Music & Outlaws

Over 24 days experience some of America’s most notable historical moments in addition to learning some of the country music legends that the region is known for. Imagine spending your evenings listening to live music in a Honky Tonk bar or line dancing the night away wearing your custom-made boots. This itinerary brings the region to life. In addition to the music & history you will also see first-hand how Native Culture still shapes this land.

What's included

• International Flights from the UK based on economy class
• 24-day Intermediate Car hire
• 23 nights’ accommodation

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Dallas Fort Worth

Arrive at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport & collect your intermediate car hire. The airport is in Grapevine, which is centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth, as well as the home of Bonnie & Clyde, making this a great place to start your tour.

Day 2 - Grapevine, TX

Today explore Historic Downtown Grapevine, a local food tour is a great way to experience the city, take in the many working artisans, including Holder Fane Gallery & Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Gallery. Then spend time leisurely exploring the shops, winery tasting rooms & galleries on offer. This evening you will have plenty of fabulous restaurants to choose from as well as live entertainment or a movie at the Historic Palace Theater which has hosted such artists as LeAnn Rimes, the Judds, Willie Nelson and so many more.

Day 3 - Grapevine, TX

Today take the time to experience life as a cowboy with such activities as a visit to the Texas Gun Experience or perhaps the Fort Worth Herd, the world’s only twice daily cattle drive. After, why not saddle up at a bar at one of the local saloons or purchase yourself some western wear.

Day 4 - Dallas, TX

A day in Dallas can consist of a visit to the Sixth Floor Museum, commemorating the life and assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This museum is in the former Texas School Book Depository Building, Lee Harvey Oswald’s vantage point in his assassination of President Kennedy. Or why not stop at Pioneer Plaza to view the world’s largest bronze monument depicting a cattle drive, complete with nearly 50 longhorn steers, herded by three cowboys. Dallas is well known for both craft beers and margaritas. Choose your preference and enjoy a refreshing, afternoon tour exploring some of the local favourite watering holes. Lastly, we recommend a stop in Deep Ellum. This lively entertainment district is known for its vibrant murals, quirky art galleries and long-time concert venues. For craft brews, we recommend Deep Ellum Brewing Co. and for margaritas, we recommend Revolver Margarita. You will want to allow time to explore this fun district before dinner.

Day 5 - Lubbock, TX

Lubbock happens to be one of the top wine producing regions of Texas. Step into the vineyard at English Newsom Cellars and take in the picturesque landscape and Tuscan architecture, while drinking a glass of 100% Texan made wine. A visit to the American Windmill Museum, the world’s largest windmill museum is recommended as well as a stop at the National Ranching Heritage Center, home to 19 acres of authentic ranching structures, rotating art galleries and 42 life-size bronze outdoor sculptures. This evening a tribute show at the Cactus Theater is a must see, a 1930’s movie theatre turned into concert venue hosting such tribute bands as the Eagles & Led Zeppelin.

Day 6 - Grapevine, TX

Spend the day today headed back to Grapevine but first learn about the life of Lubbock’s favourite son & musician Buddy Holly, the Buddy Holly Center and J.I. Allison House before going in be sure to get a picture with the larger-than-life statue of Buddy Holly and all his famous West Texas friends. Upon leaving Lubbock make your way to Abilene where you can view life in the Old West through the magic state of the art technology at Visit Frontier Texas. After head back to Grapevine for an evening of live entertainment.

Day 7 - Sulphur, OK

Begin your First American’s Experience at the Chickasaw Cultural Centre. This state-of-the-art complex shares the story of the Chickasaw Nation through exhibits including Spirit Forest, Removal Corridor & the Chickasaw Village. Then head over to Tishomingo to enjoy lunch. A popular lunch spot is Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, famous for its country music career & ‘the Voice’ star Shelton serves up live music, hospitality & delicious steak & burgers. After lunch take in the historic sites such as a stop at the Chickasaw Council House Museum where you will find the original Council House as well as the largest collection of Chickasaw art, artefacts & archival material. Next, visit the Chickasaw National Capitol Building. Opened in 1898, this building served as the Chickasaw Nation’s Government until 1907. Overnight in Sulphur

