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Category: Group Travel Tours.Discover Nashville before it was Music City. Our Athens of the South package includes historical tours rich in Southern history. From guided tours of grand estates to lively entertainment, this package has it all.
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Tour Description
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to the Athens of the South- Nashville!
Your group will begin their stay in Middle Tennessee by stepping back in time to the 1830s as you explore President Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage: Home of the Seventh President of the United States. The Hermitage is considered to be the most accurately preserved early presidential home in the country! The group tour includes an interpreter-led tour of The Hermitage Mansion, Andrew Jackson: Born for a Storm Exhibit, along with self-guided tours of the grounds, cabins, gardens and tombs of President Andrew Jackson and his wife, Rachel.
Your evening entertainment will include a scrumptious dinner in a private room at one of Nashville’s most popular restaurants and world-class performance of Cash: The Legend Continues. In this one-hour show, your group will hear the stories behind the Cash and Carter family’s hits straight from Johnny Cash’s family members.
Day 2
The day begins with a tour to Franklin, TN. Located just 25 miles south of Downtown Nashville, Franklin was the site of intense Civil War fighting, including one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Our first stop in Franklin is The Carter House. On November 30, 1864, the Battle of Franklin raged across the fields south of town, scarring the landscape, claiming the lives of thousands and changing life on the Carter farm forever. Our time at The Carter House includes a 60-minute guided tour of the house’s interior. Afterwards, your group will have time to explore the grounds, outbuildings, family cemetery and garden before we head to Downtown Franklin for lunch on your own at one of the many delicious eateries followed by free time to explore the quaint boutiques and shops.
Next, your group will explore another Civil War treasure, Carnton Plantation. Throughout the 19th century, Carnton was frequently visited by those shaping Tennessee and American history, including President Andrew Jackson. Carnton served as the largest field hospital in the area for hundreds of wounded and dying soldiers. We will tour the mansion as well as the Confederate Cemetery located onsite.
After time exploring Franklin, we will travel back to Nashville where your group will have a little free time to relax before we head enjoy a delicious dinner at your choice of Opry Backstage Grill or Santa Fe Cattle Company. After a hearty meal, we will head to the Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest-running live radio show. Known around the world as “the show that made country music famous,” you can count on things happening at the Opry that you just can’t see anywhere else.
Day 3
The morning begins with a visit to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, home to the Cheek family- creators and brewers of the world-famous Maxwell House Coffee and Tea. Explore the 55 acres of majestic botanical gardens, world-class art exhibitions, and the historic Cheek family home.
Now, your group is off to tour, shop, wine and dine at Belle Meade Plantation! Our time at Belle Meade will begin with a three-course lunch in the 1800’s Carriage House. After the delicious lunch, your group will enjoy the exceptional tour of the mansion, featuring intimate stories of the various people that created Belle Meade Plantation, its beautiful grounds and architecturally significant buildings. After the guided tour of the Mansion, guests will enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at the Belle Meade Winery.
This evening, your group will enjoy a delicious dinner and lively entertainment onboard the grandest showboat afloat, the General Jackson, as you cruise down the mighty Cumberland River. After a scrumptious three-course dinner, your group will enjoy the hottest show in town, Music City Nights. The show tells the story of Nashville’s famous nightlife and features a live band, six rising stars, dynamic music arrangements, dazzling choreography and stunning costumes.
For prices and availability for groups of 20 or more, please call 423-498-4232 / 1-800-235-5295 or email amy@sweetmagnoliatours.com.
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