Tennessee Sounds Perfect: Music, Mountains and Memorable Journeys
Tennessee is a state where legendary music, dramatic landscapes and powerful stories come together in unforgettable ways. From the blues of Memphis and country sounds of Nashville to the Great Smoky Mountains, historic landmarks and distinctive Southern flavours, every journey reveals a destination shaped by creativity, culture and character.
Whether you’re tracing music history, hiking to waterfalls, exploring Civil Rights and Appalachian heritage, tasting barbecue and Tennessee whiskey or setting out on road trips, the state rewards curiosity at every turn. Connect Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville with welcoming small towns and mountain communities for a holiday full of memorable experiences.
Find exactly what you’re looking for via the links below – or keep scrolling to discover the delights of Tennessee for yourself:
Explore Tennessee your way: 7-Day Mephis & Nashville Twin-Centre | 10-Day Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans Multi-Centre | 10-Day Experience Tennessee from Nashville to the Smokies Self-Drive | 12-Day Tennessee Music Trail Self-Drive
Tennessee always finds a way to surprise: Where Every Road Has a Soundtrack | Into the Wild Heart of Tennessee | Stand Where American Stories Changed Course | Come Hungry and Leave Wanting More
Explore Tennessee by road: Cities, Small Towns and Scenic Byways
Visiting Tennessee throughout the year: Seasonal Rhythms and Mountain Escapes
Blog: Get to Know the American South: The People, Places and Traditions Behind the Icons
Explore Tennessee Your Way
From music-led road trips and mountain escapes to scenic drives and multi-centre journeys across America’s South, Tennessee is made for exploring beyond a single destination. Combine Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville with small towns, the Great Smoky Mountains and neighbouring Southern states to uncover music, history, food, outdoor adventure and memorable landscapes along the way.
7-Day Memphis & Nashville
Pair Memphis and Nashville on a music-rich Tennessee escape linking Memphis’ rock ’n’ roll, blues and soul heritage with Nashville’s country music. Iconic studios, Civil Rights history, Graceland, the Ryman and Grand Ole Opry sit alongside barbecue, hot chicken, neighbourhoods and Southern flavours.
From £1,479pp
Including flights
Operated by Purely America
- Ease into Memphis on Beale Street, where blues clubs and historic facades set the tone, then walk to Tom Lee Park for Mississippi River views before trying dry-rub ribs at Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous
- Step inside Sun Studio to hear how Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis helped shape rock ’n’ roll, then visit the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel
- Spend a day at Graceland, exploring Elvis Presley’s mansion, Jungle Room, trophy displays and Meditation Garden, before crossing to Elvis Presley’s Memphis and later visiting the Stax Museum of American Soul Music
- Travel east in comfort aboard the Vonlane luxury coach, following Interstate 40 and the historic Music Highway to Nashville, then dive into Lower Broadway’s honky-tonks and try the city’s famous hot chicken
- Walk Nashville’s historic core to tour the Ryman Auditorium and stand on its celebrated stage, then explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with its instruments, costumes and music memorabilia
- Take in another side of the city with street art in the Gulch or the full-scale Parthenon in Centennial Park, before contemporary Southern dining in Germantown and live music back on Lower Broadway
- Explore Music Row and tour RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Roy Orbison recorded, then slow the pace among the independent shops and cafes of Nashville’s 12 South neighbourhood
- Go behind the scenes at the Grand Ole Opry House, see its dressing rooms and famous wooden circle from the Ryman stage, then settle in for a live Grand Ole Opry performance featuring country stars and rising talent
- 3 nights stay at Westin Memphis Beale Street on a Room Only basis
- 3 nights stay at Holston House Nashville – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt on a Room Only basis
- Taxes
- Graceland tour tickets
- Grand Ole Opry show tickets
- Luxury bus transfer from Memphis to Nashville
- Return international flights from London Heathrow to Memphis and return from Nashville inc all taxes
- ATOL protected
10-Day Nashville, Memphis & New Orleans
Link Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans on a no-drive journey through the musical South. Country icons, recording studios and honky-tonks lead to Memphis rock ’n’ roll, Graceland, and blues heritage, before Amtrak carries you to New Orleans for jazz, Creole-style flavour and Mississippi River views.
