We would absolutely recommend Travel USA to anyone travelling to the US. Your knowledge is just amazing, and we didn’t really find anything that you hadn’t already told us about, which is very impressive
Ange & Jono
Hamilton, NZ
17 days / 16 nights from NZ $7,699 per person
Follow one of America’s great self-drive corridors on this Chicago to New Orleans journey along Interstate 65, linking the Great Lakes, the American Heartland, bourbon country and the Deep South. Designed for Kiwi travellers wanting to experience a true cross-section of the United States, this itinerary combines iconic cities, regional culture and well-known highlights along a classic north-to-south route. From Chicago’s skyline and architectural landmarks, the journey continues through Indiana’s open landscapes, Kentucky’s bourbon heritage, Nashville’s vibrant live music scene, Alabama’s Civil Rights history and into Louisiana’s bayous and French Quarter atmosphere. Each destination reflects a different side of American life, from major urban centres to smaller regional cities and towns. This is more than a road trip — it’s a journey that unfolds at a steady rhythm, where each state brings a new character, changing scenery and a deeper sense of American culture, creating a true north-to-south road trip experience through the heart of the country.
This is a suggested itinerary based on our recommendations for your Interstate 65 road trip adventure. There are no fixed departure dates or schedules, so you can customise the itinerary to suit your personal preferences and needs. Please contact us if you are looking to explore I-65 and we can create a personalised travel package just for you. Photo Credit: istock.com/Gene Smalley

* Airport arrival transfer in Chicago
* 4 nights at the Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown
* 9-day Alamo rental car in a full-size vehicle (Chevrolet Malibu or similar)
* 1 nights at the Hotel Indy, Indianapolis
* 2 nights at the 21C Museum Hotel, Louisville
* 3 nights at the Holston House, Nashville
* Grand Ole Opry Show Tickets + Post-Show Backstage Tour
* 1 nights at The Kelly, Birmingham
* 1 nights at the Fort Conde Inn, Mobile
* 4 nights at the Hotel St. Marie, New Orleans
* Airport departure transfer in New Orleans
* Travel USA Planning Assistance

* 3-day all-inclusive Chicago Go City Sightseeing Pass - access to 30+ attractions, tours and activities
* Kentucky Derby Museum - admission and guided track visit
* The Main Ticket - Louisville Slugger, Muhammad Ali Centre & Evan Williams Bourbon experience
* Nashville Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour
* Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum admission
* RCA Studio B Tour
* Ryman Auditorium admission
* Guided Food Tour of 12South with 5+ Tastings
* 3-day all-inclusive New Orleans Go City Sightseeing Pass - access to 20+ attractions, tours and activities
* Oak Alley Plantation & Small Airboat Tour

Travel USA has carefully selected a collection of quality 3.5–4 star boutique properties chosen for their location, character and guest experience. In Chicago, Silversmith Hotel offers a stylish downtown base near the Riverwalk and Millennium Park, while Hotel Indy delivers contemporary design in central Indianapolis. Louisville’s 21c Museum Hotel combines upscale accommodation with an art-focused atmosphere. In Nashville, Holston House places you steps from Broadway and the live music scene, while The Kelly Birmingham provides character and comfort. Fort Conde Inn in Mobile adds historic Southern charm, before Hotel St. Marie immerses you in New Orleans’ French Quarter atmosphere. These properties balance comfort, location and authenticity, but can always be tailored to suit individual travel styles and budgets.

Kicks off the trip in Chicago, a city known for its big skyline, lakefront setting and standout architecture. - a popular big city start before the journey begins
Key Highlights
* Chicago Riverwalk, Millennium Park & Lakefront
* Willis Tower Skydeck & iconic skyline architecture
* Deep-dish pizza, blues music and West Loop dining
* Historic departure point from the Great Lakes into the American heartland
A strong, high-energy launch into the I-65 corridor before open-road travel begins.

Indiana marks the transition into the American heartland, where highways stretch into farmland and small cities define the rhythm of travel.
Key Highlights
* Indianapolis Motor Speedway & Canal Walk district
* Jackson family birthplace (Gary) near I-65 corridor
* Rolling Midwestern farmland and classic interstate driving
* Small-town America stops and open roads
A classic driving experience from Chicago's energy to wide Indiana plains and relaxed regional culture.

Kentucky delivers bourbon country, horse racing heritage and scenic river approaches along the Ohio River corridor.
Key Highlights
* Louisville skyline and Ohio River bridges
* Churchill Downs & Kentucky Derby Museum
* Louisville Slugger Museum & Muhammad Ali Centre
* Bourbon distilleries in the Bardstown region
* National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green
A culturally rich stretch of I-65 blending sport, spirits and Southern hospitality.

Tennessee brings rolling hills, music heritage and arrival into Nashville – the emotional highlight of the route.
Key Highlights
* Scenic hill country transitioning from Kentucky
* Nashville skyline approach along I-65
* Country Music Hall of Fame & RCA Studio B
* Grand Ole Opry Show & Backstage Tour
* Broadway live music district and nightlife
A vibrant cultural shift into the heart of American music and entertainment.

Alabama offers a quieter, more reflective stretch defined by Civil Rights history and classic Southern landscapes.
Key Highlights
* Birmingham Civil Rights District
* Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
* Rosa Parks Museum & Civil Rights Memorial
* Battleship Memorial Park (USS Alabama/USS Drum)
* Montgomery to Mobile deep south corridor
A meaningful stretch of the journey balancing powerful history and open-road travel.

Louisiana delivers the grand finale – a blend of French, Spanish and Creole culture culminating in New Orleans’ French Quarter.
Key Highlights
• French Quarter architecture & Jackson Square
• Mississippi River steamboat jazz dinner cruise
• Live jazz on Frenchmen Street
• Plantation history & bayou airboat experiences
The most atmospheric state of the journey, where music, food and culture combine into a powerful closing chapter of the I-65 experience.
Terms & Conditions
Our prices are dynamic, providing you with the best available rate of the day at the time of booking • Our suggested itineraries can be fully customised to suit your needs and have been created with indicative pricing shown • Final package pricing will be calculated upon request using the best rates available on the day and will depend on factors such as month of travel, how early you book, availability, and whether you choose non-refundable or fully refundable rates • Indicative prices are per person, based on two adults travelling together and sharing a double/twin room with existing bedding • All pricing is in New Zealand dollars for payment by cash or EFTPOS only; credit card fees will apply • Airfares are not included and are an additional cost • Amendment and cancellation fees apply • Surcharges (particularly during peak periods) and blackout (closeout) dates may apply • Indicative prices exclude any applicable car parking, road tolls, one-way rental car drop-off fees and hotel resort fees, which are all payable direct • Please ask your Travel USA specialist for full details.
This package has been created by Travel USA as a suggested itinerary which can be personalised to your individual preferences. Contact us today to discuss your requirements so we can work together to create the perfect adventure for you.
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