Welcome to the definitive Tennessee road trip, a masterfully created14-night self-drive expedition engineered to reveal the ultimate soul, sound, and scenery of the Volunteer State. This extensive journey traverses the Three Grand Divisions of Tennessee, showcasing how the landscape, culture, and rhythm change from west to east. You will start along the mighty Mississippi River in West Tennessee—the fertile cradle of rock 'n' roll, soul, and delta blues. From there, your path winds into the limestone hills of Middle Tennessee, home to the global powerhouse of country music, historic town squares, and secret whiskey hollows. Finally, you will ascend into the ancient, mist-draped peaks and rushing trout streams of East Tennessee's Appalachian range. Expanding your voyage to exactly two weeks provides the luxury of time, allowing you to venture beyond the famous neon blocks into hidden mountain gaps, civil rights landmarks, and deep wilderness sanctuaries. Along the highway, you will feast on legendary culinary traditions, from slow-smoked dry-rub barbecue and fiery hot chicken to refined Appalachian farm-to-table cuisine. Packing a profound sensory punch, this curated loop offers an authentic, uncompromised encounter with the raw musical heritage and timeless hospitality of the American South.
Memphis - Nashville - Franklin/Tullahoma - Chattanooga - Knoxville - Pidgeon Forge - Gatlinburg
Day 1: Arrival & The Birth of the Blues
Welcome to Memphis, a gritty, soulful river town perched high on the bluffs above the sweeping currents of the Mississippi River. Check into your accommodation and immediately set 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, Muddy Waters, and Louis Armstrong once revolutionized global pop culture. Take a relaxing stroll down to Tom Lee Park on the riverfront to watch a spectacular 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. Head down a historic downtown alleyway to find Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous, where you will indulge in a massive rack of charcoal-ribs heavily coated in their signature dry-rub seasoning. The energy here seamlessly blends historic grit with maritime charm, serving as the perfect launchpad for your journey. Take time to absorb the live blues guitar pouring from the honky-tonks tonight, resting up for a deep dive into music history tomorrow.
3 Nights in Memphis @ Westin Memphis, Room Only
Day 2: Hallowed Recording Studios & Civil Rights History
Fuel up on a traditional Southern breakfast before dedicating your morning to Sun Studio, the hallowed recording space where producer Sam Phillips discovered Elvis Presley, 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 the global birth of rock 'n' roll. In the afternoon, shift your focus to the edge of downtown for a deeply moving visit to the National Civil Rights Museum, built directly into the preserved architecture of the historic Lorraine Motel. Spend several hours engaging with the profound, emotional exhibits tracing the American Civil Rights Movement and the tragic legacy of Dr. Martin Lorraine King Jr. Later, explore the revitalized South Main Arts District, browsing local galleries and unique boutiques. For dinner, head over to the vibrant Midtown neighbourhood to enjoy local craft beers and a massive plate of slow-smoked pulled pork shoulder at Central BBQ. Conclude your evening at an intimate, authentic local juke joint like Wild Bill's, absorbing raw, unfiltered delta blues music played by virtuosic local artists.
Day 3: The Royal Estate of Graceland & Soul Music
Dedicate your day to exploring the absolute pinnacle of pop culture royalty. Drive just south of downtown to visit Graceland, the expansive 13-acre estate and permanent sanctuary of Elvis Presley. Armed with an interactive iPad audio tour, spend your morning walking through the mansion's preserved mid-century rooms, viewing the legendary, shag-carpeted Jungle Room, the trophy building packed with gold records, and paying your respects in the peaceful Meditation Garden. Afterward, cross the street to the massive "Elvis Presley's Memphis" entertainment complex to view his glittering stage jumpsuits, custom private jets, and an impressive collection of vintage pink Cadillacs and motorcycles. In the afternoon, return north to visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, located on the original site of the studio where Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and Booker T. & the M.G.'s created the iconic "Memphis Sound." For dinner, treat yourself to sophisticated, upscale Southern dining at The Beauty Shop in the Cooper-Young neighbourhood, a trendy restaurant housed in a whimsical, converted 1960s hair salon where Elvis's former stylist worked.
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Day 4: The Music Highway to Nashville's Neon Alley (212 miles)
Check out of your hotel and collect your rental vehicle at Memphis International Airport, then start your road trip as you head from Music City! chart a path eastward along Interstate 40, a stretch of highway officially designated as the Music Highway. Break up the drive with a stop in Jackson to visit the International Rockabilly Hall of Fame and grab a casual lunch at a local diner. As you continue east, watch the flat floodplains 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 hotel. Head straight to Lower Broadway, a dazzling neon canyon filled with multi-story honky-tonks hosting incredible live bands from midday until the early hours of the morning. Walk across 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 with Nashville's most famous culinary export: hot chicken. Visit a local institution like Hattie B's or Prince's to savour crispy fried chicken deeply infused with fiery cayenne pepper, served traditionally over white bread with pickle slices.