Day 8 - Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City is culinary mecca, for starters try lunch at The Collective or Parlor – both concept locations that offer multiple kitchen dining options. For those who love water, head over to RiverSport Adventures. Here you can spend the afternoon kayaking on the river, zip-lining from the above the ground ropes course, trying your hand at the artificial white-water rapids or enjoying the forced water surfing. Not so adventurous – jump on the light rail and visit the Oklahoma City Museum of Art – home of the most comprehensive collection of glass by artist Dale Chihuly. Relax and take a stroll through Scissortail Park and the Myriad Gardens. Visit Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. This sombre but beautiful site is a monument to the victims, survivors, and rescue workers of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Wrap up the evening in Bricktown – Oklahoma’s largest entertainment district. Take a tour on the canal in a water taxi before wrapping up the evening with a beverage and live music in the district or take the light rail to Automobile Alley or Mid-Town for a beverage on one of the rooftops with a skyline view.

Day 9 - Oklahoma City, OK

Spend the morning exploring the Historic Stockyards City & see working cowboys going about their daily lives. Shop at a custom boot or hat maker & visit the catwalks & auction arena where all the action really happens (live cattle auction every Monday and Tuesday mornings – year-round). After why not visit Oklahoma City’s newest premier Smithsonian affiliated attraction, the First American Museum. Here you will learn of each of the 39 tribes headquartered in Oklahoma. Enjoy interactive exhibits, see artifacts dating back hundreds of years and most of all experience America’s true history. Enjoy an authentic meal before leaving for the next venture. Another must see would be the National Cowboy and Western Museum. This all-encompassing museum highlights many aspects of the Western experience. Galleries include Western performers, Native American culture, the sport of rodeo, fine arts, and the latest outdoor experience – Liichokochkomo. This evening suggestion would be a short 20minute drive to Arcadia to visit POPS, take a sampling of your choice of over 700 options of soda pop, and then continue to Luther to the Chicken Shack for delicious fried chicken and (most nights) live music. Overnight Oklahoma City

Day 10 - Bartlesville, OK

After departing Oklahoma City head north to the town of Guthrie where a visit to The Double Stop Fiddle Shop & Music Hall is a must do. A combination live music venue and instrument store owned by bluegrass musician Byron Berline, The Fiddle Shop also carries a wide variety of instruments in the acoustic string family for professionals, collectors, and beginners. Our next recommended pit stop is Eskimo Joe’s in Stillwater, OK. Known as Stillwater’s Jumpin’ Little Juke Joint, Eskimo Joe's is nationally recognized for its fun T-shirt designs and presidentially endorsed cheese fries, fresh-cut fries are generously smothered with Monterey jack and cheddar cheeses and topped with your choice of bacon, chicken, and bleu cheese crumbles. Stillwater is also home of Oklahoma State University where famous alumni include Garth Brooks. After your stop in Stillwater head further north to Pawhuska, the Capitol of the Osage Nation. Most recently featured in the book “Killers of the Flower Moon”, this tribal nation has seen its share of outlaws. Learn about the Osage Massacre at the Osage Tribal Museum. Your final pit stop of the day would be a visit to Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve. A working ranch, museum and wildlife preserve, this Bartlesville establishment welcomes countless visitors each year. The 3,700-acre property was built in 1925 as a retreat for oilman and founder of Phillips Petroleum Company, Frank Phillips. Woolaroc also host the annual Cow Thieves and Outlaws Reunion the last weekend of September.

