East Coast Blues Tour

When all tour participants have arrived, we meet for a welcome greeting and refreshment, with introductions. The evening’s program is getting to know each other and we eat dinner together in true American style. Those who are not tired after the long journey may go to a local bar nearby.

(Driving day 1: 192 km/120 miles)

We start the day with an information meeting, where we cover information about your tour on the East Coast & Blue Ridge Parkway. We also cover practical information & preparations regarding mc and car rental checkout at Explorify Motorcycle Rentals, which has prepared the bike you have ordered. Thereafter, we pick up our bikes or cars.

When everyone is ready on their bikes, we start our ride on the 4.200  km/2600 miles long East Coast & Blue Ridge Parkway Adventure tour. We say goodbye to Orlando, set course west, and start by driving by beautiful Lake Apopka. We continue to the world-famous Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, where you will get an up-close view of the fascinating beginning and evolution of the Drag Racing sport. After a nice lunch, we enjoy a nice drive on the Florida west coast, to our end destination; Homosassa.

(Driving day 2: 550 km/343  miles)

Today will be a spectacular ride along the Florida coast & beaches. We start by driving through Apalachicola National Forest, before we ride by spectacular Cape San Blas. Thereafter, we ride along the Mexico & Panama City beaches, before we arrive in Destin where we will enjoy a nice evening on the pier.

(Driving day 3: 433 km/268  miles)

We continue our ride along the beautiful Gulf shores and the Mexican Gulf, through the US states; Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. We drive through harbors, bridges, and sumps (Moss Point, Biloxi, Gulfport, Bay St. Louis). We continue our beautiful coast ride to the mythical New Orleans and check-in at our hotel in the French Quarter. When everyone is settled in their rooms, we meet for a dinner on the famous Bourbon Street, where we will spend the rest of the evening in true New Orleans style. You are in one of the most exciting and fun cities in the US.

(Fun and explorer day)

This day we will explore New Orleans, which is one of the world’s most fascinating cities. It has a unique blend of history & influences from Europe, the Caribbean, Africa, as well as other continents. It’s a brilliant mosaic of culture, food and music. Here you will find full plates of “gumbo”, long nights in jazz- & blues clubs, historical suburbs and consuming festivals year long.

(Driving day 4: 389 km/243 miles)

We head north on Hwy 61 The Blues Route towards Baton Rouge and historic Vicksburg, which is our final stop for the day. Vicksburg was central to the American Civil War. It was here that General Grant and Lee supported together in a legendary battle in the last stages of the war between south and north. We visit the National Monument and Old Courthouse, where we know the historic rush. We also visit the Coca-Cola Museum, since Vicksburg is the birthplace of the famous drink. It was here that the first bottle was produced by Bierdenharn Candy Co. The evening is spent on one of the city’s fun blues clubs.

(Driving day 5: 357 km/223 miles)

We start our Blues & Music tour, as we head north on Highway 61. We drive to the famous “Gateway to the Blues” in Tunica, where we stop at Blues visitor center and museum. We stop at “The Crossroads” (where Hwy 61 and Hwy 49 cross each other), the place symbolizes Robert Johnson’s famous 1936 blues song. Johnson (also known as “Father of The Blues”) played the song solo with acoustic guitar, in Delta blues style, and has become part of Johnson’s mythology, since it refers to where he has sold his soul to the devil to become best at playing the blues. The song has since also been recorded by Elmore James and Eric Clapton. Hwy 61 The Blues Route is also made famous by Bob Dylan through his album “Highway 61 Revisited”.

(Driving day 6: 396 km/248 miles)

Welcome to one of the tour’s absolute highlights! We visit Graceland; home of the legendary King of Rock’n Roll; Elvis Aaron Presley. Graceland was Elvis’s main home from 1958 until his death in 1977. Here he was found dead in the bath by his fiancé Ginger Alden in the afternoon of August 16, 1977. Today Graceland is opened to the public as pilgrimages in thousands annually to see how “The King ‘lived and lived. They also come to see his grave in the large park at Graceland. Here Elvis is buried with her parents and one of her grandmothers. We spend the morning absorbing the story of the life of this wonderful man and artist. Afterward, you will no longer be in doubt: “The King still lives”.

