Itinerary

Day 1:
CHICAGO. Welcome to the “Windy City.” Enjoy some time at leisure to relax or do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2:
CHICAGO. Included sightseing. Start the day with an included sightseeing tour and see all the landmarks of this exciting city. The afternoon and evening are at leisure. Why not ride the elevator to the top of Sears Tower, stroll in Grant Park along the waterfront, or take an optional cruise on Lake Michigan? Perhaps this evening you would enjoy dinner on the Navy Pier with its collection of shops and restaurants?

Day 3:
CHICAGO–ST. LOUIS. Travel across the fertile Illinois farmlands today en route to St. Louis, the “Gateway to the West.” Cross the mighty Mississippi River as you enter St. Louis. Your city sightseeing includes a trip to the top of the towering GATEWAY ARCH, which commemorates the city’s key role in westward expansion. Be sure to visit the museum under the arch, celebrating the famous expedition of Lewis and Clark 200 hundred years ago.

Day 4:
ST. LOUIS–NASHVILLE. Start today’s journey by re-crossing the Mississippi River and rolling southeast to Paducah on the Ohio River by lunch time. Late afternoon arrival in Nashville in the heart of Tennessee.

Day 5:
NASHVILLE. Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Nashville’s famous landmarks and the recording studios of Music Row. Afterward, visit 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, a mecca for country musicians.

Day 6:
NASHVILLE–MEMPHIS. Cross Tennessee today to Memphis, the “Home of the Blues” and a city with a distinct southern flavor. Acquaint yourself with an orientation tour on arrival. Join the optional excursion that includes a visit to famous Sun Studio, where rock ‘n’ roll was first recorded, followed by dinner at a local Memphis restaurant.

Day 7:
MEMPHIS. GRACELAND VISIT. A good portion of the day is devoted to GRACELAND, Elvis Presley’s beautiful estate. Your platinum audio tour focuses on the splendid garden, private plane, and the opulent 15,000-squarefoot mansion. Return to Memphis mid-afternoon. Tonight, you may want to visit a blues club on famous Beale Street.

Day 8:
MEMPHIS–AMTRAK CITY OF NEW ORLEANS TRAIN–LAFAYETTE. The City of New Orleans, the famous train of story and song, provides the locomotion for today’s journey through the state of Mississippi and into the Mississippi River delta. Pass cotton fields and catfish ponds as the train enters Louisiana. In Hammond, leave the train and board a motorcoach for the short drive into the heart of Cajun country to Lafayette, first settled by French-Acadian farmers expelled from Nova Scotia by the British in the 1700s.

Day 9:
LAFAYETTE–NEW ORLEANS. On to St. Martinville to see the famous oak tree of Longfellow’s poem “Evangeline.” Next, board your boat for a CRUISE through the winding, swampy waterways of the Atchafalaya Basin. If you are lucky, you might spot alligators basking on the banks. Then across bayou country into New Orleans.

Day 10:
NEW ORLEANS. The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to the New Orleans airport are included.

Dates & Prices

In Chicago, St. Louis Gateway Arch, and Nashville; orientation tour in Memphis.

Itinerary

Day 1:
Wed. NEW ORLEANS. Enjoy some time at leisure to relax or do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2:
Thu. NEW ORLEANS. The morning is dedicated to the sights and sounds of this Old World city. First, visit the French Quarter including St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. Next, learn about the city’s unique burial customs at an above-ground cemetery, followed by a leisurely drive down historic St. Charles Avenue to enjoy its stately mansions and clanging streetcars. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 3:
Fri. NEW ORLEANS. A full day at leisure. Roam through the centuries-old French Quarter or take a carriage ride while listening to tales of voodoo queens and pirates. History enthusiasts can roam through sprawling Victorian mansions and celebrated museums, catching a glimpse of life the way it used to be in the Old South. Tonight, you might like to experience the city’s beauty and romance on a 2-hour cruise from the heart of the French Quarter on New Orleans’ only steamboat.

