Explore the incredibly rich state of Tennessee in your next holiday to America! This road trip will take you in a journey full of attractions covering music, history, scenic views ...
Tennessee Holidays
Your Tennessee Holiday
Expect to find
Live Music
Experience the heart of country, blues and rock ‘n’ roll.
Iconic Landmarks
From Graceland to the Grand Ole Opry.
Scenic Views
Explore mountains, lakes and rolling hills.
Overview
Music, Mountains & More
In the heart of the American South, you’ll find Tennessee, with its rich history, natural beauty and world-famous music. Known as the birthplace of country and blues, Nashville and Memphis are two of the state’s most iconic cities. In Nashville, you’ll find a thriving country music scene, while Memphis is home to legendary rock ‘n’ roll history. Whether you’re exploring the Great Smoky Mountains or discovering the state’s musical heritage, Tennessee has something for everyone.
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Explore the best of Tennessee with a tailor made holiday.
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Multi Destination Trips in Tennessee
Explore the best of Tennessee with a multi-centre holiday.
Tennessee Discovery Road Trip
Tennessee Discovery Road Trip
7 Nights From €2159 per person
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Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans
Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans
9 Nights From €2779 per person
For a once-in-a-lifetime trip around the USA why not combine Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans?
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Nashville & New Orleans
Nashville & New Orleans
7 Nights From €1419 per person
Discover the Deep South in this twin centre holiday staying 4 nights in Nashville and 3 nights in New Orleans.
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Tennessee Road Trips
Hit the open road and discover the beauty of Tennessee.
Tennessee Discovery Road Trip
Tennessee Discovery Road Trip
7 Nights From €2159 per person
Explore the incredibly rich state of Tennessee in your next holiday to America! This road trip will take you in a journey full of attractions covering music, history, scenic views ...
VIEW HOLIDAY DETAILS
Musical Cities, Civil Rights and the Smoky Mountains
Musical Cities, Civil Rights and the Smoky Mountains
14 Nights From €2798 per person
If you are looking to find the real soul of America then the states of Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee are the place to be!
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Discover the Deep South Fly Drive
Discover the Deep South Fly Drive
10 Nights From €2179 per person
If you are looking to find the real soul of America then Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans are the place to be!
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Escorted Tours in Tennessee
Enjoy a guided tour of Tennessee’s must-visit sights.
Tastes & Sounds of the South Escorted Tour
Tastes & Sounds of the South Escorted Tour
9 Nights From €5099 per person
Journey through America's south and Join in on a little jazz, home cookin' from local Southerners, country music and a whole lot of Rock 'n' Roll on this inspiring American ...
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The American South Escorted Tour
The American South Escorted Tour
13 Nights From €3379 per person
From the charm of Atlanta to the enchanting blend of cultures in New Orleans, this tour is a feast for the senses.
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Things to Do
There’s a lot to see and things to do in Tennessee. With 54 state parks covering 130,000 acres, it’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the nation’s most visited national park.
For family fun, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, partly owned by Dolly Parton, is a must-see. Tennessee is also home to the iconic Jack Daniel’s Distillery, where visitors can tour and sample the world-famous whiskey.
Nashville has earned the nickname of ‘Music City’ thanks to its amazing contributions to the American music industry. Country music in particular is revered in Nashville, from Johnny Cash, a city icon, to up and coming singer songwriters. Nashville is also home to a thriving rock n’ roll scene, with everybody from Jimi Hendrix to The Black Keys having recorded albums here. A visit to Nashville wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the Grand Ole Opry, a legendary venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in music and the stories behind the legends.
Hundreds of thousands of people visit Memphis each year, predominantly on Elvis’ birthday, to make the journey to Graceland, the mansion where Presley famously lived and died. The Memphis music scene, however, is more than just Elvis. The city also produced the modern musical forms of blues and soul. Take a walk down the renowned Beale Street in the downtown area to get a sense of history as well as today’s modern sounds. Aside from the music-related attractions, holidays to Memphis offer several other draws to appeal to today’s traveller. From the Mississippi riverboats to the southern cuisine and blues clubs, you’ll be kept busy for days!
Nashville, TN, USA
Location
Completely landlocked and sharing borders with no less than eight other American states, Tennessee is one of the jewels of the US south-east. With a distinct and vibrant culture of its own that is made up of great music, delicious food and some spectacular ‘big outdoors’ sights to take in, Tennessee holidays are an unforgettable and fun-packed experience.
