Memphis, Nashville & Elvis Presley’s Gulf Coast Beach Retreat
Memphis, Nashville & Elvis Presley’s Gulf Coast Beach Retreat
14 Days
Tour operator:
Tour code:
98480
From:
$3624
$3249 (USD)
including Flights from the UK
Operator discount: -$375
Tour Overview
From Memphis’ Beale Street to the beaches of Ocean Springs, this discovery combines southern musical cities with relaxation on the coastline of Mississippi.
This musical journey through the heart of the South kicks off with a visit to the historic Chattanooga Choo-Choo Hotel, a nod to the train that inspired the famous song. From there, travel to Nashville, the world-famous home of country music, and choose to experience RCA Studio B, where Elvis recorded many of his hits, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Next, venture to Memphis, the city that Elvis called home, and stroll down the legendary Beale Street, soaking up the live music and barbeque aromas. Then, pay homage to the King himself with a visit to Graceland, the site of his last recordings and his final resting place on an optional excursion. In Tupelo, Elvis’ birthplace, you'll get a chance to step into his humble childhood home before arriving in vibrant New Orleans. Immerse yourself in the French Quarter, venture on an optional bayou tour to spot some alligators and board an evening steamboat dinner jazz cruise.
Stroll through the majestic alley of oak trees in the Oak Alley Plantation and make a delightful stopover in the charming Bay St. Louis. Finally, conclude with a four-night stay in Ocean Springs at a resort frequented by Elvis Presley in the 1950s. With the beach in easy reach, you can unwind or choose from a range of optional excursions, including a shrimping adventure from Biloxi and an exhilarating airboat ride across the swamps of the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day One – Fly To Atlanta
Fly to Atlanta, where you’ll be welcomed by your friendly local tour manager. You’ll then journey into the southeast corner of Tennessee and Chattanooga – of "Choo-Choo" fame – on the banks of the Tennessee River.
Tonight, perhaps enjoy your first Southern-style dinner.
Day Two – Morning At Leisure, Drive To Nashville And Optional Tour Of Rca Studio B And The Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum
This morning, you’ll have a brief tour of Chattanooga, which encompasses a visit to the Chattanooga Choo-Choo Hotel, a former railroad terminal, forever linked to the song of the same name.
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 day is free. Perhaps seek out a live musical performance 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.
Alternatively, you can join an afternoon excursion, which showcases 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.
For dinner, trying Nashville’s signature dish of hot chicken will truly complete your first day in this city.
Day Three – Travel To Memphis
Next up 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.
As night falls, perhaps journey downtown where you can stroll along atmospheric Beale Street, America’s most famous musical highway. Take 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 Four – Day At Leisure Or Optional Excursion Of Memphis, With A Visit To The Sun Studio And Graceland
Join an optional full-day Memphis excursion that encompasses the city’s major musical highlights. 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 Five – Travel Via Tupelo To New Orleans
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.
During the visit, you may wish 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.
Afterwards, you’ll continue south through Mississippi, heading towards Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico to vibrant New Orleans, the ‘Big Easy’, considered the birthplace of jazz.
Once you’ve checked into the hotel, ideally located within the historic and charming French Quarter, waste no time soaking up the lively atmosphere of the city. Perhaps seek out one of the nearby jazz bars to hear some live music and sample Creole and Cajun dishes, such as gumbo, beignets, and po'boy.
Day Six – Day At Leisure Or Optional City Tour, Bayou And Alligator Excursion, And Steamboat Dinner Jazz Cruise In New Orleans
Today, you can choose to explore at your pace or join a morning tour introducing the highlights of the city. Beginning in the heart of the French Quarter, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in New Orleans, you’ll admire its architecture, which blends French and Spanish influences and features wrought-iron balconies, courtyards, and colourful façades. At the centre, Jackson Square with a monument of Andre Jackson, the seventh American president, and a French-style St. Louis Cathedral, can be seen.
Your guide will then lead you to the Garden District, known for its historic mansions and oak-fringed streets, as well as Lafayette Cemetery No 1, one of the city’s most striking above-the-ground burial grounds with elaborate tombs. Charles Avenue, a picturesque thoroughfare lined with vintage streetcars and the National WWII Museum are additional stops.
Later in the afternoon, an optional excursion to experience a bayou (a slow-moving creek) and its alligators is available. This involves leaving the city for the swamps and waterways of outer New Orleans, home to an array of wildlife. As you sail across the still waters, you can keep your eyes peeled for the alligators that inhabit the waters and learn about Louisiana’s ecosystem.