Day 4:
Sat. NEW ORLEANS–BATON ROUGE–NATCHEZ. Drive through the heart of Cajun Country to Baton Rouge for an orientation tour, featuring the Governor’s Mansion and the state capitol. Then it’s on to elegant Natchez, a thriving port in the golden years of the cotton trade. Visit a gracious PRE-CIVIL WAR HOME, featuring fine collections of period furniture and paintings. In the evening, relax and perhaps sip a refreshing mint julep as the sun goes down.

Day 5:
Sun. NATCHEZ–MEMPHIS. Drive to Jackson, then north through rural Mississippi to Memphis. For your first night in the “Home of the Blues,” why not visit one of the famous music clubs on Beale Street, immortalized in WC Handy’s famous songs?

Day 6:
Mon. MEMPHIS–GRACELAND–NASHVILLE. A trip to Memphis would not be complete without visiting the palatial HOME OF “THE KING,” Elvis Presley. Our guided Platinum audio tour focuses on the splendid garden and the opulent 15,000-square-foot mansion. Afterward, head through the fertile farmlands of Tennessee to the “Capital of Country Music,” Nashville.

Day 7:
Tue. NASHVILLE. Its association with country music has made the name Nashville world famous, but it’s not just music fans who will find this charming southern city a delight. Start the day with a sightseeing tour of the famous landmarks, including the Parthenon, the state capitol, Bicentennial State Park, and the recording studios of Music Row. Then visit the COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME with its glittering costumes, rare instruments, and Elvis Presley’s “Solid Gold” Cadillac. This evening, you have reserved seats for an unforgettable show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, a Mecca for country musicians since 1925.

Day 8:
Wed. NASHVILLE–CHATTANOOGA–ATLANTA. First stop today is Chattanooga, home of the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Then, enter the “Peach State” of Georgia and continue through the Chattahoochee National Forest to the fast-growing metropolis of Atlanta, former home and burial place of civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. After an included sightseeing TOUR of the city, the rest of the day is yours to explore or relax. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for a taste of Southern dining this evening.

Day 9:
Thu. ATLANTA–SAVANNAH. We head south through rich rolling farmland to the historic seaport of Savannah for a 2-night stay. On this afternoon’s TROLEY TOUR see the sights, hear the history, and visit the charming city squares of Georgia’s First City. Highlights include City Market; Forsyth Park; the Mercer House; Madison Square, where General Sherman concluded his “March to the Sea”; Colonial Park Cemetery; and the world-famous River Street. This evening is free to explore this charming city on your own.

Day 10:
Fri. SAVANNAH. A day at leisure to explore. Shop on cobblestoned River Street or stroll among the many squares surrounded by elegant homes and majestic gardens. Don’t miss Forsythe Park with its lovely fountain and flowers or the impressive Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, where you can learn about Savannah’s important role in maritime history and view models of famous ships.

Day 11:
Sat. SAVANNAH–ST. AUGUSTINE–ORLANDO. Travel into the famous “Sunshine State” of Florida, stopping first at St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. You will see the Oldest House and the Spanish fortress, Castillo de San Marcos, on your orientation tour. Then drive to the magical city of Orlando.

Day 12:
Sun. ORLANDO. A full day to relax and explore the many sights in the Orlando area. Your Local Host will suggest a varied and exciting selection of optional outings, such as Disney’s huge entertainment parks, including the Magic Kingdom®, Animal Kingdom®, Epcot®, and MGM Studios®. Also on the list are SeaWorld® (America’s biggest marine life park), and exciting Universal Studios®.

Day 13:
Mon. ORLANDO. The trip ends this morning with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided to Orlando International Airport.

Dates & Prices

In New Orleans, Natchez, Nashville, Atlanta, Savannah; orientation drives in Baton Rouge and St. Augustine.

Itinerary

Day 1:
Wed. ORLANDO. Enjoy some time at leisure to relax or do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2:
Thu. ORLANDO–ST. AUGUSTINE–COCOA BEACH. This morning, head to picturesque St. Augustine, the oldest European city in the United States, founded by Juan Ponce de Leon in his search for the legendary Fountain of Youth. You’ll visit the OLDEST HOUSE in the U.S. and the 17th-century CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS NATIONAL MONUMENT—the oldest masonry fort in the United States. End the day with a walk on sandy Cocoa Beach.

