Jules Boult is the celebrity host of the 2026 Highway 61 Blues Music Tour of America. He is an award-winning blues singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and recording artist. Jules’ musical career has taken him across Australia, the United States and Europe. Since 2011 he has released five albums to critical acclaim and been awarded a coveted Australian Blues Music Award. From 2015 to 2024 Jules toured the US annually (except for the COVID years), from New Orleans to New York, via the Mississippi delta, performing and recording with various musicians, including Kermit Ruffins, Mississippi John Horton, and The Oak Ridge Boys.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Saturday 23 May 2026 Houston
Depart Australia on your flight, arriving in Houston same day.
Transfer to our hotel after going through customs. Overnight:
Fairfield Inn & Suites.
DAY 2 Sunday 24 May 2026 Lafayette
Morning: Travel to Lafayette, Louisiana. Nearby, visit the
charming town of Breaux Bridge, in the heart of western
Louisiana’s swamp country. Enjoy a swamp tour, by boat. See
amazing wildlife (alligators, turtles, birdlife) and distinctive
swamp vegetation. Evening: Enjoy welcome dinner and live
music at a Cajun restaurant. Jules Boult will perform a few
songs with the Cajun band, if possible. Overnight: DoubleTree
by Hilton, Lafayette. (B,D)
DAY 3 Monday 25 May 2026 New Orleans
Today we travel to New Orleans. Morning: Enjoy guided tour
of antebellum homestead, Laura Plantation, including original
slave quarters. Afternoon: Sightseeing coach tour of New
Orleans with local guide. Visit an above ground cemetery,
see the mansions on St Charles Ave., and visit areas ravaged
by Hurricane Katrina (2005). Evening: Explore the French
Quarter, including Bourbon Street. Overnight: Wyndham New
Orleans – French Quarter (B)
DAY 4 Tuesday 26 May, 2026 New Orleans
Morning: Free time to explore New Orleans. Late morning:
Our coach drops the tour group off near the Jackson
Square precinct. You are free to have lunch and explore
the surrounding area, featuring buskers, bars, cafes and
The French Market. Afternoon: Enjoy a fabulous cruise and
live music aboard a majestic Mississippi paddle wheeler
(optional). Evening: Visit an iconic New Orleans music venue,
for a pre-dinner performance featuring Jules with The New
Orleans Redeemers. You can stay on at the venue, for dinner
(optional) or visit other iconic music venues in the French
Quarter, such as Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub. (B)
DAY 5 Wednesday 27 May 2026 Natchez
Morning: Depart New Orleans and drive to Baton Rouge,
the capital of Louisiana. Morning tea at the State Welcome
Centre. Then continue north, on Highway 61, to the historic
town of Natchez, Mississippi, stopping at Frogmore Cotton
Plantation, where you will be taken on a guided delta music
and heritage tour. Learn about life, back when the blues was
born. Afternoon: Check in to our hotel, on the banks of the
Mississippi. Then, you may wish to explore one of Natchez’s
nearby antebellum mansions (optional). Evening: Enjoy dinner
at our hotel and later, be entertained by Jules and guest blues
musician at a local juke joint. Later on, you may wish to visit
the Under the Hill Saloon, an historic riverfront bar on the
banks of the Mississippi. Overnight: Natchez Grand Hotel. (B,D)
DAY 6 Thursday 28 May 2026 Indianola
Morning: Depart Natchez and continue along Highway 61,
enjoying the fabulous Mississippi delta scenery that inspired
more writers and musicians, per capita, than anywhere else in
the US in the early 20th century. Stop in the city of Vicksburg,
Mississippi, and visit the Vicksburg National Military Park
(Vicksburg was the site of the Battle of Vicksburg, Civil War,
1863). Afternoon: Proceed to the small city of Indianola,
Mississippi, where we visit the B.B. King Museum before
checking in to our hotel. Evening: Tonight enjoy a southern
style dinner (own expense) and jam at a local blues bar.
Overnight: Hampton Inn by Hilton. (B)
DAY 7 Friday 29 May 2026 Memphis
Morning: Travel to Clarksdale, Mississippi. On arrival, visit
the Devil’s Crossroads, at the intersection of highways 49 &
61, the place where bluesman Robert Johnson sold his soul
in exchange for the guitar prowess that made him one of
the most revered blues musicians of the past century. Feel
free to make a deal of your own, as you stand at one of the
most legendary locations in blues folklore! We then visit
Clarksdale’s excellent Delta Blues Museum and visit Ground
Zero Blues Club, for lunch. Visit the excellent Cat Head Delta
Blues record/CD/bookstore and also Deak’s Harp shop for all
things blues music and a spontaneous blues performance. Afternoon: Continue on Highway 61 to Memphis, Tennessee –
home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. Evening:
Spend a fabulous evening in colourful Beale Street, famous
for its live blues music venues, including B.B. King’s, the Rum
Boogie Café, & the Blues City Band Box (all venues optional).
