Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Gallery

Accommodation

Dates and Prices

View dates & prices

Missing Component

Alias: offerMarker

Music Cities of America – Motown, Rock ‘n’ Roll & Chicago Blues

Price

from £3425 /pp

was £4072
Flights included
Dates Available

April 2027 - November 2028
Duration

10 days
Depart From

5 airports
Excursions & Visits

7 included
Ways to pay

Want to spread the cost? Choose our Easy Payment Plan and pay from £192.00 per month.

Music Cities of America – Motown, Rock ‘n’ Roll & Chicago Blues

Shining the spotlight on the USA’s most legendary musicians, this deep dive into the cities of the Great Lakes celebrates the best of the country’s technological, cultural, and natural marvels.

The music of the United States comes to life with a journey around the most influential sites in jazz, blues, and Motown’s history. From Muddy Waters, the ‘Father of Chicago Blues’, and the Jackson Five to Stevie Wonder and Bob Dylan, walk in the footsteps of the world’s most influential musicians. Discover a wealth of technological wonders, alongside the ground-breaking rhythms that took the world by storm and take in the unspoiled natural landscapes that influenced era-defining American innovation from the Great Lakes to Washington DC, the nation's capital.

Take to Chicago, with its famous architecture, and discover the city’s vibrant relationship with the blues. Explore the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, home to an impressive collection of themed memorabilia, in rural Pontiac and trace the main sights of America's ‘Mother Road’. Chart the origins of Detroit’s Motown, the record label that helped put some of the world’s biggest jazz and blues stars on the map, with a tour of its original studio, Hitsville U.S.A. Continue through Motor City, so named for its historic automobile industry, and celebrate American creativity with a visit to the Henry Ford Museum, which showcases technological feats performed in the U.S. Finally, you’ll conclude your tour with a stay in riverside Alexandria with a visit to Washington DC.

See Chicago with a self-guided tour of the Macy’s building, sightseeing from the top of the John Hancock Center and a Chicago River cruise

Celebrate creativity in Detroit with visits to the Motown Museum in Hitsville and the Henry Ford, a museum of American Innovation

Discover the cultural impact of America's 'Mother Road' with a scenic excursion taking in Pontiac’s Route 66 Hall of Fame and vibrant murals

Sh 121683976 Washington DC, US Capitol Building

Spend a full day in Washington DC with the opportunity to take an optional guided city tour of the capital’s monuments

Begin your holiday with an optional tour of the ‘Windy City’, home to the Chicago blues, where you’ll experience the bustling city streets that once hosted the likes of Muddy Waters, the ‘Father of the Chicago Blues’ and Willy Dixon. You’ll start at the renowned Macy’s, with a self-guided audio tour of this National Historic Landmark located on State Street where you’ll also find hundreds of shopping outlets.

Discover the delights of the Magnificent Mile and get a bird's eye view of the city from the 360 Chicago Observation Deck at the John Hancock Center.

The final highlight of the day is a cruise, allowing you to gaze up at the city’s tallest landmarks from the Chicago River. The terracotta-faced Wrigley Building and neo-gothic Tribune Tower mark the start of a cruise encompassing all three of the Chicago River’s branches. You’ll then travel beneath the DuSable Bridge, a moveable overpass, before passing by the Salt Shed, where Chicago’s music industry continues to thrive. Keep an eye out for the Art Deco Lyric Opera House as you round out your tour on the river’s southern banks.

Alternatively, you can spend a day at leisure instead from the comfort of your hotel or amidst Chicago’s shopping areas, cafés, and green spaces. However you choose to spend your day, enjoy downtime this evening to enjoy the city’s nightlife.

Set off along the infamous Route 66 today. Deeply ingrained in popular culture, this iconic road stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles and spans over 2,400 miles. Today’s journey through Illinois will take you to some of its most recognisable landmarks.

Starting at the 'Begin Route 66' sign on East Adams Street, you’ll travel along the Mother Road, towards Pontiac, Illinois - a town steeped in Americana. Experience the distinctly rural atmosphere of small-town America with visits to Pontiac's charming collection of cafés, diners, and stores. Spend time admiring the town’s 25 colourful murals, which showcase Pontiac’s economic, social, and political past, and the world’s largest Route 66 shield mural at the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, which houses an impressive collection of 1960s memorabilia.

The Pontiac Museum Complex, home to the Route 66 Hall of Fame, is worth checking out with its collection of 1960s memorabilia. The museum also features a Music of the Civil War exhibit, which charts the social origins of jazz and blues. A short walk down the street, you can also discover the cultural impact classic cars had on towns and cities across America with a visit to the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum.

