The magic and music of Memphis, Nashville, and the Biltmore Estate meld together on this tour for a musical blast from the past. Visit the home of Elvis, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, spend a night at the Grand Ole Opry and enjoy the historic European-styled chateau of George Vanderbilt’s Biltmore in Asheville. After experiencing the charm and draw of the Southern lifestyle, you won’t want to leave.
Why you’ll enjoy this trip:
♦ Whether you have music in your soul, or not, this tour will have your toes tapping after getting a glimpse into the beginnings of soul, country and rock ‘n roll.
♦ Visit ‘The King’ at his home, Graceland, before heading off to visit where Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, ‘The Million Dollar Quartet’ and so many others got their start in the music industry ~ Sun Studio.
♦ America’s Music Cities are more than just country music, they are part of who we are. Touring the city and seeing what it has to offer: the music, history, and a bit of nostalgia with reserved seats to a show at the Grand Ole Opry.
♦ George Vanderbilt’s 250-room chateau, the Biltmore and its impressive grounds which were designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
♦ America’s most visited National Park - the mysterious and alluring Smoky Mountains world renowned for its flora and fauna.
♦ Be a little like Dolly Parton on the ‘Life of Dolly’ experience.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Memphis, TN
Upon arrival in Memphis, we will be greeted by our awaiting motor-coach and check into our hotel for the next 2 nights at the 4-star Guest House at Graceland, located on Graceland’s property. Dinner is included this evening. (D)
Day 2 - Memphis
Memphis has all the energy and excitement of a big city, it is full of fun and has unique things to do, see, taste and experience. The city’s rich heritage will move your soul like few places can. After breakfast, we will meet our guide and start our tour with a visit to Graceland, the home of the King himself, Elvis Presley. Elvis lived here for more than 20 years, and here you can learn how his unique sound and revolutionary style changed the face of popular music forever. Lunch is included at Vernon’s Smokehouse (located at Graceland) before heading to Sun Studio for a guided tour. See where Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and Jerry Lee Lewis, just to name a few who got their claim to fame. After, we will visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music which is a museum whose legacy is tied to Memphis and in particular to Soulsville, a neighborhood that Aretha Franklin, Booker T. Jones, Memphis Slim and others called home. Tonight, dinner is on our own at Overton Square. (B, L)
Day 3 - Memphis - Nashville
This morning, after breakfast, we continue our journey to Nashville, TN. Our 2 nights accommodations are at the famous 4-star Gaylord Opryland Hotel, where our rooms overlook the indoor gardens, river, and shops. This evening, enjoy dinner before the show ‘Legends Behind the Lyrics.’ This interactive experience lets you hear the songs from the person who wrote them. Find out what was going on in their life that made them write a classic hit. There will be a meet / greet with the writer to follow the performance. (B,D)
Day 4 - Nashville
We will meet our guide this morning, after breakfast, for a full day of touring! Get your cameras ready as we have a guided tour of the Johnny Cash Museum, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, and so much more! Dinner this evening is included at the Opry Backstage Grill before we take our reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry. (B,D)
Day 5 - Nashville - Pigeon Forge
After breakfast, we say farewell to Nashville and continue our journey east, into Pigeon Forge, TN. After our tour, we stop to check in to our hotel for the night, the Hampton Inn Pigeon Forge, before continuing on to dinner and the famous ‘Country Tonite Show’ Celebrating 25 years in Pigeon Forge, sit back and enjoy a brand-new show of country hits and comedy. (B,D)
Day 6 - Smoky Mountains National Park
Breakfast is included this morning before we head off to meet our local guide for our tour of Smoky Mountain National Park. We will visit and tour one of our Nation’s most visited national parks. After, there is time for lunch, on own before traveling to Asheville, NC where we check into our hotel for the next two nights, the 4-star Doubletree Asheville Biltmore. Dinner is on your own this evening. (B)
Day 7 - Pigeon Forge - Asheville, NC
After breakfast, we will spend the day at The Biltmore. The Biltmore was originally built as the summer home of George Vanderbilt, but shortly after he was married, in 1898, George and his new bride chose The Biltmore as their permanent home. Spend the day touring and exploring the museum. This evening we will have a farewell dinner, where we can reminisce of our time in the south. (B,D)
Day 8 - Depart Asheville
We will depart for the airport this morning right after breakfast. Travel home with great memories of places visited and new friends made. (B)
