American Music, Elvis & Southern Landscapes

Approximate driving distance: 220 miles / 355 kilometers
Approximate driving time: 3 hours 45 minutes without stops

Collect your rental car and begin your journey east across Tennessee.

The route crosses the Cumberland Plateau and passes through Knoxville before approaching the forested foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Check in to your selected hotel in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Townsend or another nearby community.

Depending on your arrival time, explore the local area, enjoy the mountain views or visit one of the region’s attractions.

Country-music enthusiasts may wish to stay near Pigeon Forge and add a visit to Dollywood, which celebrates the music and Appalachian heritage associated with Dolly Parton.

Overnight near Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Enjoy a complete day among the forests, valleys and mountain roads of America’s most visited national park.

Drive into Cades Cove, a broad mountain valley known for historic buildings, open meadows and opportunities to see wildlife. The one-way loop road can become congested, so begin early and allow plenty of time.

Alternatively, follow Newfound Gap Road through the center of the park. Scenic overlooks provide impressive views across successive ridges of the Smoky Mountains.

Short walks, waterfalls and visitor centers can be combined according to the weather and your interests.

Park roads may close because of snow, ice, storms, fallen trees or other hazardous conditions. Some secondary roads operate seasonally.

Overnight near Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Approximate driving distance: 290–310 miles / 465–500 kilometers Approximate driving time: 5 hours without stops Leave the Smoky Mountains and travel west across Tennessee before entering northern Alabama. Today is one of the longest driving days, but the destination holds an extraordinary place in American music history. The small communities of Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Tuscumbia and Florence became famous for a distinctive musical sound that influenced soul, rhythm and blues, rock and popular music. After checking in to your selected hotel, enjoy dinner in Florence or explore the Tennessee River waterfront. Remember that you cross from Eastern Time into Central Time during today’s journey and gain one hour. Overnight in Muscle Shoals or Florence.

Approximate driving distance: 75–90 miles / 120–145 kilometers
Approximate driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes without stops

Spend the morning discovering the musical heritage of Muscle Shoals.

Depending on current schedules, reserve a tour of FAME Recording Studios or Muscle Shoals Sound Studio at 3614 Jackson Highway. The studios are associated with recordings by performers including Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon and many others.

Tours should be reserved in advance and are subject to operating schedules, private events and recording activity.

Continue into Mississippi and drive to Tupelo. Part of the journey can follow the northern section of the Natchez Trace Parkway, subject to current conditions and closures.

Check in to your selected hotel and enjoy the evening in Tupelo.

Overnight in Tupelo.

Approximate driving distance: 110 miles / 175 kilometers
Approximate driving time: 1 hour 45 minutes after leaving Tupelo

Begin your day at the Elvis Presley Birthplace.

Elvis was born in Tupelo in 1935 and spent his early childhood in a modest two-room house. The site includes his birthplace, museum, childhood church and memorial chapel.

After your visit, continue north to Memphis, the city where Elvis developed his musical career and became an international star.

Check in to your selected hotel and enjoy your first evening in Memphis. Visit Beale Street and experience its blues clubs, restaurants and live music.

Overnight in Memphis.

Dedicate today to Elvis Presley and Graceland.

Visit the Graceland mansion and explore the entertainment complex containing exhibits, costumes, vehicles, memorabilia and aircraft associated with his life and career.

Different admission packages include different areas and experiences. Customers should select the ticket that best matches their interests.

Graceland is one of Memphis’s most popular attractions, so advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Return to central Memphis and enjoy another evening of music and Southern cuisine.

Overnight in Memphis.

Continue exploring the musical heritage of Memphis.

Visit Sun Studio, where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and other pioneering artists made historic recordings.

Continue to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, which celebrates the music of performers including Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Sam & Dave and Booker T. & the M.G.’s.

You may also visit the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the former Lorraine Motel. Its powerful exhibitions explore the history of the American civil rights movement.

Finish the day beside the Mississippi River or return to Beale Street for another evening of live music.

Overnight in Memphis.

Approximate driving distance: 300–330 miles / 485–530 kilometers
Approximate driving time: 5–5 hours 30 minutes without stops

Leave Memphis and travel south through Mississippi.

The quickest route follows Interstate 55, but customers interested in blues history can make selected detours into the Mississippi Delta. Possible stops include communities associated with Delta blues, although these additions create a considerably longer day.

Continue toward Jackson and join an open section of the Natchez Trace Parkway for the final part of the journey, subject to current road conditions and detours.

Arrive in Natchez, situated on high bluffs above the Mississippi River. Check in to your selected hotel and enjoy the evening in the historic center or beside the river.

Overnight in Natchez.

Approximate driving distance: 175 miles / 280 kilometers
Approximate driving time: 3 hours without stops

Spend the morning exploring Natchez.

The city is known for its historic architecture, landscaped streets and views across the Mississippi River. Its history also includes the difficult stories of slavery, plantation wealth and the people whose labor created it. Select museums and historic properties that present this history responsibly and comprehensively.

Leave Natchez and travel south through Louisiana toward New Orleans.

Return your rental car after arriving in the city. A car is generally unnecessary during your New Orleans stay, and returning it today avoids central hotel parking charges.

Check in to your selected hotel and begin exploring the birthplace of jazz.

Overnight in New Orleans.

Enjoy a complete day in New Orleans.

Explore the French Quarter, Jackson Square and the streets surrounding the Mississippi River. Walk through the French Market, admire the city’s distinctive architecture and experience its Creole and Cajun culinary traditions.

In the evening, visit Frenchmen Street or reserve a performance at a traditional jazz venue. Music is central to the character of New Orleans, but individual performers and schedules vary.

You may also add an optional jazz cruise on the Mississippi River.

Overnight in New Orleans.

Your final complete day is yours to enjoy as you choose.

Explore the Garden District, visit the National WWII Museum, ride a historic streetcar or discover more of the city’s neighborhoods and restaurants.

Alternatively, add an optional guided excursion into Louisiana’s wetlands. Boat tours may provide opportunities to learn about the region’s wildlife, waterways and fragile ecosystems.

Spend your final evening enjoying the music, food and atmosphere of New Orleans.

Overnight in New Orleans.