Craig Giles (“Mr Versatile”) is one of Australia’s most popular entertainers. His rich singing voice, dynamic stage presence, and friendly personality have earned him a place as one of the top artists in Australian country music, rock ‘n’ roll, and rockabilly. He is well known for his outstanding Elvis Presley Tribute show. Over the past thirty years Craig has won many music industry awards and had many hit singles. He has released 17 successful albums and 2 DVDs. Craig has toured extensively, performing in thousands of places including the Sydney Opera House, America, Canada & Alaska, Ireland & Scotland, New Zealand, and on various music cruises. Craig looks forward to sharing his passion for music with you, on the 2025 Music Tour of America. www.craigiles.com
John was a secondary school music teacher for 23 years (taught Kylie Minogue). He and his twin brother, Graeme, perform as The Howie Brothers. John has been leading successful music tours & music cruises for 28 years.
VIEW ITINERARY DAY 1 Sunday October 12, 2025
Houston
Depart Australia on your flight, arriving Houston same day.
Transfer to our hotel. Overnight: Fairfield Inn & Suites, Houston. ( - )
DAY 2 Monday October 13, 2025
Lafayette
Morning: After panoramic tour of Houston, Texas, travel to
Lafayette & Breaux Bridge, Western Louisiana. Afternoon: Enjoy
swamp tour, by boat. See amazing wildlife (alligators, turtles,
birdlife) and distinctive swamp scenery. Evening: Commencement
of tour dinner, including live music, at a Cajun restaurant or
dance hall. Overnight: Double Tree by Hilton Lafayette. (B,D)
DAY 3 Tuesday October 14, 2025
New Orleans
Morning: Travel through beautiful western Louisiana swamp
country, heading for New Orleans. On the way, visit Laura
Plantation (antebellum homestead), including original slave
quarters. Afternoon: Check into our hotel, in New Orleans’
historic French Quarter, followed by free time. Evening: Explore
the French Quarter, including colourful Bourbon Street. Youll
find excellent jazz music in places like Fritzels Jazz Club and
Preservation Hall (all optional). Overnight: Wyndham New
Orleans – French Quarter. (B)
DAY 4 Wednesday October 15, 2025
New Orleans
Morning: Sightseeing coach tour of New Orleans with local
guide, including visits to an above ground cemetery and areas
ravaged by Hurricane Katrina (2005). Also, see the beautiful
mansions in St Charles Ave. Afternoon: Free time. You may see
outstanding street performers, Hack Bartholomew and Doreen
Ketchens (the ‘Clarinet Queen’) performing in the French
Quarter. Evening: Enjoy Mississippi River cruise, dinner & jazz
music aboard a majestic Mississippi paddlewheeler. After the
cruise, visit the Frenchmen Street area (excellent jazz music),
with John Howie (optional). (B,D)
DAY 5 Thursday October 16, 2025
Tupelo
Travel to Tupelo, Mississippi, the town where Elvis Presley was
born and raised. On the way, visit the excellent Jimmie Rodgers
Museum, in Meridian, Mississippi. Jimmie Rodgers (1897-1933),
known as The Singing Brakeman, was one of the first superstars
of American country music. Next to the museum see the
beautiful Dentzel Carousel, manufactured in 1896 for the 1904
St. Louis Exposition. Overnight: Hotel Tupelo. (B)
DAY 6 Friday October 17, 2025
Tupelo
Visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace Park, including Elvis’s boyhood
home, the church he attended as a boy, and the Elvis Presley
Museum. Also, visit the hardware store where Elvis’s mum
bought him his first guitar, and see the schools he attended.
Evening: Enjoy Craig Giles Rock ‘n Roll Dinner & Show, including
special Tribute to Elvis Presley. (B,D)
DAY 7 Saturday October 18, 2025
Memphis
Morning: Travel to Memphis, home of the blues and birthplace
of rock ‘n roll. Visit Graceland, Elvis Presley’s famous mansion.
