Southern Explorer | Escorted Coach Tour of the American South from NYC

From the Northeast through the Deep South via Florida

Southern Explorer is a comprehensive escorted coach tour from New York to Florida designed for travelers who want to experience the cultural heart of the United States in one seamless journey. The itinerary connects the historic cities of the Northeast with the soulful landscapes of the Deep South and the relaxed atmosphere of Florida, without the need to drive.

From New York City the tour travels south to Washington, D.C., where monuments and museums tell the story of the nation, then continues through Virginia and the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. The route enters the music heartland with stops in Nashville and Memphis, before reaching the vibrant streets of New Orleans, home of jazz and Creole culture.

The final days follow the Gulf Coast to Pensacola, continue to Orlando and the Kennedy Space Center, and conclude in Miami, where beaches and Art Deco architecture offer the perfect finale to this diverse American journey.

Day-by-day itinerary - Hotel - Extras - Map

Day 1 – Arrival in New York City

Arrival in New York City and independent transfer to your hotel. Evening welcome meeting with the Tour Director. Overnight in New York.

Day 2 – New York → Philadelphia → Washington, D.C.

Travel south to Philadelphia to visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, then continue to Washington, D.C. Overnight in Washington.

Day 3 – Washington, D.C.

Full-day sightseeing including Capitol Hill, White House area, Lincoln Memorial and Smithsonian museums. Overnight in Washington.

Day 4 – Washington, D.C. → Williamsburg → Roanoke

Visit colonial Williamsburg, then continue through the Blue Ridge Mountains to Roanoke. Overnight in Roanoke.

Day 5 – Roanoke → Great Smoky Mountains → Gatlinburg

Scenic drive through the Appalachian region and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Overnight in Gatlinburg.

Day 6 – Gatlinburg → Nashville

Travel to Nashville, the world capital of country music. Time to explore Broadway and downtown. Overnight in Nashville.

Day 7 – Nashville → Memphis

Continue to Memphis, birthplace of blues and rock ’n’ roll. Visit key landmarks and Beale Street. Overnight in Memphis.

Day 8 – Memphis → New Orleans

Travel south through Mississippi and Louisiana to New Orleans. Evening at leisure. Overnight in New Orleans.

Day 9 – New Orleans

Guided city tour including the French Quarter, Jackson Square and historic neighborhoods. Overnight in New Orleans.

Day 10 – New Orleans → Pensacola

Travel along the Gulf Coast to Pensacola, known for white-sand beaches. Overnight in Pensacola.

Day 11 – Pensacola → Orlando

Continue east into Florida to Orlando. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Orlando.

Day 12 – Orlando → Kennedy Space Center → Miami

Visit the Kennedy Space Center before continuing to Miami. Overnight in Miami.

Day 13 – Miami

Enjoy a free day to explore South Beach, Little Havana, or the Art Deco District. Overnight in Miami.

Day 14 – Departure from Miami

Tour ends. Independent transfer to Miami International Airport.

MAP Itinerary

Hotels (or Similar)

New York: Martinique New York on Broadway – Curio Collection by Hilton
Washington, D.C.: Omni Shoreham Hotel
Roanoke: Holiday Inn Roanoke – Tanglewood
Gatlinburg: Edgewater Hotel & Conference Center
Nashville: The Inn at Opryland / La Quinta Inn & Suites Airport
Memphis: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown
New Orleans: Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Pensacola: Courtyard Pensacola
Orlando: Red Lion Hotel Lake Buena Vista South
Miami: Holiday Inn Miami Beach – Oceanfront

Optional Excursions

Graceland visit in Memphis
New Orleans dinner jazz cruise

Inclusions

13 hotel nights
Transportation by modern air-conditioned coach
Professional Tour Director
3 breakfasts
Sightseeing as per itinerary

Exclusions

Flights
Meals not listed
Optional excursions
Gratuities
Travel insurance

Activity Schedule

Departures & Operations

Duration: 14 days / 13 nights
Begins: New York City
Ends: Miami
Tour language: English
Guaranteed departures: Yes

2026: Apr 17, May 01, May 08, May 22, May 29, Jul 24, Jul 31, Aug 14, Aug 28, Sep 04, Sep 18, Sep 25, Oct 02

