Mahney Cain and Ewan Cloonan are the celebrity hosts of the 2026 Music Tour of America and are members of the Australian folk/roots band The Humbuckin' Pickups. Ewan Cloonan is the songwriter and vocalist, while Mahney is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. The Humbuckin' Pickups have steadily built a reputation for their authentic sound and engaging storytelling, with a string of awards including the 2021 Troubadour Foundation Award. They continue to charm audiences with their melodically strong songwriting and dynamic live performances.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Thursday 1 October 2026 Depart for Houston
Depart Australia and arrive in Houston on the same day. Transfer to our hotel after clearing customs. Overnight: Holiday Inn Houston InterContinental.
DAY 2 Friday 2 October 2026 Lafayette
Morning: After a panoramic tour of Houston, Texas, travel to Lafayette and Breaux Bridge, Western Louisiana. Afternoon: Enjoy swamp tour by boat. See amazing wildlife (alligators, turtles, birdlife) and distinctive swamp scenery. Evening: Commencement of tour dinner, including live music, at a Cajun restaurant or dance hall. Overnight: Double Tree by Hilton Lafayette. (B,D)
DAY 3 Saturday 3 October 2026 New Orleans
Morning: Travel through beautiful western Louisiana swamp country, heading for New Orleans. On the way, visit Laura Plantation (antebellum homestead), which includes the original slave quarters. Afternoon: Check into our hotel, in New Orleans' historic French Quarter, followed by free time. Evening: Explore the French Quarter, including colourful Bourbon Street. You'll find excellent jazz music in places like Fritzel's Jazz Club and Preservation Hall (all optional). Overnight: Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter. (B)
DAY 4 Sunday 4 October 2026 New Orleans
Morning: Sightseeing coach tour of New Orleans with local guide, including visits to an above ground cemetery and areas ravaged by Hurricane Katrina (2005). Also, see the beautiful mansions in St Charles Ave. Afternoon: Free time. You may see outstanding street performers, Hack Bartholomew and Doreen Ketchens (the 'Clarinet Queen') performing in the French Quarter. Evening: Enjoy Mississippi River cruise, dinner & jazz music aboard a majestic Mississippi paddle-wheeler. After the cruise, visit the Frenchmen Street area (excellent jazz music), with Mahney and Ewan (optional). (B,D)
DAY 5 Monday 5 October 2026 Tupelo
Travel to Tupelo, Mississippi, the town where Elvis Presley was born and raised. On the way, visit the Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Museum, in Meridian, Mississippi. Jimmie Rodgers (1897-1933), known as The Singing Brakeman, was one of the first superstars of American country music. Also, if available, see the beautiful Dentzel Carousel, manufactured in 1896 for the 1904 St. Louis Exposition. On arrival in Tupelo, see the elementary school Elvis attended. Overnight: Hotel Tupelo. (B)
DAY 6 Tuesday 6 October 2026 Memphis
In Tupelo, visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace Park including Elvis's boyhood home, the church he attended as a boy, and the Elvis Presley Museum. Also, visit the hardware store where Elvis's mum bought him his first guitar. We then travel to Memphis, home of the blues and the birthplace of rock 'n' roll. Afternoon: Visit the National Civil Rights Museum (the motel-now museum - where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated). After checking into our hotel you may wish to view the famous Peabody Duck Parade (approx. 4.30-5pm) at the Peabody Hotel. Evening: Visit Beale Street, where we take in the atmosphere of this colourful precinct, including live music venues such as B.B. King's Blues Club & the Rum Boogie Café. Overnight: Hampton Inn & Suites Beale Street. (B)
DAY 7 Wednesday 7 October 2026 Memphis
Morning: Visit Graceland, Elvis Presley's famous mansion. Our Elvis Experience Tour tickets include tour of the mansion, plus various exhibits including his automobiles, wardrobe, gold records, custom planes, etc. Afternoon: Guided tour of Sun Studio (famous 1950s recording studio, where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and others recorded). Then visit the excellent Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Finally, visit the impressive Bass Pro camping/fishing/hunting superstore, in massive glass Pyramid-shaped building. Evening: Dinner at the excellent Majestic Grille Restaurant, followed by further exploration of the live music venues in Beale Street. (B,D)
DAY 8 Thursday 8 October 2026 Branson
Travel through the state of Arkansas, and the picturesque Ozark Mountains, to Branson, Missouri. Branson is famous for its many live music theatres. On arrival enjoy a coach tour of Branson's Las Vegas-like main strip, featuring colourful electronic billboards, tourist attractions, music theatres, and hotels. Evening: Attend one of Branson's outstanding shows... the Jimmy Fortune Show. (B)
DAY 9 Friday 9 October 2026 Branson
A free day for you to take in some of Branson's many attractions, including Silver Dollar City Theme Park. The park includes live music performances (above ground) and spectacular limestone caves (below ground). Alternatively, you may wish to attend morning and afternoon 'theater' shows in Branson and perhaps visit old Branson Town (Branson's charming downtown shopping centre). All activities today are optional. Evening: Attend one of Branson's outstanding shows... The Dutton Show. (B)
DAY 10 Saturday 10 October 2026 Paducah
Depart Branson and travel to Paducah, Kentucky. On the way visit the fascinating, largely abandoned, town of Cairo, Illinois. Situated at the confluence of the Mississippi & Ohio rivers, Cairo was an important strategic town during the Civil War. See many impressive buildings from a bygone era. Near Cairo we cross two huge bridges that provide wonderful views of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Evening: In Paducah, Mahney and Ewan will host an informal fun-filled singalong/music session. Please join in! Overnight: Holiday Inn Paducah Riverfront. (B)
DAY 11 Sunday 11 October 2026 Nashville
