Bluegrass & Bourbon Trail
SELF DRIVE TOUR
MEMPHIS | LYNCHBURG | CHATTANOOGA | GATLINBURG | GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS | LEXINGTON | NASHVILLE
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds and savour the flavours of the south on this self-drive tour through Tennessee and Kentucky. Beginning and ending in Memphis, home of Elvis and the blues this circle tour takes in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains, the mighty Mississippi, the beautiful bluegrass region of Kentucky and Nashville, ‘Music City USA’.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Live it up on Beale Street in Memphis
- Explore the Great Smoky Mountains
- Visit Louisville, the home of the world famous Kentucky Derby
- Discover Bourbon Distilleries around Lexington
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8-9
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Day 10
Day 1 : Arrive Memphis
Upon arrival into Memphis collect your rental car at the airport and head to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the musical city of Memphis.
Day 2 : Memphis
Today is free to explore, we suggest starting with a visit to Graceland, legendary home of the late Elvis Presley, then perhaps pay a visit to the Rock & Soul Museum, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the Gibson Guitar Factory, or Sun Studio.
Day 3 : Memphis – Lynchburg (263 miles)
Continue to Lynchburg, the home of Bourbon. Whilst here take time to discover the famous home of the Jack Daniel’s whiskey distillery. A tour of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery (optional) will showcase the great American wonder of the Cave Spring Hollow, and you’ll discover more about the history of the distillery.
Day 4 : Lynchburg – Chattanooga (91 miles)
Today’s drive brings you to the 4th largest city in Southeast Tennessee. It lies on the Tennessee River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and is a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors. It’s also a remarkably eco-friendly place and there are miles of waterfront trails, free electric buses and open spaces. Whilst here, taste the South’s favourite snack food, the Moon Pie and don’t miss the Chattanooga Choo Choo Train Station.
Day 5 : Chattanooga – Gatlinburg (145 miles)
Make your way north to Gatlinburg and pass through the rich culture and natural beauty of Knoxville. Take a scenic hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with plentiful trails and beautiful surroundings. 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.
Day 6 : Gatlinburg – Lexington (214 miles)
As you leave Gatlinburg and make your way through Kentucky, you’ll be accompanied by scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River. 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 legendary American pioneer. Alongside its impressive equine heritage Lexington is also one of the top spots in Kentucky for bourbon. Top secret recipes are passed down from generation to generation.
Day 7 : Lexington – Louisville (78 miles)
As you drive to Louisville, you’ll pass by small towns and luscious green fields along the way. When you reach Louisville, don’t forget to visit the home of the world’s most famous thoroughbred horserace, the Kentucky Derby.
Day 8-9 : Louisville – Nashville (176 miles)
Nashville is “Music City USA”. Explore the Music City Walk of Fame (optional) honouring the top country performers. Perhaps visit take is a show at the Grand Ole Opry or stroll through the Music Valley’s Wax Museum of the Stars and see life-size wax figures of many country music stars.
Day 10 : Nashville – Memphis (212 miles)
Depart the capital of country and western music to return to the home of the blues, Memphis. Return your car at the airport where your tour comes to an end.
