The 44th Elvis Anniversary Tour

Our Itinerary

Day 1. 

Sunday 8th August 2021

Morning departure from London’s Heathrow Airport for the scheduled transatlantic flight direct to New York. Coach transfer to the Warwick Hotel and the remainder of the afternoon and evening is free for you to take your first look at this exciting city.

Day 2. 

Monday 9th August

Full day tour of New York, combining the major tourist sights of this incredible city with many of the places so important to the story of Elvis’ rise to stardom – such as the Ed Sullivan Theatre, the RCA Building, the Hudson Theatre from where the Steve Allen Show was broadcast and Madison Square Garden.     

Evening free – how about joining the Tour Managers for dinner at the

Hard Rock Café – housed in the old Paramount Theatre where Elvis’ Love Me Tender was Premiered.

Day 3.

Tuesday 10th August

Day free in New York. What’s it to be today....a visit to the Statue of Liberty standing proudly over New York harbour or a trip on the Staten Island Ferry for some wonderful views of this iconic monument and the New York skyline, shop (or window-shop!) on Fifth Avenue, head to the top of the Empire State Building for a fabulous birds-eye view of the city, visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at Ground Zero. take a ride out to Coney Island just to say you’ve been there, sample the delights of a New York ‘Deli’ and in the evening you might like to take in a real Broadway Show. Whatever you do you are bound to enjoy it. New York is big, brash and yet magical!

Day 4. 

Wednesday 11th August

Morning transfer to New York’s La Guardia Airport for the lunchtime flight to Memphis and transfer to your chosen hotel. Remainder of the day to relax by the hotel pool or to take a look at your new surroundings.

Day 5. 

Thursday 12th August

This morning you’ll be handed your Elvis Experience + Aircraft Pass for the tour of Graceland - the home that Elvis loved so much. An opportunity to walk through many of the rooms including the famous Jungle Room and to enjoy quiet reflection in Meditation Garden. Afternoon free to visit the attractions in Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex, to see the vast

array of awards bestowed on Elvis, his amazing collection of cars and his two aircraft. Our now famous Shuttle-bus Service operating between Graceland and Downtown commences in the mid afternoon and operates through to late evening.

During the Anniversary period Elvis Presley Enterprises will be staging activities concerts, sock hops, and Guest Interviews. No details are available at the time of printing this brochure but full details will be sent to you nearer to departure date.

Day 6.

Friday 13th 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, Rock & Soul and the National Civil Rights Museums but most of all we’ll show you the places significant to Elvis’ life. Amongst dozens of other sights you’ll see Humes High School where he joined in the 8th grade, Beale Street, 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. Developed over 49 years our tour is regarded as the best there is. We’ll let you decide!

Day 7 & Day 8.

Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th August

Two full days at leisure - your chance to revisit Graceland or to explore Memphis, to visit some of the fascinating museums, to see the ‘Duck Parade’ in the grandiose lobby of the famous Peabody Hotel, enjoy a sightseeing cruise on a Mississippi Riverboat and to shop and sightsee at will. On Sunday 15th we’re sure you’ll want to take part in the Candlelight Vigil at Graceland

Day 9. 

Monday 16th August

Morning drive to Tupelo where we’ll have a tour of the Elvis sights of this small and friendly city, taking in the two schools that Elvis attended, Tupelo Hardware where Gladys bought him his first guitar, the Fairgrounds where as a 10 year-old he first sang in public at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show. He returned in ’56 and ’57 as a Star. Lot’s more sights on our tour before we end up at the Elvis Presley Birthplace.

You’ll have ample time here to 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 and gift shop. The grounds of the Birthplace are tastefully landscaped and include a lake, a fountain, statues of Elvis at 13yrs and at the height of his fame. Onward then to our hotel located in the centre of town. Evening free.

Day 10.           

Tuesday 17th August

Most of the morning is free for you to explore downtown Tupelo, visit the hardware store or just relax. Our journey today takes

us via the town of Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Once known as the ‘Hit Capital of the World’ it had two amazing recording studios

FAME and the Muscle Shoals Sound Studios which, between them, developed ‘the Muscle Shoals Sound’ and recorded such greats as Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart and Paul Simon. Time here to explore and have a lunch break before continuing on to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and our hotel.

Day 11.           

Wednesday 18th August

Full day visit to Dollywood – a Dolly Parton themed amusement and entertainments park set in the foothills of the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Rides, shows, craft displays, museums and attractions – lots of fun for everyone.

Day 12.

Thursday 19th August

Travelling via Chattanooga we arrive into the historic town of Lynchburg in the late morning and we’re here to have a tour of the Jack Daniel Distillery. ‘Jacks’ is famous the world over as the quintessential Tennessee whiskey and it is America’s biggest selling whiskey. Great branding too so lots of souvenirs to buy. Onward then to Nashville and our hotel.

Day 13.

Friday 20th August

A fabulous day today as 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, RCA’s Studio B where Elvis recorded so many of his biggest hits plus you’ll have ample time for shopping on the other famous Broadway – the main music row of Nashville.

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

Day 14.           

Saturday 21st August

Much of the day is free for you to continue to explore and enjoy Nashville, perhaps to visit the Johnny Cash or Patsy Cline Museums or to decide on whether or not to buy those cowboy/girl boots!

