ITINERARY - Tupelo & Memphis

Day 1. Friday 7th August
Morning departure for the scheduled transatlantic flight via a US gateway city to Memphis. Coach transfer to Tupelo, Mississippi and your hotel and the remainder of the evening is free. Should you prefer it arrangements could be made for you to stay in Memphis instead – but if you haven’t been to Tupelo before then don’t miss out – it’s a fabulous place and, of course, it has the ultimate Elvis connection – he was born there!

Day 2. Saturday 8th August
We start the day with a short guided sightseeing tour of Tupelo – ‘the friendliest city in the South’ – during which we’ll see where Elvis went to school at Lawhon Elementary and Milam Junior High, the new Elvis Statue at the site of the old Fairgrounds and many other places significant to his life there. We end the tour at Elvis’ Birthplace and you’ll have as much time as you wish to see and absorb the atmosphere of this magical place. Visit the humble home where Elvis was born, experience an old time Service at the original Assembly of God Church that the young Elvis attended, see the Memorial Chapel, the award-winning Elvis Presley Museum and the Visitor Centre incorporating a beautiful theatre, function suite and gift shop. The grounds of the Birthplace are tastefully landscaped and include a fountain, a statue of Elvis at 13yrs. and a story wall. There is little doubt that you’ll find this visit fascinating and enjoyable.

This afternoon our Shuttle Bus Service operates between the Birthplace, Shopping Mall, the hotel and Downtown area so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to shop, sightsee, explore or relax.

Day 3. Sunday 9th August
Morning at leisure before our special Shuttle-bus Service starts allowing you explore the downtown area, take in the impressive car museum, to re-visit the Elvis Birthplace or spend the afternoon with some ‘retail therapy’ at the Barnes Crossing Shopping Mall.  Evening Hawaiian-style pool party at the hotel.

Day 4. Monday 10th August
This morning we’ll visit Tupelo Hardware which is still very much the same as it was the day Gladys took Elvis there to buy him his first guitar We then head north, over the State Line, to Memphis, Tennessee and to your chosen hotel. Afternoon at leisure to relax or explore. The Shuttle-bus Service will start right away – connecting Graceland (Heartbreak Hotel) with the Downtown area (Hampton Inn on Beale) so it doesn’t matter which of the two hotels you choose, you’ll be able to visit either location, as often as you wish – and for free!

Day 5. Tuesday 11th August (Graceland Day!)
It’s straight to Graceland (where else?) this morning where you’ll be handed your Platinum Pass which will allow you to take the audio-guided tour of the home that Elvis loved so much, to walk through many of the rooms including the famous Jungle Room, to see the vast array of awards bestowed upon him and to enjoy quiet reflection in Meditation Garden. Afternoon free to visit the various Elvis attractions in and around Graceland Plaza including Elvis’ amazing collection of cars in the Auto Museum. At the time of preparing this brochure there has been no resolution as to whether or not Elvis’ Aircraft Exhibit will stay at Graceland or be included in the ticket. Our now famous Shuttle-bus Service commences in the mid afternoon and operates through to late evening.

Day 6. Wednesday 12th August
Come with us to see the Elvis sights of Memphis on a guided tour that also includes many of the city’s major landmarks. We’ll show you the Mississippi River, Mud Island and the Riverboats, the impressive Pyramid, the FedEx Forum, the Cotton, the Rock & Soul and the National Civil Rights Museums but most of all we’ll show you the places significant to Elvis’ life. You’ll see Humes High School where he joined in the 8th grade, Beale Street where some of his musical influences (and his dress sense) were formed, the impressive Peabody Hotel where his school Prom was held, Sun Studio (where we’ll enjoy a guided tour), some of the places where Elvis performed and where he lived in Lauderdale Courts and Audobon Drive. Our tour has been developed over 40 years and is regarded as the best Elvis tour available in Memphis. Elvis was a world superstar – he could have lived anywhere he wanted but he chose to stay in Memphis, because he loved it…we’ll show you why.

Day 7. to Day 10. Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th August
Four glorious days to enjoy the sights and sounds of Memphis.

A chance to revisit Graceland (especially as on some days there is a free walk-up to Graceland’s Meditation Garden in the early morning or late evening). With a host of souvenir and speciality shops, two diners and an ice cream parlour you won’t be at a loss for something to do, buy or eat!

Time too to explore Memphis, to take a ride on an old Mississippi Riverboat, to visit some of the fascinating museums, to see the ‘Duck Parade’ in the grandiose lobby of the famous Peabody Hotel, and to shop and sightsee at will.

During the week Elvis Presley Enterprises as well as local promoters and Fan Clubs will be staging other Elvis-related activities such as concerts, sock hops, charity lunches etc. No details are available at the time of printing this brochure but full details will be sent to you nearer to departure date.  Of course there will also be the Candlelight Vigil and Walk-up to Meditation Garden on the night of the 15th and a special ‘late-late’ Shuttle Bus will return those staying at the downtown hotel for no extra charge. There are also some fascinating optional excursions to take – including a delightful paddle-wheeler cruise on the Mississippi River (for the best ever views of the Memphis skyline) and a day trip to Nashville, the Country Music capital of the world.

By night Memphis has a great selection of bars and restaurants to try – especially on Beale Street which is probably the best music street in the world and where live music seems to emanate from every door and window. No wonder Elvis loved this place.

Day 11. Monday 17th August
Late morning transfer to Memphis Airport for the return overnight flight to the UK.

Day 12. Tuesday 18th August
Morning arrival into your originating airport. The holiday may be over…the great memories have only just begun!