Back in the city, you’ll have another night at leisure, or you can board an optional steamboat dinner jazz cruise. As you sail the mighty Mississippi and take in the illuminated sights on the bank, you can enjoy live jazz music and a delicious meal.
Day Seven – Day At Leisure In New Orleans Or Optional Oak Alley Plantation Tour
Another day of leisure awaits to do some self-exploration and survey more of the historic neighbourhoods. Perhaps walk around the stalls of the French market, visit the New Orleans Museum of Art, or watch in the lively street performances.
If you're interested in delving into the region's plantation history, you can opt for the Oak Alley Plantation tour. You’ll travel to the Oak Alley Plantation, with its majestic alley of 28 oak trees and well-preserved antebellum architecture. This plantation has been the setting of popular movies and TV series, including Interview with a Vampire. As you wander the mansion and the grounds, you’ll gain a glimpse into the history of the Old South and the lives of those who resided here.
Day Eight – Travel Via The Bay St. Louis To Ocean Springs
You’ll leave New Orleans and travel to the coast, visiting Bay St. Louis on the way. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, this city of upscale waterfront homes, seafood restaurants and white sandy beaches also has a charming downtown. You’ll have some time to stroll around and browse the art galleries, antique shops, and harbour.
Later in the day, you’ll arrive in Ocean Springs on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and check into your resort, set on a lagoon and previously frequented by Elvis Presley. You can then unwind for the rest of the day, perhaps having a swim in the saltwater pool and grabbing a cocktail in the lounge.
Day Nine – Day At Leisure
With the resort as your base, you can choose to spend today free by taking advantage of the on-site amenities or exploring the coastal area and nearby beaches. Ocean Springs is just a five-minute taxi ride away, and you can immerse yourself in its art scene, with plenty of galleries and studios to discover. The city’s historic downtown is home to an assortment of restaurants and shops, and there are numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, birdwatching, and water sports.
Day 10 – Day At Leisure Or Optional Shrimping Excursion From Biloxi
You have another free day or the chance to join an optional shrimping excursion to learn about the catching process of this southern delicacy. You’ll start by travelling to Biloxi harbour, boarding a trawl with a local crew, and sailing across the waters of the Mississippi Gulf Coast for 70 minutes. During this journey, the shrimping net will be set out and you’ll be shown how and what makes the net spread and operate correctly. The open net will capture various sea creatures, like crabs and pufferfish, as well as shrimp.
Day 11 – Day At Leisure Or Optional Full-Day Excursion Of The Gulf Coast Gator Ranch And Travel To Mobile
It’s your final day in Ocean Springs, and you can decide between taking it at your own pace or joining a full-day excursion of the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch. You’ll travel to a Mississippi marsh and board an airboat for an exhilarating ride across the swampy waters, observing the surrounding wildlife as you go. With an experienced guide at the helm, you’ll spot several alligators alongside the boat and on the banks.
Back on land, you’ll continue to the coastal city of Mobile in Alabama, the birthplace of Mardi Gras in North America and one of the oldest cities in the United States. There’ll be a chance for you to walk around here, taking in its historic sites and landmarks, like the Fort Conde and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park.
Day 12 – Travel To Montgomery
After checking out of the hotel, you’ll journey north into Alabama to spend the final night in Montgomery, the city that’s the final resting place of country legend, Hank Williams.
Day 13 – Fly Home From Atlanta
Savour a morning at leisure, check out of the hotel and transfer to Atlanta airport for your return, overnight flight home.
Day 14 – Arrive Back In The Uk
Land back in the UK after your holiday.
What's Included
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12 nights' room-only accommodation in a series of good-quality hotels in Chattanooga (1 night), Nashville (1), Memphis (2), New Orleans (3), Ocean Springs (4), and Montgomery (1), plus one night on the aircraft
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Return flights to Atlanta
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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 North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or Cuba since 12 January 2021, or have dual nationality with any of these countries, you do require a US visa and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately three 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, or Cuba since 12 January 2021, or have dual nationality with any of these countries, you do require a US visa and cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately three 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Wednesday - Tuesday
Mar 05, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
May 07, 2025 - May 20, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 24, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Oct 08, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Nov 19, 2025 - Dec 02, 2025Book 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.