The Ultimate Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton Experience
The Ultimate Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton Experience
9 Days
Visiting: Birmingham, Memphis, Nashville, Sevierville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Atlanta, United Kingdom
Tour operator:
Tour code:
98529
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$2913
$2622 (USD)
including Flights from the UK
Operator discount: -$291
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Tour Overview
Tap and sway in time to the unending tunes while travelling to the hometowns of two Tennessee-based stars and America’s greatest musical legends.
A visit to Birmingham’s diverse culinary and musical scene starts this pilgrimage on a high note. Tupelo in Mississippi, Elvis’ birthplace, is next, with a chance to visit his humble childhood home, followed by spirited Memphis, the source of all things blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. Here, a ramble down Beale Street reveals world-class live music venues and is best experienced with a cold beverage and barbequed delicacy in hand.
Optional excursions to the Sun Studio and the famed Graceland allow you to pay homage to the big names before time spent in Nashville, the country music capital ensures a change of rhythm. Join excursions to RCA Studio B and the Country Music Hall of Fame before discovering the buzzing honky-tonks, breweries and distilleries. Exchanging the flurry for the forests of the Great Smoky Mountains, the tour will then spend a couple of nights in Sevier County, the birthplace of Dolly Parton, where an optional outing to the Dollywood theme park promises a day crammed with entertainment for all tastes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day One – Fly To Atlanta. Overnight In Birmingham, Alabama
Location: Birmingham
Your American adventure will begin as you touch down at the airport in Atlanta, the capital of Georgia. Your friendly tour manager will meet and welcome you before you’re transferred to Birmingham, a leafy, hilly city to check into your accommodation set in a striking art deco building.
This evening, you can choose to have dinner at the hotel or head out to take advantage of the city’s diverse culinary scene.
Day Two – Travel To Mississippi, With An Optional Visit To Elvis Presley’S Home In Tupelo And Memphis
Location: Memphis
Fuel up on breakfast, check out of the hotel and travel on towards Tupelo in Mississippi, famed as the birthplace of Elvis Presley. This city, which has a strong link to the state’s musical history, is scattered with numerous statues commemorating this icon.
A highlight of your visit will be the chance to enter Elvis’ humble childhood home – a simple two-room property, where he was born on 8 January 1935 (entry payable locally). Its walls are adorned with photographs, costumes and heirlooms and nearby, his family’s church has been transported and restored.
Next on the itinerary is Elvis’ beloved hometown, Memphis. Built along the Mississippi River in Tennessee, this spirited city is also known as the home of the blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll. Around every corner, evidence of the influential musical heritage prevails in the form of museums honouring the local legends, shops awash with artist-inspired paraphernalia and live music venues pumping out familiar favourites or showcasing new talent.
Your hotel for the night is ideally situated in the downtown area, just a ten-minute walk from the atmospheric Beale Street, America’s most famous musical highway. As night falls, you can stroll along this street, taking in the live performances coming from the clubs, bars and world-class blues venues or pausing to watch a performance with a cold beverage in hand. As Memphis is also known as the barbeque capital of America, heading to a nearby barbeque joint for a dinner of grilled delicacies is also recommended.
Day Three – Day At Leisure Or Optional Excursion Of Memphis, With A Visit To The Sun Studio And Graceland
Location: Memphis
This morning, you’ll have the option of exploring the attractions of the downtown district, perhaps visiting the National Civil Rights Museum, housed partly inside the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr was fatally shot on 4 April 1968. Its interior depicts the history of the civil rights movement and the struggle for African American freedom in the United States. You could also set off to the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, which exhibits the history of musical pioneers who overcame racial and socio-economic obstacles.
Alternatively, there is an optional full-day Memphis excursion that encompasses the city’s major musical highlights. The Sun Studio, a recording studio opened by Sam Phillips in 1950, is most known for its pivotal role in the early years of Elvis Presley’s career. Over the years, many other celebrated rock ‘n’ roll and country artists entered this building’s doors, including Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Charlie Feathers.
