From country music to Rock ‘n Roll with soul, this tour is destined to have you toe-tapping from the very first day. But this tour isn’t only for music lovers, you’ll also explore the great Smoky Mountains and the Daniel Boone National Forest. Horse lovers will cherish the visit to the horse farm as well Churchill Downs, the home of The Kentucky Derby. But that’s not all! If you appreciate a good bourbon, you love Lynchburg, the home of bourbon. And you won’t want to miss the world-famous Jack Daniel’s distillery!
On this smarTours American Road Tour, enjoy the convenience of a thoughtfully planned itinerary and carefully selected accommodations combined with the freedom and flexibility to travel from the comfort of your own car (or rental car)! We’ll have scheduled guided tours along the way to tell you about the rich history and culture of each destination and you’ll share this experience with other like-minded smarTours travelers!
Itinerary at a Glance
2 nights in Memphis
1 night in Lynchburg
1 night in Chatanooga
1 night in Pigeon Forge
1 night in Lexington
1 night in Louisville
2 nights in Nashville
Tour Highlights
Live it up on Beale Street
Graceland Elvis Experience Tour & the Planes
See how Bourbon is made with Jack Daniel’s Distillery tour
Visit the Chatanooga Choo Choo
Explore the Great Smoky Mountains
Hike in the Daniel Boone National Forest
See Churchill Downs
Horse Farm visit
Kentucky Derby Museum
Country Music Hall of Fame
& RCA Studio B
Nashville City Tour
Activity Level: Discoverer
Your Tour Includes
Accommodations at carefully curated hotels
11 meals: 9 breakfasts & 2 dinners
Meticulously planned meet-ups, group meals & excursions
Sightseeing tours & entrance fees per itinerary
Local welcome guide
Parking at hotels
All applicable taxes
smarTours® Activity Levels
We believe world travel is for everyone! That’s why nearly all
of our tours are designed to accommodate any fitness level. If you
are wondering if a tour’s activity level is suited for you,
please contact a member of our team at
1.800.337.7773.
Discoverer
Comfortable pace. Involves minimal physical activity, such as
climbing some stairs, walking for up to two hours at a time on
primarily level ground and periods of standing.
Explorer
A step up. Calls for moderate physical activity, including climbing
stairs, walking up to two miles (possibly on uneven surfaces and/or
hills) and standing for an hour or longer.
Adventurer
Moderately active. Requires walking longer distances and standing
for longer periods of time. You may encounter hills and uneven
surfaces on several days, as well as longer days in general.
Of our three tours ranked in this category, two include Machu
Picchu.
Click the Day by Day itinerary above (or swipe on mobile devices) to see the experiences that await on each day of your tour.
ADDITIONAL TOUR DETAILS:
Before you depart, we’ll send you detailed tour information including directions, meeting times, routes, places of interest, recommendations, and more. We look forward to being your trusted guide on this remarkable journey.
We’re also monitoring the situation in these states very closely and will provide additional details about our hygiene and safety guidelines before you depart. These include social distancing practices, optional meet-ups and/or meals, and more.
Arrive in Memphis
Today, you will begin your journey in the musical city of Memphis and explore the birthplace of the blues. When you arrive at the hotel, a Welcome Desk with a “smarTours” sign and your local Tour Guide will be there to answer any questions you may have. This evening, you’ll enjoy dinner with the other smarTours travelers.
Comfort Inn Downtown or similar | Dinner
Memphis
Memphis combines the charm of the Old South with the exciting pace of a modern metropolis. Today you’ll spend the morning at Graceland, home of the late Elvis Presley. Admission to the Elvis Experience is included. You are free to explore Memphis for the rest of the day at your leisure. You might enjoy visiting the Rock & Soul Museum, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music or Sun Studio where musicians such as B.B. King, Elvis Presley, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded their rock ’n’ roll hits.
| Breakfast
Memphis/Lynchburg
Today you’ll explore Lynchburg! You’ll start with a visit to the famous Jack Daniel’s whiskey distillery. While touring the Jack Daniel’s Distillery (admission is included), learn about the great American wonder of the 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 whiskey.
Hampton Inn Tullahoma or similar | Breakfast
Lynchburg/Chattanooga
Today you’ll 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 expansion of its riverfront. You won’t want to miss 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.
Chattanooga Choo Choo or similar | Breakfast
Chattanooga/Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge
Today you’ll 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 with its plentiful trails and beautiful surroundings. You may wish to visit the Sugarlands Distilling Company, where you can enjoy the varieties of samples they offer. Or perhaps you will choose to visit the Smoky Mountain Brewery and have a quick lunch. Afterwards, stroll through the downtown Village Shops and…
Today you’ll 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 with its plentiful trails and beautiful surroundings. You may wish to visit the Sugarlands Distilling Company, where you can enjoy the varieties of samples they offer. Or perhaps you will choose to visit the Smoky Mountain Brewery and have a quick lunch. 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.
