We have the perfect solution! A Globus-guided land tour package from Memphis to Atlanta where you can visit many of the greatest historical music sites of the South. A professional tour guide travels with the group from beginning to end as well as hosts a farewell dinner on the last night. Your days will include exclusive guided tours with plenty of time to adventure out on your own.
Enjoy a leisure Sights & Sounds of the South 10-Day escorted tour
For 10 days,you’ll explore some of the best locations that played a critical role in the evolution of American music. In 2014, there are guided tours between September and October that will take you through Memphis, Nashville, Bardstown, Louisville, Lexington, Gatlinburg, and Asheville. If you want to spend time in Atlanta, there is an option to extend your tour by two days.
Here’s a preview of a Sights and Sounds of the South tour
DAY 1: Arrive in Memphis, Tennessee
This morning you’ll board your flight and head east to Memphis, the “Home of the Blues.” You’ll be transferred from the airport to your beautiful downtown hotel, which offers wonderful views of the Mississippi river, and is within walking distance of Riverwalk and Beale Street, the heart of the city’s music and entertainment district. 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.
DAY 2: Memphis
This morning, join a Local Guide for 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 Elvis Presley’s GRACELAND, named a National Historic Landmark in 2006. You’ll also be able to board his private jets.
Photo courtesy of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.
Tonight, enjoy dinner on world famous Beale Street.
DAY 3: Memphis – Nashville, Tennessee
Depart for Nashville. Upon arrival, experience this city up close and personal on a guided sightseeing tour of the landmarks including Centennial Park’s full-size replica of Athens’ Parthenon and the recording studios of Music Row.
This evening you may opt to join an excursion to Nashville Nightlife, combining dinner and the best of Music City’s country entertainment.
Your hotel is the world-famous Gaylord Opryland Resort where you’ll experience all the grandeur of the South with hospitality at its finest. Explore nine acres of lush indoor gardens, winding pathways, and sparkling waterfalls, as well as 30 specialty shops, a spa, and a variety of restaurants.
Photo courtesy of Gaylord Opryland Resort
Photo courtesy of Gaylord Opryland Resort
DAY 4: Nashville
Today, visit the COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME to see its rich collection of costumes, memorabilia, instruments, photographs, and, of course, Elvis Presley’s “solid gold” Cadillac. Timing is everything… you’ll get to enjoy the exhibit THE BAKERSFIELD SOUND: Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and California Country. This is a special treat for those of us from the Central Valley in California.
Photo courtesy of Donn Jones/Country Music Hall of Fame
Also, visit historic RCA STUDIO B – once a recording home of Elvis Presley. You’ll even make a recording and take it home with you! Tonight you have reserved seats for an unforgettable show at the world-famous GRAND OLE OPRY, the mecca for country musicians.
Photo courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry
DAY 5: Nashville – Hodgenville, Kentucky – Bardstown, Kentucky – Louisville, Kentucky
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 preserved as a shrine to the best-loved of American presidents.
Photo courtesy of National Park Service/Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
In Bardstown, stop for lunch at a local restaurant serving up Southern cuisine then visit MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME STATE PARK where Stephen Foster composed Kentucky’s anthem.
Photo courtesy of Kentucky Department of Parks
Continue to MAKER’S MARK WHISKEY DISTILLERY showcasing some of the world’s finest bourbon, and learn about its production process and history.
DAY 6: Louisville – Lexington, Kentucky
Enjoy breakfast while watching morning training workouts at CHURCHILL DOWNS, home of the “Greatest 2 Minutes in Sports.” Experience a morning on the track with a preview of the process of training world-class thoroughbreds during their early morning workout and a visit to the stables. Next, experience Derby Day – from the starting gate to the finish line – at the KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM.
Photo courtesy of the Kentucky Derby Museum & Horse Park
This afternoon, travel the Bluegrass Parkway to Lexington for a fascinating behind-the-scenes visit to a local HORSE FARM. Travel through rolling countryside and learn about the majestic horses that make Lexington the “Horse Capital of the World.” Journey behind the fences to a thoroughbred farm and hear about the breeding process, rearing, horseracing, and even meet some of these beautiful champions up close.
DAY 7: Lexington – Gatlinburg, Tennessee
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 the Great Smoky Mountains, America’s most visited national park. Arrive this afternoon in one of the country’s most popular mountain retreats.
DAY 8: 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. This evening, join an optional excursion to the Dixie Stampede showcasing a hearty country dinner and an action-packed show.
DAY 9: Gatlinburg – Asheville, North Carolina
Depart Gatlinburg and drive right through the center of 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 the mist of blue haze that surrounds the mountains for which the park is named.
Arrive in Asheville and 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. Be sure to spend time exploring the spectacular gardens. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant hosted by your Tour Director.
DAY 10: Asheville – Atlanta, Georgia
All too soon this wonderful journey must come to an end. This morning, depart Asheville for Atlanta. Our private motor coach will go directly to the Atlanta Hartsfield Airport where you’ll catch your flight home in the afternoon, arriving on the West Coast in the late evening. Ya’ll come back now, y’hear?
Want information on other guided tours in the United States, Canada or Mexico?
There are many guided tours across North America throughout the year. If there’s a place you’ve always wanted to see, then it’s very likely there’s one that fits your dream vacation package. Call a CruiseExperts.com agent at 1-888-804-CRUIse(2784) or visit our website at www.CruiseExperts.com.
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