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- The Great Smoky Mountains, Alabama & The Music Cities of Nashville & Memphis
The Great Smoky Mountains, Alabama & The Music Cities of Nashville & Memphis
From £2,585 pp
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15 nights
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Economy flights
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Available May - October
Starting and finishing in Atlanta, this fly drive visits Birmingham which played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and the ‘space city’ of Huntsville before taking you through a trio of music cities – Muscle Shoals, Memphis and Nashville and then to the great outdoors and the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.
What's Included?
- International flights from London in economy class
- Accommodation for 15 nights
- 16 days compact size car with insurance coverage, unlimited mileage and taxes
Special Offers
Take advantage of the following offers on this holiday
Save up to £500 per booking
Book by 31st January and take advantage of our exclusive savings
• Save £500 on bookings over £10,000
• Save £350 on bookings between £7,500 - £9,999
• Save £300 on bookings between £5,000 - £7,499
• Save £250 on bookings between £2,500 - £4,999
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Holiday Map
Explore our interactive map to discover your holiday route and key points of interest.
Start
Finish
Stops
Point of interest
Your day-to-day plan
Day 1-2
Arrive in Atlanta
Arrive in the ‘Peach State’ of Georgia and its cosmopolitan capital city Atlanta for a two-night stay. There is so much to see in the city including many pretty parks and gardens, trendy and distinctive neighbourhoods, and world-class attractions. Visit the well-known World of Coca Cola and learn about this iconic drink brand and even get to drink some in the ‘tasting room’. The Georgia Aquarium houses over 70 amazing habitats where you can see penguins, sealions, dolphins and sharks. Another must visit is to the boyhood home of Martin Luther King and the moving National Centre for Civil and Human Rights.
Day 3-4
Atlanta to Birmingham, 153 miles
Head north to Alabama’s largest city Birmingham which played a vital role in the Civil Rights Movement. Learn about the struggles and successes of the Civil Rights Movement at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and visit The Sixteenth Street Baptist Church when on the 15 September 1963, a bomb planted by the Ku Klux Klan tragically killed four young girls. For a bird's eye view of the city head to Vulcan Park and the Vulcan Statue, the largest cast iron statue in the world.
Day 5-6
Birmingham to Muscle Shoals, 166 miles
Travel to the north-west corner of Alabama, and Muscle Shoals to learn about the states musical history that makes it the ‘hit recording capital of the world’. Before heading to Muscle Shoals make a stop in Huntsville and learn about space travel at the U.S. Space and Rocket Centre. With some interesting and fun interactive activities there is so much to learn and experience! Carry on to Muscle Shoals where world famous artists came to record their hit records. Tour the Fame Recording Studio founded by Rick Hall and see the studios where artists including Etta James, Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin made hit songs. Also visit Muscle Shoals Sound Studio where Tina Turner and other famous artists recorded and find the secret bar! Stay in the nearby town of Florence for two nights.
Day 7-8
Muscle Shoals to Memphis, 200 miles
Today we visit the state of Mississippi and Tennessee to visit Tupelo where Elvis Presley was born. Visit his humble childhood home, his family’s church, and the Tupelo Hardware store where Elvis was bought his first guitar. Continue to Memphis, Elvis’ beloved hometown and the home of the ‘blues’, rock ‘n’ roll and soul. Visit Graceland and tour Elvis’ home, Sun Studios where Elvis recorded some of his hits, the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. In the evening visit lively Beale Street to enjoy barbecue food and visit B.B. King’s Blues Club.
Day 9-11
Memphis to Nashville, 212 miles
Enjoy a change of music genre as we head to Nashville, the ‘Country Music Capital of the World’ Don’t miss a memorable visit to RCA Studio B where many country songs were recorded by artists including Dolly Parton. Head to one of the largest music museums in the world, the Country Music Hall of Fame and end your holiday with a country music concert in the iconic Grand Old Opry! Another recommended stop is Fifth + Broadway, home to an array of shops and restaurants and the fascinating National Museum of African American music.
Day 12-14
Nashville to Gatlinburg, 221 miles
Drive east today to Gatlinburg, a picturesque mountain town and the gateway to Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the famous Great Smoky Mountains. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, you can experience the great outdoors whilst admiring pretty waterfalls and wildlife or for fantastic views of the area take the SkyLift to the top of Crockett Mountain. Visit neighbouring Pigeon Forge where Dolly Parton's Dollywood Theme Park entertains with more than 50 exciting thrill rides and musical performances all day long. Take the short drive to the cute and historic town of Sevierville, Dolly Parton’s childhood home and do a walking tour of its historic sites and see the perfectly-sized bronze Dolly Parton statue.
Day 15
Gatlinburg to Chattanooga, 153 miles
Your last stop is the riverside city of Chattanooga, made famous by the Glen Miller song 'Chattanooga Choo Choo'. It is one of the south’s smallest towns, but it has a big heart and is bursting at the seams with character and things to do. Ride the world's steepest passenger incline railway on a mile-long climb up Lookout Mountain where on a clear day you can marvel at views across seven Southern States. Chattanooga is also home to Ruby Falls – North America's tallest and deepest underground waterfall.
Day 16
Homeward Bound
Drive back to Atlanta airport today to drop off your hire car and board your flight back to the UK.
Related Itineraries
This holiday requires an ESTA for entry to the United States, for full details and to apply please see below:
Please note selected national parks in the USA require reservations for vehicles in order to enter the parks. Reservations are required in advance. This is in addition to purchasing a national park entrance ticket. Early booking is recommended.
Further information on the parks, where vehicle reservations are required and how to book can be found on:
USA National Parks
