Music Cities of Tennessee

Sounds of Memphis and Nashville

  • Date

    May 3–8, 2023 | Wed / Mon – 6 Days 

  • Location

    Memphis | Jackson | Nashville | Gallatin

Overview

Prepare for a toe-tapping good time on this tour of Tennessee’s most famed musical cities. Visit Memphis and Nashville as you revel in the sounds of the blues, jazz, country, and good old rock ‘n’ roll. Spend two nights in Memphis, “birthplace of the blues,” at the Guesthouse at Graceland, tour Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion and entertainment complex. Watch the march of the famous “Peabody Ducks” and take in live music and dinner on world-renowned Beale Street. The blend of phenomenal food, and the sounds of Nashville and Memphis comprise a journey full of experiences that will have you humming and smiling long after you return home. Spend three nights at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and have reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, complete with a backstage tour! Tour historic RCA Studio B and see where country legends recorded hit songs. Visit museums honoring two of music’s beloved icons: Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline. Wander through the Country Music Hall of Fame and have a rollicking lunch at a popular restaurant on Broadway in downtown Nashville.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

  • Tour Elvis Presley’s Graceland
  • Stroll through Memphis’ lively entertainment district, Beale Street
  • Grand Ole Opry Show with reserved seats and Backstage Tour
  • Narrated city tours in Nashville and Memphis
  • Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame
  • Tour historic RCA Studio B
  • Visit the Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline Museums
  • Lunch on Broadway in Nashville
  • Country Stars Tour in Sumner County

PACKAGE INCLUDES

  • Roundtrip motorcoach transportation from Indianapolis
  • Escorted
  • 5 nights accommodations
  • Breakfast daily
  • 2 lunches, 2 dinners
  • Sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
  • Ground transportation
  • Hotel baggage handling

NOTE:

This itinerary includes activities where moderate walking is required. Some of the most unique sightseeing can be restrictive to motorcoaches, especially in historic areas.

Wed, May 3: Depart Indianapolis and travel to Memphis, the birthplace of the Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Soul. Upon arrival, catch the world-famous “March of the Peabody Ducks” at the Peabody Hotel. Stay two nights at the Guest House at Graceland. A Welcome Dinner is included at the hotel. (Meals: Dinner)

Thu, May 4: Following breakfast at the hotel, don your blue suede shoes and visit Graceland mansion, the palatial home of Elvis Presley. Next, enjoy the exhibits at the visitor’s complex — including a new museum, interactive exhibits, and restaurants. Later this afternoon, embark on a one-of-a-kind tour of the city of Memphis. Local musicians board the coach and tell the story of Memphis’ musical heritage and history as you view the city’s many highlights—you may even be tempted to sing along! Immerse yourself in Memphis’ energetic musical scene as you feast on southern cuisine at an included dinner on Beale Street. (B,D)

Fri, May 5: Travel the music highway to Jackson, once home to Carl Perkins, Sonny Boy Williamson, Tina Turner, and America’s first Hard Rock Cafe. Visit the Legends of Tennessee Music Museum. It was here in the alleys and the honkytonks of Jackson, that a rich mixture of country music, blues and moonshine created the setting for the first rock music ever heard on planet earth. Continue the journey to Nashville and upon arrival check in for the next three nights at the popular Gaylord Opryland Resort. Have the balance of the day free to explore the resort complex on your own. (B)

Sat, May 6: This morning, a local guide will share the history and lore of “Music City” during a sightseeing tour. Visit the Old Ryman Auditorium and view the State Capitol, Music Row and the Parthenon – a full scale replica of the Athenian original! Have an included lunch in Nashville before visiting the Johnny Cash Museum and Patsy Cline Museum—housed in the same building. This evening take your reserved seat for a show at the renowned “Grand Ole Opry.” What began as a building where a local radio broadcast show aired once a week in 1925 has grown to become an entertainment complex that attracts music fans from all over the world. After the show, enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the music during a backstage tour of the Opry! (B,L)

Sun, May 7: Today go “rollin’ down the river,” aboard the General Jackson Showboat. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the Nashville skyline, a delicious lunch, and toe-tapping entertainment in the two-story Victorian Theater. Following your arrival back at the dock visit the Country Music Hall of Fame; the museum’s vast collections of memorabilia, costumes, recordings and instruments are artfully presented in cutting-edge exhibits relaying the colorful histories of country music and its artists. Then take a tour of the historic RCA Studio B for an up-close look at Music City’s oldest remaining studio where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Charlie Pride once recorded some of their classic hits! Learn the secrets of how each artist recorded their chart-topping music in this famous studio, where you may even have the opportunity to record your own hit! (B,L)

Mon, May 8: Depart Nashville after breakfast for Hendersonville to begin a Country Stars Driving Tour with a local expert highlighting famous artists that have called Sumner County home, such as Conway Twitty, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and Marty Stuart. Stop in Gallatin where you’ll enjoy the best songs and duets of Johnny Cash’s years as a late-night talk show host in the historic Palace Theater.  Duets include Cash with Loretta Lynn, Kris Kristofferson, Statler Brothers, Ray Charles, and more! Explore downtown Gallatin’s quaint town square—home to a variety of boutiques, specialty shops, and cafes. Return to Indianapolis after a fun-filled entertaining tour. (B)

Gaylord Opryland, Nashville, Tennessee. Explore nine acres of indoor gardens and waterways, upscale shopping, and electrifying entertainment. Highlights: in-room mini-refrigerator and coffee maker • complimentary in-room Internet access • 11 restaurants • 5 bar/lounges • fitness center • 2 outdoor pools • indoor pool (in spa) • sauna • Relâche Spa & Salon.

The Guesthouse at Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee. A hotel inspired by Elvis’ iconic style and located just a short walk away from Graceland itself. Highlights: in-room mini-refrigerator, coffee station • complimentary high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi • two restaurants • bar/lounge • fitness center • outdoor pool.

PRICING

  • Complete Package
  • Double (2 people sharing a room) – $2,349 per person
  • Triple (3 people sharing a room) – $2,189 per person
  • Single – $2,919