Sights & Sounds of the South

Overview

From the music cities of Memphis & Nashville, to Kentucky's horse country, the fabulous Dollywood and the famous blue haze of the Great Smoky Mountains, experience the charm of America's Southern states.

UK - Memphis

Fly to Memphis where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights. This evening join your tour director for a welcome drink.

Memphis

This morning enjoy a guided tour of the city including the Rock 'n' Soul Museum which traces Memphis' cultural and musical past. Continue to the gardens and mansions of Elvis Presley's Graceland, where you can experience Elvis's life by walking through the decadent and quirky rooms where he felt truly at home. You'll also be able to board the 'King's' private jet. The remainder of the day is at leisure so perhaps visit the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel, site of the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.

Memphis - Nashville

Depart for Nashville. This afternoon, visit the Grand Ole Opry and take a 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 country music famous. This evening, perhaps join an excursion to 'Nashville Nightlife', combining dinner and the best of Music City’s country entertainment.

Nashville

Today, visit historic RCA Studio B – once a recording home 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 Parks full-size replica of Athens’ Parthenon and the recording studios of Music Row. Later, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame to see it's rich collection of costumes, memorabilia, instruments, photographs, and of course, Elvis Presley’s “solid gold” Cadillac. Tonight you have reserved seats for an unforgettable show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, the mecca for country musicians.

Nashville - Louisville

Head into the heart of Kentucky bluegrass country. At Sinking Spring Farm in Hodgenville, Abraham Lincoln's birthplace, see a replica of the original log cabin where Lincoln's family used to live. In Bardstown, stop at a local restaurant serving up some southern cuisine for lunch followed by a visit to My Old Kentucky Home State Park. Continue to the Heaven Hill Distillery, where you will learn about the production process and history of Bourbon.

Louisville - Lexington

Start your day with breakfast at Churchill Downs, home of the 'greatest two minutes in sports'. See world-class thoroughbreds during their early morning workout and visit the stables, before heading to the Kentucky Derby Museum. This afternoon travel through rolling countryside to a horse farm in Lexington, and learn about the majestic horses that make this the 'Horse Capital of the World'.

Lexington - Gatlinburg

This morning journey through the rugged wilderness of Daniel Boone National Forest, where you will stop to see the thundering 125 feet wide Cumberland Falls. Continue across the border into Tennessee to Gatlinburg at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains. Enjoy an included Moonshine tasting. This afternoon is free to explore one of the country's most popular mountain retreats, so why not take a ride up the aerial tram to Mount Harrison.

Gatlinburg

Spend the day at world famous Dollywood, an 88 acre landscaped theme park inspired by Dolly Parton and her love for the mountains, family and country music. Before entering the park, stop in Pigeon Forge with time to shop for unique regional crafts. This evening, why not join the optional excursion to the Dixie Stampede, showcasing dinner with an action packed show.

Gatlinburg - Great Smoky Mountain National Park - Asheville

Depart Gatlinburg and drive through the centre of the Smoky Mountain National Park along spectacular Newfound Gap Road to Clingman's Dome, peaking at 5,046 feet. As you travel, witness the misty blue haze that surrounds the mountains and after which the park is named. After arriving in Asheville, head to George Vanderbilt's 8,000 acre Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned home in America. Tour the French Renaissance style, 250 room chateau to view the priceless paintings and antiques, including Napoleon's chess table. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner hosted by your tour director.

Asheville - Atlanta - UK

This morning drive to Atlanta and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Atlanta.

Home landing in the UK