3 Nights in Nashville @ Holston House Nashville, Room Only
Day 5: The Mother Church & Country Music Royalty
Leave your car keys at your hotel today, as Nashville’s dense historic core is incredibly walkable and best explored entirely 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 red-brick tabernacle to stand on the legendary oak stage where the Grand Ole Opry was broadcast for decades and where bluegrass was officially born. 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, stroll through the trendy Gulch district to view vibrant street murals or head over to Centennial Park to marvel at the world's only full-scale, exact replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon. For dinner, treat yourself to a contemporary Southern meal at an upscale kitchen in the historic Germantown neighbourhood, savouring creative dishes like sorghum-glazed pork belly or local trout. Cap off your evening by exploring the listening rooms of Lower Broadway.
Day 6: Music Row Heritage & The Grand Ole Opry
Spend your morning exploring the legendary neighbourhood known as Music Row, the historic heart of the global recording industry. Take a guided tour of RCA Studio B, Nashville's oldest surviving recording studio, where iconic tracks by Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Roy Orbison were brought to life under the soft glow of the studio lights. Afterward, explore the local boutique shops and cafes in the trendy 12 South neighbourhood for a relaxed lunch. In the afternoon, make the drive northeast of downtown to the Grand Ole Opry House. Take a fascinating behind-the-scenes backstage tour of the dressing rooms and stand inside the famous wooden circle cut directly from the original Ryman stage. Settle in tonight for a live performance of the Grand Ole Opry, America's longest-running radio show, experiencing a star-studded line up of country legends and contemporary icons performing live on stage. Cap off the night with a late snack at an iconic local diner, reflecting on the deep institutional layers that keep Nashville at the centre of the musical universe.
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Day 7: Franklin's Antebellum History to Whiskey Country (90 miles)
Check out of Nashville and drive south to the beautifully preserved historic town of Franklin. Spend your morning walking along its award-winning Main Street, lined with Victorian architecture, local bookstores, and antique shops. Visit the historic Carnton plantation house, a pivotal landmark and makeshift hospital during the bloody Civil War Battle of Franklin, to learn about the deep military and social history of the region. By midday, turn your vehicle south through the rolling horse pastures of Middle Tennessee towards the scenic mountain ridges of Lynchburg. Take a guided walking tour of the historic Jack Daniel Distillery, America's oldest registered distillery, tucked inside a beautiful limestone hollow. Learn how their famous Tennessee whiskey is mellowed drop-by-drop through ten feet of sugar maple charcoal before aging in hand-crafted charred oak barrels. Settle in for a quiet evening in the nearby historic town of Tullahoma, dining on upscale Southern comfort food and sipping local spirits at a relaxed, rustic tavern surrounded by dense woods.
1 Night in Tullahoma @ The Hampton Inn Tullahoma, Inc Breakfast
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Day 8: Lookout Mountain to Chattanooga's Riverfront (85 miles)
Depart the whiskey country this morning, driving southeast along Interstate 24 as the highway climbs dramatically over the Cumberland Plateau before dropping into Chattanooga, a spectacular city nestled tightly along a massive bend of the Tennessee River. Head straight up Lookout Mountain, located right on the edge of the city limits. Walk through the dramatic rock formations at Rock City Gardens to stand on a breath-taking cliffside ledge where you can view seven different states on a clear day, then head underground to view Ruby Falls, a massive 145-foot subterranean waterfall plunging deep inside the mountain. In the afternoon, descend to the revitalized North Shore district to walk across the historic Walnut Street Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world. Dine tonight at a trendy riverside bistro, enjoying fresh-caught local trout or artisan burgers while watching the river currents slip past the illuminated piers. Chattanooga perfectly balances rugged outdoor recreation with a vibrant, eco-friendly downtown culture.
1 Night in Chattanooga @ The Read House, Room Only
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Day 9: River Giants to Knoxville's Market Square (112 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 glass 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 along the Tennessee River Valley, driving past the shimmering waters of Watts Bar Lake. Arrive in Knoxville, a vibrant historic city that serves as the home of the University of Tennessee. Spend your afternoon exploring the charming, historic brick buildings surrounding Market Square, browsing local independent shops and listening to street musicians. For dinner, dive into Knoxville's booming culinary scene, enjoying farm-to-table Southern dishes at local institutions or sampling local craft beers in the trendy Old City district. Knoxville offers a wonderful blend of Appalachian history and youthful, energetic river-town culture.