Day 3:
Fri. COCOA BEACH–CAPE CANAVERAL–HOLLYWOOD BEACH. Cape Canaveral and the KENNEDY SPACE CENTER are the hub of America’s space operations. Enjoy a NASA tour, which provides insight into the achievements of America’s space program. After your tour, head south to Hollywood Beach, where you will stay for the next two nights.

Day 4:
Sat. HOLLYWOOD BEACH. MIAMI BEACH EXCURSION. This morning, join our included excursion to Miami Beach with its colorful art deco buildings, and stop at Miami’s lively Bayside Market. Afterward, return to Hollywood Beach. Since the rest of the day is at leisure, enjoy the Florida sun while relaxing by your hotel pool.

Day 5:
Sun. HOLLYWOOD BEACH–KEY LARGO–KEY WEST. This morning, it’s south to the Overseas Highway, crossing 42 bridges through the Florida Keys to picturesque Key West, the southernmost town in the continental U.S. Our suggestion for this evening: visit Mallory Square to view the spectacular sunset and then stroll along Duval Street with its colorful cafés.

Day 6:
Mon. KEY WEST. On this morning’s optional sightseeing tour, sit back and relax on the open-air trolley and view some of Key West’s most famous sights, including Ernest Hemingway’s home; Fort Zachary; Southernmost Point, situated less that 90 miles north of Cuba; and the Audubon House and Gardens. Spend the afternoon beachcombing or visit the many boutiques and museums. Be sure to sample the delicious Caribbean cuisine for which this semitropical paradise is so famous.

Day 7:
Tue. KEY WEST–EVERGLADES–NAPLES. Head back to the mainland to the subtropical wilderness of the EVERGLADES. Board your airboat for a thrilling sightseeing ride through the extensive swamplands. Sleepy alligators basking on the banks of the waterways are a common sight. Overnight in Naples.

Day 8:
Wed. NAPLES–ST. PETE BEACH. Before leaving Naples, visit famous inventor THOMAS EDISON’S WINTER HOME AND LABORATORY. Then, step through the always-open “Friendship Gate” to visit HENRY FORD’S WINTER HOME. Don’t miss the enormous banyan tree in the garden. Tonight, your Tour Director suggests an optional dinner cruise.

Day 9:
Thu. ST. PETE BEACH. A full day to relax at your seaside hotel in a resort city that offers a fine selection of warm-weather activities. Your Tour Director will have suggestions on the best places to shop and dine.

Day 10:
Fri. ST. PETE BEACH–ORLANDO. This morning, head to the Orlando International Airport for guests with homebound flights. Please schedule flights after 12 p.m. The motorcoach continues to the Courtyard Lake Buena Vista for those extending their stay in Orlando.

Dates & Prices

Florida’s Atlantic coast, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Kennedy Space Center, Gold Coast, Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach, Florida Keys, Key West, Everglades National Park, Gulf Coast shoreline, St. Pete Beach, Thomas Edison’s Winter Home, Henry Ford’s Winter Home

Itinerary

Day 1:
Tue. WASHINGTON DC. Enjoy some time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2:
Wed. WASHINGTON DC–WILLIAMSBURG. Cross the Potomac River to see the graves of American heroes, including those of John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert, in beautiful Arlington Cemetery. Next, your guided sightseeing TOUR of the capital continues with photo stops at Capitol Hill and the White House, and visits to the Lincoln and Vietnam Memorials. This afternoon, leave the District of Columbia for Williamsburg, between the James and York Rivers, where the very earliest European settlers established their first colonies.

Day 3:
Thu. WILLIAMSBURG. A full day at leisure is dedicated to COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG, where American heritage is proudly preserved in the reconstructed buildings and historical displays.Take a stroll down quaint streets and browse through homes, gardens, taverns, shops, and exhibits. In the Hall of Burgesses, listen as costumed interpreters debate the controversial steps that led to the Declaration of Independence.

Day 4:
Fri. WILLIAMSBURG–RICHMOND–LEXINGTON. Begin the day with an orientation tour of Richmond, capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. This afternoon’s highlight is the graceful home of the third president, Thomas Jefferson. The MONTICELLO estate reflects Jefferson’s skills as an artist, architect, and designer, and is the only house in the U.S. that is on the United Nations’ World Heritage List of international treasures.

