MEMPHIS AND TUPELO
Sunday 5th to Sunday 12th January 2025
MEMPHIS, TUPELO, LAS VEGAS AND PALM SPRINGS
Sunday 5th to Sunday 19th January 2025
Who’d have thought so many people would still be celebrating the life and work of any singer or movie star on what would have been their 90th Birthday and nearly half a century after they’d left us...well we would obviously...because we’re Elvis fans, but can you name anyone else (in the whole of history?) other than Elvis that had such exceptional talent that makes us feel this way? And you can bet we’ll be heading to his beloved Graceland home in droves to prove it.
Come with us - fellow fans and Elvis Travel professionals, on a journey of both celebration and discovery as we offer a choice of two great itineraries over Elvis’ 90th Birthday period. For those with limited time we have a weeklong tour featuring the best of Memphis and Tupelo. With a choice of hotels (and prices) in Memphis, a
full day visit to Graceland, another full day touring the Elvis sights of Memphis, yet another visiting Tupelo and with two more free to explore and enjoy the city that
Elvis loved.
During this Birthday period Elvis Presley Enterprises will also be arranging numerous events including concerts, interviews and movie shows at Graceland for you to book and enjoy.
Memphis and Tupelo never disappoint the true fan, and during our comprehensive guided tours of both we’ll show you so much of what shaped Elvis’ life. A boy born in poverty whose talent and belief took him to the very top of his trade making him the greatest performer the world has ever seen. Yet Elvis remained humble, gracious and generous to
the very end and left us a legacy of entertainment the like of which had never been known before. What better reasons
do we need to celebrate his Birthday.
And for those with more time (or crave forsome winter warmth) we are also offering an extension tour featuring two places so significant to Elvis’ life – including Las Vegas where he really did become ‘King of the Strip’ and Palm Springs, where he too would enjoy the desert sunshine.
A choice of two great itineraries....
TOUR A – Memphis & Tupelo.
Day 1. Sunday 5th January 2025
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 peek through the Music Gates to see the Christmas lights at Graceland?
Day 2. Monday 6th January - Elvis Sights
Today we’ll show you the major tourist sights of Memphis but so much more as well as we explore Elvis’ life here. You’ll see where Elvis went to school, church, shopped, where else he lived, worked, recorded, performed and lots more on what is regarded as the most comprehensive Elvis tour that there is. Included are visits to Sun Studio and the Presley’s Lauderdale Courts apartment.
Day 3. Tuesday 7th January - Graceland Day
Morning tour of the Graceland mansion with the rest of the day for viewing Presley Motors Car Museum, Elvis’ aircraft and many other Elvis Exhibits and shops within the Graceland
complex. Throughout the period of the Birthday Celebrations you’ll be able to still enjoy the Christmas Lights at Graceland and EPE will be arranging concerts, interviews and other entertainment. Full details of these will be advised to all who book.
Day 4. Wednesday 8th January - Elvis’ Birthday
Join Elvis fans from around the world at Graceland for the annual Proclamation of Elvis Presley Day before boarding the coach for the drive to Tupelo, Mississippi where Elvis was born. Visit the Birthplace with its Elvis Museum and additional attractions, enjoy some Birthday Cake and then tour ‘the friendliest city in the South’ to see the many Elvis sights there.
Among with many other places, we’ll show you where he received his first musical influences, where he sang at the Mississippi-Alabama State Fair and where his mother Gladys purchased his first guitar. What a day.
Day 5. and Day 6. Thursday 9th and Friday 10th January - Two days at leisure
The days are yours to enjoy the Elvis events in the Graceland complex, to explore or relax. Take a stroll along the Mississippi River, visit the Stax, Rock & Soul, Cotton or Civil Rights museums, enjoy some retail therapy or bop your way
down Beale Street. Take advantage of the free Elvis Travel Service shuttle bus from your hotel and in the evenings the Tour Managers will advise you as to the best choice of bars or restaurants and will always invite you to join them.
Day 7. Saturday 11th January - Heading home
Morning free for those last souvenirs and a final look at Graceland before transferring to the airport for the overnight flight to the UK
Day 8. Sunday 12th January
Late morning arrival into London Heathrow.
TOUR B – MEMPHIS, TUPELO, LAS VEGAS & PALM SPRINGS
Day 1. to Day 7. Sunday 5th to Saturday 11th January 2025
The first 6 days of our tour are exactly the same as Tour A but instead of heading home on Day 7 we fly on to Las Vegas instead, arriving in the late afternoon. Evening free.
Days 8 to 10. Sunday 12th to Tuesday 14th January
Three glorious days to enjoy the world’s most renowned desert resort – and one that was made even more famous by Elvis who
performed literally hundreds of Sold Out shows in the Showroom of the very hotel that you’ll be staying in! Time too to explore, enjoy a show, try your luck at the gambling table or take an exciting excursion to the Grand Canyon or mighty hoover dam.