Ramada Pigeon Forge North or similar | Breakfast
Gatlinburg/Lexington
Today you will leave Gatlinburg and make your way through Kentucky. On this journey you will experience the scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River, with the Ohio River forming a northern boundary. You’ll begin your morning in the Horse Capital of the World, located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region where you’ll embrace the rugged terrain of the Daniel Boone National Forest, named after the fearless legendary American pioneer. Don’t miss Cumberland Falls, the majestic 120-foot wide, 67 foot tall waterfall located in the Daniel Boone…
Today you will leave Gatlinburg and make your way through Kentucky. On this journey you will experience the scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River, with the Ohio River forming a northern boundary. You’ll begin your morning in the Horse Capital of the World, located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region where you’ll embrace the rugged terrain of the Daniel Boone National Forest, named after the fearless legendary American pioneer. Don’t miss Cumberland Falls, the majestic 120-foot wide, 67 foot tall waterfall located in the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Hampton Inn Lexington Medical Center or similar | Breakfast
Lexington/Louisville
Today you’ll visit a horse farm on the way to Louisville. En route you’ll pass by small towns and luscious green fields. Before you reach Louisville, you will visit the home of the world’s most famous thoroughbred horse race, the Kentucky Derby which takes place at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday each May. You might want 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 home of the Kentucky Derby Museum.
Hampton Inn Louisville Downtown or similar |…
Today you’ll visit a horse farm on the way to Louisville. En route you’ll pass by small towns and luscious green fields. Before you reach Louisville, you will visit the home of the world’s most famous thoroughbred horse race, the Kentucky Derby which takes place at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday each May. You might want 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 home of the Kentucky Derby Museum.
Hampton Inn Louisville Downtown or similar | Breakfast
Louisville/Nashville
This morning you’ll tour a distillery on your way to Nashville. Once in Nashville, Music City USA, you will enjoy a guided walking tour of downtown. You’ll enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. We suggest you visit to the Opry Mills shopping Center or take a stroll through the Music Valley’s Wax Museum of the Stars and 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…
This morning you’ll tour a distillery on your way to Nashville. Once in Nashville, Music City USA, you will enjoy a guided walking tour of downtown. You’ll enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. We suggest you visit to the Opry Mills shopping Center or take a stroll through the Music Valley’s Wax Museum of the Stars and 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 that includes a 200-foot map of Tennessee.
Best Western Near Opryland or similar | Breakfast
Nashville
Today you’ll visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and tour the iconic Studio B. Historic RCA Studio B was once the recording home of popular music titans such as Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Eddy Arnold, and the Everly Brothers and is a popular cultural attraction. The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum adds a strikingly modern touch to the Nashville skyline and is situated at the epicenter of the city’s rapidly growing core. The museum, called the “Smithsonian of country music” because of its unrivaled collection, recently unveiled a $100 million expansion, doubling its…
Today you’ll visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and tour the iconic Studio B. Historic RCA Studio B was once the recording home of popular music titans such as Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Eddy Arnold, and the Everly Brothers and is a popular cultural attraction. The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum adds a strikingly modern touch to the Nashville skyline and is situated at the epicenter of the city’s rapidly growing core. The museum, called the “Smithsonian of country music” because of its unrivaled collection, recently unveiled a $100 million expansion, doubling its size to 350,000 square feet of dynamic state-of-the-art galleries, archival storage, education classrooms, retail stores, and special event space boasting stunning downtown views. While in the area, you’ll want to stop by the Music City Walk of Fame Park, the multimedia music shrine that honors the top country performers.
GuestHouse Inn & Suites Nashville/Music Valley or similar | Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Nashville
Today you’ll leave the capital of Country and Western music and head home. We hope you will bring lasting memories and appreciation for the rich history of this region.
Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement is $849
Please note that all optional tours and excursions must be prepaid to smarTours in advance of departure
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made by phone (1-800-337-7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of $300 per person non-refundable, non-transferable deposit which must be received at the time of reservation*. A second non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $300 is due 60 days after the date of your reservation. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. *If the reservation date is within 70 days of the final payment due date, both first and second deposits are due at the time of reservation. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. For complete booking information and terms & conditions click here.
Optional ToursCustomize your trip with these optional tours.
All optional tours must be pre-booked and prepaid to smarTours in advance of departure.
Discover all that Memphis has to offer and truly learn what the city is all about. This overview of the most historical landmarks in Memphis takes you past downtown and the Mississippi River, Beale Street, Cotton Row, Victorian Village, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Graceland and Sun Studio (admission not included), the Pyramid, and the Lorraine Hotel where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. View statues of Elvis Presley and B.B. King, stop at A Schwab, a 20-year old General Store, and see the world famous march of the ducks at the Peabody Hotel.