Our Elvis Experience Tour tickets include tour of the mansion,
plus various exhibits including his automobiles, wardrobe,
gold records, custom planes, etc. Afternoon: Sightseeing coach
tour of Memphis, before visiting the excellent Memphis Rock ‘n
Soul Museum or the Stax Museum of American Soul Music (you
have a choice). Then check into our hotel. You may wish to view
the famous Peabody Duck parade (approx. 4.30pm – 5pm),
at the Peabody Hotel, across the road from our hotel. Evening:
Visit Beale Street, where we take in the atmosphere of this
colourful precinct, including live music venues such as B.B.
Kings Blues Club & the Rum Boogie Café. Overnight: Holiday Inn
Downtown Memphis. (B)
DAY 8 Sunday October 19, 2025
Memphis
Morning: Visit impressive Bass Pro camping/fishing/hunting
superstore, in massive glass Pyramid-shaped building. Then
attend colourful church service at Al Green’s Full Gospel
Tabernacle Church, including amazing gospel music. Afternoon:
Guided tour of Sun Studio (famous 1950s recording studio, where
Elvis, Johnny Cash, and others recorded). Also visit the National
Civil Rights Museum (the motel – now museum – where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated). Evening: Dinner at
the excellent Majestic Grille Restaurant, followed by further
exploration of the live music venues in Beale Street. (B,D)
DAY 9 Monday October 20, 2025
Branson
Travel through the state of Arkansas, and the picturesque
Ozark Mountains, to Branson, Missouri. Branson is famous for
its many live music theaters, some operated by entertainers
like The Duttons, some featuring traditional country music/
comedy shows, like the Baldknobbers Jamboree, and some
featuring visiting country music stars like Gene Watson, Jimmy
Fortune, & The Bellamy Brothers. On arrival enjoy a coach tour of
Bransons Las Vegas-like main strip, featuring colourful electronic
billboards, tourist attractions, music theaters, & hotels. Evening:
Attend one of Branson’s outstanding shows... The Duttons show.
Overnight: The Dutton Inn. (B)
DAY 10 Tuesday October 21, 2025
Branson
Attend a morning show of your choice (optional). Afternoon: Free
time. You may like to visit Old Branson Town (Branson’s traditional
shopping area). Evening: Attend Dolly Parton’s Stampede
(fabulous arena show, including dinner), featuring spectacular
horse riding, buffalo and/or longhorn cattle, etc. (B,D)
DAY 11 Wednesday October 22, 2025
Branson
Today we visit Branson’s Silver Dollar City Theme Park (where
Australia’s Wayne Horsburgh performed for many years).
The park includes live music performances (aboveground)
and spectacular limestone caves (underground). The annual
Harvest Festival will be happening, featuring traditional craft
demonstrations. Lots of excellent live music performances, on
Silver Dollar City’s many indoor & outdoor stages. Evening: Attend
an outstanding Branson show of your choice. Note: Admission
to the following attractions/shows in Branson is included in our
tour: The Dutton Show; Dolly Parton Stampede dinner & show;
Silver Dollar City theme park. Admission to other shows, in
Branson, is optional; i.e, not included. (B)
DAY 12 Thursday October 23, 2025
Paducah
Depart Branson and travel to Paducah, Kentucky. On the way
visit the fascinating, largely abandoned, town of Cairo, Illinois.
Situated at the confluence of the Mississippi & Ohio rivers,
Cairo was an important strategic town during the Civil War.
In the 1920s the population was over 15,000. The population
is now about 1,500. See many impressive buildings from a bygone era. Near Cairo we cross two huge bridges that provide
wonderful views of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Evening:
In Paducah, Craig Giles and John Howie will host an informal
fun-filled singalong/music session. Please join in! Overnight:
Drury Inn Paducah. (B)
DAY 13 Friday October 24, 2025
Nashville
Morning: Travel to Nashville, home of country music. On arrival,
visit the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Centre. This
amazing hotel features a huge glass atrium and 9 acres of
beautiful indoor gardens. Then visit the Opry Mills Shopping
Mall (excellent shopping & food court [for lunch]). Afternoon:
Sightseeing tour of Nashville, with local guide. Evening: Enjoy fabulous live country music in Nashville’s main entertainment
precinct (around Broadway & 2nd Avenue). There are lots
of great honky tonks (live music bars) in this area, plus the
Wildhorse Saloon (large live music & line dancing venue).
