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Self Drives > Southern USA

Bluegrass & Bourbon Trail

Self Drive Tour: Inclusive Car, Standard or Upgrade Accommodation
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Start/Finish: Memphis / Memphis

01 Apr 2024 - 31 Mar 2025


  • Live it up on Beale Street.
  • Visit Graceland.
  • See how Bourbon is made.
  • Visit the Chatanooga Choo Choo.
  • Explore the Great Smoky Mountains.
  • Hike in the Daniel Boone National Forest.
  • See Churchill Downs.
  • See a show at the Grand Ole Opry.

Admission fees not included



MEMPHIS - ARRIVAL 

Day 1: 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). 


MEMPHIS 

Day 2: 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 at B.B. King’s restaurant on famous Beale Street. 


MEMPHIS - LYNCHBURG 

Day 3: Continue your exploration to Lynchburg, where you will pass out country music in 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 Cave Spring Hollow and discover more about the history of the distillery. Don’t miss Nina’s Taste of Tennessee and indulge in the sweet treats and surprises that this quaint shop has to offer. Many of her sweet treats are made with a variety of Jack Daniel’s whiskeys.

Driving Distance: 263 MI / 423 KM 


LYNCHBURG - CHATTANOOGA 

Day 4: Venture into the 4th largest city in Southeast Tennessee and taste the South’s favorite snack food, the Moon Pie, which originated in Chattanooga in the early 1900s. The city has received national recognition for the renaissance of its beautiful downtown and the 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. Summer travelers should check the dates of the annual Chattanooga Riverbend Festival. 

Driving Distance: 91 MI / 146 KM 


CHATTANOOGA - GATLINBURG 

Day 5: 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, which has plentiful trails and beautiful surroundings. Visit the Sugarlands Distilling Company (optional), where you can enjoy the variety 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. 

Driving Distance: 145 MI / 233 KM 


GATLINBURG - LEXINGTON 

Day 6: 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 and 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 waterfall. 

Driving Distance: 214 MI / 344 KM


LEXINGTON - LOUISVILLE 

Day 7: 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 on the first Saturday of 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 the home of the Kentucky Derby Museum. Visit My Old Kentucky Home State Park in Bardstown, which served as the inspiration for Stephen Foster's anthem of the same name, which the crowds sing 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. 

Driving Distance: 78 MI / 125 KM 


LOUISVILLE - NASHVILLE 

Day 8: 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 theaters, 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? 

Driving Distance: 176 MI / 283 KM 


NASHVILLE 

Day 9: Today we suggest a visit to the Opy Mills shopping Center or a stroll through the Music Valley’s Wax Museum of the Stars to 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, which includes a 200-foot map of Tennessee. 


NASHVILLE - MEMPHIS - DEPARTURE 

Day 10: Depart the capital of country and western music to return to the home of the blues. Upon your return to Memphis, be sure to end your tour by dining at one of the most popular places to eat in town, Leonard’s BBQ. 

Driving Distance: 212 MI / 341 KM 


Inclusions


  • Accommodation as specified.
  • Compact rental car for 10 days inclusive of unlimited mileage, LDW loss damage waiver, theft protection, waiver (zero excess), 1 million USD liability cover (EP/SLI), local sales tax, airport surcharges/fees, homeland security fee, customer facility charge, mechanical assistance.
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Admission to attractions, where applicable.

Exclusions


  • International or Domestic flights
  • Meals, admissions, and/or optional tours unless specifically mentioned as being included in the itinerary.
  • Items of a personal nature, i.e. telephone calls, laundry, liquor, etc.
  • Use of hotel rooms before or after normal check-in and check-out times and resort fees, if applicable
  • Tolls, ferries, and parking fees

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