Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
A tour of Graceland, Memphis
A tour of Graceland, Memphis
Clockwise from top left: Memphis skyline, Smoky Mountains, Lexington and Nashville
Clockwise from top left: Memphis skyline, Smoky Mountains, Lexington and Nashville
Nashville broadway signs (left), aerial view of Tennessee River, and Churchill Downs race track in Kentucky
Nashville broadway signs (left), aerial view of Tennessee River, and Churchill Downs race track in Kentucky
Rock City Waterfall in Chattanooga (left), and Sun Studios in Memphis (right)
Rock City Waterfall in Chattanooga (left), and Sun Studios in Memphis (right)

Self-Drive Bluegrass & Bourbon Trail

9 nights from €1,979 per person Including Flights

Overview

Enjoy a road trip around the Deep South which has music and bourbon at its heart. You’ll also encounter the horses of Kentucky, the Great Smoky Mountains and famous southern hospitality. Begin your journey in the fun Tennessee city of Memphis with it rich music traditions, not just Elvis (although Graceland is well worth a visit) but also BB King, Al Green and Justin Timberlake. You’ll travel through Tennessee to the quirky city of Chattanooga, set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and with a fascinating history. Continue onto Kentucky – called the Bluegrass State due the special grass growing in the rich and fertile soil of the region – perfect for raising horses, which you will see grazing in every field. Back in the 18 century there were more horses than people in Kentucky, and even now there is 1 horse for every 12 people! But you’ll also find wonderful bourbon distilleries, craft breweries, lovely downtowns to explore and fascinating museums such as the Muhamad Ali Centre in Lexington. You’ll end with a couple of nights stay in the Country Music Capital of the World, a place that all music lovers should visit at least one in their life. (ATI)

Highlights

  • Visit the wonderful music cities of Nashville and Memphis – each with their own style of music, both with a fantastic choice of live music bars and fascinating museums
  • Visit the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington for insights into the world of the thoroughbred farms
  • In Louisville visit the home of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, also the Muhammad Ali Centre, the Louisville Slugger museum and a wide variety of bourbon distilleries.

Itinerary Overview

Fly to Memphis TN 2 nights – Lynchburg TN 1 night – Chattanooga TN 1 night – Gatlinburg TN 1 night – Lexington KY 1 night – Louisville KY 1 night – Nashville TN 2 nights – Fly home

Year round daily departures available

Our holidays include
  • Flights & taxes
  • Accommodation
  • Checked baggage
  • CAR licensed & bonded
  • In resort assistance & 24 hour contact centre
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Day 1

Fly to Memphis

Arrive in Memphis Tennessee and transfer independently to your hotel.

Day 2

Memphis

This music city is full of fantastic music experiences whether its touring Elvis’s home Graceland,  visiting Sun Studios considered the birthplace of Rock n Roll or simply enjoy a drink with a live band in a Beale Street venue. We’d also recommend a visit to the remarkable Civil Rights Museum, set in the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King was assassinated, with fascinating exhibits and insights into the civil rights movement.

Day 3

Memphis – Lynchburg Area (263 miles)

Pick up your hire car and head east to the town of Lynchburg, known as the home of Bourbon. Here you can tour the Jack Daniel’s Distillery and learn about its history and the role of Cave Spring Hollow. You can also visit Nina’s Taste of Tennessee, a quaint sweet shop where you indulge in all sorts of sweet surprised many made with bourbon. Activities are optional and at extra charge.

Day 4

Lynchburg – Chattanooga (91 miles)

Drive onto the city of Chattanooga set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. This city with an interesting history is now receiving acclaim for the renaissance of its downtown and riverfront. Board the Incline Railway to scale Lookout Mountain and visit Ruby Falls waterfall and Rock City (optional, extra charge).

Day 5

Chattanooga – Gatlinburg (145 miles)

Head north to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Take a scenic hike in the park on one of the well-marked trails and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Drive onto Gatlinburg and perhaps visit either the Smoky Mountain Brewery or the Sugarlands Distilling Company. There’s also Dollywood nearby if that’s your cup of tea! There’s also the Village Shops, an eclectic mix of boutiques which is a lovely for a browse.

Day 6

Gatlinburg – Lexington (214 miles)

Enjoy the views of the Appalachian Mountains and Mississippi River as you leave Gatlinburg and make your way into Kentucky. You’ll be passing by the Daniel Boone National Forest named after an American pioneer, and here you can see the majestic Cumberland Falls which are 120 feet wide with a drop of nearly 70 feet. Arrive in Lexington, known as the “Horse Capital of the World”, with over 500 horse farms. The Kentucky Horse Park features films, exhibits and horse shows, and the American Saddle Horse Museum is dedicated to the native Kentucky Breed. But it’s not all about horses, with some lovely historical sites to explore such as The Waveland State Historic Site and The Henry Clay Estate.

Day 7

Lexington – Louisville (78 miles)

This morning drive to Louisville, home of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. It’s worth visiting here first as you approach Louisville and take time to do a tour of the Kentucky Derby Museum here. In Louisville the Slugger Museum is a fun place to visit, but the must-see attraction is the Muhammad Ali Center – a superb place dedicated to the life and influence of the great boxer.

Day 8

Louisville – Nashville (176 miles)

Today you will be heading south on the last leg of your holiday in the Deep South. Your destination is the music city of Nashville, famous as the world capital of country music. Enjoy an evening on Broadway, listening to live music in one of the honky tonk bars.

Day 9

Nashville

A full day to explore Nashville. First on your list should be the Country Music Hall of Fame filled with great memorabilia and exhibits. Also perhaps visit RCA Studio B where Elvis recorded many of his songs, tour the Johnny Cash Museum and visit the Grand Ole Opry.

Day 10

Departure

Today its time to leave for the airport.  Drop off your hire car and catch your flight home.

 

  • Return international flights
  • Fully inclusive car rental – upgrades available at a supplement (eg: SUV or convertible)
  • Hotel accommodation in 3* to 4* hotels  on a room only basis unless otherwise stated.
  • Electronic maps & driving instructions
     

What’s not included (unless otherwise stated)

  • Resort fees
  • Parking charges
  • Meals, excursions & entrance fees
  • Fuel & road tolls
     

Brendan White
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