Sights & Sounds of the South

Tour Information

9nt Tour Begins Memphis, Ends Atlanta: 2nts Memphis; 2nts Nashville; 1nt Louisville; 1nt Lexington; 2nts Gatlinburg; 1nt Atlanta

Optional Atlanta Extension available - please call for details

Day 1

Fly from the UK – Memphis
Arrive in Memphis. (Sat.)
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.
Overnight Marriott Memphis

Day 2

Memphis. (Sun.)
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of the city 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 jet. The remainder of your day is free to explore on your own; perhaps visit the National Civil Rights Museum. Located at the Lorraine Motel, site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it traces the civil rights movement. (B,D)
Overnight Marriott Memphis

Day 3

Memphis – Nashville. (Mon.)
Depart for Nashville. Upon arrival, experience this city up close and personal with a sightseeing tour of landmarks with a Local Guide, 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. (B)
Special Feature: Your hotel is the world-famous Opryland, 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.
Overnight Opryland Hotel

Day 4

Nashville. (Tue.)
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. Also, visit historic RCA STUDIO B—once a recording home of Elvis Presley. You’ll even have the chance to make your own 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. (B)
Overnight Opryland Hotel

Day 5

Nashville – Louisville, Kentucky. (Wed.)
Head into the heart of Kentucky bluegrass country. First, stop at the GM CORVETTE/CADILLAC ASSEMBLY PLANT, where you can see the step-by-step production of America’s favorite sports car. Next, at SINKING SPRING FARM, Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace, see a replica of the original log cabin preserved as a shrine to the best-loved of American presidents. In Bardstown, visit MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME STATE PARK, where Stephen Foster composed Kentucky’s anthem. Continue to the world’s largest bourbon distiller, the JIM BEAM DISTILLERY, showcasing some of the world’s finest bourbon, its production process, and the beautiful T. Jeremiah Beam home. (B,D)
Overnight Hyatt Regency

Day 6

Louisville – Lexington. (Thu.)
Start your day at CHURCHILL DOWNS, home of the “greatest two 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. This afternoon, travel the Bluegrass Parkway to Lexington for a visit of the fascinating KENTUCKY HORSE PARK, where legends like Man o’ War and Secretariat conquered the racing world. Stops include the International Museum of the Horse; the Hall of Champions, where famous horses from the past enjoy their retirement; the Parade of Breeds; and many exhibits and demonstrations. Pay your respects to Seabiscuit’s great rival, War Admiral. He’s buried at the foot of his father’s famous statue, alongside the great Man o’ War himself. (B)
Overnight Lexington Downtown Hotel

Day 7

Lexington – Smoky Mountain National Park – Gatlinburg. (Fri.)
This morning, depart for Gatlinburg, nestled at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains. Journey along the spectacular Newfound Gap Road through GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, America’s most visited national park. As you travel to Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the park, witness the mist or blue haze that surrounds the mountains for which the park is named. Upon arrival in Gatlinburg, enjoy an orientation tour. (B,D)
Overnight Park Vista Resort

Day 8

Gatlinburg. Excursion to Dollywood. (Sat.)
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 pottery and regional crafts. This evening, join an optional excursion to the Dixie Stampede, showcasing a hearty country dinner and an action-packed show. (B)
Overnight Park Vista Resort

Day 9

Gatlinburg–Atlanta. (Sun.)
Travel south to Atlanta for a city tour with a Local Guide focusing on the downtown area and the elegant residential neighborhoods that reflect a pride in tradition. Highlights of the tour include Peachtree Plaza, Olympic Village, the CNN Headquarters, and the Governor’s Mansion. This evening, gather for tonight’s special farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director. (B,D)
Overnight Marriott Atlanta Buckhead

Day 10

Atlanta. (Mon.)
The holiday ends this morning. Transfer back to the airport for your return flight. (B)

Day 11

Arrival back to the UK

What's Included

• Return transatlantic scheduled flights
• Professional Tour Director throughout the tour
• Airport tansfers
• Superior hotel accommodation in hotels listed or of a similar standard
• Meals as detailed in itinerary

Activities & Sights included in the price

• Memphis: Sightseeing tour; visit Graceland, and Rock n Soul Museum
• Nashville: Sightseeing tour; visit Country Music Hall of Fame; reserved seats at Grand Ole Opry show; visit RCA Studio B and record your own hit
• Bowling Green: Tour the Corvette Assembly Plant
• Hodgenville: Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace
• Bardstown: Visit My Old Kentucky Home State Park and the Jim Beam Distillery
• Louisville: Tour Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum
• Lexington: Visit Kentucky Horse Park
• Great Smoky Mountain National Park: Orientation tour
• Gatlinburg: Orientation tour Dollywood: Explore the park and Pigeon Forge
• Atlanta: Sightseeing tour; farewell dinner