Adventure in the South
The rivers, waterfalls and coasts have always been a big part of southern history. It is also an ideal way to experience an exciting holiday in the Deep South, USA.
Day 1 & 2
Arrive in Atlanta and overnight. While in the south’s gateway city, visit the home of the world’s second-largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola.
Day 3 & 4
Travel to the mountains in Alabama, (2 ½ hours, 118 miles) for a tour of DeSoto State Park and Little River Canyon National Preserve in Fort Payne, with its unique mountain top river, waterfalls and eleven-mile scenic drive. Rock climbing, rappelling, kayaking and nature walks are popular activities. Nearby are the small mountain top village of Mentone and the wild cave tours at Sequoyah Caverns.
Dozens of waterfalls dot the landscape and adventure sports include rock climbing. Travel the short distance to Gadsden to watch water cascade 90 feet over a Lookout Mountain ledge at Noccalula Falls Park. While in town, try the award-winning local beer, Truck Stop Honey, at Back Forty Beer Company.
Day 5
Travel to Phenix City for more excitement (4 hours, 190 miles). Here you will find the warm water, southern climate, and consistent release of water from upstream dams that will allow year-round white water adventure, most months without special clothing. Billed as the longest urban whitewater course in the world, the whitewater rafting course officially opens August 16, 2013. Adventure seekers can ride class II and III rapids and then exit the water and walk the downtowns of both the two cities that border the river, Phenix City, Alabama and Columbus, Georgia.
Day 6 – 7
Travel to another river city, Montgomery to visit a Southern River City, complete with riverboat cruises and downtown entertainment (1½ hours, 80 miles). This is the city that Dr. Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and Hank Williams all called home.
Day 8 -10
Travel to the resort towns along the Gulf (3 hours, 190 miles). While on you way, stop in Monroeville, home of To Kill a Mockingbird author, Harper Lee, and tour the courthouse and town that was the inspiration for her book. Continue that day to Gulf Shores / Orange Beach for several days of enjoyment. Along the Alabama shore, the water is warm, the sand on the beach soft, the drinks cold, the seafood fresh, and exciting live music. Nearby cities include Mobile, Fairhope and Dauphin Island, each with a historic, scenic or romantic flair that will make your time on the Alabama coast enjoyable. Deep-sea fishing, dolphin cruises, swamp tours and para-sailing are just some of the fun adventures along the coast. The Florabama beach bar, Hang Out entertainment center, historic Civil War forts, bird watching sanctuaries, and live music venues are all in southern Alabama. Visit Mobile during Mardi Gras season and be part of the crowd where it all started in America.
Day 11 & 12
Today you will travel to New Orleans (3 hours, 188 miles). Visit the French Quarter and party hard before flying back home.
12 Day / 11 Night Itinerary:
Atlanta: 2 nights
Fort Payne/Gadsden: 2 nights
Phenix City: 1 night
Montgomery: 2 nights
Monroeville: Visit
Gulf Shores/Mobile: 3 nights
Fairhope, Dauphin Island: Visit
New Orleans: 1 night