Morning: Travel to Nashville, home of country music. On arrival, visit the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Centre. We will then visit the Opry Mills Shopping Mall (excellent shopping & food court [for lunch]). Afternoon: Sightseeing tour of Nashville, with local guide. Evening: Attend Nashville's famous Grand Ole Opry show, featuring country music's biggest stars. Overnight: Embassy Suites Nashville Vanderbilt. (B)
DAY 12 Monday 12 October 2026 Nashville
Today we travel to the town of Lynchburg, Tennessee. Enjoy guided tour of Jack Daniel's Distillery (including whiskey tasting), followed by lunch at Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House & Restaurant (beautiful Southern home-cooked meals). Evening: Back in Nashville, enjoy fabulous live country music in the main entertainment precinct (around Broadway & 2nd Avenue). There are lots of great honky tonks (live music bars) in this area, including Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, Robert's Western World, & Layla's Honky Tonk. (B,L)
DAY 13 Tuesday 13 October 2026 Nashville
Morning: Visit Nashville's outstanding Country Music Hall of Fame and the wonderful Ryman Auditorium (Grand Ole Opry venue 1943-1974). Afternoon: Free time. You may wish to visit the Johnny Cash Museum, or RCA Studio B ('Home of 1,000 Hits'). All museums/venues optional, during this afternoon's free time. Evening: Enjoy a performance by the outstanding French Family Band (from Australian & NZ - now living in Nashville), at iconic Nashville venue, The Station Inn. (B)
DAY 14 Wednesday 14 October 2026 Pigeon Forge
Travel to Pigeon Forge, eastern Tennessee. Like Branson, Pigeon Forge has an outstanding music related theme park (Dollywood) and numerous live music theatres. Evening: Enjoy an informal music session with Mahney and Ewan. Bring your instruments & voices and join in. Overnight: Best Western Plaza Inn. (B).
DAY 15 Thursday 15 October 2026 Pigeon Forge
Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trees are a blaze of colour at this time of the year (Autumn in the US). Then visit Dollywood, including excellent museum - the Dolly Parton Experience and fabulous live music shows. Dollywood's Southern Gospel & Harvest Festival should be in progress, so we should hear some outstanding gospel quartets. Evening: Attend Dolly Parton's spectacular live show, Dolly Parton's Stampede. Fabulous dinner and show (Note: Dolly Parton doesn't appear in this show.) (B,D)
DAY 16 Friday 16 October 2026 Floyd/Christiansburg
Travelling through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains / Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia. Morning: Visit the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, in Bristol, Tennessee, celebrating the historic 1927 Bristol Sessions. Afternoon: Travelling along the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, visit The Roots of American Music Museum, at the Blue Ridge Music Center, in Galax, Virginia. Late afternoon: Arrive in the Blue Ridge Mountains town of Floyd. Visit the Floyd Country Store. Mahney and Ewan will perform a few songs for us (if possible). Evening: Attend the Floyd country store's famous, long-running Friday Night Jamboree. Overnight: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Christiansburg. (B)
DAY 17 Saturday 17 October 2026 Washington D.C.
Drive to Washington D.C. Morning: Stop in the historic town of Lexington. Visit the impressive Virginia Military Institute, followed by some time in Lexington's charming town centre. Late afternoon: Arrive in Washington D.C. See the White House (and take photos), before checking into our hotel. Evening: Tonight we will explore D.C.'s live music venues (optional). Overnight: Holiday Inn Central White House. (B)
DAY 18 Sunday 18 October 2026 Washington D.C.
Morning: Sightseeing coach tour of Washington D.C. with local guide. Visit Arlington National Cemetery (see President Kennedy's grave) and the Lincoln Memorial. See the White House, the Washington Monument, the Capitol and many other famous landmarks. Afternoon: Free time. You may wish to join Mahney and Ewan on a visit to some of the Smithsonian museums, including the Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History. Evening: Enjoy an included farewell dinner, with a few songs from Mahney and Ewan to celebrate our time in America. (B,D)
DAY 19 Monday 19 October 2026 Departure
Morning: Enjoy a visit to historic Philadelphia on your way to JFK Airport, where you can explore landmarks such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Afternoon: Travel to JFK, New York airport. Commence flights back to Australia, via Auckland. (B)
DAY 20 Tuesday 20 October 2026 In flight
DAY 21 Wednesday 21 October 2026 Arrive in Australia
Arrive back in Australia and the tour concludes.
| TWIN FARE PER PERSON | SINGLE FARE | Plus Air taxes and fuel surcharges (as of 30/9/25) |
|---|---|---|
| $13,595 | $16,470 | $380 |
You can extend your stay in America for minimal extra cost. Please contact Travelrite on 1800 630 343 for more information. Please check with us for optional tours, car hire, hotels, bed & breakfasts, etc.
If any of the musical entertainment in the itinerary is unavailable, we will make every effort to replace that entertainment with similar performers/events.
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 organiser.
Tour Costs
The tour’s costs are based on flight, general transport and accommodation costs on 1 October 2025. Travelrite International 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 price will be made within 60 days of departure from Australia.
Deposit and Payment
A non-refundable deposit of $500 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 American Express (a 1% charge will be added to Visa and Mastercard only).
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 $500 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 on the basis of 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.
Travel Insurance
Adequate travel insurance must be purchased to cover tour members for the consequences of unforeseen events during the tour and for cancellation fees which could result from events such as illness, accident, death etc.
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 $500 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 is accredited with IATA. It is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents - AFTA. As such it directly represents the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators.
“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.”
