Great American Music

Journey through the Foundations of American Music

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Multiple Dates
6 days | 5 nights
Departure Cities: St. Louis

The enchanting sounds of Nashville and Memphis have inspired some of the greatest music ever written. This captivating tour includes lively performances, engaging museum experiences, and insights from local experts who bring the region’s musical heritage to life. Enjoy accommodations at the AAA 4-diamond Gaylord Opryland and the Guest House at Graceland.

  • Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Grand Ole Opry with reserved seating for a live performance
  • Guided by local experts, explore Memphis on a singalong guided tour
  • Discover the impact of the "Man in Black," Johnny Cash
  • Tour Graceland and learn about Elvis Presley’s life and legacy
  • Take a dinner cruise on the General Jackson Showboat featuring live entertainment and river views
  • Learn about the Delgado family’s handmade instrument craftsmanship at La Tradición
Download Itinerary map

DAY 1: WELCOME TO TENNESSEE!

Discover the heritage of mountain music at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, view the tribute to the newest Hall of Fame inductees and enjoy a live bluegrass performance. Continue to Nashville and settle into the renowned Gaylord Opryland Resort, celebrated for its soaring glass atriums, winding waterways, and lush indoor gardens. Explore the resort’s indoor riverboat, waterfalls, scenic walking paths, and its spectacular synchronized water fountain show. D

DAY 2: COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME, GENERAL JACKSON

Begin the day with a visit to La Tradición Music, a unique shop featuring handcrafted Mexican guitars and traditional stringed instruments rooted in mariachi heritage. Admire the craftsmanship while learning about the cultural traditions and artistry behind the instruments. Head to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where the world’s largest collection of country music artifacts brings the history and evolution of country music to life. Delight in a dinner cruise aboard the General Jackson Showboat with live entertainment and scenic views of the Nashville skyline. B, D

DAY 3: GRAND OLE OPRY

“Step” into the spirit of Music City as you enjoy a fun and engaging line dancing lesson, where the professional instructor will have you moving to country tunes in true Nashville style. Enjoy time on your own to visit the legendary Ryman Auditorium, Belmont Mansion, or the Hatch Show Print shop, America’s oldest working letterpress (additional costs). This evening, enjoy an exclusive backstage tour, dinner, and live performances at the illustrious Grand Ole Opry show, the heart and soul of country music. B, D

DAY 4: JOHNNY CASH,

Walk through and discover the acclaimed Johnny Cash Museum, celebrated as one of the world’s top music museums. Travel west to Memphis, the legendary birthplace of blues, rock ’n’ roll, and soul music. Sing along on a high-energy guided musical journey throughout the city, including a tour of Sun Studio, where legends like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King began their careers. Check into the Guest House’s elegant accommodations at Graceland, and don’t forget to enjoy a complimentary “Elvis Sandwich” snack, a special evening treat! B, D

DAY 5: GRACELAND

Visit Graceland, the beloved home and private retreat of Elvis Presley. Tour the elegant mansion, stroll through the peaceful Meditation Garden, step aboard Elvis’s private jet, and view his impressive collection of classic automobiles while learning about the life and legacy of one of music’s most influential performers. This evening delight in dinner and live music on iconic Beale Street, the “Official Home of the Blues.” B, D

DAY 6: RETURN HOME

Return home with great memories of a toe-tapping musical journey! B

ACCOMMODATIONS
Nights 1-3: Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, TN
Nights 4-5: The Guesthouse at Graceland, Memphis, TN

Departure Cities:

  • St. Louis

Depart: April 29, 2027
Return: May 4, 2027

AND

Depart: September 8, 2027
Return: September 13, 2027

Price per person:

  • DB $2,199
  • TP/QD $1,979
  • SG $2,899

Mobility Note
Guests should be comfortable walking and standing throughout several museums, music venues and entertainment complexes. Gaylord Opryland is an expansive resort with nine acres of indoor atriums, so reaching guest rooms, restaurants and activities may require considerable walking. The General Jackson Showboat is reached by a boarding ramp with an incline, and guests must also navigate motorcoach steps several times each day. Elevators serve all public levels of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Average Temps
April departure: Daytime 70–75°F; Overnight 48–54°F
September departure: Daytime 83–88°F; Overnight 62–68°F

Packing Tips
Pack comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing and removable layers. Bring a light jacket or sweater for air-conditioned museums, theaters and evening performances. For the September departure, sunscreen, sunglasses and a refillable water bottle are recommended. A compact rain jacket or umbrella is useful for either departure.