From £1,799pp
Excluding flights
Operated by Discover North America
- Explore Nashville’s musical heart with time on Broadway, in The Gulch and at Centennial Park, balancing honky-tonks and neighbourhood discoveries with the city’s famous country music heritage and full-scale Parthenon
- Go inside RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton recorded, then explore the Country Music Hall of Fame before heading to the Grand Ole Opry for a backstage tour and live show
- Travel west across Tennessee to Memphis, watching rolling hills, farmland and small towns pass by before settling into a city shaped by blues, soul and the birth of rock ’n’ roll
- Join a Memphis city tour taking in the Mississippi River, historic neighbourhoods and local landmarks, with admission to Sun Studio to stand where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded
- See one of Memphis’ most distinctive traditions at The Peabody, where the famous ducks make their daily march, adding a light-hearted local experience to a day of music, sightseeing and city history
- Step inside Graceland on a VIP tour, exploring Elvis Presley’s mansion, Jungle Room and other preserved spaces across the estate before visiting the Meditation Garden and discovering more of his life beyond the stage
- Board Amtrak’s City of New Orleans service from Memphis and watch Deep South scenery unfold through farmland, small towns and bayous as the railway follows the Mississippi Delta towards Louisiana
- Discover New Orleans on a hop-on hop-off tour through the French Quarter and Garden District, taking in Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral and the French Market before dinner and live jazz aboard a Mississippi River cruise
- 3 nights stay in Nashville hotel accommodation
- 3 nights stay in Memphis hotel accommodation
- 3 nights stay in New Orleans hotel accommodation
- Admission to Grand Ole Opry Show, including backstage tour
- Memphis city tour, including Sun Studios
- VIP Graceland tour
- New Orleans city sightseeing hop-on-hop-off tour
- New Orleans evening jazz cruise with dinner
- Transfer between Nashville & Memphis
- Amtrak Rail Journey between Memphis & New Orleans in coach
- ABTA & ATOL protected
10-Day From Nashville To The Smokies
Take a relaxed Tennessee self-drive from Nashville through Knoxville and Gatlinburg to Chattanooga combining country music, city neighbourhoods, Smoky Mountain scenery, Appalachian food and culture, Dollywood, waterfalls and scenic roads for a varied journey across the eastern half of the state too.
From £2,179pp
Including flights
Operated by American Sky
- Settle into Nashville with time for the Country Music Hall of Fame, historic RCA Studio B, Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry and Johnny Cash Museum, then follow the sound of live music along Broadway
- Pick up your hire car and head east towards Knoxville, perhaps pausing at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, before reaching Market Square where 19th-century buildings now house restaurants and independent shops
- Explore Knoxville with WDVX’s free live radio show, panoramic views from the Sunsphere or regional stories at the East Tennessee History Center, with walking and cycling trails nearby at Ijams Nature Center
- Choose a Dollywood detour for rides and live shows, or explore Sevierville’s historic downtown, Dolly Parton statue and Appalachian food scene before continuing into Gatlinburg at the gateway to the Smokies
- Give Great Smoky Mountains National Park a full day, choosing from miles of trails or the scenic Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, then return to Gatlinburg for the SkyBridge, aerial tram or Anakeesta
- Follow the road south towards Chattanooga, taking the scenic Foothills Parkway if conditions suit, then settle beside the Tennessee River in a city framed by Appalachian foothills and a walkable downtown
- Use Chattanooga as a base for Ruby Falls, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, riverboat cruising or whiskey tasting, then wander the Bluff View Art District and River Gallery Sculpture Garden
- Round out the trip with more of Chattanooga, perhaps riding the Incline Railway for Lookout Mountain views, before driving back to Nashville after a road trip rich in music, scenery and outdoor experiences
- 9 nights hotel accommodation on a Room Only basis. Please note that select hotels along this self-drive itinerary charge mandatory resort fees, payable locally upon check-in. These typically range from $5 to $60 per room, per night.
- Fully inclusive car rental
- Return International flights
- ABTA & ATOL protected
12-Day Tennessee Music Trail Self-Drive
Trace Tennessee’s music and mountain heritage from Chattanooga and the Smokies to Dollywood, Nashville, Franklin and Memphis. Scenic drives, Appalachian culture, country music, Civil War history and Elvis landmarks combine with distinctive stays, live shows and celebrated Southern flavours en route.
