Southern Charms and the Great Smokies
9 days Memphis to Atlanta
Memphis, Nashville, Gatlinburg, Atlanta
Begin in Memphis, the "Home of the Blues," for sightseeing and a visits to Elvis Presley's Graceland and the Rock n' Soul Museum. Then onto Nashville, "Music City U.S.A," to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and attend the Grand Old Opry. Journey through the Great Smoky Mountains for a tour of America's most visited national park before touring nearby Gatlinburg.
INSIDE VISITS AND SPECIAL FEATURES Shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable
Tour Itinerary
- DAY 1 - MEMPHIS
- Welcome to Memphis, the "Home of the Blues". This evening mix and mingle with your travelling companions at the 6 p.m. WELCOME RECEPTION. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure. (WR)
- DAY 2 - MEMPHIS
- This morning, enjoy a guided tour of the city, followed by a visit 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)
- DAY 3 - MEMPHIS
- This morning, tour the ROCK 'N' SOUL MUSEUM, which traces Memphis' cultural and musical past, featuring Smithsonian's Social Crossroads exhibition. Continue to SUN STUDIOS, the "cradle of Rock 'n Roll", and see the original recording studio where musicians like Howlin'Wolf, B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and many others first created the hot new sounds that became a musical phenomenon and changed the world forever. This evening, maybe take in a blues club on recently revitalized Beale Street. (B)
- DAY 4 - MEMPHIS - NASHVILLE
- Depart for Nashville. Upon arrival, experience this city close-up and personal with a sighseeing tour of landmarks with a Local Guide, including Centennial Park's full-size replica of Athens' Parthenon and the recording studios of Music Row. Tonight, you have reserved seats for an unforgettable show at the world-famous GRAND OLE OPRY, the mecca for country musicians. (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.
- DAY 5 - 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. 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! Balance of day is at leisure. This evening, you may opt to join an excursion to Nashville Nightlife, combining dinner and the best of Music City's country entertainment. (B)
- DAY 6 - NASHVILLE - SMOKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK - GATLINBURG
- This morning depart for Gatlinburg, nested 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 a city tour. (B,D)
- DAY 7 - GATLINBURG. EXCURSION TO DOLLYWOOD
- Spend the day at the 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)
- DAY 8 - GATLINBURG - ATLANTA
- Travel south to Atlanta for a city tour focusing on the downtown area and the elegant residential neighbourhoods 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 GLOBUS FAREWELL CELEBRATION DINNER hosted by your Tour Director. (B,D)
- DAY 9 - ATLANTA
- The holiday ends this morning, with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided. (B)
Departure Dates & Prices
| Dates |
Twin Per Person |
Single Supplement |
Triple Reduction |
| 03/05/2008 |
£989 |
£319 |
£65 |
| 21/06/2008 |
£958 |
£319 |
£65 |
| 05/07/2008 |
£958 |
£319 |
£65 |
| 06/09/2008 |
£958 |
£319 |
£65 |
| 13/09/2008 |
£958 |
£319 |
£65 |
| 20/09/2008 |
£958 |
£319 |
£65 |
| 04/10/2008 |
£958 |
£319 |
£65 |
| 11/10/2008 |
£958 |
£319 |
£65 |
| 18/10/2008 |
£958 |
£319 |
£65 |
| All prices shown are for tour only and subject to availability. Please call to ask for a full package inclusive of airfares. |
| Pre/Post Tour overnights are also available and rail/cruise upgrades can be quoted where applicable |
Included Highlights
- MEMPHIS: Welcome reception, sightseeing tour, visit Graceland, Rock'N'Soul Museum, and Sun Studios
- 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
- GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: Orientation tour
- DOLLYWOOD: Explore the park and Pigeon Forge
- GATLINBURG: Orientation tour
- ATLANTA: Sightseeing tour, Globus Farewell Celebration Dinner
Included Meals
Welcome reception (WR); American breakfast daily (B); 3 three-course dinners with choice of mains (D), including a Globus Farewell Celebration Dinner
Superior Hotels
MEMPHIS Memphis Hilton (SF), NASHVILLE Opryland Hotel (SF), GATLINBURG Park Vista Resort (F), ATLANTA Sheraton Buckhead (F)