With roughly 100 million people coming to visit the state of Tennessee every year, the local tourism industry is absolutely booming, and it’s pretty easy to see why. While the great cities of Memphis and Nashville attract the majority of visitors between them, there’s still plenty to see and do elsewhere. Between Elvis’ home Graceland, the historic district of Beale Street, Lower Broadway, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Dollywood theme park and the Tennessee Aquarium, there is something for everyone spread across this eclectic state.
Guides
Staff Tips
Mingle with locals and catch some lives performances by great names in music at the 3rd and Lindsey.
Claire SomersPersonal Travel Planner
Relive the history of Tennessee from pre-colonization through the 20th century at the Tennessee State Museum. See one of the largest collections of Civil War uniforms, weapons, and battle flags in the nation.
Amanda O'BrienPersonal Travel Planner
Sit back, relax and enjoy a great cup of Joe or fresh-brewed tea with a fresh-made salad or sandwich at the Frothy Monkey Coffeehouse.
Fiona KellyPersonal Travel Planner
Tennessee FAQs
How many days do I need to explore Tennessee?
We’d recommend planning for at least 7-10 days. This gives you plenty of time to visit major cities like Nashville and Memphis, explore the Great Smoky Mountains and enjoy the attractions across the state.
What are the must-visit destinations for a first trip to Tennessee?
For a first-time visit, be sure to check out Nashville for its country music scene, Memphis for Graceland and rock ‘n’ roll, the Great Smoky Mountains for hiking and wildlife and Chattanooga for its stunning views and outdoor activities.
What is the best way to travel between cities in Tennessee?
The best way to travel between cities is by car. Tennessee has a well-connected highway system, and renting a car allows you to explore at your own pace. For longer distances, you can fly domestically or use the bus services and Amtrak trains available.
What are the top attractions in Tennessee?
Top attractions include Graceland in Memphis, the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.
What are the best music-related attractions in Tennessee?
Music lovers won’t want to miss the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Beale Street in Memphis for its historic blues scene, and the Ryman Auditorium, known as the “Mother Church of Country Music.”
Is Dollywood worth visiting, and how much time should I spend there?
Yes, Dollywood is a must-visit for families and thrill-seekers. With its mix of rides, music, and festivals, it’s worth spending a full day there to fully experience the park.
What are the best scenic drives in Tennessee?
Some of the best scenic drives include the Natchez Trace Parkway for its beautiful landscapes and historical sites, and the Cherohala Skyway, which offers breathtaking mountain views.
What are the best hiking spots in Tennessee?
The Great Smoky Mountains offer some of the best hiking, including the Alum Cave Trail and Clingmans Dome. Other top spots include Fall Creek Falls State Park and Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga.
Where can I go for live bluegrass music or traditional Appalachian experiences?
For live bluegrass, visit the Smoky Mountain folk festivals or check out the Bluegrass Festival in Cumberland Gap. The Appalachian region, especially around towns like Gatlinburg, offers plenty of traditional music and cultural experiences.
What are the must-try foods in Tennessee?
Tennessee is famous for its rich Southern cuisine, with a few standout dishes you won’t want to miss. Nashville hot chicken is a local delicacy, crispy fried chicken drenched in a spicy cayenne pepper-based sauce, often served with pickles and white bread to help balance the heat. For barbecue lovers, Memphis-style barbecue is a must try featuring slow-smoked ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. Don’t forget to try MoonPies, a nostalgic Southern treat made of marshmallow-filled cookies dipped in chocolate.
Where can I find the best barbecue in Memphis and Nashville?
In Memphis, visit Central BBQ or Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous. In Nashville, go for Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint or Peg Leg Porker BBQ.
What are the best whiskey distilleries to visit in Tennessee?
The best distilleries include Jack Daniel’s in Lynchburg and George Dickel in Tullahoma. Both offer excellent tours where you can learn about the distillation process and sample their signature whiskies. Along the local high ways and byways, you’ll even find small distilleries selling locally produced moonshine!
What are the best music festivals or events in Tennessee?
Some of the best music festivals include Bonnaroo in Manchester, celebrating a mix of genres, the country music festival, CMA Fest in Nashville and the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis.