You’ll then continue to follow in the blue suede shoes of the King to Elvis Presley Boulevard before visiting Graceland, his home, last recording studio and final resting place. Today this vast entertainment complex houses restaurants, museums and gift shops, and you’ll be able to view his mansion, classic cars, glittering jumpsuits and several interactive exhibits.
Tonight, you’re free to wander Beale Street if you missed out or get your fill of live entertainment elsewhere in the city – there’s no shortage!
Day Four – Morning At Leisure And Drive To Nashville
Location: Nashville
Embrace a leisurely morning to tick off any sights left on your list, like the 32-story Memphis Pyramid, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, or perhaps pick up some souvenirs.
The tour will then head to Nashville, the country music capital of the world, for a switch up of musical genres. Upon arriving, you’ll check into your hotel, and then the rest of the evening is free to seek out more live performances, perhaps in one of the renowned country music venues.
The downtown area, which is just a 20-minute walk away, is where you’ll find the Ryman Auditorium, the ‘Mother Church of Country Music’. You can also check out some of the city’s buzzing honky-tonks (live music bars), craft breweries, and distilleries. For dinner, trying Nashville’s signature dish of hot chicken will truly complete your first day in this city.
Day Five – Day At Leisure Or Optional Tour Of Rca Studio B And The Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum
Location: Nashville
Enjoy breakfast and a day of exploring at your own pace or join an optional excursion showcasing the must-see sights of this musical mecca. The first stop, RCA Studio B in Nashville’s historic Music Row district, is a renowned recording studio that was built in 1965. It was here that countless country music hits have been recorded, including songs by Elvis Presley, and during its operation until 1977, it produced 60% of the Billboard magazine’s country chart hits.
You’ll then continue to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, one of the world’s largest museums and research centres dedicated to the preservation of American vernacular music. During your visit, you can walk through the latest exhibits of inductees, observe some of the 2.5 million artefacts, and potentially hear some live music.
Later in the day, there will be more time to spend here if desired, or you can return to the downtown area, specifically the world-famous Lower Broadway, for further discovery. The Johnny Cash Museum is also worth a visit, as it features the world’s most wide-ranging collection of Johnny Cash memorabilia.
Day Six – Morning At Leisure And Drive To Sevierville And The Great Smoky Mountains
Location: Sevierville
After breakfast, you’ll have some time to perhaps survey the vintage shops for a gift or two and try the classic sweet treat of Nashville, a Goo Goo Cluster (a combination of nuts, caramel, nougat and milk chocolate).
You’ll then check out of your hotel and be driven east to Sevier County, the birthplace of Dolly Parton, situated amongst the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains. After arriving, the tour will call at a bronze life-size statue of Dolly Parton, strumming a guitar, outside the 1896 country courthouse for a photo opportunity.
Your accommodation is in the heart of the city, just across from the expansive Tanger Outlets shopping mall, and within walking distance from many restaurants and bars. This evening, you can head to one of these for dinner and some drinks.
Day Seven – Day At Leisure Or Optional Full-Day Dollywood Visit
Location: Sevierville
Following breakfast, you can discover more of Sevierville or join an optional and memorable tour to the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge. With more than 50 rides and an assortment of award-winning entertainment, shopping and dining options, this charming park promises a day of fun with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park serving as the beautiful backdrop.
More than enough time will be at your disposal to brave the roller coasters, sample the 20 Appalachia-inspired culinary offerings, watch live music and shows, and browse the craft and artistry gift stores. An ever-changing programme of events and theatrical performances await non-riders and in the words of Dolly herself, you’ll ‘love every moment’. You can also see a replica of Dolly’s childhood home near the entrance – a two-room cabin, which was constructed by Dolly’s brother Bobby, and the interior was recreated by her mother.
As night falls, you’ll return to the hotel to relax, refresh and have dinner on your own account.