From £2,595pp
Including flights
Operated by The Internet Traveller
- Ease into Tennessee in Chattanooga, staying at the historic Read House before exploring the Tennessee Riverwalk and Chattanooga Choo Choo, where the city’s railroad heritage and character set the tone
- Head into the Smokies for Gatlinburg, with Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the doorstep for scenic drives, walking trails and mountain views, while the Parkway adds crafts, shops and live music
- Make Pigeon Forge your base at Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, then use the included Dollywood admission for rides, live shows and Appalachian music before unwinding at the spa or around the fire pit
- Turn up the volume in Nashville with time around Broadway’s honky-tonks and neon-lit streets, sampling hot chicken and soaking up the energy that has made Music City a global centre for country music
- Take your seat at the Grand Ole Opry for an included live performance, where established stars and rising talent share one of country music’s most celebrated stages and continue a broadcasting tradition
- Slow the pace in Franklin, strolling Main Street among antique shops, boutiques and cafés before exploring Civil War history or catching a live performance where historic character meets Southern life
- Arrive in Memphis and stay beside Graceland at The Guest House, with the included Elvis VIP Graceland Experience revealing his mansion, cars, stagewear and story at a legendary Tennessee music landmark
- Round out this trip with more Memphis beyond Graceland, heading to Beale Street for live blues, tasting celebrated barbecue and taking in the Mississippi River as part of the city’s soulful musical character
- 1 night stay at 4* The Read House, Chattanooga on a Room Only basis
- 2 nights stay at 4* Margaritaville Resort, Gatlinburg on a Room Only basis
- 2 nights stay at 4* HeartSong Lodge & Resort, Pigeon Forge on a Room Only basis
- 3 nights stay at 4* Hutton Hotel, Nashville on a Room Only basis
- 1 night stay at 4* The Harpeth Franklin Downtown, Franklin on a Room Only basis
- 2 nights stay at 4* Guest House at Graceland, Memphis on a Room Only basis
- Dollywood admission
- Grand Ole Opry show ticket
- Elvis’ VIP Graceland Experience
- 12 days inclusive car hire from Atlanta to Memphis
- Return International flights direct to Atlanta and return from Memphis
- ABTA & ATOL protected
Tennessee Always Finds a Way to Surprise
From legendary music and dramatic mountain landscapes to powerful history and distinctive Southern flavours, Tennessee is a destination rich in character. These pillars reveal the many sides of the state — where iconic cities, outdoor adventure, cultural heritage and memorable food and drink come together in one unforgettable journey.
Where Every Road Has a Soundtrack
From the blues of Memphis and country music of Nashville to bluegrass, gospel, soul and rock ’n’ roll, Tennessee has helped shape the soundtrack of America. Explore legendary studios, museums and stages where icons made history then hear today’s artists and songwriters carry that creative spirit forward in live venues across the state, from intimate clubs to famous stages.
Experience Tennessee’s legendary sounds:
- Beale Street Historic District – Walk one of America’s most famous music streets, where Memphis blues pours from historic clubs and lively venues. Neon signs, street performers and a rich musical legacy make Beale Street an essential stop for anyone wanting to feel the rhythm and energy of the city
- Elvis Presley’s Graceland – Step inside the world of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll at his legendary Memphis home. Tour Graceland Mansion, see costumes, cars, awards and personal treasures, and explore exhibitions tracing Elvis Presley’s life, music and global influence
- Sun Studio – Visit the small Memphis studio with an enormous place in music history. Hear stories of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and other pioneers who recorded here, and discover how sessions at the Sun helped shape the sound of rock ’n’ roll
- Grand Ole Opry – Experience a true Nashville institution and one of country music’s most celebrated stages. The Grand Ole Opry brings together legends, contemporary stars and emerging talent in live shows that continue a broadcasting tradition spanning generations
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum – Explore the people, songs and stories behind country music through landmark recordings, stage costumes, instruments and exhibitions. In the heart of Nashville, the museum connects the genre’s roots with the artists shaping its future
Into the Wild Heart of Tennessee
From mist-covered mountains and cascading waterfalls to peaceful lakes, winding rivers and dramatic underground landscapes, Tennessee rewards every kind of explorer. Hike through spectacular scenery, raft exciting whitewater, watch wildlife or simply pause at a panoramic overlook, with outdoor experiences ranging from easygoing escapes to full-on adventure, all year round.