Additional Info & FAQ

Important Notes

Minimum age: 7 years
Reduced rate 7–11 sharing bedding (where applicable)
Program subject to change

Cancellation Policy

30 days prior to arrival: No charge
29–8 days prior: USD 500 per person
7–1 days prior: USD 600 per person
No Show: 100% of tour price

Policy & Disclaimers

Inclusions: As outlined in the "Included in the Price"
Exclusions: Everything else not specifically outlined in the "Included in the Price"
Booking Fees: Please note all reservations are subject to a 3% booking fee - This 3% Booking Fee is applied to all sales and is never refundable.
Tour Operated By: Please note we only operate directly our line of signature private experiences marked by the ™ symbol. For all escorted group activities, the name of the operating company is listed under the additional info & faq section.
Cancellation Policy: Please carefully review our Cancellation Policy
Please Note:

Disclaimers and Terms of Use - Use of this website constitutes full acceptance of all New York Welcome and USA-Welcome's Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy

Testimonials & Reviews

"Excellent firms don’t believe in excellence – only in constant improvement and constant change." – TOM PETERS

4.9

Based on 305 reviews

What They
Say

Alessio C. | TripAdvisor

Unforgettable holiday in New York, fantastic tour operator Irene, who introduced us to the city in all its beauty by telling us the story and describing passionately the life of the place. [...] Irene, I was able to see a Yankees tie as a fan, a dream of mine in the drawer..thanks for your help. Top. Thanks.

From TripAdvisor - May 2025

Alice P. | Google

During my recent trip to New York, I had the pleasure of meeting Irene who accompanied us on a tour of the city, and the experience was unforgettable. From the first moment, she was welcoming, knowledgeable and incredibly passionate [...]

From Google - Feb 2025

Barbara G. | Google

We relied on them to organize a group tour in New York. Professional, precise, helpful, friendly. We can only thank Mr. Tony, who followed us impeccably in the planning, and his daughter Irene, an extraordinary guide, who showed us New York in a way that we will not forget. [...]

From Google - November 2024

Antonella G. | Google

I am the owner of a Travel Agency. We are Italian in Erba, Eolo travel, I brought a small group and I entrusted myself to Tony. We received great service from start to finish. Punctuality and excellent guides.Thank you for the wonderful experience!!!

From Google - May 2024

Pierangelo G. | TripAdvisor

Irene? as I have already said elsewhere, she truly deserves all the compliments that are paid to her. Available, friendly, prepared, in short, if you need an Italian speaking guide in New York, she is the right person. You deserve 5 stars and more!

From TripAdvisor - April 2024

Carmine S. | Google

An extraordinary experience: I had the pleasure of having Irene as my guide for two days and thanks to the passion she puts into guiding you through the streets of NYC, the anecdotes, the trivia she lets you discover, and the facets she shows during the tour you can't help but fall even more in love with this wonderful city.

From Google - February 2024

Giuseppe M. | Google

Excellent guide, excellent organisation, Irene always ready to respond, available in every topic with competence, you can feel the passion for her work. Her voice accompanied our tour, we will miss you!

From Google - January 2024

Erica F. | Google

[...] unique, very professional, courteous, friendly we can only write positive adjectives, you made us feel at home and have the desire to return. Super recommended. Erica, Marco, Annalisa and Giuseppe.

From Google - December 2023

Giorgia M. | Google

We did 2 tours together with our guide Irene in one day, Hoboken and the East side. What can I say, in addition to the wonderful places, she has made everything more magical [...]

From Google - January 2023

Breanna A. | TripAdvisor

Irene was a FANTASTIC tour guide! She was so knowledgeable about the area and was so patient with all our questions. We stopped to use the bathroom and we got coffee halfway through, she was so kind! It was a pleasure learning about Brooklyn from you!

From TripAdvisor - April 2022

DCA1014 | TripAdvisor

I’m the biggest fan of Fall activities, but haven’t had a chance to do anything beyond Apple Picking in NJ. I decided to take a last minute 2 day trip with a friend in Hudson Valley, but didn’t know where to start [...] Thankfully I was able to use New York Welcome to do the hard work for us [...]

From TripAdvisor - October 2021

Southern Explorer – Escorted Coach Tour of the American South

From the Northeast through the Deep South via Florida

Who Is This Tour For

HIGHLIGHTS

Book your spot now