Music Cities: Nashville & Memphis

Music Cities: Nashville & Memphis

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7 Days From

$2869

$2491

Music Cities: Nashville & Memphis

7 Days Starting in Nashville, Tennessee and ending in Memphis, Tennessee

Visiting: Nashville, Tennessee, Nashville, Memphis

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

NF-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Special Events

From: $2869 $2491 Barrhead discount: -$377 -13%

NB: Prices correct on 25-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

There’s a whole lotta shakin’ going on when you embark on this boot scootin’ tour of two of the country’s most melodious cities. Follow the tunes through Tennessee to the music-producing meccas of Nashville and Memphis for the sights and sounds that defined country, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll. High notes in Nashville include a guided tour of the historic Ryman Auditorium, reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry, and a visit to the country Music Hall of Fame. In the home of the blues and birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, you’ll tap your toes around the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate, and Sun Studios, the famous recording studio that launched the careers of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and countless other crooners. Sublime harmonies and southern hospitality await in both cities as you bebop down Broadway and Beale Streets on this marvelous musical heritage tour.

Highlights

  • Arrive in Nashville, Tennessee - Welcome to Music City, USA!

  • Visit RCA Studio B, Nashville's oldest recording studio, where legends like Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton recorded their hits

  • Attend a show at the Grand Ole Opry with reserved seats for an unforgettable experience

  • Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville to see its collection of costumes, memorabilia, instruments, and photographs

  • Enjoy a private guided tour of the Ryman Auditorium, a National Historic Landmark known as the "Mother Church of Country Music"

  • Visit the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis to explore the history of the Civil Rights Movement

  • Tour Elvis Presley's Graceland in Memphis, including his original business office, collection of gold records and awards, and the Meditation Garden

  • Experience Memphis' musical heritage with a city tour, including visits to Sun Studios and the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum

Places You'll See

Gaylord Opryland Resort

The Guest House At Graceland

Gaylord Opryland Resort

The Guest House At Graceland

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Nashville,Tennessee

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Gaylord Opryland Resort

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
ARRIVE IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE Welcome to Music City, USA! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.

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Day 2: Nashville

Location: Nashville

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Gaylord Opryland Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast


NASHVILLE Studios, Stages & Stars Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Nashville, including Centennial Park with its full-size replica of Athens’ Parthenon, the recording studios of Music Row, and famous Honky Tonk Row. Then, visit [LF] RCA Studio B, known as one of the cradles of the Nashville sound and the region’s oldest recording studio. Learn the stories of music titans who recorded here, such as Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and the Everly Brothers. Free time this afternoon. Tonight, visit the Grand Ole Opry where you have reserved seats for an unforgettable show. (B)

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURAL GEM The legendary RCA Studio B is a hallowed hall of recording history where legends like Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, and the Everly Brothers laid down classic tracks in Nashville’s oldest recording studio. Between 1957 and 1977, more than 35,000 songs were recorded here, making their mark on the musical landscape of America. Make your own recording for a priceless memory of your time in Nashville.


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Day 3: Nashville

Location: Nashville

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Gaylord Opryland Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast


NASHVILLE Landmarks & Legends Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame to see its collection of costumes, memorabilia, instruments, and photographs. Next, enjoy a private guided tour of one of America’s most treasured music landmarks, the [LF] Ryman Auditorium, a National Historic Landmark. The remainder of the day is free to explore Nashville at leisure. You may want to visit the historic Printer’s Alley, shopping for souvenirs on Broadway, or listening to up-and-coming musicians at one of the many music venues in town. (B)

LOCAL FAVORITE
HISTORIC SPOT Ryman Auditorium, known throughout the world as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” it served as home to the Grand Ole Opry for over 30 years. Its walls hold the country’s history—from Harry Houdini, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Bob Hope to incredible musical artists like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley.


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Day 4: Nashville,Memphis

Location: Memphis

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Guest House at Graceland

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


NASHVILLE–MEMPHIS Leaders & Legacies Depart Nashville for Memphis, known as “Blues City,” where the first stop will be the National Civil Rights Museum, exploring the history of the Civil Rights Movement and its impact on our culture today. Continue to the Guest House at Graceland for a 3-night stay. Located just steps away from the historic home of Elvis Presley, The Guest House blends Colonial design with warm Southern hospitality, reflecting Elvis’ style. Your stay here is the perfect way to experience the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and the home of the blues. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES Visit the National Civil Rights Museum for an inspiring and enlightening experience in America’s civil rights movement. See fascinating and moving exhibits that trace the movement and milestones from the 17th century to the present. The museum is built around the former Lorraine Motel, the site of Martin Luther King’s assassination in 1968.


