Elvis & the Southern Sounds
Delve into American music and the life of the international King of Rock 'n' Roll - Elvis Presley - on this exciting behind the scenes tour of America's musical landmark cities.
Your Itinerary
Elvis Aaron Presley is one of the USA's greatest popular music icons, whose influence on other performers has been profound and long lasting. He has sold more than one billion records worldwide - more than any other artist. His premature death in 1977 has done nothing to lessen the enthusiasm of his legions of loyal followers.
This highly enjoyable holiday is for all fans of the 'King', as well as devotees of the rich musical legacy that he and his fellow Southerners have given the world, including rock 'n' roll, blues, bluegrass, rhythm 'n' blues and country music.
You'll visit Elvis Presley's Birthplace in Tupelo, the humble two-room house where the 'King' was born, the adjacent museum which contains rare photos and memorabilia, and Memphis, the 'home of the blues', where he grew up and cut his first disc. You'll be able to trace the musical influences which affected the young aspiring singer, including country music, gospel and the blues he heard on Beale Street. You'll also visit locations which featured prominently in Elvis' life and work, including Sun Studio and Graceland, his impressive mansion - today a famous pilgrimage site for fans. 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. You will also see his trophy building, which houses his enormous collection of gold records, awards and career mementos. Don't miss the section of the mansion which features an extensive collection of Elvis' 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.
Besides discovering more about Elvis, you will experience the soul roots of Memphis and visit revered country music sites in Nashville.
In Nashville, the home of country music, you'll have an extra special private performance with John Carter Cash, the only son of John and June Cash. Enjoy a performance at the renowned Grand Ole Opry, the world's premier country music venue since 1925. You'll also visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, which houses classic memorabilia such as Elvis' gold Cadillac and illustrates the roots and development of Bluegrass, Cajun, cowboy and western-swing music.
DAY 1: UK - Memphis.
Fly to Memphis where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
DAY 2: Memphis.
During your sightseeing you will get a unique, 'behind the scenes' perspective from your expert guide. Discover the hard to find, 'hidden' Elvis sites such as his Lauderdale Courts apartment, Humes High School and Overton Park Shell amongst others. Next visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, which celebrates great Memphis soul music made famous by Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and Booker T. and the MGs to name just a few. Then it's on to the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, which traces Memphis' cultural and musical past. End the day with a visit to Sun Studio, probably the most famous recording studio in the world, where Rock 'n' Roll was first recorded. Hear the outtakes from sessions, touch Elvis' first microphone, see memorabilia and re-live the history of the studio that launched the careers of Johnny Cash, BB King, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and many other music legends.
DAY 3: Memphis.
This morning we journey to Tupelo, Mississippi, the birthplace of Elvis Presley. This humble 2-room house is where Elvis was born; the adjacent museum, Times and Things Remembered, contains rare photos and memorabilia. Return to Memphis "Home of the Blues" where the evening is free for independent activities.
DAY 4: Memphis.
Today sees one of the real highlights of your tour - a guided visit of Graceland. Experience life as Elvis did by walking through the decadent and quirky rooms where he felt truly at home. You'll also be able to board the 'King's' private jet. Finish your tour of Graceland with a visit to the Meditation Garden, where Elvis often went to reflect on life, and where he is now laid to rest along with members of his family. Tonight you will overnight at Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel.
DAY 5: Memphis - Nashville.
Today head to Nashville, 'Music City USA'. No one told a story quite like Johnny Cash, and that tradition continues as you settle in for a private performance and discussion with Johnny and June's only son, John Carter Cash. John Carter will entertain you with his own original music, as well as a few numbers made famous by his legendary family and even be available for photographs and autographs. Afterwards, get behind the scenes of the music industry by visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame with its glittering costumes, rare instruments, and Elvis Presley's solid gold Cadillac.
DAY 6: 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 in the USA. Between 1957-1977 there were more than 35,000 songs recorded here including 262 Elvis Presley recordings. You will even have the chance to make a recording to take home with you. Afterwards enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, passing by famous recording studios of Music Row, the centre of the recording industry, which first developed in the 1950's. Tonight you have reserved premiere seats for an unforgettable show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry.
