East Coast Self-Guided Tour

After months of waiting your departure day is finally here: Welcome to Orlando!

(Driving day 1: 192 km/120 miles)

When you are ready on your bike, you start your ride on the 4.200  km/2600 miles long East Coast & Blue Ridge Parkway Adventure tour. You say goodbye to Orlando, set the course west, and start by driving by beautiful Lake Apopka. You 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, you will enjoy a nice drive on the Florida west coast, to your end destination; Homosassa.

(Driving day 2: 478 km/299  miles)

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

(Driving day 3: 500 km/313  miles)

You continue our ride along the beautiful Gulf shores and the Mexican Gulf, through the US states; Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. Youdrive through harbors, bridges, and sumps (Moss Point, Biloxi, Gulfport, Bay St. Louis). You 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, you meet for a dinner on the famous Bourbon Street, where you 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)

On this day you 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)

You 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. You can visit the National Monument and Old Courthouse, where you know the historic rush. You can 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)

You start your Blues & Music tour, as you head north on Highway 61. You drive to the famous “Gateway to the Blues” in Tunica, where you stop at Blues visitor center and museum. You 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! You will 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. You will 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 you go from Graceland to visit another of the most trendsetting music cities in the world; Nashville, also called «Music City». You can 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.

If you are interested, you can start the day by exploring the famous “Country Music Hall of Fame” and “RCA Studio B” (where Elvis Presley made several famous recordings). Thereafter, you can visit the interesting “Johnny Cash Museum”.

(Driving day 7: 324 km/203 miles)

You 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. You spend the day riding small curvy roads in nice surroundings and concur with the amazing Devils Triangle. You end up in Maryville, where you will spend a cozy evening before the great adventure.

(Driving day 8: 329 km/206 miles)

You continue our beautiful ride in the Smoky Mountains as you head south for Hot Springs and Franklin. For those who feel for it, you will another fun motorcycle road; “The Moonshiner”. Thereafter, you ride to Cherokee.

(Driving day 9:241 km/151 miles)

You have conquered most of the best back roads the Great Smoky Mountains can offer, and head south towards beautiful Historic Savannah. You spend the evening absorbing the magical atmosphere.

(Driving day 10: 303 km/309 miles)

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

(Driving day 11: 303 km/188 miles)

You head south towards warmer climates and Florida beaches. Before you reach St Augustine, youstart driving the famous Highway 1. Your end stop for the day is Historic St Augustine, the former capital of Florida and a major tourist attraction.

(Driving day 12: 204 km/128 miles)

Today you will drive next to the Atlantic Ocean all the way to Daytona “Biker” Beach. You 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. Thereafter, youstart our final leg to return your bike.

Say goodbye to Orlando and return home. Thank you for choosing our East Coast Self-Drive Tour.

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,  we are continually working to improve the program, thus you may experience positive surprises.