MEMPHIS.jpg

Day 5: Memphis

Location: Memphis

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Guest House at Graceland

Meals Included: Breakfast


MEMPHIS Singing the Blues See the landmarks of Memphis on a city tour with a Local Guide while they sing festive songs from Memphis’ rich musical heritage. Explore Sun Studios—considered the most famous recording studio in the world and where rock ‘n’ roll was first recorded. Round out the afternoon with a visit the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, which tells the critical story of the musical pioneers who overcame racial and socioeconomic obstacles to create music that changed the world. The evening is free, why not explore Beale Street with its many music clubs? (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
MUSICAL LEGENDS Ever since the Father of the Blues, W.C. Handy, coined the phrase, ‘Memphis Blues,’ this Tennessee mecca for American musicians has produced soulful sounds of syncopated rhythms with a blend of early jazz, vaudeville, ragtime, and folk styles with deep roots in the Deep South of the early 1900s. Memphis is also a mecca for rock-and-roll and country music icons throughout history, including artists who’ve recorded at the legendary Sun Studio – by the names of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Roy Orbison – to name a few. Go deeper into music history with a visit to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music to discover the legacies of iconic artists from Otis Redding to Aretha Franklin.


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Day 6: Memphis

Location: Memphis

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Guest House at Graceland

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


MEMPHIS Goin’ to Graceland Today is devoted to Elvis Presley’s Graceland. Tour the mansion to see his original business office, and his enormous collection of gold records and awards. Also see the “Graceland of the Skies,” a remodeled jet named after Elvis’ daughter. Tonight, celebrate your time in Nashville and Memphis with a festive farewell dinner at one of Memphis’ most famous barbecue restaurants, [LF] Rendezvous. (B,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Bite into a delicious piece of Memphis history with dinner at the Rendezvous where those who know—from locals to tourists to dignitaries and celebrities—all make their way through the alley across from the Peabody Hotel where the Vergos family has been serving up their world-famous charcoal ribs, brisket, chicken, and red beans and rice for more than 70 years. A quintessential Memphis experience!

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES Tour the mansion at Graceland with access to Elvis’ original business office, his enormous collection of gold records and awards, and the Meditation Garden, where Elvis and members of his family have been laid to rest. See Elvis’ collection of ornate jumpsuits and capes, the automobile museum, and his collection of airplanes.


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Day 7: Memphis

Location: Memphis

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more in Memphis? Additional nights are available for purchase.
MEMPHIS Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more in Memphis? Additional nights are available for purchase. (B)

MEMPHIS-THE-LORRAINE-MOTEL.jpg

What's Included

  • Welcome Drink in Nashville

    Meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink upon arrival in Nashville.

  • Reserved Seats at the Grand Ole Opry

    Experience an unforgettable show with reserved seating at the Grand Ole Opry.

  • Private Guided Tours

    Enjoy private guided tours of the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and Elvis Presley's Graceland in Memphis.

  • Visits to Iconic Studios and Museums

    Explore RCA Studio B, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the National Civil Rights Museum, Sun Studios, and the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.

  • Accommodations

    Stay in premium accommodations at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville and The Guest House at Graceland in Memphis.

  • Meals

    Enjoy breakfast daily and two dinners, including a farewell dinner at one of Memphis' most famous barbecue restaurants.

What's Not Included

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers to ensure protection against unforeseen events.

  • Airfare

    International and domestic airfare to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.

  • Some Meals

    Not all meals are covered.

    Some lunches and dinners are not included, offering you the flexibility to explore local dining options.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions and personal spending are not included, allowing you to customize your free time during the tour.

Meals

Breakfast daily, 2 dinners

Small Group

Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select North America dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

Accommodation

Nashville:Gaylord Opryland Resort
Memphis:The Guest House at Graceland

Mode of Transport

Transportation includes travel from Nashville to Memphis with a city tour in Memphis, including visits to Sun Studios and the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.

Notes

For maximum enjoyment, guests should be able to walk 1/2 mile with ease and over uneven pathways and cobblestones.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes breakfast daily and two dinners.

  • Are there any special dining experiences included?

    Yes, the tour includes a farewell dinner at one of Memphis' most famous barbecue restaurants.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Are airfares included in the tour price?

    No, international and domestic airfare to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.

  • Will there be any free time to explore on my own?

    Yes, the tour itinerary includes free time for you to explore local dining options and attractions on your own.

  • What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in premium accommodations at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville and The Guest House at Graceland in Memphis.

  • Is the tour suitable for travelers with dietary restrictions?

    Please inform us of any dietary restrictions in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.

  • Are there any optional excursions, and are they included in the price?

    Optional excursions and personal spending are not included, allowing you to customize your free time during the tour.

  • What kind of transportation will be used during the tour?

    The tour includes transportation between tour locations as detailed in the itinerary.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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