Ask your Travel Director for restaurant suggestions and discover one of the wonderful options in town.

Day 8: Natchez to Lafayette

Move on to Lafayette for a taste of the Cajun and Creole culture. Get to know more about Cajun culture and how it is defined by its roots.Head to the Acadian Cultural Center followed by a unique Cajun music experience.A genre rooted in the ballads of the French-speaking Acadians, it is both eclectic and joyous. Learn more about this fast tempo music and its history from a local accordion maker and musician.In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day 9: Lafayette for foodies

Start the day with a crawfish farm tour just outside the city. You will be joined by a Local Expert who will help you catch your lunch the old-fashioned way, using hand nets. You’ll be taught how to prepare a traditional boil, before sitting down to the meal. If crawfish are out of season, you'll take part in a boil experience with seasonal seafood. Later, enjoy time at leisure or head out on an optional swamp tour.

Day 10: Welcome to the Big Easy

New Orleans is a lively and dynamic city, known for its vibrant culture and electric jazz festivals. On the way down south, stop at the Tabasco® Factory for a self-guided tour and discover how the world-famous red hot pepper sauce is made. This afternoon, head to the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, where you’ll learn more about the city’s diverse cuisine with a guided tour and included lunch.

Day 11: Festivities in New Orleans Relaxed Start

Get to know the city with a Local Expert as you discover each neighborhood's unique architecture and explore the vibrant art scene. See how the community comes together through celebration.In the afternoon, take your pick of optional activities, perhaps getting to know the local culture through a jazz music experience or by meeting a voodoo specialist.End your day by joining your fellow travellers at a Celebration Dinner at the Palace Cafe - a contemporary and upbeat Creole restaurant at the foot of the French Quarter.

Day 12: Depart New Orleans

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as your adventure comes to an end with a departure to the airport.

Day 1 Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Wallops Island

Field station check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Program Registration: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Come to the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your room assignment, up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, other important information, and to confirm when and where the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please contact the Chincoteague Bay Field Station to find out where to meet the group.

Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Our programming at Retreat locations includes opportunities for interaction with members of the local community, a farm-to-table or locally sourced meal, and evening entertainment. Please keep in mind that the workshop schedule is tentative and subject to change due to weather, access, seasons, and other factors. When you arrive, you will receive an updated schedule specially tailored for that particular week. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

In the cafeteria, we’ll enjoy a family-style seafood feast! Sample local crabs and shrimp or if you choose, grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. Coffee, tea, water, and a selection of juices and sodas are available.

Day 2 Pocomoke River, Barrier Island Ecology & Tides Wallops Island

Getting in/out of vans. Driving approximately 30 minutes each way. Paddling about 6 miles throughout the day.

We will depart by field station van for the first paddle on the scenic Pocomoke River. Before heading out onto the water, we will introduce you to the world of kayaking with a brief demonstration of different paddling techniques provided by your leaders. The scenic Pocomoke River snakes through one of the northernmost cypress swamps. We will launch from Snow Hill, MD, but not before we stretch and practice our stroke techniques! Our maiden paddle will focus on developing important skills and technique. In addition, as you paddle, your instructors will provide information about the magnificent flora and fauna you will encounter and share their knowledge of the values and ecology of this unique environment.

The afternoon will be a continuation of the Pocomoke River cypress swamp paddle to the take-out site at the Nassawango Creek headwaters.

We’ll listen to a talk on barrier islands and the natural history, importance, and future of these unique ecosystems. Learn about how one of the world's most biologically productive areas constantly changes as a result of a multitude of collaborative environmental factors.

In the Chincoteague Bay Field Station cafeteria, our staff will present an array of fruits, hot and cold cereals, meats, breads/biscuits, eggs, and pancakes for your choosing. Coffee, tea, water, and a selection of soft drinks are available.

We will prepare our lunches prior to departure and enjoy them along the bank of the river. Lunch options will include sandwiches, fruits, chips, and cookies. Please bring a refillable water bottle. Extra water will be supplied by our guides.

In the cafeteria, our dining staff will prepare and serve cafeteria-style meals, with options ranging from a hot meal to a diverse salad bar. Coffee, tea, water, and a selection of soft drinks are available.

Day 3 Janes Island State Park, Salt Marsh Ecology Wallops Island

Getting in/out of vans; driving 32 miles, approximately 45 minutes to Janes Island State Park. Kayaking about 5 miles throughout the day.

Today's adventure will lead us through Janes Island State Park in the Chesapeake Bay. Winding through the small tidal inlets of the salt marsh in our quiet kayaks will provide intimate encounters with egrets, herons, and other animals. We’ll learn about the different microhabitats within a marsh, the organisms that spend their lives there, and the reasons we should protect this increasingly endangered environment.

We’ll continue paddling through the winding creeks and guts of the salt marsh.

Tonight, we’ll hear a presentation from our Field Station Educator on the different organisms in the area! We will set out the organisms for a fun and interactive talk about the local creatures that are beneath us while we paddle throughout the Eastern Shore.

In the cafeteria.

Along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay, we’ll once again have boxed lunches we prepared before leaving this morning.

In the cafeteria.

Day 4 Pocomoke River State Park, Simoneaston Bay Wallops Island

Getting in/out of vans; driving 30 minutes to Pocomoke River State Park. Kayaking about 1 mile in the morning and 4.5 miles in the evening.

We’ll head out by field station van to Pocomoke River State Park for a half-day paddle. This will allow us to kayak through winding creeks as we cut through some of the northernmost bald cypress swamps in the United States. Keep an eye out for a variety of birds, snakes and other wildlife.

Free time. This block of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Before sitting down to dinner, the evening's paddle will lead us through several winding tidal creeks and into a shallow, open bay. Along the way, we will get up close to oyster reefs and discuss local culture, history and ecology. This area also provides exceptional views of wading birds.

In the cafeteria.

In the cafeteria, we’ll enjoy a hot meal, sandwiches, and a salad bar. Coffee, tea, water, and a selection of soft drinks are available.

After our evening paddle, we’ll dine at a local restaurant then return to the Field Station. On Day One, we’ll receive the menu for this restaurant and make our selections in advance.

Day 5 Assateague & Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Wallops Island

Getting in/out of vans. Kayaking about 4.5 miles in the morning. Driving up to 1.5 hours on the refuge.

Today's adventure will take us to Memorial Park, the site of the annual Pony Swim made famous by Marguerite Henry’s novel, ‘Misty of Chincoteague.’ We will start on the north end of Chincoteague Island and kayak down the Assateague Channel. We’ll have great views of the Assateague Lighthouse as we kayak and learn from our Field Station Educators about some of the local history that has shaped the area.

We’ll head over to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague National Seashore. Wildlife abounds, as we may see herons, egrets, turtles, and the endangered Delmarva Fox Squirrel. We will also visit the award-winning Bateman Visitor Center.

A local group will entertain us with live music tonight. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

In the cafeteria.

Upon reaching Memorial Park, our leaders will grill a wonderful lunch spread to fuel us back up after another great paddle. Choices include hamburgers, hot dogs, salad, fruit, chips, cookies.

The Eastern Shore is home to some outstanding American fare and seafood restaurants. Your meal will not disappoint at one of these fine eateries.

Day 6 Program Concludes Wallops Island

Field station check-out 9:30 a.m.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

In the cafeteria. This concludes our program.