Bluegrass & Bourbon Trail Self Drive Tour

9 Nights

Memphis, TN

From the famous blue grasses of the horse capital of the world to the Great Smokey Mountains, fall in love with Southern hospitality while taking in hazy vistas of moss covered mountains. Charming highways will take you across the Mississippi Plateau into the lush Kentucky bluegrass region, comprised of short, steep, narrow hills. Tennessee drives with hazy blue mountains hugging the horizon will make for many stunning photo ops as you tour some of the finest cities in the South.

Marvel at America’s natural wonders in The Great Smokey Mountains National Park and the rugged Daniel Boone National Forest. Music culture abounds in Memphis and Nashville, homes of Blues and Country. Take in the iconic Beale street bars and get a glimpse into Elvis’s life with a visit to Graceland. You’re in the heart of bourbon country, so a stop at Jack Daniel’s Distillery and Sugarlands Distilling Company are a must. Kentucky is also horse country, so expect sprawling fields and pastures to dot the countryside as you head towards the iconic Churchill Downs, home of The Kentucky Derby.

From £568pp
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Highlights

  • Discover America’s rich music culture with a night out at Beale Street Blues bars, a visit to Elvis’ Graceland, a tour the Gibson Guitar Factory or enjoy an outdoor concert on banks of the Mississippi
  • Learn about American whiskey at the Jack Daniel’s Distillery and visit Cave Spring Hollow on your tour, then find your way to Nina’s Taste of Tennessee for a variety of Jack Daniels’s infused treats
  • Pick up a tasty treat: the moon pie (The South’s favorite snack) and visit the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Train Station, originally built in 1908, now converted into a impressive hotel
  • Escape to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park for a scenic hike on gorgeous mountain trails, then decide between bourbon or beer by from Sugarlands Distilling Company or Smokey Mountain Brewery
  • Work up an appetite for the abundant restaurants of Gatlinburg with a leisurely stroll through the compact downtown while taking in the unique architecture and downtown Village Shops
  • Visit the Horse Capital of the World in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region with a visit to American horse racing mecca Churchill Downs, home of the world-famous Kentucky Derby
  • Bask in the rugged landscape of the Daniel Boone National Forest, named after legendary pioneer Daniel Boone, and take in Cumberland Falls the stunning 120-foot wide 67 foot tall waterfall
  • Experience more American music in the heart of “Music City USA” with tours of the Music City Walk of Fame, a night at the Grand Ol’ Opry, as well as a trip to Music Valley’s Wax Museum
  • Day 1 - MEMPHIS ARRIVAL
  • Day 2 - MEMPHIS
  • Day 3 - MEMPHIS - LYNCHBURG
  • Day 4 - LYNCHBURG - CHATTANOOGA
  • Day 5 - CHATTANOOGA - GATLINBURG
  • Day 6 - GATLINBURG – LEXINGTON
  • Day 7 - LEXINGTON – LOUISVILLE
  • Day 8 - LOUISVILLE- NASHVILLE
  • Day 9 - NASHVILLE
  • Day 10 - NASHVILLE - MEMPHIS DEPARTURE

Start your journey in the musical city of Memphis and explore the birthplace of the blues by taking in a performance in one of the entertaining Beale Street blues bars. Memphis offers a multitude of musical and movie moments, and there are two nights to explore your favorites. Start with a visit to Graceland, home of the late Elvis Presley, then choose between the  Rock & Soul Museum, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the Gibson Guitar Factory, or  Sun Studio where musicians such as B.B. King, Elvis Presley, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded their rock’n’roll hits (all optional visits).

Meals Included: Ro

Comfort Inn Downtown Memphis

The Comfort Inn Downtown Memphis is located in the heart of Downtown Memphis in an extremely characteristic and lively area within short walk distance to all sites such as Mud Island, The Cotton Museum, The FedEx Forum and our famous Beale Street just to mention a few.

Memphis combines the charm of the Old South with the exciting pace of a mod- ern metropolis. During your stay, may we suggest an optional visit to any outdoor concerts at the Mud Island outdoor amphitheater. Located right on the Mississippi River, Mud Island River Park is a historic and scenic outdoor area. Or, dine in B.B. King’s restaurant on famous Beale Street.

Meals Included: Ro

Comfort Inn Downtown Memphis

The Comfort Inn Downtown Memphis is located in the heart of Downtown Memphis in an extremely characteristic and lively area within short walk distance to all sites such as Mud Island, The Cotton Museum, The FedEx Forum and our famous Beale Street just to mention a few.

Continue your exploration to Lynchburg  where you will pass out of the coun- try music for the home of Bourbon. You  will discover the famous home of the Jack Daniel’s whiskey distillery during your stay. While touring the Jack Daniel’s Distillery (optional), learn about the great American wonder of the Cave Spring Hollow, and discover more about the history of the distillery. Don’t miss Nina’s Taste of Tennessee and indulge in the sweet treats and surprises that this quaint shop has to offer. Many of her sweet treats are made with a variety of Jack Daniel’s whiskey.

Driving Distance: 263 MI / 423 KM

Meals Included: Ro

Hampton Inn Tullahoma

Property Location A stay at Hampton Inn Tullahoma places you in the heart of Tullahoma and within the vicinity of George Dickel Distillery. This hotel is within the region of Elk River Dam and Jack Daniel's Distillery.