Day 5:
Sat. LEXINGTON–ASHEVILLE. This morning, visit NATURAL BRIDGE, a 215-foot-high arch in a wooded setting, once owned by Thomas Jefferson. George Washington’s initials are still visible on the cliffside from his work here as a young surveyor. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs from the Great Smokies to Shenandoah National Park without a single traffic light along its 470-mile route. Take a portion of the Parkway today from Roanoke to Fancy Gap. Stop at the tranquil setting of Mabry Mill, one of the mostphotographed spots in the country. Overnight in the Asheville area.

Day 6:
Sun. ASHEVILLE–GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK–GATLINBURG. The day begins with a stop at Chimney Rock. Take an elevator carved through solid rock up to the granite monolith for views over Hickory Nut Gorge. Next, visit the 7,500-acre grounds of the BILTMORE ESTATE, the largest home in America and built by George Vanderbilt, grandson of the famous railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt. Drive right through the center of the Smokies along the spectacular Newfound Gap Road, peaking at 5,046 feet. The next two nights are in Gatlinburg, nestled at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Day 7:
Mon. GATLINBURG. Full day at leisure. Gatlinburg, one of America’s most popular mountain retreats, offers something for everyone. You might want to spend a 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. Tonight’s optional outing features the Dixie Stampede, an action-packed evening of trick riders, renegade Indians, and ragtime entertainment. Dinner includes mountain specialties like juicy barbecue pork and chicken, corn-on-the cob, and a Southern-style apple turnover.

Day 8:
Tue. GATLINBURG–BARDSTOWN. This morning, visit the fascinating MUSEUM OF APPALACHIA, with 65 acres of farmland and a number of historic cabins, barns, and other buildings—even a frontier privy! Make a short visit to Colonel Sander’s original fried chicken restaurant, which is now a museum. This afternoon’s journey takes you along Kentucky’s scenic back roads to Bardstown, Kentucky’s second-oldest city, for an overnight stay. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for the evening.

Day 9:
Wed. BARDSTOWN–LORETTO–LEXINGTON. Begin the day with a stop at SINKING SPRING FARM, where Abraham Lincoln was born. A replica of the original log cabin is preserved as a shrine to the best-loved of American presidents. Stop in the tiny town of Loretto for a visit to one of the many bourbon whiskey distilleries for which Kentucky is famous. Travel the Bluegrass Parkway to Lexington, the “Heart of the Bluegrass.” As you approach, the scenery changes to green pastures, whiteboard fences, and columned estates of Kentucky bluegrass country—the backdrop for the movie Seabiscuit.

Day 10:
Thu. LEXINGTON–BECKLEY. This morning, take a fascinating visit to the 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. After a stop in the state capital of Charleston, one-time home of Daniel Boone, you’ll arrive in Beckley, the heart of West Virginia’s “smokeless” coal industry.

Day 11:
Fri. BECKLEY–SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK. Near Fayetteville this morning, stop at New River Gorge Bridge, the world’s longest steel-span bridge, rising 876 feet above the river. After a lunch break in Lewisburg, a major Civil War battlefield, travel up to the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains to enjoy magnificent vistas of the Shenandoah Valley.

Day 12:
Sat. SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK–LURAY CAVERNS–HARPERS FERRY–GETTYSBURG. Stop at Luray for a guided tour of the spectacular CAVERNS, then head for HARPERS FERRY where in 1859 John Brown made his ill-fated raid on the U.S. Arsenal. Cross the Mason-Dixon Line into Pennsylvania later today for your overnight stay in Gettysburg with time to visit the military museum and many other sights in and around Gettysburg Military Park. (The Mason-Dixon Line is most commonly associated with the division between Pennsylvania and Maryland during the American Civil War era. However, the line was actually delineated in the mid-1700s to settle a property dispute.)

Day 13:
Sun. GETTYSBURG–MOUNT VERNON–WASHINGTON DC. This morning, visit the hallowed GETTYSBURG BATTLEFIELD, site of the decisive campaign of the Civil War and where Abraham Lincoln delivered his immortal Gettysburg Address. Next, visit MOUNT VERNON, the home of George and Martha Washington, overlooking the Potomac River. The final leg of your journey takes you back to Washington DC. Join us this evening for our optional Farewell Dinner.