Full of impressions we go from Graceland to visit another of the most trendsetting music cities in the world; Nashville, also called «Music City». We spend the evening at the famous «Music Drive».

(Fun and explorer day)

A day dedicated to music lovers. Spend the day as you wish, whether you want to stroll the streets of Nashville, enjoy the music venues on Music Drive, visit the local Harley Davidson store, or take a dive into the rich music history of this fascinating city.

For those interested, we start the day by exploring the famous “Country Music Hall of Fame” and “RCA Studio B” (where Elvis Presley made several famous recordings). Thereafter, we visit the interesting “Johnny Cash Museum”. We head back to the hotel for a rest before we spend another evening on fun Music Drive.

(Driving day 7: 386 km/241 miles)

We leave Nashville with fun and joyful memories and head towards the famous Great Smoky Mountains National Park (the most visited national park in the US) and some of the best motorcycle roads you will ever ride in your life. We spend the day riding small curvy roads in nice surroundings and concur with the amazing Devils Triangle. We end up in Sevierville, where we will spend a cozy evening before the great adventure.

(Driving day 8: 339 km/210 miles)

This day will be a lifetime memory! We will ride some of the best motorcycle roads in the US (also the world); US 129 “Tail of The Dragon” (ranked as US #3 best motorcycle road) and “Cherohala (scenic) Skyway” (ranked #7). Best of all, you get to choose which one you want to ride twice. We will take our time to enjoy the ride, the spectacular scenery, and keep everyone safe. NB: Please be aware that “Tail of the Dragon” experiences many motorcycle accidents yearly, so please drive safely on these challenging roads. Also, Enjoy the road and soak in the electrical atmosphere.

They who want can stay in Sevierville and relax at the pool or do some shopping at Tanger Outlet that is located just across the street from the hotel.

(Driving day 9:323 km/202 miles)

Welcome to another day for the history books! We will use the whole day riding breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway (ranked as US #2 best motorcycle road). Words cannot describe this ride; it must be experienced. We start the day visiting the “Wheels through time” museum (home of the world’s premier collection of rare American motorcycles, memorabilia, and a distinct array of unique “one-off” American automobiles). We end the day at a small European inspired mountain town; Little Switzerland, where we enjoy the views.

(Driving day 10: 303 km/309 miles)

We start the day with another challenging ride; “The Diamondback” (Hwy 226A). Thereafter, we set course for Savannah and Florida coast. On our way, we make a stop in Norway and Denmark.

(Driving day 11: 303 km/188 miles)

We head south towards warmer climate and Florida beaches. Before we reach St Augustine, we start driving the famous Highway 1. Our end stop for the day is Historic St Augustine, the former capital of Florida and a major tourist attraction. We enjoy a nice evening together.

(Driving day 12: 204 km/128 miles)

Today we will drive next to the Atlantic Ocean all the way to Daytona “Biker” Beach. We embark on the famous “Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail”, a 50 km double loop of road that crosses some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in Northeast Florida. “The Loop” is not like other rides; enjoy the freedom, sunshine, open road and graceful curves, it is a dream for all motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere. The comfortable ride is a must for those who like an open highway and Florida’s natural beauty. We drive to Destination Daytona (by the world’s largest Harley Davidson dealer, Bruce Ross Meyer, with a showroom of 109,000 sq. ft.). Here we eat our lunch and enjoy the great atmosphere.

Thereafter, we start our final leg to return our bikes/cars and celebrate everyone made it home safe after a fun and eventful tour together. We head to International Drive, to end the day at fun B.B. Kings Blues Club. We celebrate everyone made it home safe after a fun & eventful tour together.

We say goodbye to America’s Smoky Mountain Blues Tour, Orlando and return home. Thanks for a great ride, good times and sincerely thank you for choosing to tour with JoyRides. We wish you a safe trip home and hope to see you again on one of our other tours in the US, South America, Asia, Oceania or Europe.

Note: Because of the time difference travelers from Europe will arrive home the date/day after departing the US.

Also: This program is a guideline for activities and experiences on the tour. Deviations may occur, but we guarantee that our positive tour leaders will do their utmost to execute the program as described – as far as it is feasible and circumstances allow. We are continually working to improve the program, thus you may experience positive surprises.