Tennessee Holidays

Holidays in Tennessee offer music, natural beauty and fascinating culture, backed by the breathtaking slopes of the Great Smoky Mountains, home of the legendary Appalachian Trail for scenic hikes among ancient woodland.

Music fans will feel at home in Nashville’s honky-tonks or in the blues bars on Beale Street in Memphis. Explore the state’s rich musical heritage along the Tennessee Music Pathway, stop in at the Tina Turner Museum in Brownsville, join candlelit vigils in honour of Elvis at Graceland or visit the Dolly Parton theme park in Pigeon Forge.

On a culinary level, Tennessee is a constant discovery of mouth-watering flavours and fresh seasonal dishes, from award-winning barbeque in Memphis and the iconic Loveless Café in Nashville which has been serving comforting home-cooked Southern favourites, like hot biscuits and country ham, for over 65 years to trendy farm-to-table restaurants and the booming local distilleries and brewhouse scene. While historically there are fascinating battlefield tours to uncover the secrets of the American Civil War.

Or why not combine Nashville and Memphis with the capital of jazz, New Orleans, for a music-filled journey through America’s soulful Deep South?

Great sample itineraries

10 days

Atlanta, Nashville and New Orleans Multi Centre

Guide Price £1,899 pp

Experience three of the Deep South's most interesting cities; Atlanta, Nashville and New Orleans. Step back to a bygone era as you explore the antebellum homes of Georgia and Louisiana, dive into the action in lively New Orleans and explore...

Cultural holidays

9 days

New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville Multi Centre

Guide Price £2,299 pp

Memphis, Nashville and New Orleans come together to make the perfect holiday destinations for fans of jazz, blues, country, rock 'n' roll and bluegrass. These unique cities have not only welcomed some of the most famous names in music but...

Cultural holidays

11 days

American Rhythms

Guide Price £1,999 pp

From the jazz filled streets of New Orleans to the Country music sounds of Nashville and the Memphis blues, American Rhythms certainly lives up to its name. Discover some of the Deep South's most vibrant cities on this 11 day...

Fly drive holidays

9 days

American Queen River Cruise - Memphis to New Orleans

Guide Price £4,399 pp

Enjoy a quintessentially American experience as you journey down the Mississippi aboard the opulent American Queen. This luxurious paddle steamer offers exquisite staterooms, modern amenities and Broadway quality entertainment, not to mention award-winning dining and signature shore excursions. Start your...

Cultural holidays

Our favourite hotels

The Peabody Memphis

Memphis

H&J Rating

Average: 4 (1 vote)

Thompson Nashville

Nashville

H&J Rating

Average: 4 (1 vote)

The Guest House at Graceland

Memphis

H&J Rating

Average: 4 (1 vote)

Time Zone

GMT -5 hours in eastern Tennessee and GMT -6 hours in middle and west Tennessee

Flight Time

Approx 9 hours; direct flights from the UK are available to Nashville

Currency

USD - US Dollar

Visa Information

British Passport holders require an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) to visit Memphis. You can obtain an ESTA from www.cbp.gov/esta

Language

English

Health Information

No vaccinations are required for travel to Nashville. All travellers should be up to date with routine immunisations. It’s important to contact your GP to check for the latest recommendations.

From the renowned live entertainment districts in Nashville and Memphis to the untamed wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee is brimming with attractions to suit every mood. Whether you choose to get your country on in Nashville where you can dance the night away in the lively Honky-tonks along Broadway, enjoy the live radio show at the Grand Ole Opry and explore the fantastic downtown museums such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and RCA Studio B or want to explore the delicious southern flavours from delicious pit barbequed ribs to the fresh produce at Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant in Franklin, there is lots to uncover in Tennessee. Head to Memphis to discover the rich musical heritage of this vibrant city. Stop by Stax Museum of American Soul Music housed on the sight of the legendary studio and discover the history and legacy of soul music or make your way to Sun Studios where Elvis recorded and make a record of your own.

Tennessee Music Pathway

Connecting over 1,200 miles of Tennessee’s music sites and events; from iconic attractions such as Graceland and the Grand Old Opry to some of the state’s hidden gems like Songbird’s Guitar Museum in Chattanooga, the Tennessee Music Pathway tells the story of Tennessee’s musical heritage and worldwide influence. Whether you choose to tour the whole trail of combine a couple of Tennessee’s musical cities such as Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville you’ll be sure to find a legacy of live music and lifelong memories.
Great Smoky Mountains

A mystical blue haze enshrouds the peaks of Great Smoky Mountains. Beneath this mist the national park straddles the ridgeline of the mountains. This is the most visited national park in the USA. Whether you want to hike 800 miles of scenic trails, horseback ride the equestrian trails to see rushing mountain streams and waterfalls, or view as much of the 240 species of birds, black bears, elk, and deer as possible, your holiday in Tennessee should include a trip to these magnificent mountains.
Knoxville

The beautiful city of Knoxville is nestled between the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and the banks of the Tennessee River. This charming city has a perfect blend of southern hospitality and modern development
Chattanooga

Surrounded by spectacular natural attractions such as Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain and Rocky City this city has received national recognition for the renaissance of its scenic downtown and expansion of its riverfront. Famous for its namesake song by Glen Miller the Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel is housed on the site of the historic train station and is a definite Chattanooga must-visit.
Grand Ole Opry

This is the birthplace and the spiritual home of country music. Self-proclaimed as the ‘show that made country music famous’ the Grand Ole Opry is a weekly concert and radio broadcast. It has made numerous artists into start, including Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban. The show has presented country music’s biggest stars since 1925, making it the oldest continuous radio programme in the USA.
Graceland

One of Memphis' most famous attractions, Graceland is the home of Elvis Presley, taking you from his humble beginning to his rise to fame. Walk in the footsteps of The King and visit his grave, see his epic record collection and the many gifts that fans sent him. You'll even get to see his beloved collection of cars and airplanes, bringing you closer to Elvis than ever before. Be in awe of the Trophy Building, home to an amazing collection of gold and platinum records, before venturing to the Jungle Room with its green shaggy carpets and Polynesian decor. The Racquetball Building displays some of Elvis' most iconic jumpsuits and his posthumous awards, while the Meditation Garden is the final resting place for Elvis himself as well as members of his family.