The following itinerary is a sample of a typical Tunica Tour and is provided to aid Tour Operators and Motorcoach groups in planning and designing a trip to Tunica. This is not a retail tour or one that is offered by the Tunica CVB. Individuals seeking a tour to Tunica should contact a Tour Company or Motorcoach Company in their area.
TUNICA AND THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA EXPERIENCE
Three Day / Two Night Itinerary Suggestions
DAY ONE – Arrive in Mississippi Delta
Live it up just down the road and there are a lot of choices for roads to bring you here. Whether you come I-55, I-40 or I-69, all offer your group easy access to U.S. Highway 61 leading into the Mississippi Delta. From the coach, you quickly realize how important agriculture is to this region. You will be amazed at how far you can see in any direction as you look upon the expansive farmlands. The farms encompass thousands of acres; some held by families for generations. The alluvial soil of the Delta produces much of the nation’s cotton, soybeans, corn and rice.
As you look toward the western horizon, you see rising out of the farmlands the outlines of tall glistening casino resort hotels. As you get closer, you can see vast casinos surrounded by theaters, golf courses, shopping centers, and other resort amenities. Soon your coach comes to a stop at the entrance of a spectacular Las Vegas-styled casino.
Arrival – Casino Stop: Possibly plan a lunch at one of the sumptuous buffets, or time to enjoy a few hours of fast-paced casino gambling, and be on your way to becoming Tunica’s newest winner!
Hotel Check-in: There is now time to unwind after checking into your luxury resort hotel. Unpack, relax, and enjoy the surroundings. This is home for the next few days. Soon it will be time to get ready for the evening, but remember casual is the dress code for tonight and the rest of your stay. Meet your group in the lobby to make your way to dinner.
Dining: Regardless which of the nine casino resorts you are visiting, you will wind numerous restaurants offering a wide variety with something to please every taste or budget. The choices range from deli-style eateries to spectacular buffets to sit down dining. If you are looking for authentic Southern BBQ, Italian or Cajun, it’s all here at one of the themed restaurants. Consider treating yourself or the group to fine dining as each property can offer upscale cuisine from steak to seafood and beyond. Still not sure, consider a dinner cruise on the Tunica Queen or maybe a visit to the legendary Hollywood Cafe for catfish and their famous fried dill pickles. The options are almost endless.
After dinner: It’s time to try your luck. Tunica offers thousands of the newest and hottest slot machines and video games for your enjoyment. If you prefer, sit in at one of the table games or pay a visit to one of the poker rooms. Enjoy the fun and the thrill of one of America’s most exciting pastimes – casino gaming. Don’t let the time get away from you as the Tunica casinos are open twenty-four hours a day. So, get some rest as you have another busy day tomorrow.
DAY TWO – Sightseeing
Begin day two with an incredible breakfast buffet offering almost any breakfast food you can imagine. Your escort will provide the details.
Meet in the lobby and prepare to depart for a tour of the resort area. Your escort will point out the uniquely themed casino resorts along the way. None of these casinos, hotels, shopping, theaters, golf courses or other amenities existed just a few years ago. As you tour, you can begin to see how Tunica became one of the largest gaming destinations in the U.S. in such a short time. Along with some of Tunica’s modern history, learn of the Mississippi River and the engineering feat of creating the Mississippi River Levee system and possibly the escort might be able to talk a bit about Tunica’s first tourist, Hernando Desoto, who moved through this area in the 1500’s.
Plan a visit to the Tunica RiverPark, museum, eco-trail and overlook, located in the heart of Tunica Resorts. The RiverPark offers an extensive one-of-a-kind interactive, interpretive center that showcases the life of the river and its history. Overlooking the Mississippi River from a harbor on the eastern bank, the museum features exhibits, three-story outdoor observation deck, aquariums with native aquatic wildlife, 130-acre riverside forest with walking trails. Call (866) 517-4837 to schedule an arrival time. Allow 1.5 – 2 hours.
After your Tunica RiverPark tour, proceed to the boarding area, as it is time to experience the Mighty Mississippi.
The Tunica Queen will offer the beauty and luxury of a classic 19th century riverboat. This 300-seat riverboat allows passengers to experience the golden age of river boating with all the comforts and amenities of the 21st century. Stand on deck or enjoy the interior comfort as the Captain narrates points of interest along the way. The Tunica Queen offers scheduled cruises on the Mississippi. Call (800) 805-3535 to book your cruise today.
Combination Tunica RiverPark and Tunica Queen packages are available.
After the resort area tour, we head south along the famous “America’s Blues Highway”, U.S. Highway 61. The quick 10-mile trip will take us toward the Town of Tunica. Our first stop is at the Tunica Museum offering interactive displays depicting the regions history. Artifacts and exhibits about Tunica from the days of Spanish Explorers, the Native Americans, Delta Blues musicians and the arrival of Las Vegas-style gaming. Cultural and traveling exhibits are often on display. Admission is free. Call (662) 363-6631.
The Town of Tunica is located just south of the Tunica Museum. Visitors can take a step back in time as they visit a small town at its best. Park the coach and allow the passenger to enjoy the leisurely pace of this beautiful mall rural town. The town square offers antiques and specialty gift shops in charming historic buildings. Visit the Tate Log Cabin, Tunica’s oldest structure located on the corner of School and Magnolia Streets. Stop at the Blue & White Restaurant or Cafe Marie for lunch. Call Tunica Main Street at (662) 363-6611 to coordinate your Town of Tunica visit.
DAY THREE – Departures
Luggage out as it’s time to move on. Meet in the lobby and you are off after another fabulous breakfast. After breakfast, try your luck one more time in another casino before leaving the area.
Itinerary substitutions and other ideas
Visit Memphis, Tennessee, home of Elvis, pork BBQ and “Rhythm & Blues.” Tour Elvis’ Graceland, his private jet, automobile collection and the Meditation Gardens, where Elvis and his family are buried. After lunch, it’s on with the tour. You will learn more about the musical heritage of the city called the “Birthplace of Rock n’ Roll.” You can tour Sun Studio, the recording studio, where Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King and other legends made music history. Memphis CVB (800) 8MEMPHIS
Substitute a day trip to Oxford, Mississippi, approximately 70 miles away. Tour Rowan Oak, home of William Faulkner, and visit the beautiful University of Mississippi campus. Enjoy lunch on the Square at one of many cafes and restaurants located there. Oxford Tourism Council (800) 626-3764
The trip to Clarksdale, Mississippi, should take approximately 45 minutes. The tour bus will be routed to showcase historic points while traveling to the first destination, Delta Blues Museum with the next stop at Ground Zero Blues Club.
For assistance with these itinerary suggestions or any other help, please contact the Tunica Convention & Visitors Bureau by calling (888) 488-6422.
Bill Canter, Director of Marketing & Sales Email: bcanter@tunicatravel.com