MEMPHIS CITY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A full-day pilgrimage from Nashville to Graceland — VIP access to Elvis’s world and Memphis’s musical streets
A 2-Hour Gray Line Tennessee day trip that includes VIP access to Graceland, a guided tour of Sun Studios, and time on Beale Street — this guide orients you to the logistics, highlights, and what to bring.
A full-day pilgrimage from Nashville to Graceland — VIP access to Elvis’s world and Memphis’s musical streets.
On this page
From Music City to the Mississippi, this all-day excursion carries you from Nashville to Memphis for a concentrated look at the city’s musical lore: VIP access through Graceland’s mansion and exclusive exhibits, a guided visit to Sun Studios, and a walk through Beale Street’s live-music pulse and barbecue scene.
Set out from Nashville on a full-day journey that immerses you in the rich musical and cultural heart of Memphis with Gray Line Tennessee’s Memphis Day Trip VIP Access to Graceland. The 15-hour excursion pairs seamless, comfortable round-trip transportation with exclusive entry to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks centered around Elvis Presley’s legacy and Memphis’s blues heritage.
Your day begins with VIP access to Graceland, the famed mansion that was home to Elvis Presley. This all-access pass includes a self-guided tour of the exclusive VIP exhibits, Elvis’s custom jets, and the expanded Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex. Here, history buffs and music lovers will appreciate the Presley Motors Automobile Museum, a career museum showcasing his impact on entertainment, and the Making of ELVIS Film Exhibition. The self-guided nature allows visitors to move through these engaging exhibits at their own pace, soaking in artifacts and stories that shaped the King of Rock ’n’ Roll.
Next, step into Sun Studios with a guided tour. This legendary recording studio launched careers of artists including Johnny Cash and B.B. King. Your guide adds depth to the experience with tales of the studio’s impact on American music history.
Later, delve into the vibrant culture of Beale Street, alive with blues, neon lights, and aroma of Memphis barbecue. Savor the city’s renowned flavors and music scene as you stroll its historic avenue. The chance to witness the famous Peabody Hotel’s duck walk adds a quirky local charm to your itinerary.
Gray Line Tennessee stands out for delivering a well-rounded, immersive Memphis experience with expert guides and a focus on comfort and access. Traveling from Nashville, this day trip blends iconic music heritage with cultural exploration, making it a top choice for visitors wanting a meaningful and efficient way to connect with Memphis’s unique spirit.
Route Schematic
Itinerary Route Schematic
The trip moves from Nashville to a sequence of Memphis landmarks: the Graceland complex, Sun Studios, and Beale Street, with other points of interest noted along the way.
Depart Nashville / Round-trip Transit
Board round-trip transportation from Nashville for travel to Memphis under the guidance of an experienced driver/guide.
Graceland Mansion & Elvis Presley’s Memphis
VIP audio-guided tour of the Graceland mansion plus self-guided access to exclusive exhibits, Elvis’s custom jets, the Presley Motors Automobile Museum, and other Elvis-related galleries.
Sun Studios Guided Tour
An included guided tour of Sun Studios introduces the recording history behind many of Memphis’s most important musical moments.
Beale Street & Peabody Hotel
Time to explore Beale Street’s live-music venues and barbecue offerings and to see local sights such as the Peabody Hotel duck walk.
This is a full 15-hour day trip; plan for a long day of walking and standing during museum visits and street exploration.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Graceland: Mansion, Jets and Exclusive Exhibits
VIP access delivers the audio-guided mansion tour plus self-guided entry to the exclusive VIP exhibits, Elvis’s custom jets, and the expanded Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex including the Presley Motors Automobile Museum and career museums.
Sun Studios: Where the sound began
An included guided tour of Sun Studios places you at the recording site central to Memphis’s musical rebirth — a short, curator-led stop that complements the Graceland experience.
Beale Street, Peabody and Memphis Flavor
The trip leaves time to explore Beale Street’s blues clubs and barbecue, and to glimpse local traditions such as the famed Peabody Hotel duck walk — the urban soundtrack to the day’s museum visits.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
This is a long, concentrated cultural day: you board round-trip transportation from Nashville, arrive in Memphis for a block of curated experiences that center on Graceland and Sun Studios, and finish with time to soak in Beale Street’s nightlife and local food. An experienced driver/guide escorts the group and the itinerary stitches together museum time with street-level exploration.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Round-trip transportation to Memphis; ticket to Graceland; guided tour of Sun Studios; experienced driver/guide are included in the package.
Meals and optional gratuities are excluded and should be budgeted for separately.
Published rates list adult and child fares; consult the operator for current pricing and any promotional rates.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The tour is a 15-hour, all-day excursion.
Where does the tour depart from?
The tour departs from the Riverfront Train Station at 108 1st Avenue South, Nashville.
What is included in the tour price?
Included are round-trip transportation to Memphis, a ticket to Graceland, a guided tour of Sun Studios, and an experienced driver/guide.
Are meals included?
Meals are not included; optional gratuities are also excluded.
What are the published rates?
Published rates list an adult fare and a child fare; for example, listed rates show adult at $329.00 and child at $299.00.
When is the trip offered?
The excursion is offered on Saturdays as an all-day trip.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-05T19:26:52.461Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.