The Deep South Music Trail — Nashville, Memphis, Tupelo & Muscle Shoals
Four legendary cities. One incredible journey through the heart of American music. Follow the trail from the honky-tonks of Nashville to the birthplace of Elvis, the blues of Memphis and the soul of Muscle Shoals.
The Route That Shaped American Music
The American South didn't just produce great music — it invented the sounds that conquered the world. Country music was born in Nashville. The blues took shape in Memphis. Rock 'n' roll exploded when a young truck driver from Tupelo walked into Sun Studio. And in tiny Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the greatest soul records ever made were cut in studios that looked like they belonged in a small-town shopping parade.
The Deep South Music Trail connects these four extraordinary cities into one unforgettable journey. It's a route that takes you from the neon glow of Nashville's Broadway to the hallowed ground of Graceland and Sun Studio in Memphis, through the Mississippi hills where Elvis Presley was born, and into the recording studios of Muscle Shoals where Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones made history.
Whether you're a lifelong music fan or simply curious about the stories behind the songs, this is the journey of a lifetime. And with Travelling Time, you can experience it all on a fully escorted tour — with flights, hotels, coaching and expert guides included.
Nashville
— Country Music Capital of the World
Nashville is where it all began for country music — and today it's one of the most vibrant live music cities on Earth. From the hallowed stage of the Grand Ole Opry to the neon-lit honky-tonks of Lower Broadway, music is woven into every corner of this city.
Grand Ole Opry
The world's longest-running radio show, broadcasting since 1925. See live country music legends perform on the most famous stage in the genre.
Ryman Auditorium
The 'Mother Church of Country Music' — the original home of the Grand Ole Opry. Its stained-glass windows and perfect acoustics make every performance unforgettable.
Country Music Hall of Fame
The Smithsonian of country music. Walk through decades of history from Hank Williams and Patsy Cline to Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash.
Lower Broadway Honky-Tonks
Free live music pours out of every door on Nashville's famous strip. Tootsie's, Robert's Western World and The Stage are legendary — and they never charge a cover.
RCA Studio B
Where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and the Everly Brothers recorded some of their greatest hits. Nashville's oldest surviving recording studio.
Bluebird Cafe
An intimate songwriter's venue where Taylor Swift was discovered. Nashville's most famous listening room for stripped-back acoustic performances.
Memphis
— Birthplace of Rock & Soul
Memphis is where blues, soul and rock 'n' roll were born. This is the city of Elvis, B.B. King, Otis Redding and Johnny Cash — a place where music changed the world and the echoes are still ringing today.
Graceland
Elvis Presley's iconic home and the second most-visited private residence in America. Tour the Jungle Room, the Trophy Building and pay respects at the Meditation Garden.
Sun Studio
Where rock 'n' roll was born. Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins all recorded here. Stand on the exact spot where 'That's All Right' was cut in 1954.
Beale Street
The most famous street in blues music. Three blocks of live music venues, neon signs and the unmistakable sound of the Memphis blues drifting through the warm Southern air.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Built on the site of the original Stax Records studio where Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes and Booker T. & the M.G.'s created the Memphis soul sound.
National Civil Rights Museum
Located at the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. A profound and essential experience that tells the story of the American civil rights movement.
Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
A Smithsonian-affiliated museum tracing how the rural music of the Mississippi Delta merged in Memphis to create the sounds that shook the world.
Tupelo
— Where Elvis Began
Before Memphis, before Graceland, before the world knew his name — there was Tupelo. This small Mississippi town is where Elvis Aaron Presley was born on 8 January 1935 in a tiny two-room shotgun house. For Elvis fans, Tupelo is sacred ground.
Elvis Presley Birthplace
The humble two-room house where Elvis was born, now preserved as a museum. Walk through the rooms and see where the King of Rock 'n' Roll took his first breath.
Elvis Presley Museum & Memorial Chapel
Adjacent to the birthplace, featuring artefacts from Elvis's childhood and the chapel built in his memory on the grounds of the Assembly of God church where he first sang.
Tupelo Hardware Company
Where Gladys Presley bought a young Elvis his first guitar for $7.75. He'd wanted a bicycle — but she chose the guitar instead. The rest is history.
The Lyric Theatre
The restored 1912 theatre where a young Elvis watched movies and dreamed of stardom. Now a live music and events venue celebrating Tupelo's cultural heritage.
Muscle Shoals
— The Hit Recording Capital of the World
In the 1960s, a tiny cluster of towns on the Tennessee River in northwest Alabama became the most unlikely recording capital in the world. Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Wilson Pickett, Bob Dylan and Etta James all made the pilgrimage here — and the music they made changed everything.
FAME Studios
Still a working recording studio today. Tour the room where Aretha Franklin recorded 'I Never Loved a Man', Wilson Pickett cut 'Mustang Sally' and Etta James sang 'Tell Mama'.
Muscle Shoals Sound Studio
Founded by The Swampers at 3614 Jackson Highway. The Rolling Stones recorded 'Brown Sugar' here. Bob Dylan cut 'Slow Train Coming.' Now preserved as a museum.