Security Note
Guests pass through security screening at the Grand Ole Opry, and bags are subject to inspection. Bring only necessary personal items and review the current venue policies before departure, as prohibited-item and photography rules may change.

Hotel Note
Gaylord Opryland is a destination in itself, with nine acres of climate-controlled garden atriums, indoor waterways, waterfalls, restaurants and resort amenities. Guests should allow time to explore, as the property is considerably larger than a traditional hotel.

The Guest House at Graceland is a luxury resort located just steps from Graceland Mansion. Its décor was inspired by Elvis Presley’s personal style and Southern hospitality, with details including a lobby ceiling patterned after the jeweled cape from one of his stage costumes.

Notes on Highlights
A Grand Ole Opry performance typically features several artists in one evening, often combining country legends, current stars and emerging performers. Because the lineup changes from show to show, each performance offers a different experience.

The backstage Opry experience may include themed dressing rooms, the artists’ entrance and the famous wooden circle onstage. The circle was moved from the Opry’s former home at the Ryman Auditorium and continues to connect today’s performers with generations of country music history.

The Guest House at Graceland extends the Elvis experience beyond the scheduled mansion visit. The hotel’s architecture, artwork and interior details were intentionally designed to reflect his taste rather than resemble a conventional themed hotel. Graceland includes much more than the mansion. The surrounding entertainment complex houses Elvis’s stage costumes, gold records, classic automobiles, private aircraft and memorabilia from his music and film career.

The General Jackson cruise provides a different perspective of Nashville as the paddlewheel-style showboat travels along the Cumberland River. The exact route may vary according to river and weather conditions.

Other General Information
Tour Communications:
You will receive three key communications leading up to your tour:

  • Get Ready: Your email confirmation and initial tour information, sent after you register.
  • Get Set: An email with additional tour details, sent approximately two months before departure.
  • Go: Your final trip documents, mailed via USPS approximately three to four weeks before departure. This packet will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags, and final departure information.

Travel Protection: Travel Protection is optional but highly recommended and may be purchased until the day before departure. Sunrise Tours offers plans through battleface. Additional information will be included with your Get Ready email and can also be found HERE.

Inclusions: Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes:

  • A professional Sunrise Tour Director
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Local step-on guides, including gratuities
  • International tour guide gratuities when specified for the individual tour
  • Deluxe motorcoach transportation with an onboard restroom
  • Admission to activities and events as indicated
  • Airfare from designated airports
  • Transportation to and from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*
  • Luggage handling at hotels when available

Gratuities: We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver is $6 to $10 per person, per day of the tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers also appreciate gratuities for excellent service, with a suggested amount of $5 per person. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or distribute gratuity envelopes.

Refreshments: We are happy to provide refreshments on most motorcoach travel days. We also recommend bringing a refillable water bottle to help you stay hydrated throughout your tour.

Pickup Points: If fewer than four travelers request a particular pickup point, we may ask those guests to select another available pickup location. Travelers are also welcome to join a tour from a city that is not listed as a departure point. Please contact our friendly reservations team to discuss available arrangements. For departure cities not listed, airfare is typically $100 more than the published fare for domestic tours and $200 more for international tours.

TSA PreCheck and Airline Rewards Numbers: TSA PreCheck, Known Traveler Numbers, and airline rewards numbers must be provided to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure. Numbers received after this deadline may not be applied to your reservation.

Airline Seating: Preferred seating may not be available with group airfare. In some cases, seats are not assigned until travelers arrive at the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy-class seat but does not include advance seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available for an additional cost.

Motorcoach Capacity and Seating: To provide one of the most comfortable motorcoach experiences in the industry, Sunrise Tours generally limits motorcoaches to 80% capacity. This allows for a maximum of 44 passengers on a motorcoach designed to accommodate 55. Sunrise Tours reserves the right to amend this practice. Your Tour Director will rotate motorcoach seating each day of the tour. Payment of a single-occupancy fare does not guarantee two motorcoach seats, and you may be seated beside another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.

Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.

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