In the mid-afternoon we transfer to Nashville International Airport for our overnight flight to the UK.

Day 15.           

Sunday 22nd August

Morning at leisure before transferring to Nashville International Airport for our overnight flight to the UK

Day 16. 

Monday 23rd August

Mid-morning arrival into London’s Heathrow Airport.

Hotel Selection

NEW YORK: The Warwick Hotel

A historic high-rise hotel situated in the very heart of New York within strolling distance of Central Park, Broadway and such iconic sights and places as Rockefeller Center, Times Square and Radio City Music Hall. Close to many famous museums and

galleries, there’s also great shopping and a huge choice of restaurants. The accommodation is as you would expect from such a high quality hotel and the hotel is home to famous Randolph’s Bar and Murals on 54 Restaurant.           

Breakfast is not included.

MEMPHIS       

– choice of two hotels:

The Guest House at Graceland

This 450 room luxury class hotel is located alongside the Graceland Mansion and a stay here is an experience in itself. Beautifully furnished rooms, a choice of restaurants, a Lobby bar and a Sports Bar, a theatre and the latest in convention facilities.         

Breakfast is not included.

Holiday Inn Express

The ‘new kid on the block’ as far as hotels go. Situated on Elvis Presley Boulevard within walking distance of Graceland (although they also offer a free Shuttle) this superb budget-style hotel has delightfully furnished rooms, a Lobby/breakfast area and small fitness centre.        

Breakfast is included.

TUPELO: Hilton Garden Inn

Located in the heart of Tupelo’s historic Downtown district and opposite the old Fairgrounds this modern hotel with its attractive decor offers all the comforts that you’d expect from a Hilton hotel. The hotel has a restaurant and bar, a fitness centre and an indoor pool and spa.  

Breakfast is included

PIGEON FORGE: Best Western

Conveniently situated for Dollywood and the other attractions of the area this modern hotel offers attractive guestrooms all with fridge and microwave and most with balcony, an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub and games room.            

Breakfast is included

NASHVILLE: Clarion Hotel Downtown

Conveniently close to all the major sights and close to the Cumberland River this excellent hotel has an indoor pool and fitness centre. All rooms also have a microwave and fridge. There is a wide choice of restaurants and bars in the downtown area for which the hotel offers a free Shuttle Service - even tho’ it is within walking distance.       

Breakfast is included

Questions Answered

The Tour Price is inclusive of all the following:-

• Scheduled economy class flights inc. taxes and security charges

• 13 nights hotel accommodation inc. taxes

• All airport transfers and coaching as per Itinerary including the Memphis Shuttle Bus Service

• A guided tour of New York City including a tour of Madison Square Garden.

• Guided sightseeing tours of Memphis and Tupelo

• A Tour Pass for Graceland including the Mansion tour and admission to the Exhibits

• Admission to Sun Studio, Lauderdale Courts Apartment and the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum.

• Lunch at the Arcade Restaurant in Memphis

• Admission including rides and shows at Dollywood

• A Tour and Tasting at the Jack Daniel Distillery

• Visits to the Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame and RCA’s Studio B in Nashville.

• Driver gratuities

• The services of an experienced Elvis Travel Service Tour Manager.

Items not included are:         

- drinks and meals other than breakfasts at some of the hotels and those specified above, travel insurance, any optional excursions and personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls etc.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is mandatory that all passengers have sufficient travel insurance. Please telephone America as you like it on 020 8742 8299 who will be pleased to recommend cover for you.

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. *Please contact us for a price from other UK airports.          

 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. Sterling being equal to $1.24 US Dollars.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

A full Electronic Passport (e-Passport) issued by the UK Government or a member state of the European Union and valid for at least 6 months after the date of return to the UK is

required. Visas are not required by the majority of British Citizens travelling on a UK Passport, however we recommend you check your eligibility at https://uk.usembassy.gov/esta/.

UK Passport Holders should ensure that they have completed the online Visa Waiver Form (ESTA) at https://esta.cpb.dhs.gov/ at least 72hrs before the date of travel. The charge for an ESTA is currently $14 per person and can be paid using most debit/credit Cards. Without a valid ESTA you would be denied boarding by the airline. The registration is then valid for 2 Years or until the expiry of your passport (whichever is the sooner). If you do not have access to the ESTA website then the Elvis Travel Service are happy to do this for you. Please contact them on 01473 621 564 and have your UK passport details available. Holders of all other passports should consult the US Embassy prior to departure for visa requirements.

HEALTH

No vaccinations or inoculations are currently required for British Subjects. The Department of Health produces the Health Advice for Travellers booklet (T) which is available from your local Post Office or by telephoning 0800 555 777 free of charge.

CLIMATE AND CLOTHING

The weather in August can be variable but in this area of the USA you can expect it to be hot – probably between a minimum daytime temperature in the 80’sF and a maximum of just over 100’F so best take light-weight clothing with a comfortable pair of walking shoes or trainers for sightseeing. The USA is known for its informality and so nowhere (not even at the Warwick Hotel!) are you expected to ‘dress-up’ – however there will be a few opportunities in the evenings for those who would wish to.