Music Cities: Nashville & Memphis

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

Studios, Stages & Stars Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Nashville, including Centennial Park with its full-size replica of Athens’ Parthenon, the recording studios of Music Row, and famous Honky Tonk Row. Visit [LOCAL FAVORITE] RCA Studio B, the birthplace of the Nashville sound. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. Tonight, enjoy reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry for an unforgettable live performance. (B) LOCAL FAVORITE The legendary RCA Studio B is a hallowed hall of recording history where legends like Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and the Everly Brothers laid down classic tracks in Nashville’s oldest recording studio. Between 1957 and 1977, more than 35,000 songs were recorded here, making their mark on the musical landscape of America.

Landmarks & LegendsTour the Country Music Hall of Fame to view iconic costumes, instruments, and archival photographs, then discover the classic wooden pews and world-famous acoustics at the Ryman Auditorium on a private guided tour. Make a positive impact in the Nashville community during a hands-on jewelry workshop with [LOCAL FAVORITE] Strings for Hope. Spend the rest of the day at leisure—wander Printer’s Alley, browse Broadway’s souvenir shops, or catch emerging artists at local music venues. (B) 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 Ryman Auditorium, a National Historic Landmark known worldwide as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” was home to the Grand Ole Opry for more than 30 years. From legends like Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Johnny Cash to modern stars such as Taylor Swift, Vince Gill, and Amy Grant, being “introduced” at the Ryman remains one of country music’s highest honors.

Leaders & Legacies Depart Nashville for Memphis and begin your visit with the National Civil Rights Museum, where powerful exhibits trace the history of the Civil Rights Movement and its enduring impact on American society. Continue to The Guest House at Graceland for a three-night stay just steps from Elvis Presley’s iconic home. Blending Colonial-inspired design with warm Southern hospitality, the hotel reflects Elvis’s personal style and provides an ideal base for exploring the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll and the home of the blues. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Explore the National Civil Rights Museum for a powerful perspective on America’s civil rights movement. Located at the former Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, the museum’s compelling exhibits trace key milestones from the 17th century to the present. As part of Globus family of brands Lighthouse Project, this historic site is one example of our commitment to supporting the people and places we share with you. LOCAL FAVORITE The Guest House at Graceland delivers a distinctive resort experience just steps from Graceland Mansion. Guests from around the world are welcomed with Southern hospitality and upscale amenities inspired by Elvis’s signature style, including bedtime PB&J sandwiches served in the lobby—a favorite snack of the King himself.

Spend Your Day Your Way in Memphis Discover the best of Memphis on a city tour with a Local Guide, accompanied by songs celebrating the city’s rich musical heritage. Then visit legendary Sun Studio, widely regarded as the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll, where music history was made and recording continues today. Explore more of Memphis with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. (B) THE MEMPHIS SOUND Visit the Rock `n' Soul Museum for a comprehensive Memphis music experience. Explore the birth of rock and soul music, the evolving sounds of Memphis music, and hear stories of musical pioneers at the Rock `n' Soul Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, located on historic Beale Street. THE HORSELESS CARRIAGE & BEYOND While Henry Ford said, "You can have a Model T in any color as long as it is black," you'll see much more as you buckle up for a guided tour of the Edge Motor Museum. Peruse a proud collection of automobiles selected for their historical and cultural significance where museum collection focuses on preservation over restoration to learn about America's past and present from Model Ts to Thunderbirds!

Graceland & Memphis BBQ Stroll down memory lane this morning on a tour at Elvis Presley’s Graceland. Explore the mansion and grounds, including Elvis’s original business office, his remarkable collection of gold records and awards, and the “Graceland of the Skies,” a remodeled jet named for his daughter. This evening, celebrate your journey through Nashville and Memphis with a [LOCAL FAVORITE] festive farewell dinner at one of the city’s most iconic barbecue restaurants. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITE Enjoy an authentic taste of Memphis at your farewell dinner, where classic barbecue is slow cooked in a pit over hickory wood. The city’s signature style comes in two beloved variations: “dry,” seasoned with a spice-rich rub and served without sauce, or “wet,” basted with a tangy tomato-based sauce.

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more in Memphis? Additional nights are available for purchase. (B)