Day Eight – Travel Through The Smoky Mountains National Park To Atlanta
Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Atlanta
Once you’ve had breakfast, you’ll check out of the hotel and head back towards Atlanta through the Smoky Mountains National Park – America’s most visited national park.
This spectacular expanse of wilderness stretches over the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains and comprises some of the highest mountains in eastern North America.
You’ll then arrive at the airport for your overnight flight home to the UK.
Day Nine – Arrive Back In The Uk
Location: United Kingdom
Touch down back in the UK after a captivating journey of musical and historical enlightenment.
What's Included
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Seven nights’ accommodation in a series of good quality hotels in Birmingham (one night), Memphis (two nights), Nashville (two nights), Sevierville (two nights) and one night air travel
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Return flights from the UK to Atlanta
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Five breakfasts
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Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
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Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
Passports and visas
When travelling to the USA, British citizens require passports with an integrated chip (shown on the front by a small rectangular symbol beneath the word PASSPORT), valid beyond the return date from the USA. Visas are not normally required for entry, but visitors must apply for an ESTA online with US Immigration at least 72 hours before departure at www.cbp.gov/esta. The current charge is $21 for British Citizens. British subjects and anyone who has a criminal record or has ever been arrested should consult the US Embassy as a visa may be required. Note too that if you have visited Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationality with any of these countries, you do require a US visa and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Programme.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately two hours.
Foreign Office travel advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Tipping
Gratuities are a way of life in North America, and it is generally accepted that they form part of a person's earnings. The customary gratuity for a coach driver or Tour Manager is about $5 per person per day. It is normal to tip 15-20 per cent of the bill for a taxi or in a restaurant, and to leave a dollar or so per drink in a bar.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on any coach forming part of your holiday; regular stops will be made though for your comfort en route. The majority of hotels in North America are non-smoking throughout including in all bedrooms. In general smoking outside is acceptable, but do look out for signs prohibiting this close to public entrances or bus stops.
On your flight
All outbound flights depart and arrive on the same day. All return flights leave in the evening and land in the UK the next day. On-board meals will usually include lunch and a snack on outward flights, and dinner and breakfast on flight home. Soft drinks are complimentary, but some airlines will charge for alcoholic drinks.
Luggage allowance
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Hotel rooms
Standard hotel rooms in North America will contain one or two double- or queen-sized beds, and it is not possible to add extra beds to the room. Parties consisting of more than two travellers, but who have only booked one room, will be expected to make use of the two beds provided. If this is a concern, you may wish to consider booking more than one room for your group.
Special departures
Carnival in New Orleans – 14 Feb 2023
See the city pre-Mardi Gras, as the floats are readied for the annual celebration and the atmosphere turns truly electric.
Christmas Lights in Memphis – November and December 2022 and 2023
See Graceland lit and decorated for Christmas, Elvis style, inside and out, and kick off the holiday season in style and with a spot of Stateside Christmas shopping.
Passports and visas
When travelling to the USA, British citizens require passports with an integrated chip (shown on the front by a small rectangular symbol beneath the word PASSPORT), valid beyond the return date from the USA. Visas are not normally required for entry, but visitors must apply for an ESTA online with US Immigration at least 72 hours before departure at www.cbp.gov/esta. The current charge is $21 for British Citizens. British subjects and anyone who has a criminal record or has ever been arrested should consult the US Embassy as a visa may be required. Note too that if you have visited Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationality with any of these countries, you do require a US visa and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Programme.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately two hours.
Foreign Office travel advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Special departures
Carnival in New Orleans – 14 Feb 2023
See the city pre-Mardi Gras, as the floats are readied for the annual celebration and the atmosphere turns truly electric.
Christmas Lights in Memphis – November and December 2022 and 2023
See Graceland lit and decorated for Christmas, Elvis style, inside and out, and kick off the holiday season in style and with a spot of Stateside Christmas shopping.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1983
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Fitness to Travel
We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.
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Dates & Availability
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Thursday - Friday
Sep 12, 2024 - Sep 20, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Newmarket Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 35% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of newmarket holidays charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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