Magnolia trees and moss-draped oaks add a charming flavor to quiet country roads. Classic Adventures enjoys the distinction of the first bicycle touring company to offer the Natchez Trace. In its twentieth year, this tour offers incredible, unmatched value, considering lodging, dining, itinerary, experienced guides and services.
Lodging accents Southern splendors at the 4-Diamond Fairview Inn (Jackson), The Cedar Grove Mansion (Vicksburg), and the newly renovated Dunleith Mansion(Natchez), truly a showpiece of the South. Specialties such as sweet potato pie, Cajun catfish, and mint juleps offer sweet rewards at day’s end. Poignant accounts of the Civil War give pause to appreciate our nation’s heritage. A horse-drawn carriage ride in Natchez highlights historic homes and important landmarks.
Much of our cycling winds along the Natchez Trace Parkway, a gentle, park-like route which abounds in cultural and scenic delights. Enjoy a short walk on the old sunken trace, the footpath where travelers journeyed toward home. Visit Mount Locust, an old tavern/inn that provided simple lodging in the 1800’s. Off the Parkway, gentle country roads include stops at Windsor ruins, Rocky Springs and the mysterious Emerald Mound (Indian burial ground).
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Transfer from Jackson airport to the first Inn, Bike fitting, orientation, reception, followed by dinner.
Day 2: Along the Trace, visit Rocky Springs, a once thriving but now abandoned village, and hear its intriguing story. In Port Gibson, the town General Grant said was “too beautiful to burn,” visit the historic city hall, churches and an old synagogue. Enjoy the stark beauty of Windsor Ruins. Lodging: The Cedar Grove Mansion in Vicksburg. (17, 36 or 49 miles)
Day 3: Cycle Vicksburg Military Park, after your guide reviews the siege of Vicksburg. Picnic at Cairo Museum and see the old iron-clad battleship. Visit McRaven Tour Home and the Old Court House Museum to relive history close-up. (17 miles)
Day 4: In route to Natchez, stop at Mount Locust, a restored historic inn/hotel. Coles Creek adds a scenic backdrop for a leisurely picnic lunch on the Trace. Investigate Emerald Mound, built by ancestors of the Natchez Indians around AD 1400. In Natchez, lodge at Dunleith, a beautiful (and newly renovated) ante-bellum mansion, built in Greek Revival style with 26 Tuscan columns. (31 or 46 miles)
Day 5: Horse-drawn carriage ride through Natchez. Saunter around town or ride through Spanish moss-draped magnolia and dogwood trees, and past plantation homes. (35 miles)
Day 6: Morning transfer to Jackson airport or first inn for your return home.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 5 nights lodging
- All breakfasts
- 2 picnic lunches
- 4 dinners
* Rental bicycle: $120.00
* Optional single supplement: $400.00
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Mississippi
Bicycle Touring
|
