Sights & Sounds of the South with Elvis' 40th Anniversary Celebration

11 days
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Group Tour
This southern U.S. tour is a must for music buffs, as it explores some of the locations that played a critical role in the evolution of American music. Your vacation includes two nights each in three of Tennessee’s great cities: Memphis, dubbed the "birthplace of rock ’n’ roll;" Nashville, famous for country music; and Gatlinburg, a mountain resort destinatio...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • Memphis: Sightseeing tour; visit Graceland and the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum; attend the candlelight vigil at Graceland
    • Nashville: Backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry; visit RCA Studio B and record your own hit; sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit Country Music Hall of Fame; reserved seats at Grand Ole Opry show
    • Hodgenville: Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace
    • Bardstown: Visit My Old Kentucky Home State Park and Heaven Hill Whiskey Distillery
    • Louisville: Experience the “backstretch” area at Churchill Downs; visit Kentucky Derby Museum
    • Lexington: Behind-the-scenes Kentucky Horse Farm visit
    • Gatlinburg: Orientation tour; moonshine tasting
    • Dollywood: Explore the park
    • Great smoky mountain national park : Orientation tour
    • Asheville: Tour Biltmore Estate; farewell dinner

What's this trip about?

    This southern U.S. tour is a must for music buffs, as it explores some of the locations that played a critical role in the evolution of American music. Your vacation includes two nights each in three of Tennessee’s great cities: Memphis, dubbed the "birthplace of rock ’n’ roll;" Nashville, famous for country music; and Gatlinburg, a mountain resort destination. You’ll also overnight in Asheville, North Carolina, and two of Kentucky’s famous cities—Louisville and Lexington. Begin your vacation in Memphis with visits to the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum and Elvis Presley’s Graceland. During your time in Memphis, participate in events celebrating the life of Elvis during the 40-year anniversary of his death. In Nashville, “Music City U.S.A.,” your sightseeing tour includes visits to the Country Music Hall of Fame and legendary RCA Studio B, once a recording home of Elvis Presley. This special experience arranged by Globus even lets you make a recording to take home with you! While in Nashville, you’ll stay at the world-famous Opryland, where you’ll experience the grandeur of the South with hospitality at its finest. You’ll also enjoy reserved seats to the world-famous Grand Ole Opry along with a backstage tour after the show—another out-of-the-ordinary adventure offered by Globus! Other highlights of this southern U.S. tour include Dollywood, an 88-acre theme park inspired by Dolly Parton; Great Smoky Mountain National Park, America’s most visited national park; and behind-the-scenes visits to Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, and a local horse farm in Lexington—yet more hidden gems offered by Globus. In Asheville, visit George Vanderbilt’s 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned home in America. All of this and more await you on this marvelous southern U.S. vacation highlighting the sights and sounds of the South.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityArrive in Memphis
End CityAsheville–Atlanta

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • North America
  • Georgia
  • Asia

Attractions

  • Memphis
  • Nashville

Activities

  • Culture

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1

Arrive in Memphis. Welcome to Memphis, the “Home of the Blues.” This evening, mix and mingle with your traveling companions at 6 pm for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure. SPECIAL FEATURE: Spend the next two nights at the...

Day 2

Memphis. Excursion to Graceland. This morning, enjoy city sightseeing including a tour of the ROCK ‘N’ SOUL MUSEUM, which traces Memphis’ cultural and musical past and features the Smithsonian’s Social Crossroads exhibition. Continue to the gardens and mansions of Elv...

Day 3

Memphis. A full day in Memphis to explore on your own. You may wish to participate in one of the special events being planned throughout the city. You may also want to see more of Memphis with a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum, housed at the historic Lorraine Motel, watch the march of the famous Peabody Ducks, or check out the blues clubs on Beale Street. (B)

Day 4

Memphis–Nashville. Depart for Nashville. This afternoon, visit the Grand Ole Opry and take a [LF] BACKSTAGE TOUR. Walk in the footsteps of country music’s superstars and get an exclusive look at what happens on the other side of the curtain at the show that made count...

