This eight-day Regional Discovery vacation explores Music City U.S.A., the birthplace of Rock n’ Roll, and Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Begin in Memphis, the “Home of the Blues,” for sightseeing and a visits to Elvis Presley’s Graceland and the Rock n’ Soul Museum. Then on to Nashville, “Music City U.S.A,” to attend the Grand Ole Opry and visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and legendary RCA Studio B. 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 and Pigeon Forge before heading to Atlanta, where your vacation comes to an end.

Itinerary

Day 1 Memphis
Welcome to Memphis the “Home of the Blues.” This evening mix and mingle with your traveling companions at the 6 p.m. welcome reception. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure. (Wr)

Day 2 Memphis
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of the city, followed by a visit 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. (B,D)

Day 3 Memphis
This morning, tour the ROCK ‘N’ SOUL MUSEUM, which traces Memphis’ cultural and musical past, featuring Smithsonian’s Social Crossroads exhibition. Continue to SUN STUDIOS, the “cradle of Rock ‘n Roll,” and see the original recording studio where musicians like Howlin’ Wolf, B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and many others first created the hot new sounds that became a musical phenomenon and changed the world forever. This evening, maybe take in a blues club on recently revitalized Beale Street. (B)

Day 4 Memphis–Nashville Depart for Nashville.
Upon arrival, experience this city close-up and personal with a sighseeing tour of landmarks with a Local Guide, including Centennial Park’s full-size replica of Athens Parthenon and the recording studios of Music Row. Tonight, you have reserved seats for an unforgettable show at the world-famous GRAND OLE OPRY, the mecca for country musicians. (B)

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 waterfallls, as well as 30 specialty shops, a spa, and a variety of restaurants.

Day 5 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! Balance of day is at leisure. This evening, you may opt to join an excursion to Nashville nightlife, combining dinner and the best of Music City’s country entertainment. (B)

Day 6 Nashville–Smoky Mountain National Park–Gatlinburg
This morning depart for Gatlinburg, nested 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 a city tour. (B,D)

Day 7 Gatlinburg. Excursion to Dollywood
Spend the day at the 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. (B)

Day 8 Gatlinburg–Atlanta
Travel south to Atlanta for a city tour 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 CELEBRATION DINNER hosted by your Tour Director. (B,D)

Day 9 Atlanta
The tour ends this morning, with guests departing on individual schedules.(B)