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Elvis & the Southern Sounds - Elvis 35th Anniversary Special Memorial Departure

Make sure you're in Memphis for Elvis Week in August 2012 to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the King's death.

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Elvis & the Southern Sounds - Elvis' 35th Anniversary Special Memorial Departure + Nashville
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Itinerary
Map

Elvis' grave
Take part in the Candle Light Vigil
Paying respects in Meditation Garden
© ELVIS PRESLEY ENTERPRISES INC
Rock n Soul Museum, Memphis, Tennessee
'The King' himself
Beale Street, Memphis
Sun Studio, Memphis
The Graceland mansion
Memphis
Tupelo, where Elvis was born
The Trophy Room in Graceland
Graceland
Nashville, Tennessee

Your Itinerary

If you are only planning one visit to Memphis & Graceland make sure you're there for Elvis Week in August 2012 to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the King's death.

Every August, Elvis fans from around the world and of all ages are drawn to Memphis, for Elvis Week - a commemoration of the music, magic and memories associated with the legacy of Elvis Presley. Join us on this special departure and be at Graceland for the famous Candle Light Vigil, when fans are invited to Elvis' gravesite in the Meditation Gardens carrying a candle in quiet remembrance.

Elvis Aaron Presley is one of the USA's greatest popular music icons, whose influence on other performers has been profound and long lasting. He has sold more than one billion records worldwide - more than any other artist. And his premature death in 1977 has done nothing to lessen the enthusiasm of his legions of loyal followers.

This highly enjoyable holiday is for all fans of 'The King', as well as devotees of the rich musical legacy that he and his fellow Southerners have given the world, including rock 'n' roll, blues, bluegrass, rhythm 'n' blues and country music.

You'll visit Elvis Presley's Birthplace in Tupelo, the humble two-room house where the 'King' was born, the adjacent museum, Times and Things Remembered, which contains rare photos and memorabilia - and Memphis, the 'Home of the Blues', where he grew up and cut his first disc. You'll be able to trace the musical influences which affected the young aspiring singer, including country music, gospel and the blues he heard on Beale Street, epitomised in the compositions of the great WC Handy. And you'll visit locations which featured prominently in The King's life and work, including Sun Studio and Graceland, his impressive mansion - today a famous pilgrimage site for fans. The mansion tour consists of the living room, music room, Elvis' parents bedroom, the dining room, kitchen, TV room, pool room and 'jungle den' in the main house. Behind the house are Elvis' racquetball building and his original business office. You will also see his trophy building, which houses his enormous collection of gold records, awards and career mementos. Don't miss the section of the mansion where you can find significant items like the desk from Elvis' personal office and an extensive collection of his stage costumes. The tour ends with a quiet visit to the Meditation Garden, where Elvis and members of his family have been laid to rest.

Besides discovering more about Elvis, you will learn about the music that influenced him by experiencing the soul roots of Memphis and visiting revered country music sites in Nashville.

In Nashville, the home of country music, you'll enjoy a performance at the renowned Grand Ole Opry, the world's premier country music venue since 1925 and the setting for the nation's longest running radio music show. Enjoy a very special private performance with John Carter Cash, the only son of John and June Cash and also visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, which houses classic memorabilia such as Elvis' 'gold Cadillac' and illustrates the roots and development of Bluegrass, Cajun, cowboy and western-swing music.

DAY 1: UK - Memphis.

Fly to Memphis where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for four nights.

DAY 2: Memphis. Included guided city sightseeing and Tupelo visit.

During your sightseeing you will get a unique, 'behind the scenes' perspective from your expert guide. Discover the hard to find, 'hidden' Elvis sites such as his Lauderdale Courts apartment, Humes High School and Overton Park Shell amongst others. Next visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, which celebrates great Memphis soul music made famous by Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and Booker T. and the MGs to name just a few. Later, journey to Tupelo where you will visit Elvis' birthplace and the Elvis Presley Museum.

DAY 3: Memphis. Tour of Graceland.

Today sees one of the real highlights of your tour - a guided visit of Graceland. Experience life as Elvis did by walking through the decadent and quirky rooms where he felt truly at home. You will also be able to board The King's private jet. Your tour around Graceland ends with a visit to the Meditation Garden where Elvis often went to reflect on life, and where he now is laid to rest along with members of his family.

DAY 4: Memphis. Included visits to Sun Studio, Rock 'n' Soul Museum and Graceland for the Candle Light Vigil.

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 it's 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? Tonight you're invited to be at Graceland for the famous Candle Light Vigil.

DAY 5: Memphis - Nashville.

Today we head east to Nashville, 'Music City USA'. 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 as you get behind the scenes of the music industry by visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame with its glittering costumes, rare instruments, and Elvis Presley's solid gold Cadillac. Note: The Cash on Cash performance is subject to availability. In the event that John Carter Cash is not available, A private performance with of one of Nashville?s most accomplished songwriters, with insight on the songwriting craft, will be substituted.

DAY 6: Nashville. Included city sightseeing tour and Grand Ole Opry.

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 most important studios in the USA. Between 1957-1977 there were more than 35,000 songs recorded here including 262 Elvis Presley recordings. Studio B is a must see for any music fan, but especially those who love Elvis. You will even have the chance to make your own recording and take it home with you. Afterwards 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 1950's. Tonight you have reserved seats for an unforgettable show at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry.

DAY 7: Nashville.

Today is at leisure to explore more of this vibrant city. Visit the historic Ryman Auditorium, restored home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-1974, or perhaps the Hermitage, home of Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States. You can also shop for old and new music along with souvenirs at the historic Nashville landmark, Ernest Tubb Record Shop.

DAY 8: Nashville - UK.

Transfer to Nashville airport for your overnight flight to the UK.

DAY 9: Home landing in the UK.

Maximum elevation on this tour is 1,160 ft.

Accommodation on Tour

Memphis: Crowne Plaza; Nashville: Millennium Maxwell House.

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Elvis & the Southern Sounds - Elvis 35th Anniversary Special Memorial Departure

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