Overnight: Holiday Inn Memphis Downtown. (B)
DAY 8 Saturday 30 May 2026 Memphis
Morning: Visit the excellent Stax Museum of American
Soul Music, which tells the story of soul music, particularly
the important role played by Memphis and Stax Records.
Afternoon: Visit Graceland, Elvis Presley’s famous
mansion. Our tickets allow admission to the mansion, his
automobiles, his wardrobe, his gold records and much
more. Evening: Enjoy a group dinner at a top Memphis
restaurant. After dinner enjoy the general sights & sounds
of Memphis or visit one of Jules’ favourite blues music
venues (optional). (B,D)
DAY 9 Sunday 31 May 2026 Memphis
Morning: We attend Al Green’s colourful Full Gospel
Tabernacle church service, including amazing live gospel
music. Enjoy a guided tour of Sun Studio (famous 1950s
recording studio, where Howlin’ Wolf, Elvis, Johnny Cash, and
others recorded). Afternoon: Visit the National Civil Rights
Museum – the motel (now museum) where Dr Martin Luther
King, Jr. was assassinated. Evening: Dinner in downtown
Memphis, followed by a return to the live music venues in
Beale Street (optional). (B)
DAY 10 Monday 1 June 2026 Nashville
Morning: Travel to Nashville, Tennessee… Music City USA!
Afternoon: Enjoy a short, sightseeing coach tour of Nashville
before checking in to our fabulous hotel, in the trendy and
laidback Vanderbilt area; there are many options here for
food and entertainment, including maybe a jam at a local
honky tonk. Alternatively, you may like to make your way
downtown, to the ‘Broadway District’ (about 1½ miles away;
our hotel provides a free shuttle bus), where there are lots of
‘honky tonks’ (bars with live country music) and some blues
music venues. Overnight: Embassy Suites Hotel. (B)
DAY 11 Tuesday 2 June 2026 Nashville
Morning and afternoon: Free time to explore the many
sights and sounds of Nashville, including the Country Music
Hall of Fame, the legendary RCA Studio B recording studio,
the Johnny Cash Museum, the beautiful & historic Ryman
Auditorium (home of the Grand Ole Opry show, 1943 to
1974), & the colourful Downtown honky tonks. Evening: In
Nashville’s famous Printers Alley nightclub district, visit the
Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar (optional), with Jules
Boult, for some live music (they also offer Cajun & Creole
food). Alternatively, you may like to attend Nashville’s famous
Grand Ole Opry show (optional). (B)
DAY 12 Wednesday 3 June 2026 Louisville
Morning: We will travel to Louisville, Kentucky, famous
for sporting legend Muhammad Ali, Bourbon and The
Kentucky Derby. En-route we will visit the National
Corvette Museum and Café in Bowling Green KY and
historic Bardstown, located in the heart of Kentucky’s
Bourbon Country and one of the most beautiful small
towns in America. We will enjoy a distillery tour and
tastings on offer. Afternoon: Check in to our refined
lodgings in downtown Louisville. Evening: Enjoy dinner in
the ‘precinct’, then visit Stevie Ray’s Blues Bar for a great
night of blues music or explore the famous Fourth Street
Live precinct, with its many bars and entertainment venues
(Evening: everything optional, including dinner). Overnight:
Seelbach Hilton Hotel. (B)
DAY 13 Thursday 4 June 2026 Chicago
Morning: Head out to Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky
Derby. Visit the excellent Kentucky Derby Museum. Afternoon:
Sit back and enjoy the scenery as we continue our journey
north to Chicago! Evening: Enjoy a final group dinner at a
local restaurant. Later, we head over to Buddy Guy’s Legends
blues club and a sensational night of blues music (optional).
Overnight: Hampton Inn Majestic, adjacent to the home of the
Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago. (B,D).
DAY 14 Friday 5 June 2026 Chicago
Morning: Sightseeing coach tour of Chicago, with local
guide. Travel along the Magnificent Mile – part of Michigan
Avenue where exclusive shops line the wide boulevard.
Also see the impressive Fourth Presbyterian Church, built
in Gothic Revival style, and the John Hancock Centre (100
stories high). Today we attend the world’s biggest blues
festival in downtown Chicago! Afternoon: you will be
entertained by the best blues artists from around Chicago.
Grab your festival program, camera and dancing shoes... this
will be a wonderful experience! Evening: Enjoy more free
time at the Chicago Blues festival. (B)
DAY 15 Saturday 6 June 2026 Chicago
Today is the second day of the Chicago Blues Festival.
Another opportunity for you to explore the many stages and
stalls in search of your favourite flavour of blues, food and
good times! (food is optional). All day and night you will be
entertained by the best artists from around Chicago! Our
hotel is about 5 minutes’ walk from the Blues Festival at
Millennium Park, so please feel free to come and go. (B)
DAY 16 Sunday 7 June 2026 Chicago
Today is the third day of the Chicago Blues Festival and
a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the finale
of the blues festival. The biggest names in blues music
perform on the last night of the festival. They may include
Gary Clark Jr., Rick Estrin & The Nightcats and Lynne Jordan.
