Chicago was different, due to the late arrival of our flight, pizza was put back to the next evening and I thought Kingston Mines for the Blues club was changed to Buddy Guy's Legends, also put back a night as they were closed for a private do. Was not told that Kingston Mine had been changed as I had read up all about it online before we went :huh:

John Hancock Tower for breakfast was rubbish, not enough food set out for a large group like ours. The tower was also in the clouds so the view was limited. Went on the Tilt, stood on a platform which tilted 3 times so that you were looking at the ground.

Managed to take a boat trip on Chicago River and the tour gave us a good idea of the city. The hotel, Inn of Chicago, was in a good spot in the city being near the Magnificent Mile. Also needed double glazing as the constant sound of ambulances going to nearby Northwestern and the rubbish bin lorries reversing for the hotels.

Went on the L train, tick on my to do list.

Springfield and the museum for Abraham Lincoln was interesting.

St Louis hotel was near the Mississippi and the Gateway Arch. We were in early enough that Keith and I managed to get to the St Louis Blues ice hockey match with New Jersey Devils. The Arch was scary in a little 5 seater compartment, views were great. Budweiser tour was interesting if not smelly, not a fan of beer, the others enjoyed a chocolate beer :thumbup:

Memphis is a great city that I have visited before. A walking tour on the first night gave an insight of the city. Had already done a tour with a visit to Lorraine Hotel which is now a shrine, shame there is not a shop on the ground floor in the museum, you had to pay to go in and the shop was upstairs- bad mistake 😞 Great music at Blues City and Hard Rock Cafe. Hotel nearby so easy to walk to.

Graceland was after a gospel service. Been to Graceland before- they have updated with an i pad and earphones which made the experience better.

New Orleans and the only drawback was the hotel. Nice room but 15 minutes away from the main city and next to the big flyover. You had to rely on taxis or walked everywhere. Love New Orleans so I had a great time. House of Blues was shut when I got there for a private party-shame as their food is wonderful. Can only quess that it was because of NCIS New Orleans that they were filming at the time 😞 Ended up at St Lawrence where I had a wonderful Gumbo or as Stephen our TM called peasant food. Must is cafe au lait and beignets at Cafe du Monde 🙂 The jazz cruise on the Natchez was great.

Thanks must go to Stephen Rodaway our TM and Ted the driver. Every day we had a timings and tour sheet for the next day. People were annoyed at the beginning when given rotating seats, but it worked well and you talked to different people which was good in a big group such as ours. Still do not know most peoples names, at least we knew who was in our group.

Jan

Must agree i liked Stephens daily updates thought he did a great job, I also like rotating seats on the coach although a few did opt out.

Mick

Sounds a good tour you have had. Thanks for posting a review

Cindy

The stop in Springfield was ok if you are particularly keen on Abraham Lincoln but it was not for me. Apart from the Arch, St Louis has little to recommend it. I didn't go up, but the Museum in the base is quite interesting. Good Chinese restaurant next to hotel.

Memphis next. Loved the visit to Sun Studios. Great if you are a music fan. The Gospel Service on Sunday was a great experience. I'm not a huge Elvis fan but I enjoyed Graceland. Went to BB kings on Beale Street which was easy walk from the hotel.

Long drive to New Orleans broken by visit to Oak Alley Plantation. The lemon Djulip is very good! Enjoyed new Orleans. Good Hotel but is quite a walk from the French Quarter, Bourbon Street etc. The city tour was interesting, included how they bury their dead above ground! Dinner on the Natchez river boat was very good.

Over all the Hotels were fine, the breakfasts were good in most. Stephen was a really good TM. very efficient and good humoured. The schedules he gave us for each day and the seat rotation worked very well.:thumbup: