Tour: 8070 - 2012 (8070) - 2012 / 2013

Itinerary

Day 1Memphis

Welcome to Memphis! Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2Memphis. Graceland Visit

Today is all about Graceland, the beloved home of Elvis Presley. The arrival of winter at Graceland was always a special time of year. On your guided audio tour of GRACELAND, see traditional lights and decorations including hundreds of blue lights along the driveway, a life-size Nativity scene, Santa and his sleigh and much more originally displayed by Elvis. The interiors of Graceland mansion will also be decked in Elvis' Christmas décor for the holiday season and will include his traditional red velvet drapes and Presley family Christmas artifacts. This evening, be a part of the annual lighting ceremony at Graceland, stand in awe and join in the count-down as millions of lights are turned on, signaling the start of the Christmas season at Graceland. Past lighting ceremonies have included celebrities, special exhibits and shopping opportunities, an Elvis-Santa, and more. (Continental Breakfast)

Day 3Memphis

Today you will feel like a part of Memphis as you experience this amazing city on your guided city sightseeing tour. Your guide knows Memphis history like no one else, like the inside, "backstage" stories from the folks who were there. As well as those hard-to-find, hidden Elvis sites - his Lauderdale Courts apartment, Humes High School, the Overton Park Shell, places where he worked and played, and many others. You'll hear your favorite Elvis songs along with entertaining stories about Elvis, his family, and the city he called home. For music lovers a visit to the STAX MUSEUM of American Soul Music is next. Stax celebrates great Memphis soul music made famous by Otis Redding, Booker T. and the MGs, Aretha Franklin, and others. Afterwards we journey to Tupelo, to visit ELVIS’ BIRTHPLACE & MUSEUM - a small, two room house built by the singer's father, Vernon Presley. You will also visit the Elvis Presley Museum, featuring "Remembrance of Things Past", an exhibit displaying memorabilia from Elvis' childhood. (Continental Breakfast)

Day 4Memphis

Start your day with a visit to SUN STUDIO, probably the most famous recording studio in the world, where Rock 'n' Roll was first recorded. You will be able to hear the outtakes from sessions, touch Elvis' first microphone, see memorabilia and re-live the history of the studio that launched the careers of Johnny Cash, BB King, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and many other music legends. Then it's on to the ROCK N SOUL MUSEUM, which traces Memphis' cultural and musical past. The remainder of your day is at leisure, so why not shop for souvenirs on Beale Street, visit the National Civil Rights Museum, housed in the Lorraine Motel, site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or sample some famous Memphis barbecue? During your free time, why not visit the Peabody Hotel, beautifully decorated for the Christmas season? The hotel's trademark is the 'Peabody Ducks' - five North American mallards who march daily (11am and 5pm) down the red carpet to the fountain in the lobby, a quirky tradition which dates back to 1933. (Continental Breakfast)

Day 5Memphis–Nashville

Today we head to Nashville, 'Music City USA', and the ideal destination for all kinds of visitors: music fans, history buffs and southern lovers. Upon arrival enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, passing by famous recording studios of Music Row, the centre of the recording industry, which first developed in the 1950's. Afterwards we experience the spectacular ICE exhibition. Held in the Gaslight Theatre located at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, ICE is enclosed in a 20,000 square-foot refrigerated theatre. This fabulous winter wonderland is carved out of 1.5 million pounds of ice by Chinese artisans from Harbin, and features interactive displays and three-dimensional, larger than life sculptures in a rainbow of colors, some weighing more than two tons! (Continental Breakfast)

Day 6Nashville

Nashville is the ideal destination for all kinds of visitors: music fans, history buffs, and Southern lovers. Start your day with a visit to STUDIO B, Nashville’s oldest surviving recording studio and one of the country’s most important studios. Between 1957 and 1977, more than 35,000 songs were recorded here, including 262 Elvis Presley recordings. Studio B is a “must-see” for any music fan, but especially for those who love Elvis. You even have the chance to make your own recording and take it home with you. No one told a story quite like Johnny Cash, and that tradition continues as you settle in for a private performance and discussion with Johnny and June’s only son John Carter Cash. John Carter will entertain you with his own original music, as well as a few numbers made famous by his legendary family and even be available for photographs and autographs afterwards. Your day doesn’t end here get behind the scenes of the music industry by visiting the COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME with its glittering costumes, rare instruments, and Elvis Presley's solid gold Cadillac. Tonight, you have reserved seats for an unforgettable show at the world-famous GRAND OLE OPRY, the 'home of American music'.

Day 7Nashville

Today is at leisure to explore more of this vibrant city. You may choose to visit the historic Ryman Auditorium, restored home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943–1974. Perhaps visit the Hermitage, home of Andrew Jackson, seventh president of the United States. You’ll have an opportunity to view the fully restored mansion, walk through the gardens, and see the tomb of the late president.

Day 8Nashville

The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Nashville International Airport are included. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore “Music City USA” further with a variety of exciting optional activities.