Welcome to this Taste of Tennessee road trip, a masterfully curated 7-night self-drive expedition that invites you to journey through the deeply rooted musical heritage, dramatic natural wonders, and legendary culinary landscapes of the Volunteer State. This cross-state voyage bridges three completely distinct geographic regions, traditionally known as the Three Grand Divisions of Tennessee. You will start in West Tennessee along the muddy banks of the Mississippi River, cruise through the rolling hills and neon-lit streets of Middle Tennessee, and ultimately ascend into the ancient, mist-draped peaks of East Tennessee's Appalachian range. Along the way, your itinerary traces the historical lifelines of American music, guiding you from the gritty birthplace of rock ’n’ roll and delta blues in Memphis to the sparkling global capital of country music in Nashville. Beyond the iconic soundscapes, you will experience the engineering marvels of Chattanooga and immerse yourself in the untouched, biodiverse wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Packed with world-class sensory experiences—ranging from slow-smoked Memphis barbecue and fiery Nashville hot chicken to smooth Tennessee whiskey sampled straight from historic distilleries—this driving loop promises a profound, uncompromised encounter with the raw soul and timeless hospitality of the American South.
Memphis - Nashville - Chattanooga - Gatlinburg
Day 1: Arrival & The Blues of Memphis
Welcome to Memphis, the soulful birthplace of rock 'n' roll and the blues, perched high above the sweeping currents of the Mississippi River. After collecting your rental vehicle at Memphis International Airport, make the short drive into the vibrant downtown core. Check into your hotel and immediately head out to explore the historic brick facades of Beale Street. Spend your afternoon wandering the iconic musical corridor where legendary artists like B.B. King and Louis Armstrong once revolutionized American music. Take a stroll down to Tom Lee Park on the riverfront to watch the sunset over the massive muddy waters of the Mississippi. Cap off your opening evening by diving headfirst into the city's world-famous culinary scene. Seek out the legendary Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous, tucked away in a downtown alley, to indulge in a massive rack of charcoal-ribs coated in their signature dry-rub seasoning. The energy here seamlessly blends historic grit with maritime charm, offering the perfect launchpad for your journey across the state. Take time to fully absorb the neon lights and live music pouring out of every doorway, resting up before a deep dive into rock history tomorrow.
2 Nights in Memphis @ Westin Memphis, Room Only
Day 2: Graceland & The Icons of Rock 'n' Roll
Fuel up on a traditional Southern breakfast before dedicating your day to exploring the absolute crown jewels of rock history. Drive just south of downtown to visit Graceland, the sprawling 13-acre estate of Elvis Presley. Spend your morning walking through the mansion's preserved mid-century rooms, viewing the legendary Jungle Room, and paying your respects in the peaceful Meditation Garden. In the afternoon, navigate back to the city center to stand inside Sun Studio, the hallowed recording space where Sam Phillips discovered Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Stand on the exact spot where the "Million Dollar Quartet" jammed, and touch the historic microphones that shaped global pop culture. Later, make a deeply moving visit to the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the historic Lorraine Motel, to engage with the profound history of the American Civil Rights Movement. Conclude your evening with casual dining at a local juke joint, sampling slow-smoked pulled pork shoulder and listening to local blues guitarists. Today provides a comprehensive look at the cultural and social earthquakes that erupted from this river city.
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Day 3: The Music Highway to Nashville's Neon Alley (212 miles)
Check out of your hotel and chart a path eastward along Interstate 40, a stretch of asphalt affectionately designated as the Music Highway. Watch the flat plains of the Mississippi delta slowly transition into the lush, rolling limestone hills of Middle Tennessee. Arrive in Nashville, the global capital of country music, by mid-afternoon and check into your downtown accommodation. Head straight to Lower Broadway, a dazzling neon canyon filled with multi-story honky-tonks hosting incredible live bands from noon until the early hours of the morning. Walk the nearby pedestrian John Seigenthaler Bridge for a spectacular view of the modern city skyline rising over the Cumberland River. For dinner, challenge your taste buds by trying Nashville's most famous culinary export: hot chicken. Visit a local institution like Hattie B's or Prince's to savor crispy fried chicken deeply infused with fiery cayenne pepper, served traditionally over white bread with pickle slices. Spend your evening hopping between legendary venues like Tootsie's Orchid Lounge or Robert's Western World, soaking in the virtuosic musicianship that defines the city's everyday soundtrack.
