Elvis & A Nashville Country Christmas!

Departure Info:

Yankee Trails, Rensselaer - 7:00am

Mon, December 8:

Our destinations are Tupelo, Memphis and Nashville but we have a few miles to travel so our first day's journey takes us to the Comfort Inn Harrisonburg in Harrisonburg, VA (540-534-0060). Dinner is included this evening at the Wood Grill Buffet. Guests are asked to pack an overnight bag for this evening.

Tues, December 9:

Following an included continental breakfast, our journey continues to Chattanooga, Tennessee where we will check into our hotel, the Drury Plaza Hotel Chattanooga Hamilton Place (423-899-6100). This evening we will delight in a ride on the Christmas Dinner Train. The Christmas Dinner train trip includes a four-course dining experience onboard restored dining and pullman cars. The excursion trains depart from Chattanooga’s Grand Junction Station, traveling at a leisurely pace through portions of urban East Chattanooga before reversing direction and returning to Grand Junction. The Dining Car Superintendent and his team of Dining Car Stewards and Chefs provide exceptional customer service and delicious food all prepared and served in historic dining cars. A meal on the Dinner Train is like stepping back in time.

Wed, December 10:

A hot Drury breakfast buffet is included this morning before our departure for Tupelo, Mississippi with our first stop at the Tupelo Visitors Center where pictures and stories of Elvis surround us. A step-on guide will join us as we travel into town visiting the hardware store where his mother Gladys, purchased Elvis’s first guitar along with other highlights. After a quick check-in at our hotel, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tupelo (662-620-8184), we will enjoy dinner and entertainment (included) at the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum.

Thurs, December 11:

A continental breakfast is included at the hotel this morning before our short drive to Memphis for our morning visit to Graceland. You've heard the music, now see the place Elvis called home. Explore the beautiful mansion, walk the gardens where he found peace, and encounter Elvis Presley's Memphis entertainment complex for an unforgettable experience featuring legendary costumes, artifacts, and personal mementos from Elvis and his family. Following your tour and complex exploration, we’ll travel to famous Beale Street, home of the blues and jazz for more exploration with time on your own for lunch, perhaps at B B King’s! Next stop is a Tour of Sun studios, Elvis and Johnny Cash’s first recording studio before our return to the Presley Complex to check-in at The Guest House at Graceland (901-443-3000) for our overnight accommodations and an included dinner.

Fri, December 12:

Breakfast is included at the hotel this morning before our departure for Nashville and our next three nights accommodations at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel (615-889-1000). Our arrival in Nashville will be approximately noon time and that will allow time for lunch on your own before our scheduled tour at the original home of the Grand Ole Opry, The Ryman Auditorium. Then you will have time on your own at the hotel to relax and freshen up before dinner. This evening we’ll experience a celebration of Country Music from both past and present at the Nashville Nightlife Theater for their Best of Country Holiday Show. Hear songs from many of the great artists in country music history along with today’s hottest superstars while savoring an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet with entrees such as fried chicken, pulled pork, swedish meatballs, an array of vegetables, baked potatoes, salads, hot rolls, and cobblers for dessert. Enjoy the music of everyone from Hank Williams Sr. and Patsy Cline to the superstars of today like Sara Evans and Toby Keith!

Sat, December 13:

Following breakfast at the resort (included) you will have free time to explore the property before we depart for a Tennessee Christmas Midday Cruise aboard the General Jackson Showboat. Enjoy a cruise down an authentic Tennessee riverway for an authentic Tennessee Christmas! This musical Christmas treat celebrates the tremendous legacy of holiday favorites from some of Tennessee’s greatest musical stars like Garth Brooks, Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan plus many more. From the Great Smoky Mountains we’ll hear bluegrass and Americana styled holiday hits and from the heart of Memphis, we’ll feature some Christmas rhythm and blues from the King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis Presley. The show culminates with a touching and joyful celebration of the real reason for the season. There will be time later to view the Gaylord’s famous ICE display. Don one of their signature blue parkas and step into a wonderland carved by expert artisans out of 2 million pounds of colorful ice. Discover beloved Christmas classics with larger-than-life sculptures and plunge down slides made entirely of ice in this beloved Christmas experience. This evening’s dinner is included at Opryland Backstage Grill followed by a visit to the Grand Ole Opry performing just down the street at the “New” Home of the Grand Ole Opry!

Sun, December 14:

Following an included breakfast at the hotel, we’ll begin the day with a tour of RCA Studio B, known as the birthplace of the Nashville sound and, of course, home to Elvis Presley for many years following Sun Studios. Lunch will be on your own at the resort after our tour. Lunch will be on your own at the Assembly Food Hall. Satisfy your appetite with over 20 locally curated artisanal eateries offering everything from Tacos and BBQ to Sushi and Shawarma. Of course, no trip to Nashville is complete without a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame. This evening’s entertainment is right at the Gaylord. Savor a three-course dinner (included) prepared by the resort's award-winning chefs followed by live entertainment (TBA). After the show, the rest of your evening is free.

Mon, December 15:

Breakfast is included this morning at the hotel. As we start heading North, we will stop at Heaven Hill Bourbon Distillery for a tour & tasting with lunch included. This evening, we’ll drive through Kentucky Horse Park’s Southern Lights display, celebrating their 32nd year of Christmas delight. A 3-mile spectacular light display awaits before returning to our hotel, the Drury Inn Louisville East (502-326-4170) in which the Drury Kickback will be our dinner.

Tues, December 16:

A full breakfast is included at the hotel before we depart for Cleveland, Ohio and the famous home used in the Christmas classic, A Christmas Story, now restored to its movie splendor. Directly across the street from the House is the Museum, which features original props, costumes and memorabilia from the film, as well as hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos. Among the props and costumes are the toys from the Higbee’s window, Randy’s snowsuit, the chalkboard from Miss Shields’ classroom and the family car. After reliving the movie at Ralphie’s house don’t forget to visit the museum gift shop for your own Major Award Leg Lamp and other great movie memorabilia. Following our visit we will check into our hotel, the Drury Inn & Suites Cleveland Beachwood (216-292-9980). Enjoy dinner (included) at the Drury’s Kickback featuring items such as BBQ Sliders, Mac & Cheese, Hot Dogs, chicken noodle soup, salad, coleslaw and more (menu subject to change). Guests are asked to pack an overnight bag for this evening.

Wed, December 17:

A full Drury breakfast is included at the hotel this morning prior to departure for the Capitol District as we take treasured memories made on this tour with us, thankful for the new folks met and new friends made!! Arrival in the Capital District will be approximately 5:00pm.