Welcome to Memphis, a city absolutely bursting with music, culture and history, where you’ll have three days to explore.

Just across the road from your hotel lies Elvis’ Graceland. On a day’s tour you can visit his mansion house, kept exactly as it was when he lived there, and you can pay your respects in the meditation garden. Then, explore the vast Graceland Museum, where exhibits showcase his iconic jumpsuits, gold and platinum records, a huge collection of cars and even Elvis’ private planes.

Heading into Memphis reveals another piece of the puzzle in Elvis’ story; Sun Studio. In 1953 an 18-year-old Presley went to record a disc in the studio, and the following year he was scouted by Sam Phillips. Take a tour to get a behind the scenes look at the recording studio and learn about its history. For more music, head to the electric Beale Street. As well as buzzing blues clubs, you’ll find delectable barbecue joints.

The next day, learn about Memphis’ civil rights history at the Lorraine Motel and National Civil Rights Museum. The site where Dr Martin Luther King Jr was shot is now a poignant museum offering an insight into the civil rights movement as a whole, and Memphis’ history.

Memphis also has a huge culture of sports, so why not go and watch the Memphis Grizzlies play basketball, or catch a Memphis Redbirds baseball game. Another unique Memphis experience is the Peabody Duck parade. Head to the Peabody Hotel at 11am or 5pm to watch their resident ducks parade through the lobby.

GuestHouse at Graceland, or similar

Your next stop is Nashville, or ‘Music City’. Get an introduction to the city’s musical backstory on a tour of the historic RCA Studio B, where legends like Elvis, Dolly Parton, Chet Atkins and more have recorded. The Ryman Auditorium is a renowned Nashville institution, known for its incredible accoustics, so enjoying a concert here is a great way to immerse yourself in the ‘Music City’. You can also visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, or explore the Johnny Cash Museum.

Nashville’s most famous street is Broadway, lined with bars and barbecue joints, many of which boast live music almost constantly. You could also get tickets for the Grand Ole Opry, a unique concert that is actually a live radio broadcast. World-famous singers and up-and-coming artists alike come together for an incredible evening of music.

For a slightly different side of Nashville, see the Parthenon, the world’s only full-scale reproduction of the famous Greek temple. One evening consider a dinner cruise on a paddlewheel riverboat, or a dinner theatre experience, both offer exceptional entertainment and cuisine.

Memphis > Nashville | 212 miles

Tempo by Hilton, or similar

Head towards the Great Smoky Mountains as you make your way to Dollywood.  With three days to explore, you have plenty of time to spend in the Dollywood Theme Park and enjoy Dollywood Splash Country. As well as the rides, you can enjoy shows and entertainment, a variety of craft and gift shops and great food. We’ve included a one-day ticket to the park in your itinerary, but let us know if you’d like a multi-day pass.

If you fancy venturing out of the park, Pigeon Forge also boasts plenty to do. The town is the perfect gateway to Great Smoky Mountain National Park, where you can enjoy fantastic hiking or scenic driving routes, with incredible viewpoints.

Another unique experience nearby is the Dolly Parton Stampede. You can expect an evening of classsic Southern hospitality, music and rodeo entertainment.

Nashville > Pigeon Forge | 214 miles

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, or similar

Enjoy the scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains today, as you travel to Chattanooga.

Check into your hotel and then go to explore nearby Lookout Mountain, where you can ride the Incline Railway, wander round beautiful walking trails, and you can even see seven states from the Lover’s Leap lookout point.

In the afternoon, discover Chattanooga’s historic Choo Choo District. On the site of the historic railway, the station buildings and old train carriages now house fantastic shopping and dining options. Alternatively, you can go kayaking on the Tennessee River, or simply enjoy a stroll along the riverside.

Pigeon Forge > Chattanooga | 146 miles

The Chattanoogan, or similar

Bid farwell to the music and mountains of Tennessee today, as you make your way back to Atlanta Airport, ready for your onward flight, or your flight home.

Chattanooga > Atlanta | 118 miles