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.

a visit to Tupelo Hardware which is still very much the same as it was the day Gladys took Elvis there to buy him his first guitar,

 

 

 

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!

 

 

 

 

ITINERARY – Memphis, Tupelo, Shreveport and New Orleans

 

Days 1 to 10. Friday 7th to Sunday 16th August

As per the Tupelo and Memphis tour.

 

Day 11. Monday 17th August

Leaving Memphis we drive due west – probably taking the same route that Elvis would have taken on the 24th March 1958 as he headed for Fort Chaffee where he was inducted into the US Army. The army base has all but gone but there’s still the Chaffee Barbershop Museum for us to see – complete with the barber’s chair where Elvis received the most famous army haircut in history – plus lots of photo’s and memorabilia of the period. Short transfer to nearby Fort Smith – one time ‘gateway’ to the Wild West with an historic fort and bags of atmosphere. Overnight hotel.

 

Day 12. Tuesday 18th August

Morning sightseeing tour of fascinating Fort Smith before the drive south to Shreveport, Louisiana where we check-in to our hotel. Afternoon and evening at leisure.

 

 

Day 13. Wednesday 19th August

Morning’s short guided tour of Shreveport culminating in a visit to the Municipal Auditorium, the vast theatre that was the home of the famous Louisiana Hayride radio show and where Elvis became a regular performer between 1954 and 1956. Outside are statues of Elvis and also of James Burton. We will visit the James Burton Foundation offices opposite the Auditorium where the TCB Band member (and Elvis’ favourite guitarist) runs his charitable foundation to enhance lives through music – providing guitars and lessons via schools and hospitals.

 

Remainder at leisure – a chance perhaps to visit the massive 8th Air Force Museum in the twin-city of Bossier, take in the incredible art collection of the R.W. Norton Gallery that features many works by the American West artists, Remington and Russell, or perhaps to just relax by the hotel pool?

 

 

Day 14. Thursday 20th August.

A full but fascinating day as we drive south following the Red River and Mississippi River valleys via historic Baton Rouge where we’ll have a lunch stop and a chance to visit the incredible State Capital Building before taking the winding River Road past many beautiful plantation homes, stopping at one where we’ll have a guided tour. Mint Julip anyone?

 

Onward then to New Orleans, arriving at our hotel in the early evening.

 

 

Day 15 to Day 17. Friday 21st  to Sunday 23nd August

Three full days to enjoy the  City of New Orleans. Our comprehensive walking tour* of the famous French Quarter will include the places where the location shots for Elvis’ King Creole were filmed and the luxury hotel where Elvis stayed whilst making the movie.

 

You’ll love New Orleans – one of the most colourful cities in the USA. Any excuse for a parade (even a funeral!), for bursting into music (the street musicians are sensational) or for eating….the food here is mouth-wateringly sumptuous – whether it be Creole-style fine dining or just beignets (French-style doughnuts) and coffee at a sidewalk café.

 

There are lots of interesting excursions planned including a swamp tour, riverboat ride, Mardi Gras Museum, movie tour (New Orleans is fast becoming a second ‘Hollywood’ with regard to the number of movies made there) and even the chance to attend a cookery school. Plus there’s shopping opportunities a’plenty and a final chance for a laze in the sun on the hotel’s pool deck.

 

*Tour coaches are not allowed in the narrow streets of the French Quarter but those with walking difficulties will be taken by mini-bus or taxi so they won’t miss out.

 

 

Day 18. Monday 24th August

Late morning transfer to New Orleans Airport to join our overnight flight back to the UK.

 

 

Day 19. Tuesday 25th August

Morning arrival into your originating airport.

 

FOR A FREE COLOUR BROCHURE PLEASE CALL 01473 621 564 or E-mail enquiries@strictlyelvis.net