2 Nights in Nashville @ Holston House Nashville, Room Only
Day 4: The Mother Church & Musical Hallowed Grounds
Leave your car keys at your hotel today, as Nashville’s dense historic core is incredibly walkable and best explored on foot. Begin your morning with a pilgrimage to the Ryman Auditorium, affectionately known as the "Mother Church of Country Music." Take a guided tour of this historic 1892 tabernacle to stand on the legendary oak stage where the Grand Ole Opry was broadcast for decades. Afterward, walk over to the massive Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to explore miles of galleries containing vintage instruments, sparkling stage costumes, and historic automobiles owned by country music royalty. In the afternoon, explore the trendy Gulch district or stroll through Centennial Park to view the world's only full-scale replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon. For dinner, treat yourself to a contemporary Southern meal at an upscale kitchen in the historic Germantown neighborhood, savoring creative dishes like sorghum-glazed pork belly or local trout. Cap off your evening by securing tickets to an intimate acoustic songwriters' showcase at the world-famous Bluebird Cafe, watching the master wordsmiths behind global radio hits perform their work in a legendary acoustic room.
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Day 5: Lynchburg Sipping to Chattanooga's Lookout Mountain (165 miles)
Depart Nashville this morning, driving southeast toward the scenic mountain ridges of Chattanooga. Take a beautiful detour through the rolling hills of Moore County to stop in the tiny town of Lynchburg, home to the historic Jack Daniel Distillery. Take a guided walking tour of America's oldest registered distillery to learn how the famous Tennessee whiskey is mellowed drop-by-drop through sugar maple charcoal before aging in charred oak barrels. Afterward, continue your drive southeast into Chattanooga, a spectacular city nestled tightly along a massive bend of the Tennessee River. Spend your afternoon high atop Lookout Mountain, located right on the edge of the city. Walk through the dramatic rock formations at Rock City Gardens to stand on a cliffside ledge where you can view seven different states on a clear day. In the evening, head down to the revitalized North Shore district to walk across the historic Walnut Street Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world. Dine at a trendy riverside bistro, enjoying fresh trout or local artisan burgers while watching the river currents slip by.
1 Night in Chattanooga @ The Read House Hotel, Room Only
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Day 6: River Canyons to the Gateway of the Smokies (145 miles)
Spend your morning exploring downtown Chattanooga's award-winning riverfront, starting with a visit to the spectacular Tennessee Aquarium. This world-class facility features two massive buildings that track the journey of water from high mountain streams all the way down to the deep ocean, showcasing giant river sturgeon, playful otters, and native freshwater species. By midday, check out of your hotel and turn your vehicle northeast, driving past the shimmering waters of Watts Bar Lake and heading toward the massive, ancient ridges of East Tennessee. Your destination is Gatlinburg, a bustling mountain resort town that serves as the primary southern gateway into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Arrive in the late afternoon and check into your mountain lodge or cabin accommodation. Spend your evening strolling along the lively Gatlinburg Parkway, sampling local Appalachian moonshine flavours like blackberry or apple pie at a historic distillery, and enjoying a hearty mountain dinner of smoked trout, cornbread, and slow-cooked collard greens at a local lodge overlooking a rushing mountain stream.
2 Nights in Gatlinburg @ Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa, Room Only
Day 7: The Majestic Wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains
Dedicate your final full day to exploring the breathtaking, misty wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the country. Wake up early to beat the crowds and drive along the scenic loop road through Cades Cove, a lush, isolated mountain valley surrounded by massive peaks. This area offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the region; keep your eyes peeled for native white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and wild black bears roaming the open meadows. Spend your afternoon navigating the spectacular Newfound Gap Road, driving high up into the clouds to reach the summit of Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi). Walk the steep pathway to the elevated observation tower to stand at the highest point in Tennessee, enjoying miles of panoramic views across endless waves of blue, mist-shrouded mountain ridges. Return to Gatlinburg for your final evening to celebrate your incredible cross-state journey. Settle into a historic mountain steakhouse for a memorable dinner of prime rib or wood-fired game, reflecting on a spectacular trip spanning from the Mississippi to the appalachians.
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Day 8: Departure (42 miles to Knoxville Airport, or 220 miles back to Nashville Airport).
Enjoy one final mountain breakfast, perhaps indulging in a towering stack of fresh pancakes at a historic local log cabin griddle, before preparing for your return travel. If you are flying out regionally, make the comfortable one-hour drive north out of the mountains to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville to drop off your rental vehicle and catch your flight home. Alternatively, if your airline tickets require a complete loop return, make the comfortable three-and-a-half-hour drive back west along Interstate 40 to return to Nashville or Memphis, concluding an unforgettable 7-night exploration of the incredible history, music, and natural beauty of Tennessee.
TOUR COST
All 'from' prices quoted below are per adult person, per package in £ GBP
The exact cost of the tour will depend on the date of travel and the availability at the time you book.
Your holiday includes:
Return flights into Memphis and return from Knoxville or Nashville
7 Nights accommodation as above including all taxes
Breakfast as stated above
Car hire including all taxes, fees, unlimited mileage and breakdown cover.
October - March = From £1,599 per person based on 2 adults sharing
June - September = From £1,999 per person based on 2 adults sharing
Pre, post or extra nights
Pre, post & extra nights within the itinerary are available to be added to this tour, please let us know at time of booking if you would like to extend your stay anywhere and we will be happy to quote the extra nights.
