12/19/2024
Join us as we travel to Alabama this spring! Visit our website to learn more and sign up! www.rileytours.com/alabama
Day 1: Hannibal, MO
Begin your journey with a drive to Hannibal, Missouri, as we make our way toward the heart of Dixie—Alabama. This evening will be spent relaxing and preparing for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Jackson, TN
Travel south through Missouri to St. Louis and visit the Ulysses S. Grant Historical Site, featuring the 200-year-old White Haven Estate. After a delightful lunch and free time to explore a charming local town, we continue into Tennessee, arriving at Jackson for an overnight stay. The day ends with a fun Pizza Party at the hotel.
Day 3: Decatur, AL
Cross into Alabama and visit Helen Keller’s Birthplace in Tuscumbia, where you’ll learn about her inspiring life and legacy. Next, tour the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, where iconic artists like Cher and the Rolling Stones recorded their hits. After stops at the Florence Indian Mound and Wilson Dam Overlook, the day concludes in Decatur with an overnight stay.
Day 4: Birmingham, AL
Begin the day at the US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, home to the rockets that sent man to the moon and NASA’s current Mars missions. Then, visit the Jesse Owens Memorial Park and Museum to honor the Olympic legend. A stop at Clarkson Covered Bridge offers scenic views before arriving in Birmingham, where we’ll stay for the next two nights.
Day 5: Birmingham, AL
Tour Birmingham’s historic sites, including the Arlington Antebellum Mansion and the 16th Street Baptist Church, a pivotal Civil Rights landmark. After lunch at Pizitz Food Hall, explore the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, a cornerstone of the city’s industrial history. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Day 6: Montgomery, AL
Visit the Mercedes-Benz Visitor Center in Vance, followed by a tour of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Travel the historic Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail and stop at the Lowndes Interpretive Center. In Montgomery, explore the Rosa Parks Museum and the National Memorial for Peace & Justice, reflecting on the Civil Rights Movement’s profound impact.
Day 7: Orange Beach, AL
Begin with a visit to the Hank Williams Museum, showcasing the life of Country Music’s first superstar. Head to Mobile for lunch and a tour of the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Finally, arrive at Orange Beach and settle into Gulf-view rooms for a relaxing four-night stay.
Day 8: Orange Beach, AL
Take a free day to unwind by the pool or stroll along the beautiful Gulf Coast beach.
Day 9: Orange Beach, AL
Return to Mobile for a scenic Azalea Trail tour and a visit to the stunning Bellingrath Gardens. Enjoy lunch before discovering the rich traditions of Mardi Gras at the Mobile Carnival Museum.
Day 10: Orange Beach, AL
Spend one last free day enjoying the Gulf Coast, ending the evening with a farewell dinner at a local favorite.
Day 11: Home
Your memorable journey concludes as we travel to the airport and fly home, carrying unforgettable memories of the South.