Exploring Tennessee

*Children’s Rates Sharing room with adult: 0 - 3 yrs: Free | 4 - 11 yrs: $160.00 | 12 - 17 yrs: $225.00

Moderate Hotels

Superior Hotels

Day 1 - Memphis

Arrive in Memphis, the “Home of the Blues” and the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” After settling in your hotel, get yourself to Beale Street, one of America’s most famous streets where W.C. Handy first penned the Blues music of the Mississippi Delta. You will have a voucher good for $15.00 per person at Alfred’s or B.B. King’s on Beale St. Located downtown stretching several blocks east of the river bluffs. Nightclubs and restaurants offer a variety of food and live music including traditional Blues, Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, and Rock’n’Roll. Shops and boutiques throughout the district provide visitors with the opportunity to purchase souvenirs, t-shirts, memorabilia, and novelties. The world-famous street also features a statue of W.C. Handy, a musical “Walk of Fame,” and Church Park, built by the South’s first Black millionaire, Robert Church. Visit A. Schwab’s Dry Goods Store at 163 Beale, a mainstay on the street since 1876, Schwab’s stocks everything from voodoo potions to 99-cent neckties. Walk Beale Street west to Tom Lee Park and the banks of the Mississippi River, where you can stroll, gawk at the Riverboats and River barges, and view an awesome sunset. Overnight Memphis.

Day 2 - Memphis

You’ll want to begin your Memphis adventure at the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum featuring the Smithsonian’s “Rock ‘n’ Soul: Social Crossroads”, a dazzling chronology of rebellious hearts and echoes that shaped “the Memphis Sound.” In the Smithsonian’s words, “In the quest to identify the roots of American music, all roads let to Memphis.” You know the names, Elvis Presley, Otis Redding, B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis, and many, many others produced new sounds that swept the world….songs born in a city some musicologists call “the holy ground of American music.”

The Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum weaves the story of why it happened in Memphis and how Memphis possessed a kind of earthy electricity that spawned musical innovation, one that’s unique and sometimes beyond description. You will hear the original music, see genuine instruments and countless artifacts of the music that changed the world.

Next tour the nearby Sun Studio, the birthplace of Rock’n’Roll. Today the studio, where Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, Rufus Thomas, Howlin’ Wolf, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, and many others launched their careers, is open to the public for tours daily while still operating as a studio by night. Sun Studio Cafe is located next door to the studio. Above the cafe is a new museum/gallery featuring hundreds of rare recordings, memorabilia, photographs, and vintage recording equipment.

Now, make your way to Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. The new audio tour of Graceland Mansion is full of music and interesting stories about how Elvis lived in the home he loved so much. You will see the largest privately-owned collection of gold records in the world and Elvis’ elaborate stage costumes and jewelry. The mansion tour ends with a quiet visit to Meditation Garden where Elvis and members of his family are buried. You can also see Elvis’ famous 1955 pink Cadillac in the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum and climb aboard his custom jet the “Lisa Marie.” Graceland plaza also offers fabulous shopping and restaurants. Overnight Memphis.

Day 3 - Memphis to Chattanooga (317 miles / 510 kilometers)

Today, depart Memphis early and head to the quaint little historic town of Lynchburg, where you will tour the Jack Daniel Distillery, the oldest registered distillery in the U.S. While visiting the Jack Daniel Distillery, you will be taken on a personally guided tour through each step used in making Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey since 1866. Leave time to visit Lynchburg Square, the social center of the area. It is a place to take care of business, shop or sit all day sharing fishing stories while whittling on a red cedar stick. The whittlers can be found down on the square most any day. They will be more than happy to share a bench with any traveler. You may also want to call ahead and make a reservation for lunch at Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House (phone 931-759-7394) located just off the town square underneath the outstretched branches of an old maple. Since 1908 this simple white Federal-style house has served as home to traditional Tennessee cooking and a gracious taste of Southern hospitality. You will be seated at a large table with other guests and served family style. After your Lynchburg visit drive on to Chattanooga. Overnight Chattanooga.