After a busy day’s exploration, you’ll travel back along Route 66 to Chicago.

Leave Chicago this morning for a drive along the Lake Michigan waterfront to Detroit, the home of Motown.

You’ll stop off in the city of St. Joseph. Set on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, this city has two historic lighthouses, which acted as important beacons for ships crossing the Great Lakes for almost 200 years. There will be time to take in the panoramic views over the water and have lunch on your account.

Your second stop of the day will be vibrant Ann Arbor, famous for its cultural sites and research institutions. For those interested in American history, the city’s University of Michigan campus offers a range of buildings, from the Museum of Natural History to the ornate Law Quadrant. You can also explore its walkable downtown and wander around Gallup Park on the Huron River.

Finally, continue to Detroit, where you’ll check into your hotel.

This morning you’ll take on Detroit, the birthplace of Motown. Feel the soulful rhythm of the city this morning as you discover its rich history with an orientation of its downtown and lakefront areas. Starting on the banks of Lake St. Clair, drive through Hart Plaza, a public square that hosts the district’s annual ‘Jazz Fest’, and the Fox Theatre, known for hosting famous Motown musicians. After a short drive north, you’ll come upon Cadillac Place, formerly the General Motors Building, which once housed one of America’s most prolific car manufacturers.

You’ll then immerse yourself in the world of Motown music, with a visit to the world-renowned Hitsville U.S.A. which propelled musical legends, from Diana Ross and the Supremes, Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five, to Marvin Gaye, to stardom. This building, previously the record label’s original headquarters, now houses the Motown Museum, which celebrates the ‘Sound of Young America’ which rose to worldwide fame in the 1960s. You’ll be guided by a local who will reveal the stories behind the wide collection of artefacts, memorabilia, and original sheet music, and see Studio One, where some of the greatest jazz and blues performers of all time recorded.

Nicknamed ‘Motor City’ largely due to the work of Henry Ford, Detroit was once considered the automobile capital of the world. A visit to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex, showcases the technological feats of America through the century. Named for its founder, the property now preserves culturally significant items and memorabilia. Highlights include the presidential limousine of John F. Kennedy, the Rosa Parks bus, and Thomas Edison’s laboratory.

This morning, your musical pilgrimage will take you to the rock ‘n’ roll capital of the world, Cleveland.

On arrival, you’ll head over to Cleveland’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, set in an impressive glass pyramid and offering an insight into the development of one of the world’s most celebrated genres throughout the ages. You can start by discovering the trailblazers that propelled rock to popularity, like Robert Johnson, the world’s first rockstar.

You can then catch a live performance on the Klipsch Stage before continuing to The Garage, which emulates a rock studio and the Hall of Fame where rockstars, from Bob Dylan and AC-DC to Johnny Cash and The Beatles, are displayed in an immersive gallery. The museum also pays ode to one of the best rock albums of all time, Pink Floyd’s The Wall, and the ‘Legends of Rock’ exhibit celebrates the genre’s far-reaching impact on wider modern culture.

Head back to the hotel this evening.

Take breakfast early this morning and cross the Potomac into Washington DC where you’ll have time to explore the city at your leisure. Alternatively, for a closer view of the American capital, you can join an optional morning tour of some of Capitol Hill’s most iconic sights.

Take in the domed Capitol building, one of the central pillars of American politics, which houses the nation’s Senate and House of Representatives. Here, you’ll also find the Library of Congress and the US’ Supreme Court Building. Stops at a collection of poignant memorials follow, dedicated to some of the most influential events and figures in North America’s history, with calls at the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial. You can also catch a glimpse of the country’s famous White House, the official residence of the US’ president, from the pristine lawns of the National Mall.

This afternoon, you’ll be free to find lunch and enjoy the city at your own leisure, perhaps paying a visit to some of Washington DC’s world-class museums and galleries. From the Smithsonian Institution, a research complex which houses ten different museums, to the National Portrait Gallery and Constitution Gardens, there’ll be plenty of captivating attractions to discover in the US’ capital.

Enjoy picturesque Alexandria under your own steam. Why not watch the world go by from the Potomac waterfront or delve into the rich history of the city’s historic downtown areas?

If you’d prefer, you can also opt to join a tour to Mount Vernon - the former residence and plantation of the USA’s first president, George Washington – with guided tours of the mansion and grounds.