DAY 7: Nashville.
Today is at leisure. Visit the historic Ryman Auditorium, restored home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-1974, or the Hermitage, home of Andrew Jackson, seventh President of the United States.
DAY 8: Nashville - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Nashville or Las Vegas.
DAY 9: Home landing in the UK.
Maximum elevation on this tour is 1,160 ft.
Accommodation on Tour
Memphis: Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown/Heartbreak Hotel; Nashville: Millennium Maxwell House.
'The King' himself
Beale Street, Memphis
Rock n Soul Museum, Memphis
Sun Studio, Memphis
© ELVIS PRESLEY ENTERPRISES INC
Memphis, Tennessee
The Graceland mansion
Meditation Garden, Graceland
The Trophy Room, Graceland
A familiar pose
Tupelo, where Elvis was born
Graceland
One of two planes on show at Graceland
Elvis in the recording studio
Nashville, Tennessee
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Optional Excursions
To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.
Beale Street and King's Palace Dinner
Tonight you'll experience a night on Beale Street, the home of Memphis "Rhythm & Blues." Enjoy dinner at the King's Palace Cafe, which offers authentic Southern delicacies and Memphis BBQ. Evening includes dinner, a drink and admission to Rum Boogie Cafe.
$38 (US Dollar)
Nashville Nightlife Dinner Show
Nashville Nightlife is Music City's premier entertainment theater. After a wonderful buffet dinner, you'll hear all the songs that have made Nashville famous worldwide. Enjoy the music of everyone from Hank Williams Sr. and Patsy Cline to the superstars of today like Sara Evans and Toby Keith! The show celebrates today's country and honors tradition. Show and dinner last approximately 2.5 hours.
$42 (US Dollar)
Historic Tennessee
Southern Plantations, Presidential Estates, Nashville, and Civil War History will all be a part of your day. Visit the "Queen of the Tennessee Plantations" Belle Meade, and the stately manor of Andrew Jackson, The Hermitage. Tour duration is 4 and 1/2 hours and begins at 11:00am daily.
$59 (US Dollar)
Homes Of The Stars
Your tour will include a drive through downtown Nashville, including Historic 2nd Ave., the State Capitol, Fort Nashborough and the Ryman Auditorium.You will enjoy a driving tour through the neighborhoods of the elite Country Music artists who call Nashville their home.While on your tour, you will the homes of Country Music Greats such as Alan Jackson, former home of Vince Gill and Amy Grant, Ronnie Milsap, Dolly Parton, Bryan White, Martina McBride, Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks, the late Web Pierce, the late Hank Williams, Trisha Yearwood, the late Tammy Wynette, Lori Ann Crook and Little Jimmy Dickens. Tour is offered daily at 9:00am and 1:30m and lasts for approximately 3 1/2 hours.
$45 (US Dollar)
Grayline General Jackson Lunch Cruise
The General Jackson Showboat is a four-deck paddlewheeler that brings back the bygone days of riverboat entertainment. The General Jackson cruises the Cumberland River while you enjoy the sights and sounds of the largest showboat in the world. Also included in the tour is admission to one of the Music Valley Drive Museums. Subject to availability. Lunch Cruise is offered on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March through December. Gray Line will pick you up at most Nashville hotels.
$73 (US Dollar)
Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.
'The King' himself
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'The King' himself
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Beale Street, Memphis
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Rock n Soul Museum, Memphis
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Sun Studio, Memphis
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© ELVIS PRESLEY ENTERPRISES INC
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Memphis, Tennessee
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The Graceland mansion
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Meditation Garden, Graceland
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The Trophy Room, Graceland
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A familiar pose
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Tupelo, where Elvis was born
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Graceland
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One of two planes on show at Graceland
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Elvis in the recording studio
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Nashville, Tennessee
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Elvis & the Southern Sounds + Las Vegas - Staying at Harrah's Las Vegas Hotel & CasinoExtend your stay with an extra few days in Las Vegas, the connection to the King. From 1969 to 1976 Elvis performed over 800 times in the main showroom of the Las Vegas Hilton. Las Vegas in the 60's and 70's was definitely Elvis' kind of place. He worked, lived, played and even married there. On day 8 of your tour fly to Las Vegas and transfer to your hotel for the next three nights. On day 11 transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.