Nashville Old Town Trolley Tour
Nashville
From approx.$39 Per Person
Explore the dynamic state capital of Tennessee with an optional city tour aboard Old Town Trolley. Along the way we’ll see the Country Music Hall of Fame and Ryman Auditorium where some say bluegrass was born and Johnny Cash met June Carter. While exploring the city’s landmarks, you might discover some new country music classics before they even hit the charts while visiting one of the many recording studios around town.
Stops include:
Lower Broadway
Country Music Hall of Fame
Johnny Cash & Goo Goo
Ryman Auditorium
Tennessee…
Explore the dynamic state capital of Tennessee with an optional city tour aboard Old Town Trolley. Along the way we’ll see the Country Music Hall of Fame and Ryman Auditorium where some say bluegrass was born and Johnny Cash met June Carter. While exploring the city’s landmarks, you might discover some new country music classics before they even hit the charts while visiting one of the many recording studios around town.
Stops include:
Lower Broadway
Country Music Hall of Fame
Johnny Cash & Goo Goo
Ryman Auditorium
Tennessee Performing Arts Center
Musicians Hall of Fame
Farmer’s Market
Marathon Motorworks / Antique Archaeology
The Parthenon/Centennial Park
Vanderbilt University
Hot Chicken
Belmont Mansion
Bobby’s Idle Hour/ Music Row
The Gulch
The Frist Center
Grand Legends Tour at the Grand Ole Opry House
From approx.$82 Per Person
Experience a fully guided backstage, behind-the-scenes, dressing-room tour of the Grand Ole Opry House, where the world’s most beloved, and longest-running live radio show is still performed. Stand on the hallowed circle front and center on the famous stage, where the greatest voices in country music have stood and performed for so many years. Next it’s on to the fabulous Gaylord Opryland Resort for a guided tour of this 4.5 acre hotel. See its beautiful indoor gardens and waterfalls and experience a ride on a Delta River Flatboat inside this gorgeous hotel.
This modern hotel overlooking the Mississippi River is conveniently located in the heart of Memphis’ historic downtown. After a day of exploring, enjoy the all-hours fitness center, relax at the seasonal rooftop pool all with free WiFi throughout the hotel.
Only 13 miles from Jack Daniel’s Distillery and its annual World Championship Invitational Barbecue. Our location off US-41A offers easy access to dining, shopping, and attractions including Rutledge Falls and Normandy Lake. Enjoy free hot breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool.
This hotel is located just steps from downtown on the Historic Chattanooga Choo Choo campus and featured amenities like two resort-style pools, a fitness center, a clubhouse, free WiFi on premises and more!
With beautiful mountain scenery, the Ramada Pigeon Forge North is the perfect place to relax. Enjoy the hotel’s indoor pool or relax in a rocking chair on the front porch. When you’re ready to explore you can ride the FunTime Trolley to dining options, shops, and attractions!
Located just off of Highway 27, this hotel is within walking distance of restaurants with Fayette Mall just a short drive away. After a day of exploration, take a dip in the hotel pool, visit the hotel’s fitness center or relax in the comfort of your room with free WiFi.
We’ve got all bases covered with our central hotel in downtown Louisville. From Jim Beam to Thomas Edison, work your way through distilleries, museums, and the entertainment district of Fourth Street Live. Start the day with our signature waffles included in your free hot breakfast and keep in touch with free WiFi.
The ideal location to rest, relax and experience all that Nashville has to offer with a quiet location close to downtown Nashville. After a day of touring, enjoy the spacious accommodations, seasonal swimming pool and fully equipped fitness center with sauna.
201 Music City Circle, Nashville, Tennessee 37214-1220
WHAT ARE AMERICAN ROAD TOURS?
smarTours American Road Tours is a hybrid of a self-drive road trip with guided tour elements that we are known for. Travelers have the freedom to drive at their own convenience with scheduled meet-ups with other smarTours travelers. smarTours has done all the planning by booking exciting, iconic routes, carefully selected accommodations, and guided tours & admissions.
TRANSPORTATION
Airfare and ground transportation are not included on this tour. Travelers may choose to drive their own car from city to city or to rent a car independently. Friends and families may choose to drive together or separately and can book separate accommodations with smarTours.
Need to rent a car? As a smarTours traveler, you can save up to 25% with Avis Car Rental when traveling on one of our American Road Tours. For more information, please visit avis.com/smartours.
NATIONAL PARK FEES
National Park Fees are not included. For some parks entry is per vehicle and/or per person. For Park Entrance fees, click here. Some travelers may wish to purchase an annual or lifetime pass. For more information about the America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass or Lifetime Pass, please click here.
FINAL DOCUMENTS
Before you depart, we’ll send you detailed tour information including directions, meeting times, routes, places of interest, recommendations, and more. We look forward to being your trusted guide on this remarkable journey.