Built and expanded throughout the 18th century, the Mount Vernon Mansion has presided over the United States’ entire history, from its secession from the British Empire to the modern day and is rife with stories just waiting to be discovered. You’ll get a glimpse into the triumphs of one of the country’s most celebrated leaders, and the lives of the slaves that helped shape the estate throughout the centuries, with a guided tour of the mansion itself. You’ll then have the chance to learn about the estate’s agricultural history with a guided tour of the grounds, complete with five farms and tobacco plantations, ahead of stops at the estate’s working gristmill and whiskey distilleries. Finally, round out your tour with a visit to the Washington family tombs, the final resting place of America’s first president.

Later this evening, you’ll return to the airport for your overnight flight home.

Get a taste of authentic Americana with stops in St. Joseph on the shores of Lake Michigan and Ann Arbor, with its historical highlights

Immerse yourself in the world of rockstars with a visit to Cleveland’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame

Join an optional excursion to Mount Vernon estate, the former residence of George Washington, and discover it's rich history

Eight nights’ accommodation in Chicago (3 nights), Detroit (2), Cleveland (1) and Alexandria (2), with one night on the aircraft
Ample time to explore Chicago
A tour of downtown Detroit followed by entry to Hitsville U.S.A, the Motown Museum, and the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
A full day in Washington DC
Drive along Route 66 with a visit to Pontiac
Visit St. Joseph on Lake Michigan and historic Ann Arbor
Return flights to Chicago and from Washington DC
Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughoutA
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Dates & Prices

Want to spread the cost? Choose our Easy Payment Plan.

Departure point	Departure date	Price (per person)	Availability
Belfast City George Best	April 2027 - November 2028	from £3344.00 pp	7 dates available
Belfast City George Best	22 Apr 2027 Thursday 10 days 02 May 2027 Sunday	from £3344.00 was £3715.00
Belfast City George Best	13 May 2027 Thursday 10 days 23 May 2027 Sunday	from £3434.00 was £3815.00
Belfast City George Best	16 Sep 2027 Thursday 10 days 26 Sep 2027 Sunday	from £3434.00 was £3815.00
Belfast City George Best	20 Apr 2028 Thursday 10 days 30 Apr 2028 Sunday	from £3641.00 was £4045.00
Belfast City George Best	11 May 2028 Thursday 10 days 21 May 2028 Sunday	from £3731.00 was £4145.00
Belfast City George Best	14 Sep 2028 Thursday 10 days 24 Sep 2028 Sunday	from £3758.00 was £4175.00
Belfast City George Best	02 Nov 2028 Thursday 10 days 12 Nov 2028 Sunday	from £3461.00 was £3845.00
Glasgow	April 2027 - November 2028	from £3344.00 pp	7 dates available
Glasgow	22 Apr 2027 Thursday 10 days 02 May 2027 Sunday	from £3344.00 was £3715.00
Glasgow	13 May 2027 Thursday 10 days 23 May 2027 Sunday	from £3434.00 was £3815.00
Glasgow	16 Sep 2027 Thursday 10 days 26 Sep 2027 Sunday	from £3434.00 was £3815.00
Glasgow	20 Apr 2028 Thursday 10 days 30 Apr 2028 Sunday	from £3641.00 was £4045.00
Glasgow	11 May 2028 Thursday 10 days 21 May 2028 Sunday	from £3731.00 was £4145.00
Glasgow	14 Sep 2028 Thursday 10 days 24 Sep 2028 Sunday	from £3758.00 was £4175.00
Glasgow	02 Nov 2028 Thursday 10 days 12 Nov 2028 Sunday	from £3461.00 was £3845.00
London Heathrow	April 2027 - November 2028	from £3083.00 pp	7 dates available
London Heathrow	22 Apr 2027 Thursday 10 days 02 May 2027 Sunday	from £3146.00 was £3495.00
London Heathrow	13 May 2027 Thursday 10 days 23 May 2027 Sunday	from £3236.00 was £3595.00
London Heathrow	16 Sep 2027 Thursday 10 days 26 Sep 2027 Sunday	from £3236.00 was £3595.00
London Heathrow	20 Apr 2028 Thursday 10 days 30 Apr 2028 Sunday	from £3429.00 was £3809.00
London Heathrow	11 May 2028 Thursday 10 days 21 May 2028 Sunday	from £3519.00 was £3909.00
London Heathrow	14 Sep 2028 Thursday 10 days 24 Sep 2028 Sunday	from £3546.00 was £3939.00
London Heathrow	02 Nov 2028 Thursday 10 days 12 Nov 2028 Sunday	from £3083.00 was £3425.00
Manchester	April 2027 - November 2028	from £3344.00 pp	7 dates available
Manchester	22 Apr 2027 Thursday 10 days 02 May 2027 Sunday	from £3344.00 was £3715.00
Manchester	13 May 2027 Thursday 10 days 23 May 2027 Sunday	from £3434.00 was £3815.00
Manchester	16 Sep 2027 Thursday 10 days 26 Sep 2027 Sunday	from £3434.00 was £3815.00
Manchester	20 Apr 2028 Thursday 10 days 30 Apr 2028 Sunday	from £3641.00 was £4045.00
Manchester	11 May 2028 Thursday 10 days 21 May 2028 Sunday	from £3731.00 was £4145.00
Manchester	14 Sep 2028 Thursday 10 days 24 Sep 2028 Sunday	from £3758.00 was £4175.00
Manchester	02 Nov 2028 Thursday 10 days 12 Nov 2028 Sunday	from £3461.00 was £3845.00
Newcastle	April 2027 - November 2028	from £3344.00 pp	7 dates available
Newcastle	22 Apr 2027 Thursday 10 days 02 May 2027 Sunday	from £3344.00 was £3715.00
Newcastle	13 May 2027 Thursday 10 days 23 May 2027 Sunday	from £3434.00 was £3815.00
Newcastle	16 Sep 2027 Thursday 10 days 26 Sep 2027 Sunday	from £3434.00 was £3815.00
Newcastle	20 Apr 2028 Thursday 10 days 30 Apr 2028 Sunday	from £3641.00 was £4045.00
Newcastle	11 May 2028 Thursday 10 days 21 May 2028 Sunday	from £3731.00 was £4145.00
Newcastle	14 Sep 2028 Thursday 10 days 24 Sep 2028 Sunday	from £3758.00 was £4175.00
Newcastle	02 Nov 2028 Thursday 10 days 12 Nov 2028 Sunday	from £3461.00 was £3845.00

