This Southern vacation is a must for music buffs, as it explores some of the locations that played a critical role in the evolution of American music. Your trip includes three great cities in Tennessee: Memphis, dubbed the "birthplace of rock ’n’ roll;" Nashville, famous for country music; and Gatlinburg, a mountain resort destination. You also spend time in two of Kentucky’s famous cities—Louisville and Lexington.

Begin your trip in Memphis, which is also the “Home of the Blues,” for a sightseeing tour and visits to Elvis Presley’s Graceland and the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum. Then on to Nashville, “Music City U.S.A.,” to enjoy a tour of the city and to attend the Grand Ole Opry. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and legendary RCA Studio B, once the recoding home of Elvis Presley. Travel from Nashville to the heart of Kentucky bluegrass country—Louisville, Kentucky. Here, visit Sinking Spring Farm, Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace, and Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. Then journey through the Great Smoky Mountains for a tour of America’s most visited national park before touring nearby Gatlinburg. Also spend a day at world-famous Dollywood, an 88-acre theme park inspired by Dolly Parton, before heading to Atlanta. Your trip ends in Atlanta with a guided city tour focusing on the downtown area. In Atlanta, enjoy a special farewell dinner—a perfect finale for your grand Southern vacation.

With us, you’ll see more than a place. You’ll discover its story.

Day 1 Arrive in Memphis
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.

Day 2 Memphis
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. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3 Memphis–Nashville
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. (Breakfast)

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 4 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! Tonight you have reserved seats for an unforgettable show at the world-famous GRAND OLE OPRY, the mecca for country musicians. (Breakfast)

Day 5 Nashville–Louisville, Kentucky
Head into the heart of Kentucky bluegrass country. 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. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6 Louisville–Lexington
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. (Breakfast)

Day 7 Lexington–Smoky Mountain National Park–Gatlinburg
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. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 8 Gatlinburg. Excursion to Dollywood
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. (Breakfast)

Day 9 Gatlinburg–Atlanta
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. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 10 Atlanta
The vacation ends this morning with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided to Atlanta International Airport. (Breakfast)

INCLUDED FEATURES

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

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

INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

MEALS
American breakfasts daily; 4 three-course dinners, including a special farewell dinner in Atlanta.

SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class
Memphis Marriott Memphis (SF), Nashville Opryland Hotel (SF), Louisville Hyatt Regency (MD), Lexington Hilton Lexington Downtown Hotel (SF), Gatlinburg Park Vista Resort (F), Atlanta Marriott Atlanta Buckhead (F)

Optional Excursions
Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.

Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency.

CITY: Pigeon Forge

Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Pigeon Forge
Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show offers food, fun, and excitement all in one! The stars of Dixie Stampede are 32 magnificent horses along with beautiful southern belles and gallant heroes, competitive events, a friendly North/South rivalry, illusions, comedy, a fabulous four-course feast and a "Stand on your feet" patriotic finale written by Dolly Parton herself entitled "Color Me America."
Approximate value: USD $47 per person

PRICES
From approx $2,059US per person double occupancy