Day 4 - Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a vacation destination with family-friendly appeal and a variety of unique attractions, scenic beauty, and significant historical sites. Lookout Mountain’s Rock City Gardens, Ruby Falls, the Incline Railway, the Tennessee Aquarium, the Creative Discovery Museum, and the Chattanooga Choo Choo are just a few of the many attractions visitors can discover that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

First tour Ruby Falls, a 145 foot flowing waterfall located in a cave over 1100 feet down in Lookout Mountain. Next enjoy the Incline Railway, which is the world’s steepest passenger railway and also known as “America’s Most Amazing Mile.” After this, visit Rock City Gardens, a 14-acre natural and scenic attraction with unique rock formation and gardens. Don’t forget to climb Lookout Mountain, where you can see seven states from the famous Lover’s Leap. Overnight Chattanooga.

Day 5 - Chattanooga to The Smoky Mountains (130 miles / 209 kilometers)

Today drive to the scenic Smoky Mountains and find your way to the bustling Pigeon Forge. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is a small town that’s big on fun. With more than 50 attractions lining the Parkway, your family will never run out of things to do. There’s miniature golf, go-carts, bumper boats, laser games and even an indoor skydiving simulator! There’s also great live entertainment at the many theaters and shopping galore, including some great outlet stores. Of course, a trip to Pigeon Forge wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Dollywood entertainment park. Folks of all ages will enjoy more live entertainment than any other park in America on 118 acres of Smoky Mountain fun. Dollywood features spectacular shows and master craftsmen working at traditional handicrafts such as blowing glass, wagon making, blacksmithing, candlemaking and a woodcarving. There are also thrilling rides like Daredevil Falls (the highest, fastest waterfall ride in America), Thunder Road (the world’s largest Turbo-Ride Action Adventure ride), The Mountain Sidewinder and other exciting rides. There are also attractions like the Dolly Parton Museum, the Dollywood Express (an authentic 110-ton coal-fired steam train), and the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Overnight Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge or Sevierville.

Day 6 - Smoky Mountains

Today you can enjoy a drive through the beautiful Smoky Mountains, see the quaint mountain town of Gatlinburg & its many crafts shops, and enjoy fabulous factory outlet shopping in Pigeon Forge. Tonight enjoy one of the many excellent shows available in the area. Overnight Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge or Sevierville.

Day 7 - Smoky Mountains to Nashville (210 miles / 338 kilometers)

After settling in at your hotel quickstep over to the Wildhorse Saloon. Practice yelling “Yee HA!” as you chug two not-so-tame drinks and learn how to do some real country dancin’. Overnight Nashville.

Day 8 - Nashville

Located on the west bank of the Cumberland River just a few steps from the historic Ryman Auditorium and the authentic honky-tonks of Lower Broadway is the fabulous Country Music Hall of Fame. Through the display of stage costumes, musical instruments, artworks, film and photography, the history of country music vividly unfolds in this sparkling, new downtown facility. In a soundproof 75 seat Songwriter’s Theater, songwriters regularly entertain and enlighten museum guests with in-the-round guitar pulls and song swaps, a uniquely Nashville tradition. The Country Music Hall of Fame is a shrine inspired by, and a tribute to the many country music stars that have gone before and the many yet to come. Next you’ll tour the Ryman Auditorium, mother church of country music and 1940’s home of the Grand Ole Opry. Like to shop? Then you must browse Opry Mills for Shoppertainment at its finest. Opry Mills combines outlet, discount and specialty retailers, themed restaurants and fun-filled entertainment venues in an energetic and exciting environment with more than 200 places to shop, eat and play including Bass Pro Shop’s Outdoor World.

Lucky you to be in Nashville on a Friday or Saturday night! Don’t miss the Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest running live radio show. Enjoy superstars, “Hall of Famers,” legends and hot new stars performing live at this spectacular 4,400-seat broadcast studio. Overnight Nashville.

Day 9 - Nashville to Jackson (130 miles / 210 kilometers)

If you’ve got the time, mosey over to country star Loretta Lynn’s Ranch before arriving in Jackson. In Jackson tour the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and visit the Casey Jones Village and the Old Country Store. Nearby in Trenton is the world’s largest collection of Veilleuse-Theieres (night light teapots). Overnight Jackson.

Day 10 - Jackson to Memphis (85 miles / 137 kilometers)

Depart for home.

Terms & Conditions: Transportation to the attractions & hotels is not included. All prices are the total costs for the number of adults occupying the room in existing bedding. Rolloways are not included & may be at an extra charge if available. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover & American Express. Cancellations less than 30 days before arrival will incur penalties of $25.00 per person plus any supplier fees. Changes made after documents have been issued incur a $25.00 document reissue fee. No refunds for unused portions of the package.