7 minute read

Elvis Presley’s Memphis, New Orleans & Nashville

Journey through America’s musical heartland, from the birthplace of jazz and the cradle of rock ‘n’ roll, to the undisputed capital of country music.

Elvis Presley’s Graceland

Nashville Day One – Fly to the USA Upon arrival, meet your tour manager to transfer to your overnight hotel in the Alabama state capital, Montgomery, the resting place of troubled country superstar Hank Williams. Rest and relax after the journey, and enjoy your first evening. Day Two – Travel to New Orleans Today, you’ll head south across Alabama, into Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast to the great city of New Orleans, the fabled ‘Big Easy’, for a two-night stay. Waste no time in soaking up the atmosphere of one of the most exuberant places on the face of the planet.

Day Three – At leisure or optional New Orleans tour and Manchac Swamp

excursion This morning’s optional guided tour is the perfect introduction to New Orleans and will include the fabled French Quarter of time-warped, iron-balconied buildings centred on Jackson Square, and the neighbouring colourful Tremé district. This afternoon, take the optional Louisiana Swampland excursion for a glimpse of the surrounding countryside and a taste of Creole life. Head back to the French Quarter tonight to grab some dinner and immerse yourself in the incomparable atmosphere of the place that gave the world jazz music a century ago and where the legacies of Louis Armstrong and ‘King’ Oliver live on in innumerable bars and clubs.

Day Four – From New Orleans to Tupelo and

Memphis Bidding farewell to New Orleans, you’ll travel north into Mississippi, the cradle of the Delta blues and home to the likes of Robert Johnson and Sonny Boy Williamson, journeying to Tupelo, home of the tiny house in which Elvis Aaron Presley was born in January 1935 (entrance payable). You’ll then continue to Elvis’ beloved hometown Memphis, the bustling city on the bank of the ‘Big Muddy’, which, as well

Available May, Jun, Sep to Dec 2023, Jan to Jun & Sep to Dec 2024

Fly direct (flight upgrades available). Prices from

• Heathrow £2,135 • Manchester £2,139* (UK connecting flights available – call us for details)

Personalise your holiday

• New Orleans City Tour (half day) – from £22 • Bayou & Alligators Tour (half day) – from £25 • Memphis: Graceland & Sounds of the South (full day) – from £102 • Studio B & the Country Music Hall of Fame (half day) – from £49 Room for Sole Use from £609

Please note: *Some departures from Manchester into the USA are via Houston instead of Atlanta and will follow a slightly different itinerary which can be seen on our website. All of the main tour highlights remain included. The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately three hours.

i Riv e r p p i s s i s s i M

LA Memphis

Tupelo

MS Nashville

TN Chattanooga

Atlanta

AL

Montgomery GA

New Orleans

Gulf o f Mexico

Best Selling

ESCORTED TOUR These hugely popular tours, enjoyed by countless happy customers over the years, have truly stood the test of time.

• Stay in Montgomery, the resting place of country legend Hank Williams • Journey through the sleepy countryside of Alabama • Two nights in New Orleans, the irrepressible, colourfully exuberant and laid-back Big Easy and birthplace of jazz • Take in the atmosphere of the

French Quarter • Visit Tupelo, Mississippi – birthplace of Elvis • Spend two nights in Memphis at the Guest

House at Graceland, right next to Elvis’ famous mansion • Discover Nashville, capital of Country Music • Seven nights’ carefully chosen three- and four-star room-only accommodation, plus one night on the aircraft • Return flights to Atlanta, with coach travel and transfers throughout • Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

fun fact...

Did you know that Graceland is covered in a scattering of Christmas lights from mid-November? This includes a life-sized stable scene on the lawn, plus some of Elvis’ original holiday decorations inside the mansion.

Beale Street, Memphis French Quarter, New Orleans Elvis Presley, © EPE, inc.

as being forever linked with ‘The King’, boasts a musical heritage to match any city in the world. This evening, soak up the atmosphere of colourful Beale Street with its endless choice of restaurants and bars, many of which offer live music. Your ideally located hotel is just a stone’s throw away from the gates of Graceland and features a restaurant, sports bar and theatre, which you can make the most of during your stay.

Day Five – At leisure, or optional Sun Studio and

Graceland excursion Don’t miss the optional fullday Memphis Sounds excursion, which will include the legendary Sun Studio, where in 1951 rock ‘n’ roll was born with the recording of Rocket 88, and history changed forever three years later with Elvis’ rendition and ‘live’ recording of Arthur Crudup’s That’s Alright, Mama. You’ll then make your way to Elvis Presley Boulevard to pay a visit to Graceland, the King’s home, last recording studio and final resting place. This mansion on an expansive estate is the most-visited privately owned home in America. After a fascinating day, enjoy another evening in Memphis, perhaps sampling a plate of pork ribs – the city is known as the ‘Barbecue Capital of America’.

Day Six – From Memphis, Tennessee to

Nashville Enjoy today’s change of musical genres, as you journey east to Nashville – the capital of country music, for a two-night stay. Home to the legendary Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry and to scores of hugely accomplished guitar-pickers and songwriters, Nashville is every inch one of America’s foremost music cities.

travel tip...

When you visit Graceland, don’t forget to bring a marker pen to sign the famous wall.

Tonight, perhaps catch some local live music after dinner.

Day Seven – At leisure, or optional Country Music Hall of Fame and Studio B excursion

An optional excursion will introduce you to the legendary Studio B – home to countless country hits and a galaxy of Elvis’ RCA recordings, and to the Country Music Hall of Fame. This music recording studio is now a historic landmark. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the musical delights of Nashville before returning to your hotel for your final night.

Day Eight – From Nashville to Chattanooga

and Atlanta for return flight Journey south on a scenic drive to Chattanooga of ‘Choo-Choo’ fame, a quintessential southern trading town. You’ll then head to Atlanta airport for your return overnight flight back to the UK. Day Nine – Arrive back in the UK Arrive home this morning, after an amazing and enlightening journey through America’s musical heritage.

your hotels

Drury Inn & Suites, Montgomery night 1

This modern hotel has spacious, well-appointed rooms with a coffee-maker, microwave and fridge. Other facilities include an indoor/outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Wyndham New Orleans, New Orleans nights 2-3

Set in a beautifully converted warehouse, within a 15-minute walk from the French Quarter and a large shopping mall, this hotel offers a breakfast room and a small outdoor pool.

Please note: On selected dates, you’ll stay at the Hampton Inn. Clarion Hotel Stadium, Nashville nights 6-7

This hotel boasts a bar, restaurant and indoor pool. Rooms have a fridge and microwave. The Guest HouseTM at Graceland, Memphis nights 4-5

When Elvis Aaron Presley first set eyes on Graceland, he didn’t just see a house, he saw the beginnings of a dream. That dream has become a destination – The Guest HouseTM at Graceland welcomes you. We’re very happy to be working with this hotel which is a few steps from the gates of Graceland. From the southern colonial exterior to the guest rooms, every aspect of The Guest HouseTM reflects Elvis’ personal style and the unique character of Graceland. This full-service hotel has a restaurant, sports bar, theatre, gift shop and a grocery store plus a seasonal outdoor pool and bar. The comfortable, rooms are all well equipped with a TV, fridge and tea/coffee-making facilities. The hotel also offers a shuttle service to Beale Street.

The Guest House The Guest House

This article is from: