Enjoy a finger-snapping, toe-tapping time in this Music Cities tour of Memphis, Branson and Nashville where you'll revel in the sounds of blues, country, and good old rock and roll. Spend two nights in Memphis, "birthplace of the blues," and tour Graceland, the palatial estate of Elvis Presley. Later, trace Dr. Martin Luther King's last steps prior to his assassination, and end the day with a memorable stop at the Rock 'n Soul Museum. Then it's off to the entertainment capital of the Midwest, Branson, Missouri, where you'll have three nights to get acquainted with all this area has to offer. There will be plenty of entertainment including an electrifying performance by world-class violinist Shoji Tabuchi. You also have the option of a dinner cruise on Table Rock Lake aboard an 1890s paddlewheel riverboat. Finally, you'll end your musical adventure in the "Music Capital of the World," Nashville, Tennessee. Highlights include your stay in the legendary Gaylord Opryland Hotel, reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry, and a tour of the historic RCA Studio B, where so many artists recorded hit songs.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Branson, Missouri - Tour Begins - Get ready for a journey energized with the sounds of Blues, Country, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Soul. Thrill to an array of spectacular shows and explore Branson, Memphis and Nashville. Your tour begins in Branson, the “Live Music Show Capital of the World."
Day #2 Branson - Start your day at the fantastic Doug Gabriel Show, where he delights audiences with his world-famous “Mufftar,” a guitar made out of a 1969 Thunderbird muffler! Later, experience an unforgettable performance by one of Branson’s most popular performers, Shoji Tabuchi, who blends the values of the heartland with the excitement of Las Vegas. This electrifying production includes everything from country to classic, showcased in a theatre that is a phenomenon in itself. Tonight the energetic Hughes Brothers Show entertains with country hits, western classics, plus popular Gospel and Broadway favorites.
Day #3 Branson - Enjoy a full day of leisure in Branson. Your Tour Manager is on hand to recommend attractions, shows and sightseeing opportunities. Perhaps you will opt to partake in an optional tour highlighting some of Branson’s best attractions - a lunch cruise on Table Rock Lake aboard the Showboat Branson Belle followed by an afternoon at Silver Dollar City. This evening, enjoy a fun and energetic show at the Branson Variety Theatre.
Day #4 Branson - Memphis, Tennessee - Travel southeast, crossing the mighty Mississippi River, en route to Memphis, the birthplace of the Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Soul. Upon arrival in Memphis, embark on a musical city tour featuring some of the cities favorite musical landmarks. Immerse yourself in Memphis’ energetic musical scene as you dine on world-famous Beale Street, feasting on southern cuisine. The rest of your evening is free to enjoy this city’s vast musical offerings on your own. Dance to the live music that may fill the open air or spend the evening exploring Beale Street’s many vibrant musical clubs!
Day #5 Memphis - Nashville - At the corner of Beale Street and legendary Highway 61–The Blues Highway–the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum celebrates the musical pioneers who overcame racial and economic barriers to create music that unites people around the world. Explore the museum and its famous Rock ‘n’ Soul: Social Crossroads exhibit, developed in cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution. Then, don your blue suede shoes when you visit Graceland, the palatial home of Elvis Presley. Enter Elvis’ 14-acre estate and visit his home, original business office, trophy building and the Meditation Garden, where Elvis and members of his family have been laid to rest. Continue on to the “Music Capital of the World,” Nashville, and settle into the fabulous Gaylord Opryland Hotel for the next three nights.
Day #6 Nashville - Tour the historic RCA Studio B for an up-close look at Nashville’s oldest remaining record studio where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Charlie Pride once recorded some of their classic hits! Learn the secrets of how each artist recorded their chart-topping music in this famous studio, where you may even have the opportunity to record your own hit! Then, explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, the largest museum of popular music in the world. The museum’s vast collections of memorabilia, costumes, recordings and instruments are artfully presented in cutting-edge exhibits relating the colorful histories of country music and its artists. This evening, take your reserved seat at the renowned “Grand Ole Opry.” What began as a building where a local radio broadcast show aired once a week in 1925 has grown to become an entertainment complex that attracts music fans from all over the world.
Day #7 Nashville - This morning a local guide officially welcomes you to Nashville by sharing its history and lore during a fascinating sightseeing tour. View the Old Ryman Auditorium, the State Capitol, Music Row and the Parthenon - a full scale replica of the Athenian original! The afternoon is yours to explore Nashville’s musical charms as you choose. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner at the famous Wildhorse Saloon, home of a 3,300 square foot dance floor that is used every night of the week by dancers and revelers!
Day #8 Nashville - Tour Ends - The memories made and melodies heard in the Music Cities will have you humming and smiling long after you return home.