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Elvis And The Southern Sounds Lighting Ceremony Tour2012 Season
Departs From: Memphis |
From 895EUR |
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Length: 8 days from Memphis to Nashville
Overview
Experience how Elvis celebrated the holidays on this special departure. Be at the front gates of Graceland for the traditional lighting ceremony, and experience ICE!, a winter wonderland full of exciting features. Also enjoy city sightseeing tours in Memphis and Nashville with a stop in Tupelo, Elvis’ birthplace. In Memphis, visit the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum; Stax Museum of American Soul Music, playing tribute to the great Memphis soul musicians; Sun Studio, probably the most famous recording studio in the world; and Graceland, with a chance to climb aboard “The King’s” private jet. Head east to “Music City USA”—Nashville—for reserved seats at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry. Record your own song at Studio B, Nashville’s oldest surviving recording studio and one of the country’s most important studios. Then go behind the scenes of the music industry at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Another special treat awaits you—a private performance and discussion with John Carter Cash, Johnny Cash’s only son. Fans from all over will appreciate the heart and soul of this musical journey and special holiday celebration.
Duration: 8 Days
Schedule:
| Start Date |
End Date |
| 15 November, 2012 |
22 November, 2012 |
City Highlights
Sightseeing in Memphis and Nashville; orientation tour of Tupelo, Stax Museum, Elvis Presley Birthplace, Graceland, Sun Studio, Rock n Soul Museum, Private performance with John Carter Cash, Country Music Hall of Fame, Studio B, and the Grand Ole Opry.
Day 1 Memphis. Welcome to Memphis! Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.
Day 2 Memphis. Graceland Visit. Today is all about Graceland, the beloved home of Elvis Presley. The arrival of winter at Graceland was always a special time of year. On your guided audio tour of GRACELAND, see traditional lights and decorations including hundreds of blue lights along the driveway, a life-size Nativity scene, Santa and his sleigh and much more originally displayed by Elvis. The interiors of Graceland mansion will also be decked in Elvis Christmas décor for the holiday season and will include his traditional red velvet drapes and Presley family Christmas artifacts. This evening, be a part of the annual lighting ceremony at Graceland, stand in awe and join in the count-down as millions of lights are turned on, signaling the start of the Christmas season at Graceland. Past lighting ceremonies have included celebrities, special exhibits and shopping opportunities, an Elvis-Santa, and more. (CB)
Day 3 Memphis. Today you will feel like a part of Memphis as you experience this amazing city on your guided city sightseeing tour. Your guide knows Memphis history like no one else, like the inside, "backstage" stories from the folks who were there. As well as those hard-to-find, hidden Elvis sites - his Lauderdale Courts apartment, Humes High School, the Overton Park Shell, places where he worked and played, and many others. You ll hear your favorite Elvis songs along with entertaining stories about Elvis, his family, and the city he called home. For music lovers a visit to the STAX MUSEUM of American Soul Music is next. Stax celebrates great Memphis soul music made famous by Otis Redding, Booker T. and the MGs, Aretha Franklin, and others. Afterwards we journey to Tupelo, to visit ELVIS’ BIRTHPLACE & MUSEUM - a small, two room house built by the singers father, Vernon Presley. You will also visit the Elvis Presley Museum, featuring "Remembrance of Things Past", an exhibit displaying memorabilia from Elvis childhood. (CB)
Day 4 Memphis. Start your day with a visit to SUN STUDIO, probably the most famous recording studio in the world, where Rock n Roll was first recorded. You will be able to hear the outtakes from sessions, touch Elvis first microphone, see memorabilia and re-live the history of the studio that launched the careers of Johnny Cash, BB King, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and many other music legends. Then its on to the ROCK N SOUL MUSEUM, which traces Memphis cultural and musical past. The remainder of your day is at leisure, so why not shop for souvenirs on Beale Street, visit the National Civil Rights Museum, housed in the Lorraine Motel, site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or sample some famous Memphis barbecue? During your free time, why not visit the Peabody Hotel, beautifully decorated for the Christmas season? The hotels trademark is the Peabody Ducks - five North American mallards who march daily (11am and 5pm) down the red carpet to the fountain in the lobby, a quirky tradition which dates back to 1933. (CB)
Day 5 Memphis–Nashville. Today we head to Nashville, Music City USA , and the ideal destination for all kinds of visitors: music fans, history buffs and southern lovers. Upon arrival enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, passing by famous recording studios of Music Row, the centre of the recording industry, which first developed in the 1950s. Afterwards we experience the spectacular ICE exhibition. Held in the Gaslight Theatre located at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, ICE is enclosed in a 20,000 square-foot refrigerated theatre. This fabulous winter wonderland is carved out of 1.5 million pounds of ice by Chinese artisans from Harbin, and features interactive displays and three-dimensional, larger than life sculptures in a rainbow of colors, some weighing more than two tons! (CB)
Day 6 Nashville. Nashville is the ideal destination for all kinds of visitors: music fans, history buffs, and Southern lovers. Start your day with a visit to STUDIO B, Nashville’s oldest surviving recording studio and one of the country’s most important studios. Between 1957 and 1977, more than 35,000 songs were recorded here, including 262 Elvis Presley recordings. Studio B is a “must-see” for any music fan, but especially for those who love Elvis. You even have the chance to make your own recording and take it home with you. No one told a story quite like Johnny Cash, and that tradition continues as you settle in for a private performance and discussion with Johnny and June’s only son John Carter Cash. John Carter will entertain you with his own original music, as well as a few numbers made famous by his legendary family and even be available for photographs and autographs afterwards. Your day doesn’t end here get behind the scenes of the music industry by visiting the COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME with its glittering costumes, rare instruments, and Elvis Presleys solid gold Cadillac. Tonight, you have reserved seats for an unforgettable show at the world-famous GRAND OLE OPRY, the home of American music .
Day 7 Nashville. Today is at leisure to explore more of this vibrant city. You may choose to visit the historic Ryman Auditorium, restored home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943–1974. Perhaps visit the Hermitage, home of Andrew Jackson, seventh president of the United States. You’ll have an opportunity to view the fully restored mansion, walk through the gardens, and see the tomb of the late president.
Day 8 Nashville. The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Nashville International Airport are included. You can extend your vacation with extra nights and explore “Music City USA” further with a variety of exciting optional activities.
Meals: 4 continental breakfasts (CB)
Hotel Information: MEMPHIS Elvis Presley Heartbreak Hotel (MF), NASHVILLE Millennium Maxwell House Hotel (F)
Guides
Local Guides for sightseeing in Memphis and Nashville; services of a professional Tour Director.
Transportation
Private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring. |
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