48TH ELVIS ANNIVERSARY TOUR 

Come with us on a tour of a lifetime with fellow fans and led by Elvis Travel Service professionals on a journey that traces the footsteps of Elvis and celebrates his life and legacy. As you’ll see from this brochure we offer the most extensive and fun filled tour of its kind. We have a choice of two great itineraries over this 48th Anniversary, featuring the best of Memphis and Graceland which includes the now legendary gathering of fans from around the world for the candle light vigil where together we can pay our respects and celebrate the incredible life of Elvis. During Elvis Week, Elvis Presley Enterprises will also be arranging numerous events including concerts, interviews and movie shows at Graceland for you to enjoy and our stay at The Guesthouse at Graceland puts you at the heart of all of the activities.

Included on this Anniversary Tour is a two day visit to Elvis’ Birthplace Tupelo, where you will receive the warmest of welcomes and enjoy the best of Southern hospitality in the city that is proud to call Elvis ‘their boy ‘.  

For those taking the Extension tour it’s time to dig out those cowboy boots as we’re heading to Nashville, the country music capital of the world. Elvis history looms large here, after all it’s where Elvis produced the majority of his music. See first-hand the legendary RCA Studio B and the world famous stage of the Grand Ole Opry where Elvis once appeared and be prepared to be amazed at Elvis’ gold Cadillac at the County Music Hall of Fame.  Join us on this journey to see where musical history was made whilst making memories to last a lifetime.

But that’s not all, for those wanting to experience the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with a measure of the Queen of Country then follow us into the mountains to Pigeon Forge, here you will experience the magical Dolly Parton attraction - Dollywood, recently voted the ‘Best Theme Park in the World,’ so for all you Smokey Mountain boys and girls get ready to experience fun filled days combined with simply sensational scenery. Add in a visit to the mountain resort of Gatlinburg which lies at the heart of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and we have a recipe for an unforgettable holiday. Oh and we haven’t finished yet – there’s a stop in Chattanooga before heading home!

A choice of two great itineraries….

TOUR A  – Memphis & Tupelo.

Day 1.  Wednesday 13th August

Late morning departure from Heathrow Airport for our flight to the USA. As there are no direct flights from London to Memphis we will change flights and clear US Immigration and Customs at a ‘gateway’ airport on route. Coach transfer to hotel and evening free. How about taking a short stroll to see Elvis’ Music Gates and relax with a drink at The Guest House at Graceland bar?

Day 2. Thursday 14th August  -  Graceland Day

Enjoy a morning tour of the Graceland mansion, Elvis’ beloved home as well as viewing Presley Motors Car Museum, Elvis’ aircraft and the many other Elvis Exhibits within the Graceland complex. Perhaps stop for lunch at Gladys’s diner or an ice cream at Minnie Mae’s Sweets?  Not forgetting time to browse at the many Elvis souvenir stores too!

Evening free- will it be a visit to the world-famous Beale Street?

Day 3. Friday 15th August – Free Day

What’s it to be – a visit to the beautiful Peabody Hotel downtown to see the Duck Parade, a sightseeing cruise on the Mississippi River, or take in some of the special events arranged by EPE throughout Elvis Week including, of course, the Candlelight Vigil this evening.

Day 4. Saturday 16th August – Even more of Memphis

Today we’ll show you the major tourist sights of Memphis and so much more, as we explore Elvis’ life here. In the most comprehensive tour of Elvis’ Memphis, the city he loved, you’ll see where Elvis went to school, church, shopped, where else he lived, worked, recorded, performed and lots more; truly a day to remember. Included are tours of Sun Studio, Overton Park Shell and the Presley’s Lauderdale Courts apartment

Day 5. Sunday 17th - At leisure.

Another wonderful day free in Memphis, Tennessee. Take in the Rock & Soul, Cotton or Civil Rights museums, enjoy some retail therapy or enjoy some independent sightseeing. Take advantage of the free Elvis Travel Service shuttle bus from your hotel door.

And during your stay in Memphis you are welcome to join your tour managers for an evening at Marlowe’s an Elvis themed restaurant on Elvis Presley Boulevard renowned for its excellent BBQ menu, or join them for a visit to exciting Beale Street, the most famous music street in the world.

Day 6. Monday 18th August

Our coach journey takes us across the state line into Mississippi and on to one of the friendliest places on Earth - Tupelo! Here we visit Elvis Presley’s Birthplace where you’ll be able to see the humble home where he was born, the Elvis Museum, the First Assembly of God Church the Memorial Chapel as well as the ‘Elvis at 13’ and ‘Becoming’ statues which are all situated within the Birthplace complex. On then to our hotel, the modern Hotel Tupelo located in the heart of the city.

Day 7. Tuesday 19th August

This morning we take you on a Guided tour of the places that were so significant in Elvis’ early life.

You’ll see where he went to school, where he first got his passion for Gospel music, where he first appeared in public, where his mother Gladys bought him his first guitar and even where he stole his first kiss! Afternoon and evening at leisure.

Day 8. Wednesday 20th August

Morning transfer to Memphis Airport where those on Tour A will board their flight to the UK.

Day 9. Thursday 21st August

Arrival into London’s Heathrow Airport in the mid-morning.

TOUR B - Memphis, Tupelo, Nashville, Gatlinburg & Dollywood.