Modern terrace at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago, featuring lounge seating with umbrellas on the patio, and pink flowers and shrubs in the foreground

Music Cities of America Touring Hotels Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Alexandria You'll be staying in a series of comfortable hotels that are conveniently located for your tour itinerary.

This itinerary has been changed since our brochure went to print and varies from that shown in the brochure. The last two nights are now spent in Alexandria, close to Washington DC, as opposed to Niagara Falls. The remainder of the itinerary and overall duration remains unchanged.

When travelling to the USA, British citizens require passports with an integrated chip (shown on the front by a small rectangular symbol beneath the word PASSPORT), valid beyond the return date from the USA. Visas are not normally required for entry, but visitors must apply for an ESTA online with US Immigration at least 72 hours before departure at www.cbp.gov/esta. The current charge is $40 for British Citizens. British subjects and anyone who has a criminal record or has ever been arrested should consult the US Embassy as a visa may be required. Note too that if you have visited North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or Cuba since 12 January 2021, or have dual nationality with any of these countries, you do require a US visa and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program.

Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person's earnings. The customary gratuity for a coach driver is about $5 per person per day, and for a Tour Manager is about $7 per person per day.

It is normal to tip 15-20 per cent of the bill for a taxi or in a restaurant, and to leave a dollar or so per drink in a bar.

All outbound flights depart and arrive on the same day. All return flights leave in the evening and land in the UK the next day. On-board meals will usually include lunch and a snack on outward flights, and dinner and breakfast on flight home. Soft drinks are complimentary, but some airlines will charge for alcoholic drinks.

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Standard hotel rooms in North America will contain one or two double- or queen-sized beds, and it is not possible to add extra beds to the room. Parties consisting of more than two travellers, but who have only booked one room, will be expected to make use of the two beds provided. If this is a concern, you may wish to consider booking more than one room for your group.

Smoking is not permitted on any coach forming part of your holiday; regular stops will be made though for your comfort en route. The majority of hotels in North America are non-smoking throughout including in all bedrooms. In general smoking outside is acceptable, but do look out for signs prohibiting this close to public entrances or bus stops.

Missing Component

Alias: offerTermsAndConditionsMarker

Missing Component

Alias: trustpilotReviews

Call us on 0303 330 0925

Mon - Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Mon - Thu

Sat

Sun

Missing Component

Music Cities of America – Motown, Rock ‘n’ Roll & Chicago Blues

Dates Available

Duration

Depart From

Excursions & Visits

Music Cities of America – Motown, Rock ‘n’ Roll & Chicago Blues

Top Highlights

Itinerary

Further Highlights

What The Price Includes

Dates & Prices

Solo price

Departing from

Duration

Departing

Returning

Accommodation

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago (nights 1-3)

Fort Pontchartrain – a Wyndham hotel, Detroit (nights 4-5)

Hampton Inn Downtown, Cleveland (night 6)

Sheraton Suites Old Town, Alexandria (nights 7-8)

Further information

Missing Component

Missing Component