Day 5

Nashville. Today, visit historic [LF] RCA STUDIO B – once a recording home of Elvis Presley. You’ll even make a recording and take it home with you. Next, experience Nashville up close and personal on a guided sightseeing tour of the landmarks including Centennial Par...

Day 6

Nashville–Hodgenville–Bardstown–Louisville. Head into the heart of Kentucky bluegrass country. At Sinking Spring Farm in Hodgenville, ABRAHAM LINCOLN BIRTHPLACE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, see a replica of the original log cabin preserved as a shrine to the best-loved o...

Day 7

Louisville–Lexington. This morning, go [LF] behind the scenes at CHURCHILL DOWNS, home of the “Greatest 2 Minutes in Sports.” Visit the Backstretch area, normally not open to the public. See the Receiving Barn, the Pony Barn, spend time at the rail watching the horses...

Day 8

Lexington–Gatlinburg. This morning, journey south through the rugged wilderness of Daniel Boone National Forest, where you will stop to see the thundering, 125-foot-wide Cumberland Falls. Continue across the border into Tennessee and on to Gatlinburg at the foot of th...

Day 9

Gatlinburg. This morning, take a trip on the Ober Gatlinburg AERIAL TRAMWAY for breathtaking views of the Smokies. During your free time today, why not explore some of the areas many attractions. This evening enjoy Dolly Parton’s DIXIE STAMPEDE, showcasing a hearty co...

Day 10

Gatlinburg–Great Smoky Mountain National Park–Asheville. Depart Gatlinburg and drive right through the center of GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK along spectacular Newfound Gap Road to Clingman’s Dome, peaking at 6,643 feet. As you travel through the park, witness t...

Day 11

Asheville–Atlanta. This morning, depart Asheville for Atlanta. After a transfer to the airport for guests with homebound flights (please schedule flights after 3:30 pm), the motorcoach continues to the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, where the tour ends. (B)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,429
Price per day$312
Last Updated: 2/22/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Globus.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Globus Reviews & Ratings

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Other Globus Reviews

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Jjem123

Sep 2024

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Packed but interesting tour

Very packed your with many good points, but let down by poor organisation of the bus seating. I was a solo traveller who was forced to sit next to the same person fo...

H

Horrible

Aug 2024

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Don’t, just don’t.

I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction with the hotel accommodations during my recent trip with Globus. The quality of the hotels was far below what I ex...

S

Scott Howe

Aug 2024

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Celtic Highlights tour was wonderful

Celtic Highlights tour was wonderful. Stewart, our Driver was an absolute professional and very courteous to all of us. Dominic, our tour guide has an amazing knowle...

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Tour Operator

Globus

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Why Travel with Globus?

Perfectly Planned. Seriously Stress Free.

After 90-plus years of sharing the world with travelers, Globus has set the gold standard for award-winning touring across virtually every continent. Our global network of premiere travel partners, operations experts, and hospitality pros share one goal in mind—an exceptional travel experience no matter where we travel together.

Beyond the Guidebooks.

While Italy is synonymous with spectacular food, it is the close family connection that brings generations of tradition to the table. Globus goes beyond typical tours to introduce you to local legends and local experiences not found on just any map. Meet the Bonajuto family at Antica Dolceria—the oldest confectionery in Sicily. More than 150 years after the dolceria was founded by Francesco Bonajuto, the family still serves its heavenly chocolates in the same spot, while also serving as international ambassadors of Sicilian cuisine. Che dolce!

Don’t Miss the Must Sees.

Why stand in line to catch a fleeting glimpse of ancient ruins and remarkable historic sites? Globus gives you VIP access with an expert Local Guide to go deeper, get closer, and soak it all in. From the Parthenon to the Vatican museums, you’ll explore Europe’s most beloved locations without getting lost in a crowd or waiting in line. Don’t just file past masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David or get only a hurried look at the Crown Jewels in Edinburgh Castle. Experience Europe’s extraordinary sights—and historic sites—with the VIP access you deserve.

Dreams Realized.

