North America

Day 1 : Atlanta

This cosmopolitan city where Margaret Mitchell penned her novel 'Gone with the Wind', is the capital of the South. A charming blend of Old Southern traditions mixed with 21st century America. Museums depicting early southern history are just steps from shopping malls and award-winning restaurants.

Day 2 : Atlanta to Birmingham

Distance: 148 miles

En route to Birmingham, Alabama visit the little town of Irondale and the Irondale cafe, setting for Fannie Flagg's novel 'Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe'. Birmingham, the largest city in the state, and home to the Civil Rights Institute, Arlington House, and Five Points South, a historic area awash with restaurants and jazz clubs, a great place to spend the evening.

Day 3 : Birmingham to Tupelo

Distance: 139 miles

On January 8th 1935 Elvis Presley was born in a humble two room house in the hills of North East Mississippi. Today the local tourist office will provide you with driving tours of the area visiting his home, schools and the shop where he bought his first guitar. Three times winner of All American Town, it is also home to the Tupelo Buffalo Park and the historic Natchez Trace Parkway headquarters.

Days 4 - 5 : Tupelo to Memphis

Distance: 102 miles

'The Blues had a baby and named it Rock n Roll' said Muddy Waters and it's a truth visitors to vibrant Memphis discover every night on legendary Beale Street. You don't need to be an Elvis fan to enjoy nearby elegant Graceland and its remarkable exhibits plotting the legend's life. Visit Sun Studios and the powerful National Museum of Civil Rights. En route to Memphis you might want to visit the town of Oxford Mississippi, a place brimming with character.

Days 6 - 7 : Memphis to Nashville

Distance: 210 miles

The drive between Memphis and Nashville has a couple of very interesting stops/detours. Check out Nutbush, the home of Tina Turner and then visit Brownsville and the world's only museum to dedicated to the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll," in the historic blacks-only one-room schoolhouse she attended as a child. You'll also want to stop at historic Casey Jones Village in Jackson for an ice cream at the 1890's Ice Cream Parlour, or pancakes and maple syrup in the famous Brook Shaw's Old Country Store Restaurant. 

Our next stop is known as Music City ,USA, home of the world famous Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Also in Nashville you can visit magnificent mansions such as The Hermitage, once home to Andrew Jackson and an idyllic place for a picnic. Walking and trolley tours are an interesting way to see the city and toe tapping at a genuine honky-tonk bar is a must. Patsy Cline fans will also want to head to her museum and, nowadays you can even rent her home in the Nashville suburbs.  Ask for details!  

Days 8 - 9 : Nashville to Gatlinburg

Distance: 219 miles

Gatlinburg is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which encompasses a half million-acre area of Appalachian peaks and Tennessee valleys. Here you can fish, cycle, golf, hike, river raft or take the sky lift to enjoy panoramic views. Visit neighbouring Pigeon Forge where Dolly Parton's Dollywood Theme Park entertains you with more than 40 musical performances daily, exciting thrill rides and a 25-acre waterpark.

Day 10 : Gatlinburg to Chattanooga

Distance: 151 miles

Everyone knows the Glen Miller song 'Chattanooga Choo Choo', but few are familiar with the beautiful riverside city that inspired it. Here the world's steepest passenger incline railway takes you on a mile-long climb up Lookout Mountain where on a clear day you can marvel at views across seven Southern States. Voted one of America's most walkable cities. Chattanooga has a 12-mile path along its rivers.

Day 11 : Chattanooga to Dahlonega

Distance: 128 miles

This small attractive town nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains boasts a beautifully preserved downtown historic district. This area of Appalachia offer activities from touring local wineries, hiking through secluded parks, fishing, leisurely boat trips and historic walks. In the evening head for the square for some world-renowned Georgia country cooking.

Day 12 : Back to Atlanta

Distance: 65 miles

Set off early for one last treat, Stone Mountain Park, just outside Atlanta. Located on 3,200 acres of natural beauty, you can enjoy a variety of family activities, take a skyride to the top of the mountain, a scenic train ride or paddlewheel river cruise.

Although this is your last day, you don't have to head home just yet. Why not extend your tour to explore the historic North and South Carolina? Or perhaps you may want to catch a flight down to Florida and relax on one of its beautiful beaches?

Call the USA experts at Bon Voyage to discuss your ideal Music and Mountains tour of Tennessee and America's Deep South.