Alabama Music Hall of Fame
Celebrating Alabama's extraordinary musical heritage — from Hank Williams and Nat King Cole to Lionel Richie, the Commodores and the Temptations.
W.C. Handy Birthplace & Museum
The log cabin birthplace of the 'Father of the Blues' in Florence. A small but powerful museum honouring the man who first wrote down the blues.
Why Travel the Trail with Travelling Time?
Fully Escorted from the UK
Flights, hotels, comfortable coaching, and an expert tour manager with you every step of the way. No driving on unfamiliar roads, no navigating between cities — just pure enjoyment.
Insider Access
Our tours include visits to FAME Studios, Sun Studio, the Grand Ole Opry and other venues that independent travellers often miss. We get you behind the scenes.
Expert Music Guides
Our tour managers are passionate about music history. They don't just show you the sights — they bring the stories to life with knowledge, anecdotes and genuine enthusiasm.
Everything Included
Flights from the UK, hand-picked hotels, air-conditioned coach travel, and carefully planned itineraries. All you need to bring is your love of music.
Escorted Tours on the Deep South Music Trail
Our tours follow the legendary music route through Nashville, Memphis, Tupelo and Muscle Shoals. Choose a tour below to start your journey.
Mountains, Moonshine & Music City
Dollywood is a highlight of this best-selling 9-night escorted tour. Spend a day at Dollywood, the theme park created by Dolly Parton, and stay three nights in Pigeon Forge, with time in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. Then follow the music to the FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals and the honky-tonks of Nashville, with a small, friendly group. Arrive as a guest, leave as a friend. Discover the Magic on Our Mountains, Moonshine & Music City Escorted Tour! This best-selling tour is packed with incredible sights, local flavours, and rich musical heritage, taking you from the breathtaking Smoky Mountains to the vibrant streets of Nashville, Tennessee.
9 Nights • From £2,199 (Tour Only)
Music Cities - Southern Style
Elvis fans will love this 14-night escorted Deep South tour. In Memphis you visit Graceland and Sun Studio, the home and the recording studio that shaped Elvis Presley's story, and a day visit takes you to Tupelo, Elvis's hometown. Then enjoy the jazz of New Orleans, four nights in Muscle Shoals and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. With nearly 30 years of experience and a small, friendly group, you will arrive as a guest and leave as a friend. Simply the BEST Deep South Music Tour! Get ready for the ultimate adventure through the Deep South, where the music that shaped the world comes alive. From the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans to the rock & roll, blues, and soul of Memphis. What makes this tour truly unforgettable is 4 incredible nights in Muscle Shoals.
14 Nights • From £3,149 (Tour Only)
Memphis, Mountains & Music Cities
Elvis and Dolly in one Tennessee journey. On this 11-night escorted tour you visit Graceland Mansion and Sun Studio in Memphis, then spend a day at Dollywood, the theme park created by Dolly Parton, while staying in Pigeon Forge with a day in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. Add the studios of Muscle Shoals and the music of Nashville, and it is a complete Tennessee music adventure with a small, friendly group. Arrive as a guest, leave as a friend. From Graceland to the Great Smoky Mountains to the Grand Ole Opry – A Complete Tennessee Music Adventure! This 11-night journey takes you on an incredible path through the heart of Tennessee's legendary music scene.
11 Nights • From £2,649 (Tour Only)
Country, Capitals, Jack & Coke
Feel the Rhythm, Taste the Spirit – A Deep South Journey of Music, History, and Tradition! This unique experience takes you through three vibrant capital cities—Atlanta, Montgomery, and Nashville—along with iconic music destinations.
10 Nights • From £1,929 (Tour Only)
The Gala Tour
This fantastic 10-night tour will take in Atlanta and Stone Mountain in Georgia (GA), Montgomery, Orange Beach and Mobile Alabama (AL) before reaching New Orleans Louisiana (LA) – GALA! During this wonderful trip, you will experience the best attractions and music that each area has to offer – as well as spending some well deserved rest on one of the worlds finest white sand beaches!
10 Nights • From £3,299 (Tour Only)
Meet The Music Makers
Where Legends Were Made and Music Lives On! Spend less time travelling and more time immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and stories of Nashville and Muscle Shoals.
10 Nights • From £1,779 (Tour Only)
Music 'N' Motion
Feel the Beat & Dance the Night Away to the Rhythms of American Music! If you love live music, dancing, and soaking up the best of country, rock, and soul, this tour is your ticket to the time of your life!
10 Nights • From £1,779 (Tour Only)
Soundtrack of the South
If you've ever dreamed of a holiday that combines music history with sun-soaked beach days, then Soundtrack of the South is your perfect getaway! This exclusive escorted tour hits all the right notes, mixing the best music cities in the southern US with the stunning beaches along the Gulf Coast. Think of it as a road trip playlist brought to life—where every stop is as thrilling as the next and the soundtrack keeps you humming the whole way.
13 Nights • From £2,549 (Tour Only)