The Colosseum. The Prado. Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Each Globus tour always includes the legendary landmarks, the major attractions, and the must-see sites. Going beyond the iconic exteriors, we lead you to the front of the line, straight through the door, and inside the walls of Europe’s most awe-inspiring places for an exclusive look behind the scenes. With priority access, we ensure you behold the sights you’ve long dreamed of—without waiting any longer!

Do as the Locals Do.

When in Rome—or London, Paris, or Barcelona—we arrange for you to do as the locals do, not just what the tourists do. In every itinerary, we include hands-on, authentic experiences for a true taste of a day in the life. Board a private water taxi through the Grand Canal of Venice, bake scones in an Irish farmhouse, or sample Geysir Schnapps in Iceland. By striking a golf ball at St. Andrews or dancing the Sirtaki while sipping ouzo, you truly get to step into someone else’s shoes and experience the world from an insider’s perspective.

Adventure, a la Carte

While Globus vacations get you up close and personal to the world's must-see sights and unforgettable experiences, we also know the value of spending time on your own to explore as you please. After all, travel is meant to be filled with memorable moments of your own with serendipitous surprises that can’t be planned or scheduled. We build free time into every itinerary so you can leisurely explore the beckoning bookstore, tempting café table, or whimsical window shopping that's schedule free. Don’t wait a lifetime for that once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s waiting just around the corner!

Pick your Passion.

Maybe you’re an art lover, a foodie, or a history buff. Perhaps you’re moved by music, art, cuisine, or theater. Or maybe making tracks in the great outdoors is more your speed. We offer a wide array of optional excursions and activities—tailored to a variety of fitness levels and interests—so you can customize your adventure with your own personal passions and preferences. Each Globus excursion and activity has been personally tested by us and handpicked to allow you to really get to know each destination. You never have to choose between included and optional excursions, since optional activities fit seamlessly with your vacation schedule!

A Friend in Every City.

Join us and a few of our friends in your next dream destination. After all, we’ve spent over 90 years making friends in virtually every city and country in the world who let us in on local secrets, like where to find the best scone, stein, or spumoni; the best people-watching table; or the best view of wide-open spaces. Every Globus vacation includes local experts who share the stories behind the sights and Local Favorites you won’t find in the guidebooks. Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides hail from the region through which you’re traveling. No one is more familiar, passionate, or eager to share insider knowledge than our local pros!


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Logistics

Accommodation

The Guest House at Graceland Located just a few steps from the gates of Graceland, the newly built Guest House at Graceland hotel features a southern colonial exterior and is decorated with Elvis Presley's personal style in mind. The hotel offers 450 spacious rooms and a range of contemporary facilities, including two restaurants and a 464-seat theater for live performances and movies. Memphis United States 3600, Elvis Presley Blvd Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center This premier Opryland hotel offers guests an unforgettable getaway with all the excitement and energy of the Music City under one spectacular roof. There isn't a shortage of things to do at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, which features indoor and outdoor swimming pools, state of the art fitness center, relaxing spa and salon, and nine acres of lush, indoor gardens and cascading waterfalls. Nashville United States 2800 Opryland Drive Seelbach Hilton Louisville Downtown Refurbished Landmark Hotel dating from 1905, period antiques and artwork blend with modern amenities and comforts; downtown area. Louisville United States 500 Fourth St. Hilton Lexington Downtown Seventeen-story Atrium Hotel connected by skywalk to Victorian Square, Rupp Arena & Convention Center. Lexington United States 369 West Vine Street Park Vista Hotel Convention-oriented tower hotel with spiraling 15-story atrium. Take a stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the hotel or relax in an Adirondack chair while enjoying the serenity of a Smoky Mountain sunset, with the Gatlinburg city lights illuminating the Smoky Mountain valley below. Gatlinburg United States 705 Cherokee Orchard Road Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park Located in the heart of Biltmore Park Town Square - there's a lively shopping, dining and entertainment scene steps from the hotel. Asheville United States 43 Town Square Blvd,
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Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
AT|Sights & Sounds of the South AT1E|Extend Your Stay in Atlanta
Additional Information
Trip ID
globus-AT1

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