Day 14:
Mon. WASHINGTON DC. The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Dulles International Airport are included.

Dates & Prices

In Washington DC; orientation tour in Richmond.

Itinerary

Day 1:
Wed. ATLANTA. Welcome to Atlanta! Enjoy some time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2:
Thu. ATLANTA. A morning TOUR focuses on the downtown area and the elegant residential neighborhoods that take pride in tradition. Highlights include the Georgia State Capitol, Peachtree Plaza, Olympic Village and Stadium, and the CNN headquarters. We’ll also visit the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.’s Historic Site, which contains his birth home and burial site. 2008 marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the main leaders of America’s civil rights movement. Later, we’ll visit the MARGARET MITCHELL HOUSE & MUSEUM, the birthplace of Gone With the Wind. The remainder of the day is free to explore more of Atlanta. Discover why celebrities such as Elton John, Whitney Houston, and Jane Fonda have made this vibrant city their home.

Day 3:
Fri. ATLANTA–AUGUSTA. Today, head east with a stop in Hammond, Georgia, to visit the LAUREL AND HARDY MUSEUM which pays tribute to the great comedy team of British-born Stan Laurel and his American partner Oliver Hardy. Continue to Augusta and discover the historic charm and classic South with tree-lined streets and majestic antebellum mansions. On the HISTORIC TOUR, you’ll travel along the downtown streets, learn about Augusta’s elite, and see the grand homes they once inhabited. You’ll also visit Summerville, one of Augusta’s seven historic districts, which began as a summer resort for wealthy Augustans. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps spend time exploring the Riverwalk, a two-tiered park along the historic Savannah River. Or, since Augusta is home to the Masters Golf Tournament, enjoy a walk through the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame’s Gardens.

Day 4:
Sat. AUGUSTA –MYRTLE BEACH. Enter South Carolina, the Palmetto State, and drive through the Lakes and Blackwater Rivers area. This afternoon, reach the white sandy shores of exciting Myrtle Beach and the 60-mile-long Grand Strand. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this resort. Take a walk on the beach, shop for souvenirs, or perhaps join our optional outing to the “Carolina Opry.” This award-winning show blends music, comedy, and dance—from Broadway to country, from classic pop to rock ’n’ roll, and from gospel to bluegrass.

Day 5:
Sun. MYRTLE BEACH–GEORGETOWN–CHARLESTON. First stop this morning is famous BROOKGREEN GARDENS, a National Historic Landmark located on an old rice and indigo plantation. Your guided tour features more than 550 pieces of art comprising the world’s finest outdoor collection of American figurative sculptures. Your admission also includes a guided CRUISE along the rice fields now home to alligators, waterfowl, and ospreys. Later, drive through historic Georgetown, where the first permanent settlers arrived in the early 1700s. Many of their buildings are still in use today. This afternoon, TOUR Charleston, one of the last bastions of the Old South. The city is world-renowned for its charm, splendid architecture, colorful homes and gardens, shady tree-lined streets, and fresh sea air. This evening, join an optional dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Carolina.

Day 6:
Mon. CHARLESTON. This morning, visit MAGNOLIA PLANTATION AND GARDENS, which was founded in 1676 by the Drayton family; their heirs still operate it today. On the site is a 50-acre garden with more than 900 varieties of camellias, more than 250 types of azaleas, and hundreds of other flowering plants. The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure to explore more of this quaint town on your own. Perhaps stroll through Charleston’s Old City Market that sells everything from local specialties to souvenirs.

Day 7:
Tue. CHARLESTON–BEAUFORT–SAVANNAH. Enjoy a morning break at picturesque Beaufort, a town which has conserved much of its pre-revolutionary character. Enjoy a CARRIAGE RIDE through narrow, oak-lined streets past the former homes of wealthy cotton growers. Make your way to historic Savannah, America’s first planned city. On our included TROLLEY TOUR, visit City Market, Forsyth Park, the Mercer House, Madison Square—where General Sherman concluded his “March to the Sea”—Colonial Park Cemetery, and River Street. Your evening is at leisure to enjoy this Southern town.