Day 11 - Tulsa, OK

After bidding farewell to Bartlesville head west until you arrive in Miami, OK. This is a route 66 treasure, visit the Coleman Theater, this Miami landmark began as a Vaudeville movie theatre built by George L. Coleman Sr. The exterior architecture is Spanish Mission Revival, and terra cotta gargoyles and other hand-carved figures adorn the building facade. A highlight of the building is the original pipe organ, called "The Mighty Wurlitzer," which continues to fill the beautiful theatre with terrific music today. The theatre presents a variety of exceptional entertainment year-round. Chelsea, Oklahoma is your next stop. The Ed Galloway Totem Pole Park is a Route 66 icon and home of "The World's Largest Concrete Totem Pole." Nearby is a "Fiddle House" which houses a display of Galloway's hand-crafted fiddles and other inlaid wood artifacts. Arrive in Claremore, OK in time for a special treat – lunch at Hammett House. A northeast Oklahoma tradition since 1969, Hammett House has become a success by keeping things simple. The “pamper fried” chicken and pork chops are this eatery’s calling card, but don’t leave without sampling one of the 14 types of equally renowned pie, ranging from chocolate chip peanut butter to sour cream blueberry. A short drive away and you arrive at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. The museum features art and artifacts pertaining to the life of Oklahoma's favourite son, Will Rogers. Find countless photographs and manuscripts documenting Will Rogers' life as a trick roper, Vaudeville performer, movie star, radio commentator, newspaper columnist, author, and philosopher. The Blue Whale in Catoosa has become a beloved historic landmark along Route 66. Built as an attraction at a swimming hole, visitors can still walk around the mammoth structure and get the perspective of what it would really be like to be swallowed by a whale – no swimming allowed anymore. Finally, you will arrive in Tulsa where a stop at Gathering Place is highly recommended for complimentary family friending activities are on offer. This evening check out one of Tulsa’s unique districts like Brookside, Cherry Street, Blue Dome for dinner and entertainment.

Day 12 - Tulsa, OK

Start your morning off at the Center of the Universe. A concrete circle a little more than eight feet in diameter that is an acoustic anomaly. Any noise made inside the brick circle is loudly echoed, but only those inside the circle can hear it. Amazingly, any of these loud sounds heard inside the circle cannot be heard from outside the perimeter of the brick structure. A short walk away you will find the Woody Guthrie Center. The centre will give you a glimpse inside the life of one of America's greatest folksingers. Born in Okemah, Woody Guthrie made a name for himself with hits like "This Land Is Your Land," "Pastures of Plenty," "Talking Dust Bowl Blues" and "Do Re Mi." Visit the Woody Guthrie Center to learn about Guthrie's views on important issues like human rights and democracy through many interactive exhibits, photography, maps, movies and documentaries, music and more. Another must see attraction is a visit to the Greenwood District for a truly moving experience at Tulsa’s newest attraction, Greenwood Rising. Greenwood Rising tells the story of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 using history, technology & interactive design features to educate people on what happened in this district 100 years ago. After grab some lunch from a food truck at Guthrie. Explore OK POP, The Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture is a museum dedicated to the creative spirit of Oklahoma’s people and the influence of those artists on popular culture around the world. Stories featured in the museum will include movies, radio, television, illustration, literature, theatre, Wild West Shows and Route 66— all connected to a sense of time and place through the language of music. Have dinner at Mother Road Market. Tulsa opened its first food hall inside the historic 1939 Scrivner-Stevens Co. Grocery building along Route 66. You can visit the Mother Road Market for a sampling of local restaurants housed under one roof, along with a variety of retail shops. Swing by the t-shirt vending machine for Made in Oklahoma screen-printed creations, or relax at the full-service bar.

Day 13 - Fort Smith, AR

Today you head southeast making your way towards the state line towards the town of Fort Smith. Your first recommended stop is the town of Muskogee, OK which was made famous in Merle Haggard’s anthem “Okie From Muskogee”. Take time for a photo stop at “The Courthouse” where “They Still Fly Ol’ Glory”. Visit the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and learn about all the influences Okies have had in the music industry. Another stop is Tahlequah where some of the best pizza in Oklahoma comes home to roost at Sam & Ella’s Chicken Palace, a favourite of Carrie Underwood when she attended the local university. Tahlequah is also the Capitol of the Cherokee Nation. Set around the original courthouse square are several significant Cherokee attractions. Visit the Cherokee National History Museum. The oldest government building in Oklahoma, the Cherokee National History Museum (NSCM) features a wide variety of historical items including photos, stories, objects, and furniture. Adjacent to the NSCM is the Cherokee National Prison Museum. Tour ironclad cells to get an idea of what everyday life in the prison was like and look inside the sheriff's office and the primitive prison kitchen. Travel a short drive to Park Hill, OK and visit the Cherokee Heritage Center. The centre is home to the 1710 Cherokee Village, Adams Corner Rural Village, the Trail of Tears exhibit, the Cherokee Family Research Center. After, make your way across the state line into Fort Smith, AR