Check your program, choose your stage, and get down for
the finale of the festival. (B)
DAY 17 Monday 8 June 2026 Departure
Morning: Free time for shopping and packing. Afternoon:
Travel to Chicago Airport. Commence flights back to Australia,
via Los Angeles. Those doing the Las Vegas & California Blues
Extension Tour fly on to Las Vegas. (B)
DAY 18 Tuesday 9 June 2026 In flight
DAY 19 Wednesday 10 June 2026 Australia
Arrive back in Australia and the tour concludes.
| TWIN FARE PER PERSON | SINGLE FARE | Plus Air taxes and fuel surcharges at 1/5/24 |
|---|---|---|
| $12,895 | $15,790 | $385 |
Per person twin-share $3,595; Single fare $4,490
You can stay longer in the USA for minimal extra cost. Please contact Travelrite on 1800 630 343 for more information.
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. ABN 64 005 817 078 (Travelrite
International) is the tour operator.
Tour Costs
The tour’s costs are based on transport, accommodation costs and
entrance costs at 25 March 2025. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any
of these factors change including currency changes, 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 non-refundable deposit of $900 per passenger
is required at the time of booking. Full payment will be required 60 days prior
to departure. A 1.5% administration charge will be added to payment by Visa,
Mastercard and America Express.
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 $900 per person. Travel insurance is recommended to cover the
costs of cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc. Changes 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 based on 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. This contract shall be
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal
action must be taken in 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 non-refundable deposit of $900 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 has a fully ATAS accredited (No. A10538) office
at Balwyn. 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 Travel Industry Association – ATIA.
8th - 16th June 2026
DAY 1 Monday 8 June 2026 Las Vegas
Morning: Fly to Las Vegas, a city known for its casinos, shows,
and nightlife. Afternoon: We will enjoy a panoramic coach
tour of the city. See the incredible casino/ hotel/entertainment
complexes that line the famous Las Vegas ‘strip’ and see the
historic Welcome to Las Vegas neon sign (1959). Tonight is
free to see a show or explore colourful Las Vegas. Overnight:
Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino. (B)
DAY 2 Tuesday 9 June 2026 Las Vegas
Today is a free day in Las Vegas. You may wish to explore the
nearby hotel/casino/shopping complexes, such as Caesar’s
Palace, or visit fascinating exhibitions, such as Titanic: The
Artifact Exhibition (optional). Alternatively, you may wish to go
on an optional tour to the Grand Canyon (by air and coach).
Evening: See a show at the “House of Blues Las Vegas”, a
live music venue that hosts a variety of acts, including blues
musicians (optional). (B)
DAY 3 Wednesday 10 June 2026 Los Angeles
Travel through the spectacular Mojave Desert, to Los
Angeles. See distinctive Joshua trees and, in the distance,
the Sierra Nevada mountains. In L.A., visit the Hollywood
precinct, including the Walk of Fame (sidewalk stars,
commemorating Hollywood stars), hand & foot prints (of
Hollywood stars) outside the Chinese Theatre, & elevated
walkway that provides excellent view of the famous
Hollywood sign. Evening: Visit Baked Potato Jazz Club, in
Hollywood Hills area (own expense). Overnight: Ramada
Hotel, West Hollywood. (B)
DAY 4 Thursday 11 June 2026 Los Angeles
Morning: Coach tour of Hollywood/Beverly Hills area,
including Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive shopping precinct and
Hollywood Bowl. Then visit the Grammy Museum, including exhibits on blues legends like B.B. King and John Lee Hooker.
Lunch at L.A.’s historic Grand Central Market (own expense).
Afternoon: Coach tour of Santa Monica/Venice Beach/Marina
del Rey area. Shop in Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade
precinct; walk on Santa Monica Pier & the Boardwalk at
Venice Beach. Evening: Visit excellent blues/soul/R&B venue,
Harvelle’s Blues Club, in Santa Monica (own expense), before
returning to our hotel. (B)
DAY 5 Friday 12 June 2026 Pismo Beach
Travel north, from L.A. to Pismo Beach, along the stunning
Pacific Coast Highway. Along the way visit Ventura & Santa
Barbara. Overnight: Hotel TBC. (B)
DAY 6 Saturday 13 June 2026 Pismo Beach
Morning: Free time. Explore the beaches or go shopping at
Pismo Beach Premium Outlets. Afternoon & Evening: Attend
Pismo Beach’s Live Oak Music Festival, featuring top artists
from around the globe. (B)
DAY 7 Sunday 14 June 2026 Departure
Morning: Travel to Los Angeles Airport. Commence return trip
to Australia. (B)
DAY 8 Monday 15 June 2026 In flight
DAY 9 Tuesday 16 June 2026 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.”
