America's Musical Heritage

Welcome to Music City, USA! At 6:00 p.m., meet your travel companions for a welcome drink.

Studios, Stages & Stars Experience historic RCA Studio B, Nashville's legendary recording studio and a landmark of American music history. Here, generations of artists helped create the iconic "Nashville Sound," producing timeless recordings that continue to influence music today. Continue with a guided sightseeing tour of Nashville, including Centennial Park and its impressive full-scale replica of the Parthenon, along with Music Row and Honky Tonk Highway—the heart of Music City's vibrant past and present. Delve deeper into Nashville's rich musical heritage at the Country Music Hall of Fame, home to an extraordinary collection of artifacts, instruments, costumes, and exhibits celebrating the artists and songs that defined generations. This evening, take your reserved seat at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, an iconic American institution where country music's legends and rising stars continue a tradition that has captivated audiences for nearly a century. (B) LOCAL FAVORITE RCA Studio B is one of the most important recording studios in American music history, where artists including Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Chet Atkins, and the Everly Brothers recorded defining works of their careers. Between 1957 and 1977, more than 35,000 recordings were made here, helping shape the sound of Nashville and beyond.

Singing the Blues This morning, take part in a meaningful hands-on experience with [LOCAL FAVORITE] Strings for Hope, a social enterprise that transforms repurposed musical instrument strings into handcrafted jewelry, supporting pathways to stability for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and addiction. Continue south to Memphis, a city defined by its musical legacy and cultural depth. Visit Sun Studio, the birthplace of early rock ’n’ roll and a landmark where artists such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis first recorded. Continue to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, where the story of Memphis soul is told through original recordings, artifacts, and the artists who helped shape its sound. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local Memphis restaurant. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITE Sustainability, social enterprise and survivor leadership come together with Strings for Hope. The organization breathes new life into repurposed musical instrument strings to create jewelry, supporting new lives for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and addiction by providing jobs, skills training, and economic stability. TOUR HIGHLIGHT Explore Memphis, where blues, soul, and rock ’n’ roll converged to shape modern American music. Visit Sun Studio, the birthplace of iconic recordings by Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, honoring the artists who defined a generation.

Goin’ to Graceland! Explore the landmarks of Memphis today with a Local Guide. Then continue to Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, for an in-depth visit to the estate of the “King of Rock ’n’ Roll.” The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Step inside Graceland for a rare look at Elvis Presley’s private world, including his mansion, personal offices, and Meditation Garden. Explore exhibits featuring his iconic stage costumes, gold records, automobiles, and private aircraft, offering a comprehensive portrait of his life, career, and cultural legacy.