Explore Tennessee’s great outdoors:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Discover forest-covered peaks, scenic drives, tumbling waterfalls and miles of trails in one of America’s most celebrated mountain landscapes. Wildlife, historic buildings and seasonal colour add even more reasons to explore the Smokies
- Fall Creek Falls State Park – Explore one of Tennessee’s most spectacular state parks, where deep gorges, woodland trails and scenic overlooks surround Fall Creek Falls, the state’s highest waterfall. Hike to viewpoints, tackle longer trails or slow the pace beside the water
- Ocoee River – Add a burst of adrenaline to your Tennessee journey on one of the Southeast’s best-known whitewater rivers. Guided rafting trips combine rushing rapids, forested scenery and plenty of excitement for first-timers and experienced rafters alike
- Reelfoot Lake State Park – See a very different side of Tennessee at this shallow natural lake, formed by powerful earthquakes in the early 1800s. Flooded cypress trees, quiet waterways and abundant birdlife create an atmospheric setting for paddling, fishing and wildlife watching
- Rock City Gardens and Ruby Falls – Pair two of Chattanooga’s signature natural attractions on Lookout Mountain. Wander Rock City’s pathways, rock formations and panoramic viewpoints, then head underground at Ruby Falls to discover cavern scenery and a soaring hidden waterfall
Stand Where American Stories Changed Course
Tennessee’s history tells stories that have shaped the South and the wider United States. From the Civil Rights Movement and Indigenous heritage to the Civil War, Appalachian traditions and the Manhattan Project, museums, historic sites and preserved landmarks offer powerful ways to experience the people, events and ideas that shaped Tennessee and America first-hand today.
Discover the stories that shaped Tennessee:
- U.S. Civil Rights Trail – Follow Tennessee’s Civil Rights story from Memphis to Nashville and Clinton. Visit the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, explore landmarks of sit-ins and Freedom Rides, and meet the people whose courage helped change America
- Shiloh and Civil War history – Walk a key Civil War battlefield at Shiloh National Military Park, where preserved landscapes, monuments and interpretation bring the events of 1862 into focus. Tennessee’s wider Civil War Trail connects more stories across the state
- Museum of Appalachia – Step into Southern Appalachian life at this living history museum in Clinton. Historic cabins, barns, churches, folk art, musical instruments and everyday objects reveal the traditions, ingenuity and stories of mountain communities across the region
- Sequoyah Birthplace Museum – Discover Tennessee’s Indigenous heritage at this tribally operated museum in Vonore. Learn about Sequoyah and the creation of the Cherokee syllabary while exhibits explore Cherokee language, culture, family life and the history of the Trail of Tears
- Manhattan Project National Historical Park – Explore Oak Ridge’s secret wartime role in the Manhattan Project. Exhibits and guided experiences uncover the science, innovation and human stories behind the project, and how this East Tennessee community helped change world history
Come Hungry and Leave Wanting More
Tennessee serves up flavours as memorable as its music. Memphis barbecue, Nashville hot chicken and Southern favourites sit alongside chef-led restaurants, farm-to-table dining and inventive kitchens, while historic whiskey distilleries, local wineries and food festivals add another layer to the state’s distinctive culinary story, rooted in place, tradition and creativity.
