Mississippi Holidays

Get a true flavour of the Deep South and famous Southern hospitality during your holiday to Mississippi - the home of the Delta blues. Mississippi holidays are a captivating mix of outdoor adventure, history and culture, set to a soundtrack of sultry blues, which you’ll want to revisit again and again.

The state’s rich musical heritage has earned it the nickname as the ‘birthplace of America’s music’, and when you arrive in the Magnolia State, you’ll know why.

Mississippi is indeed the birthplace of some of the world’s most renowned blues musicians, and their legacy can be felt in the live music bars and vibrant music scene that still exists today. Immerse yourself in its musical legacy on the famous Mississippi Blues Trail. This enthralling trail through the roots of popular music takes you to grave sites and birthplaces, highways and childhood homes, and to the venues that launched the careers of your favourite blues stars. With historic musical markers waiting to be discovered across the state, the Mississippi Blues Trail is the perfect chance to see more of the state.

Mississippi holidays: experience the languid South

Mississippi holidays allow you to do as much or as little as you like. Take it slow and sink into the Southern way of life or get out and discover everything there is to see - the choice is yours.

Take a drive along Mississippi’s rural roads through cotton country to the historic city of Natchez. Nestled on the Mississippi River, the state’s colonial past can be seen in the grand Antebellum mansions and plantations that the city is synonymous with. Natchez is also home to the famous Natchez Trace Parkway, a recreational road more than 400 miles long that follows the path of the old ‘Natchez Trace’, an American-Indian corridor dating back thousands of years. The road offers scenic drives, incredible views, and recreational activities for adrenaline junkies.

No visit to Mississippi would be complete without seeing Tupelo, the birthplace of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Stop at a juke joint, pull up a stool, and watch a live blues performance for the perfect way to end another incredible day in the Deep South.

Great sample itineraries

Get inspired by our selection of popular itineraries for Mississippi holidays. The neighbouring state of Tennessee is easily reached from Mississippi. Head over to Nashville to continue your musical journey in the country music capital of the world.

9 days

American Queen River Cruise - Memphis to New Orleans

Guide Price £4,399 pp

Immerse yourself in the essence of America’s Deep South as you journey down the Mississippi aboard the luxurious American Queen paddle steamer. Sit back, relax and unwind as you enjoy award winning cuisine, beautiful staterooms, outstanding Broadway style entertainment and...

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Cultural holidays

10 days

Southern Rhythms Suggested Motorhome Itinerary

Enjoy the sounds and sights of the Deep South as you take your motorhome from Atlanta through Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee and Georgia on a 10-day road trip adventure. Start your trip with a stay in ‘gateway to the South’, Atlanta...

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Family holidays

9 days

Deep South Discovery

Get a taste of true southern charm as you set out on a Deep South Discovery tour. Venture through the states of Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Louisiana, stopping at vibrant cities ready to welcome you in with classic southern...

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Escorted tours

18 days

Deep South Explorer

Guide Price £3,199 pp

Take a drive through the Deep South and discover the inviting mix of Southern hospitality, fascinating history and culinary experiences that makes up this diverse region. Journey through Louisiana, Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi on an 18 day adventure to...

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Fly drive holidays

View all Mississippi itineraries (10)

Time Zone

GMT -6 hours

Flight Time

Approx 14 hours; flights are indirect via a US hub such as Atlanta, Washington DC or Dallas Ft. Worth

Currency

USD - US Dollar

Visa Information

British passport holders require an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) to visit Memphis. You can obtain an ESTA from www.cbp.gov/esta

Language

English

Health Information

No vaccinations are required for travel to Mississippi. All travellers should be up to date with routine immunisations. It’s important to contact your GP to check for the latest recommendations.

Mississippi is a diverse state with a rich history waiting to be explored, offering a range of experiences from scenic drives and byways to culinary trails. Discover the birthplace of Elvis Presley in Tupelo, take to the Mississippi Blues Trail or Mississippi Country Music Trail to uncover the rich musical tapestry of this region, step back in time with a visit to the antebellum homes in Natchez or learn about the Native American heritage at the Choctaw Heritage Museum.

Natchez

Experience Natchez history first-hand as you explore the city’s architecturally stunning and well-preserved historic houses. Over a thousand structures in the city are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the Natchez National Historic Park you can discover the Greek revival-style Melrose house with its grand pillars, elegant architecture and 80 acres of parkland. The National Historic Landmark of the Auburn Antebellum Home tells the story of the Deep South through sublime architecture and a fascinating tour.
Tupelo

Discover Elvis’ humble beginnings in the unassuming town of Tupelo Mississippi. Although he was to go to be known as ‘The King’ of rock ‘n roll Elvis Presley was born in a small two room house in East Tupelo, now a Mississippi landmark, you can visit his birthplace along with other significant sites in Tupelo like the hardware store where Elvis’ mother purchased his first guitar and the church where the family worshipped. Tupelo is also home to a wealth of other attractions including the Natchez Trace Parkway headquarters and visitor centre, Brice’s Crossroad National Battlefield site and Tupelo Automobile Musuem.
Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway takes you through 444-miles of incredible scenery and 10,000 years of North American history. This historic road was once used by American Indians and early settlers, and played an important role in shaping the USA. Today, visitors can take a scenic drive through the park, stopping to explore further on foot or horseback and camping out in nature. This area is beautiful any time of year, but is truly spectacular during autumn when the park is awash with gold and red hues of autumn leaves.

Charlotte

Destination Specialist

“Download the Mississippi Blues Trail app before you start walking. It has lots of interesting facts and an interactive timeline so that you can immerse yourself in the history of the blues, and it makes navigating the trail easier.”
Jessica

Destination Manager

“Be sure to take a boat trip down the Mississippi River. You’ll see pretty towns, huge plantations, wide open farmlands and lots more.”

Events & Festivals

Festivals and events are wonderful to include during your Mississippi holiday, offering a glimpse into the country’s authentic culture and traditions.

Natchez Festival of Music

Every May, the historic city of Natchez on the banks of the Mississippi comes alive with musical performances from a plethora of acts, as part of the city’s annual Festival of Music. For the whole month, venues around the city reverberate with the sounds of stunning operas, toe-tapping live jazz, Broadway musical recitals and more. From hotels to historic churches and the splendid Antebellum mansions Natchez is known for, performances pop up in a variety of venues. Whether you catch just one show or go back day after day, the Natchez Festival of Music is the perfect way to see talent from the Deep South perform against the wonderful backdrop of the Mississippi River.