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Elvis & the Southern Sounds + NashvilleWhy not take the opportunity to discover more sights and sounds of this lively city. There is plenty more to see and do with all of Nashville's great restaurants, musical activities, antebellum homes, attractions and entertainment. On day 8 of your tour remain at the Holiday Inn Express hotel for the next two nights, before transferring to the airport on day 10 for your overnight flight home.
Elvis' 36th Anniversary Memorial
Special Departure - 12 August
If you are only planning one visit to Memphis and Graceland make sure you're there for Elvis Week to commemorate the 36th anniversary of his death. Every August, fans of all ages from around the world are drawn to Memphis for Elvis Week - a commemoration of the music, magic and memories associated with the legacy of Elvis Presley. Join us on this special departure and be at Graceland for the famous Candle Light Vigil, when fans are invited to Elvis' gravesite in the Meditation Gardens carrying a candle in quiet remembrance. You will also enjoy all the activities on our regular departures, including a platinum guided audio tour of Graceland, a visit to Elvis' birthplace in Tupelo, and a private performance with John Carter Cash, the son of Johnny and June Cash. This really is the ultimate Elvis experience, as well as the perfect opportunity to discover more about the history of music in Tennessee.
Note: This departure includes all activities on our regular departures plus extra activities as described in the full special departure itinerary.
Elvis' 78th Birthday Celebration
Special Departure - 5 January
8th January 2013 marks what would have been Elvis' 78th birthday, and every year fans of Elvis from around the world gather in Memphis to celebrate Elvis Presley Day. Our special departure offers you the chance to be part of this very special celebration. Several fascinating days of events surrounding the anniversary make it a condensed version of Elvis Week in August. The Graceland Mansion hosts the traditional ceremony with special programme hosted by Graceland/EPE officials, featuring a birthday cake cutting and a proclamation of Elvis Presley Day by Memphis and Shelby County officials. Any special guests or special presentations that might become part of the ceremony are to be announced.
Note: This special departure includes all activities on our regular departures, plus the birthday celebration at Graceland. The Grand Ole Opry will be on day 7. See our website for details.
Christmas at Graceland
Special Departure - 19 November
Experience Graceland during Elvis' favourite time of year. You will be at the front gates of Graceland to witness the annual lighting of the Christmas decorations, including hundreds of blue lights along the driveway, a nativity scene and Santa in his sleigh. Join in the countdown as millions of lights are turned on, signalling the start of the Christmas season at Graceland. The interiors of Graceland will also be decorated for the holiday season with traditional Presley family Christmas artefacts on display, some of which were chosen by the King himself. In addition, you will see Nashville's ICE, an incredible attraction comprising interactive exhibits and colourful ice sculptures, hand carved from nearly two million pounds of ice by skilled Chinese artisans from Harbin, China. You will also have the chance to see the famous 'Peabody Marching Ducks' at the historic Peabody Hotel - a tradition which dates back to 1933.
Note: This special departure includes all activities on our regular departures plus extra activities as described in the full special departure itinerary. The Grand Ole Opry performance will be on day 5. See our website for details.
Elvis & the Southern Sounds 7 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the calendar.
Elvis & the Southern Sounds
Price from £1445
Just the tour £777
Prices are per person
What's Included
- Flights UK - Memphis; Nashville - UK
- Accommodation on tour in a twin room with private facilities
- Services of a tour director on tour and local representative at other times
- Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
- Transfers between overseas airports and hotels
- All local and airport taxes/service charges
- Single share option no supplement to pay
Holiday Highlights
- Memphis Behind the scenes sightseeing with local guide
- Cash on Cash An evening with Jonny Cash's son
- Graceland Guided audio Platinum tour
- Sun Studio Guided tour
- Tupelo Visit to Elvis Presley's birthplace and museum
- Studio B Visit and recording
Departures from
- Glasgow
- Edinburgh
- Manchester
- London Heathrow
- Birmingham
Departures on:
- Mondays - 2013
- Mondays - 2014
Departures between
17 Jun 2013 to 31 Mar 2014
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
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