1 Nights in Knoxville @ Graduate Knoxville, Room Only
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Day 10: Foothills Parkway to Pigeon Forge Gateway (45 miles)
Check out of Knoxville and make the short, incredibly scenic drive south towards the massive, ancient ridges of East Tennessee. Bypass the commercial highway traffic by navigating along a portion of the Foothills Parkway, a spectacular National Scenic Byway offering sweeping, uncompromised panoramic views of the mist-shrouded peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains. Descend into Pigeon Forge, a bustling mountain resort town packed with dynamic entertainment options. Spend your afternoon visiting the fascinating Titanic Museum Attraction, housed inside a massive, half-scale replica of the tragic ship, or navigate the indoor snow slopes at Snow Playground. In the evening, explore the island in Pigeon Forge, a vibrant shopping and dining complex featuring a massive, 200-foot illuminated observation wheel. Dine at a classic Southern family-style kitchen, enjoying endless platters of fried chicken, pot roast, and homemade biscuits while watching the multi-million-dollar musical fountain show dance to classic country hits under the neon mountain sky.
2 Nights in Pidgeon Forge @ Dollywood s DreamMore Resort, Room Only
Day 11: The Appalachian Spirit of Dollywood
Dedicate your entire day to experiencing the premier cultural landmark of the region: Dollywood Theme Park. Co-owned by country music legend Dolly Parton, this expansive 160-acre park nestled in the mountain foothills balances high-thrill roller coasters with deep preservation of Appalachian crafts, music, and heritage. Spend your morning riding world-class wooden coasters like Lightning Rod and exploring a replica of Dolly’s childhood oak cabin. Dedicate your afternoon to watching live master craftspeople demonstrate traditional blacksmithing, glassblowing, and woodcarving, while listening to award-winning bluegrass and Southern gospel music echoing from the park's open-air theatres. Enjoy classic mountain park food like giant skillet potatoes and fresh cinnamon bread baked right before your eyes. In the evening, exit the park to enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local craft distillery restaurant, sampling local mountain barbecue and resting up after an action-packed day of theme park exploration.
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Day 12: High-Alpine Gatlinburg & Moonshine Sipping |(15 miles)
Check out of Pigeon Forge and drive just a few miles south through the mountain gap to enter Gatlinburg, a charming alpine-style resort village tucked tightly into a deep river canyon. Ride the scenic chondola lift up to Anakeesta, an outdoor mountain adventure park perched high above the town, to walk along the tree-canopy bridge and climb the Ana Vista tower for 360-degree mountain views. In the afternoon, descend to the walkable Gatlinburg Parkway to explore the historic Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, an 8-mile loop road hosting independent artisans making hand-tossed pottery and woven baskets. Stop by a historic distillery like Ole Smoky Moonshine to sample local mountain shine flavours like blackberry, peach, or fiery apple pie. Celebrate your evening with a hearty mountain dinner of wood-fired prime rib and pan-fried rainbow trout at a rustic log cabin restaurant built right over a rushing mountain creek.
3 Nights in Gatlinburg @ Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa, Room Only
Day 13: The Historic Cades Cove Wilderness Loop
Wake up early to beat the crowds and drive deep into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States. Navigate the scenic 11-mile loop road through Cades Cove, a lush, isolated mountain valley surrounded by massive peaks and dotted with historic 19th-century log cabins, pioneer churches, and working gristmills. This area offers the absolute 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. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy alongside the rushing waters of the Little River, and spend your afternoon hiking the lush forest trail to Laurel Falls, a beautiful 80-foot multi-tiered waterfall. Return to Gatlinburg in the evening to relax by the stone fireplace at your lodge, soaking in the serene wilderness atmosphere.
Day 14: High Peaks of Newfound Gap to Clingmans Dome
On your final full day in the mountains, embark on a dramatic drive along Newfound Gap Road, a winding mountain highway that climbs over 3,000 feet through diverse forest ecosystems to straddle the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. Stop at the Newfound Gap overlook to walk a short section of the famous Appalachian Trail. From there, navigate the spur road up to the summit of Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi), the highest point in the state of Tennessee. Walk the steep, half-mile paved pathway to the futuristic concrete observation tower to stand at 6,643 feet, enjoying miles of panoramic views across endless waves of blue, mist-shrouded mountain ridges. In the afternoon, return down the mountain to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the peaceful sister town of Townsend, visiting the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. Celebrate your final evening with an upscale mountain dinner of wild game or upscale Southern cuisine, raising a glass to an unforgettable cross-state journey.
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Day 15: Departure (220 miles to Nashville)
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. Make the comfortable three-and-a-half-hour drive back west along Interstate 40 to return to Nashville International Airport to drop off your rental vehicle and catch your flight home, concluding a spectacular 14-night exploration of the deep history, unmatched music, and raw 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 Nashville
14 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 £2,199 per person based on 2 adults sharing
June - September = From £2,799 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.