Day 8:
Wed. SAVANNAH. A full day at leisure. Shop on cobblestoned River Street or stroll among the many squares surrounded by elegant homes and majestic gardens. Visit the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, where you can learn about Savannah’s important role in maritime history and view models of famous ships, or visit the First African Baptist Church, the oldest African-American church in the United States and which played an important part in the Underground Railroad. In addition, join our optional outing to Tybee Island, where you’ll visit the oldest lighthouse in Georgia and then enjoy a traditional Low Country seafood dinner.

Day 9:
Thu. SAVANNAH –GOLDEN ISLES–JEKYLL ISLAND. This morning, drive down the coast to the Golden Isles and visit St. Simons Island, home to one of only three working lighthouses in Georgia. Afterward, enjoy a TROLLEY TOUR of Jekyll Island’s Historic District, a cluster of 19th-century mansions. This “club” was formed by some of America’s most prominent families who at one time controlled one-sixth of the world’s wealth. Your tour includes a visit to two of the most elaborate winter mansions, including ROCKEFELLER’S INDIAN MOUND.

Day 10:
Fri. JEKYLL ISLAND–MACON–ATLANTA. Today, arrive in Macon, the heart of Georgia and the historical crossroads of the south. During your time here, visit the historical HAY HOUSE, the Palace of the South, and the CANNONBALL HOUSE, where you’ll learn about the preservation of these significant homes. Return to Atlanta and join this evening’s optional farewell dinner and celebrate your southern journey.

Day 11:
Sat. ATLANTA . The trip ends today with guests departing on individual flight schedules. Transfers to Atlanta International Airport are included.

Dates & Prices

In Atlanta, Augusta, Charleston, and Savannah.

Itinerary

Day 1:
MEMPHIS. Welcome to Memphis! Enjoy some time at leisure to relax or do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2:
MEMPHIS. During your city sightseeing you will get a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective from your expert guide. Then it’s on to the ROCK-N-SOUL MUSEUM, which traces Memphis’ cultural and musical past. This afternoon is dedicated to a guided visit of GRACELAND. The mansion tour consists of the living room, music room, Elvis’ parents’ bedroom, the dining room, kitchen, TV room, pool room, and “jungle den” in the main house. Behind the house are Elvis’ racquetball building and his original business office. You will also see his trophy building, which houses his enormous collection of gold records, awards, and career mementoes. Recently opened is a section of the mansion where you can find never-before-seen items, such as the desk from his personal office and an extensive collection of his stage costumes. The tour ends with a quiet visit to the Meditation Garden, where Elvis and members of his family have been laid to rest. You’ll also be able to board “The King’s” private jet.

Day 3:
MEMPHIS. TUPELO VISIT. This morning, we journey to Tupelo, Mississippi, to visit ELVIS’ BIRTHPLACE AND MUSEUM. This humble 2-room house is where Elvis was born; the adjacent museum, Times and Things Remembered, contains rare photos and memorabilia. Then it’s back to Memphis for 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 relive the history of the studio that launched the careers of Johnny Cash, B.B. King, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and many other music legends.

Day 4:
MEMPHIS–NASHVILLE. Today we head east to Nashville, “Music City USA.” Tonight you have reserved seats for an unforgettable show at the world-famous GRAND OLE OPRY, the world’s premier country music venue since 1925 and the setting for the nation’s longest-running music show.

Day 5:
NASHVILLE. 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 most important studios in the U.S. Between 1957 and1977 there were more than 35,000 songs 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. Afterward, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, passing by famous recording studios on Music Row, the center of the recording industry, which first developed in the 1950s. Then get behind the scenes of the music industry by visiting the very popular COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME with its glittering costumes, rare instruments, and Elvis Presley’s “Solid Gold” Cadillac.

Day 6:
NASHVILLE. 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. Tonight, join our optional evening out to see “A Tribute to the King,” a high-energy show that highlights six eras of Elvis’ career.

Day 7:
NASHVILLE. The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Nashville International Airport are included.

Dates & Prices