Taste your way through Tennessee:
- Memphis barbecue – Taste a tradition built on slow-smoked pork, dry-rub ribs and generations of pitmaster know-how. Memphis barbecue ranges from old-school neighbourhood joints to famous dining rooms, with each stop offering its own sauces, seasonings and techniques
- Nashville hot chicken – Try Tennessee’s fiery signature dish in the city where it became a legend. Crispy fried chicken is coated with a chilli-rich spice blend and served at heat levels ranging from gently warming to seriously hot, often with white bread and pickles
- Tennessee whiskey – Explore the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, linking historic distilleries, tours and local tasting rooms across the state. Learn about the craft behind Tennessee whiskey and visit celebrated names such as Jack Daniel’s in Lynchburg, where heritage and local stories come together
- Farm-to-table dining – Discover a contemporary side of Southern cooking at restaurants that put seasonal produce, regional farms and local makers at the centre of the menu. Across Tennessee, chefs combine familiar flavours with modern ideas to create a fresh sense of place
- Food, wine and live music – Turn a meal into a full Tennessee experience with local wineries, tasting rooms, food festivals and restaurants where live music adds to the atmosphere. Pair regional flavours with local pours and the sounds that make the state famous, too
Explore Tennessee by Road: Cities, Small Towns and Scenic Byways
Tennessee is made for exploring by road, with unforgettable journeys linking its famous cities to welcoming small towns, music landmarks, locally owned restaurants and spectacular landscapes. From Memphis and Nashville to Chattanooga, Knoxville and the Smokies, scenic drives reveal more of the state at your own pace, turning the journey itself into an essential part of the Tennessee experience.
- Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways – Choose from 16 self-guided driving routes covering around 3,800 miles of scenic roadway. Each journey connects travellers with music, history, food, outdoor recreation and communities beyond the major cities, making it easy to shape a road trip around what interests you most
- Link Tennessee’s top cities – Combine Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville in one journey, moving from legendary music and acclaimed dining to museums, riverfronts and outdoor attractions. Manageable distances make it easy to experience several destinations within the same holiday
- Find character in small towns – Leave the interstate behind to discover historic town centres, locally owned restaurants, independent shops and welcoming communities. Stops in places such as Franklin, Bristol and mountain towns add local flavour and reveal experiences that can be missed on a city-only break
- Make the scenery part of the journey – Tennessee’s roads lead through mountain landscapes, rolling countryside, river valleys and forested byways, with scenic overlooks providing reasons to slow down. Pair the drive with waterfalls, state parks, lakes or the Great Smoky Mountains for a journey shaped by the landscape
- Build a trip around your interests – Connect music landmarks, historic sites, barbecue restaurants, whiskey distilleries and outdoor adventures in one flexible itinerary. Travel at your own pace, linger where you like and combine famous highlights with discoveries between each overnight stop
Visiting Tennessee Throughout the Year: Seasonal Rhythms and Mountain Escapes
Tennessee offers something memorable in every season, from spring wildflowers and autumn colour to summer adventures on the water and festive winter escapes. Spring and autumn bring especially comfortable conditions for road trips, hiking and exploring cities and small towns, while summer and winter reveal different ways to enjoy the state’s music, landscapes, food and welcoming communities alike.
- As Tennessee’s landscapes come back to life, spring brings comfortable days, ideal for scenic drives, city breaks and outdoor adventure. Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains, explore waterfalls and state parks, or see gardens burst into colour at Cheekwood in Bloom in Nashville. Longer days also make it easy to combine music, food and small-town discoveries on a relaxed road trip at easy pace
- When the temperatures rise, summer offers plenty of ways to cool down while keeping the energy high. Paddle lakes and rivers, raft the Ocoee, seek out waterfalls and caves or head into the higher elevations of the Smokies. Festival season adds atmosphere, with the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree celebrating Appalachian music, dancing, craftsmanship and community in summer
- With cooler days and vivid fall colour sweeping across the state, autumn is one of Tennessee’s most rewarding times to explore. Take a scenic drive through the mountains, hike among changing leaves or discover historic towns and local restaurants at an easy pace. Dollywood’s Harvest Festival adds seasonal food, artisans and Great Pumpkin LumiNights to a Smoky Mountains getaway
- As the pace slows and the weather turns cooler, winter reveals a cosy side of Tennessee that suits museums, live music venues, restaurants and distilleries. Retreat to a mountain cabin after exploring, as holiday celebrations brighten cities and the Smokies, with Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas and Pigeon Forge Winterfest bringing millions of lights and festive entertainment
Confessions of a Globetrotter Blog – Get to Know the American South: The People, Places and Traditions Behind the Icons
Get to know the American South through the people, places and traditions behind its icons. From music and food to history and the outdoors, our blog takes a closer look at Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Drifting Away in Tennessee | Sounds Perfect
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