Day 14 - Fort Smith, AR

This morning visit Miss Laura’s Visitor Center – Tour Miss Laura’s, the first former bordello listed on our National Register of Historic Places and now serves as the official Visitors Center. One of 7 houses of ill-repute in the red-light district in 1900, it came to be known as “The Queen of the Row”. Then tour the Fort Smith National Historic Site - Includes the jail, the hanging gallows and the restored courtroom of Judge Isaac C. Parker. Personalities of long ago – such as outlaw Cherokee Bill and Hangin’ Judge Parker – linger ghost-like in the air and bring to life the site that makes Fort Smith a living history lesson. The old saying “There is no Sunday west of St. Louis and no God west of Fort Smith” sums it up well. Walk in the footsteps of some of the most famous outlaws of the West, including the James, Dalton and Younger gangs; Belle Starr; Cherokee Bill and the Rufus Buck Gang. They were all incarcerated in this jail at one time or another. This evening enjoy dinner in downtown Fort Smith

Day 15 - Little Rock, AR

Today head further east into Arkansas and make your way over to Little Rock. Take time to explore the William J. Clinton Presidential Center & Park and see how his presidency was shaped by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. After lunch visit the nation’s only high school that operates within a national park, Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site. See the role the Little Rock Nine played in the desegregation of America’s public schools. This evening explore the River Market District for a night on the town, we recommend Stickyz Rock and Roll Chicken Shack, who are known for showcasing the best national and international touring bands, unique and funky vibe, and for award winning chicken fingers with warm buttermilk biscuits

Day 16 - Memphis, TN

As you make your way towards Memphis, we recommend a stop in Dyess to enjoy a tour of Johnny Cash’s boyhood home & learn about the Dyess Colony. Continue into Memphis along the Mississippi River in the state of Tennessee. Memphis is known for American blues and rock ‘n roll.

Day 17 – Memphis, TN

Today is a full day with much to see -- The National Civil Right Museum and Sun Studios - where Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Ike Turner, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded their music, then onto Graceland. By today’s standards, you are likely to think Graceland doesn't look very big. But it is FILLED with everything Elvis and in the 1950s, Graceland was the top address in Memphis, a princely building, and for many years the home of Elvis Presley. In the evening spend time on Beale Street and experience the live music in the rustic bars.

Day 18 – Memphis, TN

This morning stroll over to the Peabody Hotel to view the Peabody Ducks march the red carpet in the extravagant lobby, a truly unique experience you cannot see anywhere else. After head on over to the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum for a comprehensive Memphis music experience. The museum is curated by the Smithsonian Institute and accompanied by a detailed digital audio tour guide featuring over 100 songs. Beginning in the fields of the Mississippi Delta and journeying through the heyday of Memphis’ musical influence, the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is the perfect jumping on point for a Memphis music tour. Why not finish your day with dinner at the Majestic Grille, originally built in 1913 as the Majestic No. 1, a silent picture house that entertained Memphians for three decades, the restaurant gives you a glimpse of the heady Hollywood days of ol’.

Day 19 – Memphis, TN

This morning visit the Edge Motor Museum Track the rise, boom, plateau, and fall of the American sports car as you follow trends in politics, economics, culture, and technology. Witness how, in just 30 short years, the American sports car became an icon of our past and a reflection of ourselves. After your visit to the museum why not shop & explore at Crosstown Concourse. Initially conceived as a home for a small start-up arts organization, the building has evolved into a 1.5 million square-foot mixed-use "vertical urban village," boasting 13 restaurants, 264 apartments, a small hotel, high school, clinic, sprawling contemporary arts organization with free and open galleries, a cafe, bar, shared art-making space, concert hall, theatre, and artist residency program, and so much more. For more shopping you could also visit the Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid, a former arena that is now one of the largest retails stores in the world bringing the outdoors in with a cypress swamp, alligators and over 600K gallons of water. Enjoy dinner tonight at one of the many eateries in town, our recommendation would be Hernando’s Hideaway which is right down the road from Elvis Presley’s Graceland.