Day 8. Wednesday 20th August

Those on Tour B will continue on to Nashville, the Country Music Capital. Arrival will be in the late afternoon and after checking in to the Holiday Inn Nashville Downtown/Stadium hotel the evening is free for you to take your first foray into this exciting city.

Day 9. Thursday 21st August

A fabulous day today as amongst other landmarks, you’ll visit the Ryman Auditorium - original home of the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame where you’ll be able to see Elvis’ gold Cadillac and RCA’s Studio B where Elvis recorded so many of his biggest hits.

And this evening how about trying your hand (or rather, feet) with some line-dancing or enjoy the music at some of the many honky-tonk bars in the heart of the city.

Days 10 & 11. Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd August

Two full days free. You could visit the Johnny Cash or Patsy Cline Museums, find the Elvis Star on the Music City Walk of Fame or enjoy the many other attractions that the city has to offer. It’s where his manager Col. Parker lived and where Elvis was honoured with a plaque in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Nashville today is more vibrant than ever and where music (not all Country!) emanates from what seems like every doorway, window and rooftop along Broadway. It’s great for shopping too…especially if you’re looking for cowboy boots!

Day 12. Sunday 24th August

Morning drive through the Tennessee countryside and into the foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains to the popular vacation resort of Pigeon Forge and to our Holiday Inn hotel. Time to settle in, to explore, to take in one of the many museums and shows or just to relax in the comfort of our hotel.

Day 13. Monday 25th August

Full day visit to Dollywood. This award-winning theme park is more than just thrilling rides, more than just song, dance and fun shows, more than just museums, country stores, great food and friendly faces…it’s all of those and more – in fact something for everyone.

Day 14. Tuesday 26th August

Morning at leisure – a good chance to visit some of the Exhibits that Pigeon Forge is known for including the Elvis and Titanic Exhibitions and there’s another treat in store this afternoon as we visit Gatlinburg, an alpine-style mountain resort.

Day 15. Wednesday 27th August

Morning drive to Chattanooga for a lunch stop and time to explore before rejoining the coach for the continuation of our journey to Atlanta International Airport where we board our overnight flight to the UK.

Day 16. Thursday 28th August

Mid-morning arrival into London’s Heathrow Airport.

MEMPHIS

The Guest House at Graceland

This 450 room Luxury Class full-service hotel is very much part of your Elvis’ Graceland experience. Stunningly designed and with beautifully furnished rooms the hotel offers a choice of restaurants and bars, a deli-counter, gift shop, fitness centre and outdoor pool. Breakfast is not included

TUPELO

Hotel Tupelo

This fabulous boutique hotel is situated in the heart of Tupelo, it has handsomely furnished rooms and a spectacular bar and restaurant, topped off with many Elvis inspired touches. Breakfast is not included

NASHVILLE

Holiday Inn Nashville Downtown/Stadium

This newly refurbished hotel stands close to Nashville’s’ Historic Lower Broadway and the legendary “Honky Tonk Highway,”. The hotel boasts a large indoor pool and a shuttle bus service. The hotel hosts an on-site restaurant and well stocked bar. Breakfast is included

PIGEON FORGE   

Holiday Inn & Suites

Situated in a prime location, close to shops and amenities and the Island Amusement Park with its many rides, bars and dining options. Guests can unwind on the outdoor terrace with a fire pit and enjoy the stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Breakfast is not included

ROOM-MATE SERVICE

If you are travelling alone but would like to share (either for company or to keep the cost down) we will gladly endeavour to pair you up with another fan of similar age/gender. This is

something that we regularly do and have found that long-lasting friendships are formed as a result. Should it not be possible to pair you up you would be offered single accommodation at the appropriate price.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is mandatory that all passengers have sufficient travel insurance. Cover is not effective until the premium has been paid and your application approved by the insurers. If you are relying on travel insurance provided by your bank or credit card provider as part of their service please check that their cover is sufficient, in particular with regard to cancellation charges.

FLIGHTS AND TIMINGS

The flights will be in economy class on a major scheduled airline from London’s Heathrow Airport.  Flight times will be confirmed on your Confirmation-Invoice although these are subject to change. The baggage allowance is 50lbs (23kgs) per person.

EXCHANGE RATES

The tour price is based at the currency exchange rate at the time of costing this holiday - £1.00 Sterling being equal to $1.25 US Dollars.

BONDING AND RESPONSIBILITY

The holiday in this brochure is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under America as you like it, ATOL 2966. America as you like it is also a member of the Visit USA Association.

The holiday arrangements are the responsibility of America as you like it. Your Contract is subject to their Reservation Conditions which are available by post by calling the above number or can be downloaded from their website.

The holidays are designed and co-ordinated by the Elvis Travel Service/Strictly Elvis UK, an organisation that has led the way in Elvis holidays and events for over 50 years. During this time we have helped tens of thousands of fellow fans fulfil their dreams of visiting Graceland. 

Strictly Elvis UK, Unit D Bristol Court, Martlesham Heath Business Park, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP5 3RY

Tel: 01473 621 564  

Email: enquiries@strictlyelvis.net 

Website: www.strictlyelvis.net is registered with Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc.

 The names ‘Elvis’, ‘Elvis Presley’, ‘Graceland’ and ‘The Guest House at Graceland’ are registered to Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc with the USPTO.