Our Itineraries: Bluegrass & Bourbon trail
Discover the art and science of the Master Distiller, savor the distinct flavor, and see how legendary distilleries have crafted the world's finest bourbons using secret recipes and a time-honored process passed down from generation to generation.
Cap off your tour through Bluegrass Country with its namesake music which will overwhelm you with its gentle, honest charm.
ITINERARY DESCRIPTION:
Day 1: MEMPHIS ARRIVAL
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).
Day 2: MEMPHIS
Memphis combines the charm of the Old South with the exciting pace of a modern 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
Day 3: MEMPHIS - LYNCHBURG
Continue your exploration to Lynchburg where you will pass out of the country 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.
Day 4: LYNCHBURG - CHATTANOOGA
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.
Day 5: CHATTANOOGA – GATLINBURG
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.
Day 6: GATLINBURG - LEXINGTON
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 tall waterfall.
Day 7: LEXINGTON – LOUISVILLE
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.
Day 8: LOUISVILLE – NASHVILLE
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?
Day 9: NASHVILLE
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 celebration. The various large monuments represent Tennessee's unique history that includes a 200-foot map of Tennessee.
Day 10: NASHVILLE
Leave your hotel and drop your car to the car rental counter, end of the journey.
Inculsions:
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Overnights as per program in the indicated hotels or similar ones of the same category
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Alamo Car Rental with rate Gold Gps All Inclusive pick up day1 at Memphis Airport /drop off day 10 at Nashville Airport Location, including unlimited miles,complete damage responsability– extended Protection – fuel option – up to 3 extra drivers – gps device
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Electronic travel kit in english/ pdf documents
Exclusions:
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Meals (unless specified as included) drinks and tips.
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Reort Fee or Facility fee unless specified as included
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drop off charge for the rental ( estimate around 130 usd, subject to change without notice)
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all flights
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entrance fees to National Parks and every other attraction
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Everything not mentioned as included
Note: rates are subject to change according to availability of services at time of booking. Mentioned hotels are only a sample to indicate the category booked, Travel Hub will offer same category hotel whenever the originally mentioned poperty won’t be available.
Hotels Standard Category
Memphis Holiday Inn Express Memphis Medical Center / 2 nights breakfast Included
Lynchburg ( Tullahoma) Hampton Inn Tullahoma / 1 night breakfast Included
Chattanooga 1 night Best Western Royal Inn / 1 night Breakfast included
Gatlimburg Courtyard Gatlingburg /1 night
Lexington Homewood Suites by Hilton Lexington / 1 night
Luisville Candlewood Suites Luisville Airport / 1 night
Nashville Super 8 by Wyndham Nashville downtown / 2 nights Breakfast Included
Hotels Superior Category
Memphis Holiday Inn Memphis downtown (Beale Street) / 2 nights
Lynchburg ( WinchesterBest Western Inn /1 night breakfast Included
Chattanooga 1 night Best Western Royal Inn /1 nightBreakfast included
Gatlimburg Courtyard Gatlingburg /1 night
Lexington Homewood Suites by Hilton Lexington / 1 night
Luisville Candlewood Suites Luisville Airport / 1 night
Nashville Best Western Plus Belle Meade Inn & Suites / 2 nights
OPTIONALS
MEMPHIS
Graceland VIP tour plus airplanes 106 Eur p/p
Rock N Roll Museum and Music Hall of Fame 38 Eur p/p
CHATTANOOGA
Chattanooga Segway City tour 141 Eur p/p
NASHVILLE
Studio B and Country Music Hall of Fame Combo visit 46 Eur p/p
Slavery To Freedom Walking Tour 60 eur p/p
Secret Network of Women in Civil Right tour 60 eur p/p
INSIDER TIPS
MEMPHIS
Don’t loose the unique Duck Parade that happens every day in the lobby of the luxurious Hotel Peabody. This is a tradition started back in the ’30 from a joke between the General Manager and his friends who were hunters. Became such an attraction that, over 90 years later, still resists.
LYNCHBURG
Be sure to stop in the quaint city Center in Lynchburg with many shops offering local treats, sweats and Bourbon inspired ( and often filled) products.
CHATTANOOGA
If you travel during summer months, be sure to check the listo f events during the Chattanooga Riverbend Festival, an interesting musical Festival with Rock, Blue Grass, Country Concerts.
GATLINGBURG
Extend 1 night your stay so you can enjoy the Rocky Mountain National Park hilking trails and the city attractions.
Place visited:
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Memphis
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Lynchburg
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Chattanooga
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Gatlinburg
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Lexington
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Louisville
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Nashville