Compare Two Islander by Perillo Tours vs Country Roads of the Deep South 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations

DAY 1 - Oahu - Aloha! Lei Greeting and Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki
Today we fly to Honolulu on the island of Oahu, one of the single most dreamed of vacation spots in the world. You’ll be met with a traditional Lei greeting at the Deluxe Hyatt Regency Hotel overlooking famous Waikiki beach.

This evening, the choice is yours. Enjoy a light dinner, drinks and unparalleled ocean vistas at the brand new SWIM poolside lounge, pupus and drinks at one of Hyatt’s other two brand new restaurants or from the comfort of your own deluxe ocean-view balcony. ($40 per person hotel food and beverage credit. Gratuity extra.) D

DAY 2 - Oahu - Breakfast / Pearl Harbor Arizona Memorial and Honolulu Sightseeing / Magic of Polynesia Dinner Show
The brilliant Hawaiian sunrise beckons you to a great breakfast… Next, a short familiarization talk on your Hawaiian adventure.

After breakfast we set off for Pearl Harbor to commemorate the “day that will live in infamy,” December 7, 1941. Few Americans who set foot on the Arizona Memorial can avoid a few goose bumps… We continue on to the Historic Punchbowl National Cemetery followed by a panoramic sightseeing tour of downtown Honolulu.

Tonight you have a choice – the exciting Magic Of Polynesia Dinner/Show (dinner includes 2 drinks) or you can stay back at the Hyatt for a delicious a la carte dinner with wine at Hyatt’s Japengo or Shor Restaurants. B, D

DAY 3 - Oahu - Breakfast / Polynesian Cultural Center Including Buffet Dinner and Show
Early this afternoon we’re off on a scenic, narrated tour along the Windward Coast to the “Polynesian Cultural Center.”

Our full day tour includes authentic South Pacific villages, demonstrations, Polynesian crafts, an amazing all-you-can-eat buffet feast and spectacular Polynesian dance revue including over 100 cast members. (Alcoholic beverages not served) B, D

DAY 4 - Oahu/Maui Flight - Flight to Maui / Tour the Iao Valley & Lahaina Town / À la Carte Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort
After breakfast we jet to Maui, the “Valley Island.”

In 1778, Captain James Cook arrived in “Mowee” ending the idyllic life of the Polynesian natives. In Cook’s wake came traders, missionaries and whalers. At the height of the whaling era (1840 to 1865), Lahaina Town served as the anchorage for more than 500 ships!

We’ll visit the Iao Valley to view the famous Iao Needle and drive through Lahaina town on our way to our hotel.

You’ll gasp upon entering the vast, open-air lobby of the AAA Diamond Award-winning Hyatt Maui. We’ll check-in, get our bearings, and enjoy a great à la carte dinner with wine or soft drinks at the exquisite Son’z Maui restaurant or Umalu Restaurant, poolside. Of course, gratuities included. B, D

DAY 5 - Maui - Full Day of Leisure – Sunset Cocktail Cruise
A free day of leisure to spend at Hyatt’s Ka’anapali Beach hotel. Indulge in all it has to offer to create your own perfect day.

After a casual relaxing breakfast, meander through the open-air atrium with palm trees, orchids and amazing Asian art. Visit the hotel’s peaceful koi ponds…sit by its sparkling waterfalls. Enjoy the very lush tropical grounds. Of course, let’s not forget the half-acre swimming pool and world famous Ka’anapali Beach. If you have more adventurous ideas, your tour guide can help.

Late this afternoon, it’s fun and relaxation time as our smooth catamaran sails into the setting sun. Enjoy tradewind sailing with phenomenal views of West Maui, Molokai and Lanai.

Included are hot and cold hearty pupus with mai tais, beer, sodas, a great crew with great appetizers. If it’s whale season, mid-December thru mid-April, perhaps we’ll be lucky to see a humpback or two. B

DAY 6 - Maui - Mount Haleakala Tour • Hawaiian Luau & Show
After breakfast, we’re in for a fascinating day of exploration. Its focal point, the 10,023 foot summit of giant Mount Haleakala. The now sleeping volcano that gave birth to the island, Haleakala – the “House of the Sun” – is a mile deep. And her crater alone stretches seven miles across. She’s majestic and truly awesome!

Tonight…the “Drums of the Pacific” Luau! It’s the hottest show on the island. Our luau takes you on a journey through the islands of Polynesia. Witness the authentic dances and music of Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Tahiti and Hawaii. Enjoy an open bar and an all-you-can-eat traditional luau featuring a superb combination of Hawaiian specialties, complete with an Imu ceremony. B, D

DAY 7 - Maui - Fly Home
Our “Two Islander” guests transfer to Maui Airport. Your tour will end after breakfast this morning. Mahalo, and please join us again soon! B

If you have booked our “Big Island’ extension to the Island of Hawaii, after breakfast you will be transferred to Maui airport for your flight to Kona. B
B=Breakfast D=Dinner

Day 1: Arrive in Nashville

Welcome to Nashville, the capital of Tennessee and the USA’s glittering centre stage. From the Everly Brothers' “Bye Bye Love," to Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman," the streets are paved with talent. Your airport transfer will whisk you to your hotel.Relax and unwind before meeting your Travel Director and mingling with guests at 18:00 followed by a Welcome Dinner with wine.

