Please request a price quote for a personalized quotation.
The mentioned as from price is per person sharing based on double occupancy.

• Low season from € 709 p.p.

• High season from € 929 p.p.

What's included?

• 6 nights in STANDARD hotels and plantation homes or similar

• Your electronic roadbook (day-to-day program)

• Daily breakfast

Not included

• Your international flights and rental car

• Optional excursions, gratuities, meals and drinks and personal expenses

Travel Documents

• Travel documents: All Belgian nationals* (children and babies included) must be in possession of an international e-passport (biometric) containing min. 2 blank pages, valid at day of entry and during the entire stay. Connections recommends to let common sense prevail and to build in some slack in terms of validity. Often unforeseen circumstances (weather factors, volcanoes, and threats all kinds) are the cause of a mandatory postponed return date. A credit card is required upon check-in at the hotels and also when renting a car.Please keep this in mind. We strongly recommend you to print out the Esta- or Eta permit and to have it on you while you travel to avoid problems.

• All passengers who travel to and /or via the U.S. must apply for an electronic travel authorization at least 72 hours prior to departure. The ESTA ($ 40) procedure must be requested via the official website link https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and paid by a personal credit card only.

• Travellers who have visited Cuba since 12 January 2021 or who wish to travel to Cuba prior to a visit to the United States are not eligible for ESTA and must apply for a US visa at a US Consulate before travelling to the US.

• Travellers with a non-Belgian nationality and / or travellers travelling on a foreign passport are invited to spontaneously report this matter to the Connections travel consultant and shall contact their respective embassy (s) or Consulate (ate) to obtain the latest updates concerning all current travel requirements and documents. They must apply for an electronic travel authorization at least 72 hours prior to departure via the official website link https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and pay by a personal credit card only.

Insurances

Have a safe and carefree trip: travel fully insured with our Protections travel insurance! Our Protections insurance policies offer various formulas in order to offer you the widest possible cover (with even a fly-on-time, natural catastrophes and epidemics) for both single journeys or for the entire year. We guarantee you the best protection at the best price.

Tailored travel

The tours in our brochures are just a few examples of travel itineraries possible. Our trips can be tailored to suit your specific needs. If you want to book a specific destination or combine it with a mini-tour then we will gladly make you a tailor-made offer. For a personalised day-by-day program please contact our destination experts.

Would you like to travel in a group; with your entire family, friends or colleagues? (min. 10 people required). Put our know-how to the test and send us your details and wishes. We will gladly turn the blueprints of your trip into a detailed quote and a lasting memory for you to cherish. Contact our Connections’ Group Service by e-mail at groups@connections.be or by telephone on +32 (0)2/550 01 65. We would love to hear from you.

Health

No mandatory vaccinations. To verify the latest updates on health requirements, please surf to https://www.itg.be.
Medical interventions and costs can soon become outrageous in the U.S.A. Reflect before leaving and subscribe a decent travel insurance. Our protections All-in Premier insurance was especially designed specifically for travel to the U.S.A. and provides ample cover for all major calamities (fly-on-time and natural disasters included)!

Time zones

The United States span 4 time zones:

• Eastern (- 6 h)

• Central (- 7 h)

• Mountain (- 8 h)

• Pacific (- 9 h)

Payments methods

A personal credit card is required upon check-in at the hotels and also when renting a car. The most convenient method of payment is by credit card but cash euros and dollars in small amount come in handy. Inform yourself timely, as from January 15, 2015 your Visa and/or MasterCard credit card (and possibly other types of credit cards) has automatically been set to "not for use in the US, for US car rental agencies and during cruises under the American flag".

You must then apply for a release of your credit card. This may be done prior to your arrival in the U.S. (in your bank branch or via the telephone number listed on the back of your credit card or by means of a special form available for PC banking) as well as after arrival in the US (through a withdrawal at an ATM. Please note, in this case there will be a transaction fee charged to your account). The same applies to the Maestro function in your bank card.

Exploring the Southern States of the USA

The southern states of the USA offer a fascinating blend of history, music, and hospitality. The region is known for its beautiful antebellum architecture, with stately plantation homes that reflect a complex past. New Orleans is the beating heart of Southern culture, with its vibrant French Quarter, where jazz musicians fill the streets with melodies that touch the soul. Beyond the major cities, the Deep South has much to offer—from the scenic banks of the Mississippi River to charming small towns where time seems to stand still and where you can experience true Southern hospitality.

Best Time to Visit the Deep South

The ideal time to explore the Deep South is during spring (March–May) and fall (September–November). In these seasons, you’ll enjoy pleasant temperatures between 20–25°C (68–77°F), perfect for sightseeing and walking through historic neighborhoods. Summers can be particularly hot and humid, often exceeding 30°C (86°F), while winters are mild but can occasionally feel surprisingly cool. For visiting famous music festivals in New Orleans, such as the Jazz & Heritage Festival, plan for April or May. October also offers beautiful fall colors and fewer tourists, providing a more authentic experience.

Louisiana’s Musical Heritage

Louisiana is the heart of American music history, where blues, jazz, and Cajun sounds merge into a unique soundtrack. In New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, the sounds of saxophones and trumpets echo through the streets of the French Quarter every evening. Bourbon Street attracts music lovers from around the world, who enjoy performances in authentic jazz clubs where legendary musicians once played. Outside the city, small cafés and local festivals showcase the raw blues music that is so characteristic of the Deep South. The music tells stories of joy and sorrow, offering a direct connection to the region’s rich cultural history.

Visiting Historic Plantations in Louisiana

Historic plantations in Louisiana provide a unique insight into the Deep South’s past. Oak Alley, with its iconic avenue of 300-year-old oak trees, is one of the most photographed spots in the region. Nottoway Plantation impresses with its grandeur as the largest surviving antebellum mansion in the South. Guided tours of these beautifully restored homes offer not only a glimpse into the architecture and lifestyle of the planter elite but also shed light on the complex and sometimes painful history of slavery. The manicured gardens surrounding the plantations invite leisurely strolls, immersing you in the atmosphere of a bygone era.

Culinary Journey Through the Deep South

A road trip through the Deep South is also a delicious journey through authentic dishes influenced by African, French, and Spanish cuisines. In New Orleans, taste the famous gumbo, a savory stew with seafood or chicken, and enjoy crispy beignets dusted with powdered sugar at Café du Monde. On the way to Natchez and Vicksburg, discover local specialties like jambalaya, a flavorful rice dish, and fresh catfish from the Mississippi. Cajun and Creole cuisines offer dishes that are often spicy but always full of character. Plantation visits also reveal historical cooking techniques and how they influenced today’s cuisine. This culinary experience is an essential part of your Deep South journey.

Planning a Deep South Road Trip

A road trip is the perfect way to explore the Deep South, and this 7-day itinerary provides the ideal route. Start by renting a car in New Orleans, giving you flexibility throughout your journey. Make sure you have a good navigation app or map, as some historic plantations are tucked away in the countryside. Allow time to stop at unexpected gems along the route, such as small towns or local eateries. Distances between destinations are manageable, with an average of 1–2 hours of driving per day, leaving plenty of time for extensive visits and discoveries. By booking accommodations in advance, you ensure a comfortable base in each city along your route.