Overnight: Embassy Suites Nashville Vanderbilt. (B)
DAY 14 Saturday October 25, 2025
Nashville
Today we travel to the town of Lynchburg, Tennessee. Enjoy
guided tour of Jack Daniel’s Distillery, followed by lunch at Miss
Mary Bobo’s Boarding House & Restaurant (beautiful Southern
home-cooked meals). Evening: Attend Nashville’s famous Grand
Ole Opry show, featuring country music’s biggest stars. (B,L)
DAY 15 Sunday October 26, 2025
Nashville
Morning: Visit Nashville’s outstanding Country Music Hall of
Fame and the wonderful Ryman Auditorium (Grand Ole Opry
venue 1943 – 1974). Afternoon: Travel to Hendersonville, on the
outskirts of Nashville, where we visit Johnny Cash’s grave. Then
enjoy a performance (specially for our tour group) by the French
Family Band. Late afternoon & evening: Back in Nashville, free
time. You may wish to visit the Johnny Cash Museum, the Patsy
Cline Museum, RCA Studio B, and excellent music venues like
the Station Inn and the honky tonks (in Nashville’s downtown
area). All museums/venues optional, after our return from
Hendersonville. (B,AfternoonTea)
DAY 16 Monday October 27, 2025
Departure
Morning: Free time for shopping and packing. Afternoon:
Commence flights back to Australia, via Houston. (B)
DAY 17 Tuesday October 28, 2025
In flight
DAY 18 Wednesday October 29, 2025
Arrive in Australia
We arrive back in Australia and tour arrangements conclude.
| TWIN FARE PER PERSON | SINGLE FARE |
|---|---|
| $11,845 | $13,840 |
| Twin Fare Per Person | Single Fare |
|---|---|
| $3,995 | $5,690 |
Please note: Craig Giles will not be accompanying the tour group on the optional Extension Tour.
You can extend your stay in America at no additional airfare cost (air taxes may be additional). Please check with us for optional tours, car hire, hotels, bed & breakfasts, etc.
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator
Travelrite International Pty Ltd. A.C.N. 005 817 0781
(Travelrite International) is the tour operator. Tour Costs. The tour’s costs
are based on transport, accommodation costs and entrance costs at 10
October 2024. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these
factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw
with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to
costings will be made within 60 days prior to departure.
Deposit and Payment
A deposit of $500 per passenger is required
at the time of booking. Full payment will be required 60 days prior to
departure. A 1% administration charge will be added to payment by Visa
and Mastercard. 3% administration charge will be added for payment by
AMEX and Diners.
Cancellations
Cancellations within 60 days of departure will result in
the loss of all monies paid. Cancellation outside 60 days from departure
will result in a cancellation fee of $500 per person. Travel insurance is
recommended to cover the costs of cancellation fees due to illness, death
in family, etc.
Change To The Tour Itinerary
Travelrite International reserves
the right to make changes to the tour itinerary to fit in with operational
requirements. Any changes to the itinerary will be replaced with similar
arrangements with an equal or greater value.
Minimum Tour Numbers
The tour has been costed on the basis of a
minimum number of passengers having booked 60 days prior to departure.
Travelrite reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all
monies paid or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified
cost if the minimum number is not achieved.
Baggage
All passengers qualify for 1 piece free baggage allowance.
Refunds
The tour is based on arrangements which do not allow for any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals or other services
not utilised after the tour has commenced.
Tour Participation
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibility
Travelrite International Pty Ltd. (Licence number
30858) is the tour organiser. Travelrite International acts only as agents
in making of arrangements with carriers, hoteliers and others for the tour.
As a result we cannot accept liability for any act or omission whatsoever,
whether negligent or otherwise of those carriers, hoteliers or other persons
providing services in connection with the tour over whom we have no direct
or exclusive control. We do not accept responsibility for any injury, damage,
loss, delay, change of schedule or any other events which are beyond our
direct control, such as, but not limited to, war, flood, fire, civil disturbance,
acts of God, acts of government, or any other authorities, terrorism,
accidents to or failure of machinery or equipment, or industrial action.
