Welcome to Tennessee! Your road trip begins in America’s ‘Music City’, with three days to explore.

Visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame is the perfect place to start, offering a fantastic insight into Nashville’s musical heritage. Wander through exhibits showcasing iconic performances and memorabilia of some of the greatest names in country music, many of whom made their start in Nashville. Perhaps then take a tour of historic RCA Studio B, where artists including Elvis, Dolly Parton and Jim Reeves recorded many of their songs.

It’s well worth getting tickets for a performance at the Grand Ole Opry. Each week, up-and-coming and established artists come together to put on an incredible performance that is broadcasted live on the radio. The iconic Ryman Auditorium similarly hosts regular concerts, but don’t worry if you’re not able to catch a performance at one of these iconic venues. Instead, head to Nashville’s Broadway, where bars put on live music almost 24/7.

Just 45 minutes outside the city, you’ll find the city of Franklin, a poignant site during the American Civil War. Visit the Carnton Plantation and Carter House for an insight into the Battle of Franklin.

Tempo by Hilton, or similar

Continue to Memphis today, a city bursting with music, history, sport and culture.

You can’t visit Memphis without making the pilgrimage to Elvis’ Graceland. On a day’s tour you can visit to his mansion house, kept exactly as it was when he lived there, and explore the vast museum. Memphis is also home to Sun Studio, where Elvis was scouted and made his start in music. On a tour lead by a passionate local musician you can learn about the history of the studio and even stand in the exact spot where ‘The King’ recorded his very first song.

For more music, head to electric Beale Street. As well as buzzing blues clubs, you’ll find delectable barbecue joints.

In addition to its musical heritage, Memphis is famous for its role in the Civil Rights movement. Visit the Lorraine Motel and the National Civil Rights Museum for an eye-opening insight into the movement and the powerful figures that championed it.

We’d recommend staying at the renowned Peabody Hotel, but even if you aren’t a guest at the hotel you can go and watch the Peabody Duck Parade. This unique tradition happens daily at 11am and 5pm as the resident ducks make their way between their post in the lobby fountain and their penthouse suite.

Catching a Memphis Grizzlies basketball game or watching the Memphis Redbirds baseball is another fantastic Memphis experience.

Nashville > Memphis | 212 miles

The Peabody Hotel,  or similar

Head out of Memphis and join Route 72 to travel West towards Chattanooga. Wind your way across Mississippi and Alabama, following the twists and turns of the Tennessee River.

On your way, take a break in the town of Muscle Shoals, which made a name for itself thanks to its distinctive music style. Pay a visit to Muscle Shoals Studios to learn about its significance, or alternatively stretch your legs with a stroll along the river at the Wilson Dam.

Arriving in Chattanooga in the afternoon, check in to your hotel and pay a visit to the Chatanooga Choo Choo historic district. All centred around the old station, you’ll find restaurants, shopping and entertainment in this unique setting.

Memphis > Chattanooga | 316 miles

The Chattanoogan Hotel, or similar

Before you depart Chattanooga this morning, head to nearby Lookout Mountain. There is so much to explore: take the Incline Railway funicular for great views, wander the trails of Rock City, or decend into magnificent caves to see underground Ruby Falls. From the top of the mountain, you can even see seven states: Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Alabama.

Your road trip continues to the characterful university city of Knoxville. Wander through Market Square to find a bite to eat, and enjoy the street art. Then, perhaps head up the Sunsphere Tower, enjoying the views over Great Smoky Mountains.

Chattanooga > Knoxville | 112 miles

Cumberland House Knoxville, or similar

Less than an hour’s drive from Knoxville is the next stop of Pigeon Forge, a gateway town to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Consistently ranking as America’s most visited National Park, the Great Smokies straddle the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. Its 800 square miles encompass lush green forests, wildflower meadows that bloom year round, winding rivers and thundering waterfalls amid the rolling mountains.

With two days to explore, you can enjoy miles of hiking trails and scenic drives to incredible viewpoints. In the summer, you can also enjoy adventures like white water rafting and mountain biking (although not in the National Park itself). Also in Pigeon Forge, you’ll find Dollywood Theme & Water Park, perfect for families or adrenaline seekers as you can enjoy a variety of rides, all backdropped by the mountains.

Knoxville > Pigeon Forge | 35 miles

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, or similar

Make your way back to Nashville Airport today, which takes around three-and-a-half hours. You may have time to grab some barbecue food on your way, before you return your car and fly home.

Pigeon Forge > Nashville | 214 miles