Day 2: Take centre stage in Nashville

Start your day with an orientation tour of music city. You'll visit the picturesque Riverfront Park, Tennessee State Capitol and the 132 acre Centennial State Park, where you'll encounter an exact replica of the Parthenon. Pass by the city's lively honky-tonks and street performers on Broadway, as you make your way to the Ryman Auditorium, former home of the Grand Ole Opry. Built in 1885 as a building for religious gatherings, it held its first concert in 1892, before opening its doors to Hollywood greats. It is here where Johnny Cash first met June Carter, where bluegrass was born and where country music found an audience. Tonight, head to the famous Grand Ole Opry, the world-renowned country music stage and longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history.

Day 3: A day of legends

Go behind the scenes of a Nashville recording studio. This intimate experience introduces you to a performing artist, musicians and the techniques behind a song’s development. Make a stop at Nashville’s Farmers' Market and Market House to explore its artisanal crafts and produce.Explore Nashville with Insight Choice. Choose to visit Nelson’s Green Brier, a local Tennessee distillery and home of the Original Tennessee Whiskey. Alternatively, visit the National Museum of African American Music, which shares the story of the American soundtrack through history and interactive technology.Tonight's dinner at Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant will introduce you to the colourful flavours of Nashville. Perhaps try the crabmeat cheesecake.

Day 4: Heading back home to Memphis

This morning you'll head to Memphis. Whether it’s your first or hundredth time visiting this vibrant city, you’ll be drawn in by the lively melodies coming from Beale Street.Spend the morning on a sightseeing tour of the city, followed by a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the National Civil Rights Museum. While there, you’ll be guided through five centuries of The Civil Rights Movement history and its impact on our culture today.End your day by joining a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a private evening at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The museum is part of The Soulsville Foundation, which aims to prepare young adults for life success and inspire future artists.

Day 5: A day dedicated to the King

Begin you day with a visit to Sun Studio, the “birthplace of rock and roll”, where music legends, including B.B. King, Johnny Cash and Elvis recorded.Make your way to the magnificent Graceland, the former home of the "King of Rock and Roll," Elvis Presley.Dinner this evening will be served at The Beauty Shop, a former parlour turned whimsical New American eatery where Elvis’ ex-wife, Priscilla, was said to get her hair done.

Day 6: Memphis to Greenwood

Travel through the Mississippi Delta down the Mississippi Blues Trail, a route that tells the stories of bluesmen and women. Explore the Delta town of Greenwood at your own pace, before heading to the Viking Cooking School for a hot tamales cooking demonstration - a regional specialty.Later, dine on a mouthwatering dinner at a James Beard Award finalist restaurant that features southern inspired dishes that include produce local to the area.

Day 7: Moving on to Natchez

Learn more about Southern history and hospitality as you head to Natchez. Tour the historic antebellum mansions, and discover the preservation efforts of later generations to tell the story of African-Americans through the decades, understanding that slavery and cotton allowed plantation owners to build these mansions. Test your mixologist skills as you concoct a traditional Southern cocktail, the Mint Julep. Minty, cooling and with a touch of sweetness, you're sure to learn a few party tricks to bring back home with you. Enjoy an evening to yourself. Ask your Travel Director for restaurant suggestions and discover one of the wonderful options in town.

Day 8: Natchez to Lafayette

Move on to Lafayette for a taste of the Cajun and Creole culture. Get to know more about Cajun culture and how it is defined by its roots.Head to the Acadian Cultural Center followed by a unique Cajun music experience.A genre rooted in the ballads of the French-speaking Acadians, it is both eclectic and joyous. Learn more about this fast tempo music and its history from a local accordion maker and musician.In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day 9: Lafayette for foodies

Start the day with a crawfish farm tour just outside the city. You will be joined by a Local Expert who will help you catch your lunch the old-fashioned way, using hand nets. You’ll be taught how to prepare a traditional boil, before sitting down to the meal. If crawfish are out of season, you'll take part in a boil experience with seasonal seafood. Later, enjoy time at leisure or head out on an optional swamp tour.

Day 10: Welcome to the Big Easy

New Orleans is a lively and dynamic city, known for its vibrant culture and electric jazz festivals. On the way down south, stop at the Tabasco® Factory for a self-guided tour and discover how the world-famous red hot pepper sauce is made. This afternoon, head to the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, where you’ll learn more about the city’s diverse cuisine with a guided tour and included lunch.

Day 11: Festivities in New Orleans Relaxed Start

Get to know the city with a Local Expert as you discover each neighborhood's unique architecture and explore the vibrant art scene. See how the community comes together through celebration.In the afternoon, take your pick of optional activities, perhaps getting to know the local culture through a jazz music experience or by meeting a voodoo specialist.End your day by joining your fellow travellers at a Celebration Dinner at the Palace Cafe - a contemporary and upbeat Creole restaurant at the foot of the French Quarter.

Day 12: Depart New Orleans

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as your adventure comes to an end with a departure to the airport.