Venture into the 4th largest city in Southeast Tennessee and taste the South’s  favorite snack food, the Moon Pie, which originated in Chattanooga since the early 1900s. The city has received national recognition for the  renaissance of its beautiful downtown and expansion of its riverfront. A must visit is the Chattanooga Choo Choo Train Station. This iconic train station has been turned into a hotel. The station was first built in the historic district in 1908. Summer travelers should check the dates of the annual Chattanooga Riverbend Festival.

Driving Distance: 91 MI / 146 KM

Meals Included: Ro

Chattanooga Choo Choo

Property Location With a stay at Chattanooga Choo Choo, you'll be centrally located in Chattanooga, steps from Songbirds Guitar Museum and minutes from Hart Gallery. This boutique hotel is within close proximity of Coker Tire Museum and Chattanooga Convention Center.

Make your way north to Gatlinburg and pass through the rich culture and natural beauty of Knoxville, which has the perfect blend of southern hospitality and modern development. Start off your day by taking a scenic hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with plentiful trails and beautiful surroundings. Visit the Sugarlands Distilling Company (optional), where you can enjoy the varieties of samples they offer. Or choose to visit the Smoky Mountain Brewery and have a quick lunch (optional). Afterwards, stroll through the downtown Village Shops and enjoy the beautiful architecture while doing a little shopping with an abundance of restaurants to choose from.

Driving Distance: 145 MI / 233 KM

Meals Included: Ro

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa

Property Location With a stay at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa in Gatlinburg, you'll be in the entertainment district and convenient to Herbert Holt Park and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. This family-friendly resort is within close proximity of Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre and Mysterious Mansion.

As you leave Gatlinburg and make your way through Kentucky, you will witness the scenic view of the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River, with the Ohio River forming a northern boundary. Begin your morning in the Horse Capital of the World, located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region. Embrace the rugged terrain of the Daniel Boone National Forest, named after the fearless legendary American pioneer. Also located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, Cumberland Falls is the place to see the majestic 120-foot wide, 67 foot waterfall.

Driving Distance: 214 MI / 344 KM

Meals Included: Ro

Red Roof Inn Lexington South

Property Location With a stay at Red Roof Inn Lexington South in Lexington, you'll be close to The Mall At Lexington Green and Commonwealth Stadium. This motel is within close proximity of Fayette Mall and Quest Community Church.

While taking the drive to Louisville, you’ll pass by small towns and luscious green fields along the way. As you reach Louisville, don’t forget to visit the home of the world’s most famous thoroughbred horserace, the Kentucky Derby which takes place at Churchill Downs the first Saturday each May. But don’t forget to bring a beautiful hat for the occasion! Recently featured in the movie Sea Biscuit, Churchill Downs is the mecca of American horse racing and home of the Kentucky Derby Museum. Take a short side trip to Bardstown and visit My Old Kentucky Home State Park, the inspiration for Stephen Foster’s anthem of the same name which is sung by the crowds every year at the Kentucky Derby. Baseball fans should ensure they fit in a visit to the Louisville Slugger Museum (optional), an interactive museum honoring some of baseball’s greats.

Driving Distance: 78 MI / 125 KM

Meals Included: Ro

Red Roof Inn Louisville Fair and Expo

Property Location With a stay at Red Roof Inn Louisville Fair and Expo in Louisville, you'll be close to Louisville Mega Cavern and Kentucky Exposition Center. This hotel is within close proximity of Louisville Zoo and Farmington Historic Home.

Nashville, “Music City USA”, is THE music destination today. Make your way over to the Music City Walk of Fame (optional) honoring the top country performers. It’s a multimedia music shrine including movie theatres, costumes, instruments and other artifacts detailing country music’s colorful history. May we suggest a visit to the Ryman Auditorium and a night at the Grand Ole Opry?

Driving Distance: 176 MI / 283 KM

Meals Included: Ro

Ramada by Wyndham Nashville/Music Valley

Property Location With a stay at GuestHouse Inn & Suites Nashville / Music Valley in Nashville (Donelson), you'll be minutes from Texas Troubadour Theatre and Cooter's Place. This hotel is within close proximity of Nashville Toy Museum and Grand Ole Opry Museum.

Today we suggest a visit to the Opy Mills shopping Center or take a stroll through the Music Valley’s Wax Museum of the Stars and witness life-size wax figures of many country music stars. The State Capitol in downtown Nashville gives visitors a taste of Tennessee’s history and natural wonders and also serves as a  lasting monument to Tennessee’s Bicentennial cel- ebration. The various large monuments represent Tennessee’s unique history that includes a 200- foot map of Tennessee.

Meals Included: Ro

Ramada by Wyndham Nashville/Music Valley

Property Location With a stay at GuestHouse Inn & Suites Nashville / Music Valley in Nashville (Donelson), you'll be minutes from Texas Troubadour Theatre and Cooter's Place. This hotel is within close proximity of Nashville Toy Museum and Grand Ole Opry Museum.

Depart the capital of country and western music to return to the home of the blues. Upon your return to Memphis be sure to end your tour by dining at one of the most popular places to eat in town, Leonard’s BBQ.

Driving Distance: 212 MI / 341 KM