Day 20 – Nashville, TN

En route to Nashville make a stop in Lynchburg at the oldest registered whiskey distillery, "Jack Daniels". Upon arrival in Nashville, visit the Belle Meade Plantation where the Victorian architecture is present. Then to Music Row and the historic RCA Studio B, nicknamed “the home of a thousand hits”. Musicians like Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton and the Everly Brothers recorded their music here. In the evening you will probably hear many well-known songs in the bars and restaurants on Broadway on the ‘Honky Tonk Highway’

Day 21 – Nashville, TN

Nashville, “Music City USA”, is your destination for the whole day. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (with the golden Cadillac of Elvis), the National Museum of African American Music. At Parthenon in Centennial Park, you will learn why Nashville is also called the Athens of the South. Enjoy your evening with a hearty steak dinner with live music in the Wildhorse Saloon – Nashville’s premier Line Dancing venue.

Day 22 – Nashville, TN

Visit the Johnny Cash Museum, dedicated to the life and music career of the late Man in Black. Exhibits feature the world’s largest most comprehensive collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia and chronicles Cash’s legacy through stunning graphics, artifacts and interactive technology. We then recommend lunch at Martin’s BBQ Joint – Downtown. This legendary whole-hog Bar-B-Que joint has been featured on the Food Network, Travel Channel, Cooking Channel, and The Today Show. Take the rest of the afternoon and evening to experience Nashville’s famous Honky Tonk Highway. Also known as Lower Broadway, this iconic street is home to legendary clubs like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and Robert’s Western World. You don't have to have a ticket to see live music in Nashville. There's free music playing all the time in this city (but if you like the music, drop a couple in the tip jar).

Day 23 – Nashville, TN

Visit the Ryman Auditorium and find 128 years of inspiration and strength of a storied Nashville landmark, where the stage has more stories to tell than we could ever count. The Ryman is hallowed ground for creative souls of all kinds, where artists, rebels, fans, and curious visitors tap into the allure that has powered Music City’s cultural engine for more than a century. Head across the street to Fifth + Broadway to experience Nashville like never before! Treat yourself to shopping favourites and delicious local food. Relax on a rooftop and soak up the view or sip on a tasty, hand-crafted cocktail. With a unique array of local tenants, there’s something for everyone! Experience an American icon and the country’s longest running radio show at the Grand Ole Opry! Dedicated to honouring country music’s rich history and dynamic present, the Grand Ole Opry showcases a mix of country legends and the contemporary chart-toppers who have followed in their footsteps. Walk in the footsteps of country music’s superstars and get an exclusive look at what happens behind the scenes of the show that made country music famous with an Opry Backstage Tour pre or post show!

Day 24 - Depart for Home

Bid your final farewells to the Music City as you head to the airport for your flight home.

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Selected dates all year round.

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At a glance


23 nights, 24 days

  • International Flights from the UK
  • 23 nights’ hotel accommodation
  • 4 States
  • Dallas
  • Oklahoma City
  • Nashville
  • Intermediate Car Hire
  • Available from Regional & Irish airports, prices and durations may vary

Trusted travel partner


Winner of British Travel Awards 2020 - Gold award for Best Holiday Company to Canada (Large)
Winner of British Travel Awards 2020

Gold award for Best Holiday Company to Canada (Large)


Fully protected - We are members of ATOL, ABTA and IATA
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ATOL, ABTA and IATA logos

We are members of ATOL, ABTA and IATA.

Price Match Guarantee
Price Match Guarantee

If you find the same tour cheaper through another operator, we'll match the price.

from only £2,694 per person
Call us to book

At a glance


23 nights, 24 days

  • International Flights from the UK
  • 23 nights’ hotel accommodation
  • 4 States
  • Dallas
  • Oklahoma City
  • Nashville
  • Intermediate Car Hire
  • Available from Regional & Irish airports, prices and durations may vary

Trusted travel partner


Winner of British Travel Awards 2020 - Gold award for Best Holiday Company to Canada (Large)
Winner of British Travel Awards 2020

Gold award for Best Holiday Company to Canada (Large)


Fully protected - We are members of ATOL, ABTA and IATA
Fully Protected

ATOL, ABTA and IATA logos

We are members of ATOL, ABTA and IATA.

Price Match Guarantee
Price Match Guarantee

If you find the same tour cheaper through another operator, we'll match the price.

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