The passage contract in use by the carriers concerned, when issued, shall
constitute the sole contract between the transportation companies or firms
and the purchasers of these tours and the passengers. Baggage is at own
risk throughout the tour. The contract shall be construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of Victoria.
Delays and Unforeseen Events
You engage Travelrite International to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite International acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite may without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
How to Book:
Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and
sending it with a deposit of $500 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty. Ltd.
423 Whitehorse Road
Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free 1800 630 343
Phone: (03) 8803 6868
Email: sales@travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
(ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been
marketing throughout Australia for over 40 years. It is accredited with IATA.
As such it directly represents the major airlines of the world and all major
domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators. Travelrite
International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel
Agents – AFTA.
DAY 1 Monday October 27, 2025
Washington D.C.
Morning: Fly to Washington D.C. Afternoon: Visit Lafayette
Square, Washington D.C., where you will have an excellent
view of The White House. Evening: Enjoy group dinner, before
exploring D.C.’s live music venues (optional). Overnight: TBC (to
be confirmed). (B,D)
DAY 2 Tuesday October 28, 2025
Washington D.C
Morning: Sightseeing coach tour of Washington D.C. with
local guide. Visit Arlington National Cemetery (see President
Kennedy’s grave), the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam
Veterans Memorial. See the Washington Monument, the
Capitol, the Pentagon, and many other famous landmarks.
Afternoon: Free time. You may wish to join John Howie on a visit
to some of the wonderful Smithsonian museums, including the
Air and Space Museum & the National Museum of American
History (see the original Star-Spangled Banner). Evening: Visit
one of Washington D.C.’s interesting nightlife precincts; e.g.,
Georgetown; Adams Morgan; U Street, for some excellent live
music (optional). (B)
DAY 3 Wednesday October 29, 2025
Lancaster/Amish region
Morning: Travel to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Enjoy a guided tour
of Gettysburg National Military Park (site of Civil War’s Battle
of Gettysburg). Afternoon: Continue on to Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania. This region is home to the ‘Pennsylvania Dutch’,
including the Amish people, many of whom wear plain clothing
and travel in horse-drawn buggies. On arrival we will visit the
Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market, before checking in to our hotel.
Evening: After dinner, enjoy a fun-filled music/singalong session,
hosted by John Howie. Please bring your instruments & voices
and join in! Overnight: Bird-in-Hand Family Inn. (B,D)
DAY 4 Thursday October 30, 2025
New York
Morning: Enjoy a coach tour of the Amish region, with local guide.
Have lunch with an Amish farming family. After lunch continue
on to New York. On arrival check into our hotel in central New
York. Evening: Free time for you to explore the colourful area
around our hotel, in central Manhattan (near Times Square & the
Broadway theatre district). Overnight: Hotel Edison. (B,L)
DAY 5 Friday October 31, 2025
New York
Morning: Sightseeing coach tour of New York, with local guide.
Visit Midtown area, Central Park, Harlem, Wall Street financial
district, and 9/11 Memorial. Afternoon (mid-afternoon onwards): Free time. Evening: Free time for you to explore New York’s
diverse restaurants and live music venues (optional). John Howie
will offer suggestions re. live music venues. (B)
DAY 6 Saturday November 1, 2025
New York
Morning: Enjoy a cruise on New York Harbor, aboard the famous
Staten Island Ferry. See the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
(historic immigrant processing facility). Then go for a walk on
the Brooklyn Bridge (great views of the N.Y. skyline from the
bridge). Afternoon: Free time. You may like to spend time in New
York’s colourful Greenwich Village precinct. In the 50s, 60s & 70s
musicians like Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul & Mary, & Joan Baez used to
perform in the Village. Evening: Free time. You may like to attend
a Broadway musical or theatre show (optional). (B)
DAY 7 Sunday November 2, 2025
New York
Morning: Free time for shopping and packing. Mid-day approx.:
Transfer to airport. Commence flights back to Australia. (B)
DAY 8 Monday November 3, 2025
In flight
DAY 9 Tuesday November 4, 2025
Arrive Australia
Arrive back in Australia and the tour concludes.
“One of the best tours we have ever done. Great program and lovely people.”
“Well organised tour that ran smoothly. Very impressed with Wayne Horsburgh, intelligent, talented and caring.”