Day 11. Wednesday 15th January
Drive through the Mojave Desert to Palm Springs – the seasonal home to so many Hollywood legends including, of course,
Elvis Presley.
Days 12 and 13. Thursday 16th and Friday 17th January
Enjoy more desert warmth as you tour the homes of the Stars in this retro-styled city that makes you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. Great shopping, a wonderful choice of bars and restaurants and the opportunity to take a cable car ride high into the snow-topped San Jacinto mountains. Elvis loved Palm
Springs and you’ll soon see why.
Day 14. Saturday 18th January
Morning drive to Hollywood where we’ll see some of the major sights of ‘Tinsel Town’ before heading to Los Angeles Airport to connect with our overnight flight to the UK.
Day 15. Sunday 19th January
Early afternoon arrival into London Heathrow
PLEASE NOTE
As with most airlines the trans-Atlantic operators adjust their prices according to demand and as you can imagine there are lots of Elvis fans heading for Memphis for these celebrations, so demand is high. We had managed to hold the price of these tours until 15th May 2024 but have now been advised by the airlines that any additional seats will cost us an extra £138 - so will we have to add this amount to the above prices.
From experience we know that if this is the increase some 7 months ahead, we can almost certainly expect a further increase between now and the end of the year (possibly more than one), so if you are seriously thinking of booking this tour then we advise you to do it soon before the price goes up yet again as demand continues to grow.
Not in the UK?
For fans living outside the UK we are happy to quote a price excluding the air fare so that you can arrange your own flights from and back to your own country. For further details please contact us at :- enquiries@strictlyelvis.net or phone us on (UK +44) 1473 621 564
HOTELS
MEMPHIS
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
MEMPHIS
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
LAS VEGAS
The Westgate Hotel & Casino
Formerly the Las Vegas International Hotel and then the Las Vegas Hilton, this was once the largest hotel in the world and where Elvis regularly performed – always to sold-out audiences. The hotel has nearly 3000 rooms and suites, 13 restaurants, numerous bars, a gymnasium, shopping mall, a spa, swimming pool, tennis courts and a vast casino and Showroom. Breakfast is not included
PALM SPRINGS
Courtyard by Marriot
This hotel offers stylish, comfortable rooms, a heated outdoor pool and a gym. Thereare many on-site dining options including the ‘Bistro’ serving American cuisine for breakfast and dinner, guests can also enjoy cocktails and light bites at the bar, additionally Elvis’ favourite eatery is within walking distance. Breakfast is not included
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Included in the Tour Price
TOUR A - The Tour price is inclusive of all the following...
Scheduled economy class flights inc taxes and security charges
6 nights hotel accommodation inc taxes
All coaching and Shuttle bus service as per itinerary
An Elvis Experience Admission & Tour Pass for Graceland inc the Mansion Tour, Custom Jets, Auto Museum and other Exhibits
Comprehensive guided tours of Memphis and Tupelo inc admission/tour of SunStudio, the Presley’s Lauderdale Courts Apartment and the Elvis Presley Birthplace
Full day visit to Tupelo
Lunch during the Guided Tour of Memphis
Driver Gratuities
The services of an experienced Elvis Travel Service Tour Manager
TOUR B – the Tour price is inclusive of all the above plus
An additional flight Memphis to Las Vegas plus instead of the Memphis-London flight you will now return from Los Angeles.
An additional 7 nights hotel accommodation
Additional airport transfers plus the coach travel Las Vegas – Palm Springs – Los Angeles.
Sightseeing tour of Palm Springs
Short visit to Hollywood
Items not included are:- Very little – just any meals not shown as included, travel insurance and personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls etc.
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.
CLIMATE AND CLOTHING
The weather in January can be very variable anyway but in these days of Global Warming and climate change it is nearly impossible to predict with any degree of accuracy. However, in Memphis and Tupelo it is likely to be quite cold so take plenty of layers so if we are lucky enough to have a warm spell then you won’t be caught out. In Las Vegas whilst the nights can be
cool the daytime temperatures can reach into the 60’sF, and in Palm Springs even the low 70’sF, so best take some mid-weight clothing with a comfortable pair of walking shoes or trainers for sightseeing.
EXCHANGE RATES
The tour price is based at the currency exchange rate at the time of costing this holiday - £1. Sterling being equal to ‘$1.20 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 for the majority of British Citizens visiting the USA as there is a Visa Waiver ESTA (USA) system in place instead. To obtain an ESTA for the USA you should complete the Visa Waiver Form online at https://esta.cpb.dhs.gov/ at least 2 weeks before departure The cost is currently $21 (payable by Debit/Credit Card) and the ESTA is valid for 2 years or until the expiry of your Passport.
If you do not have access to the internet or would prefer the Elvis Travel Service to apply for your ESTA on your behalf please contact us on 01473 621 564 as we would be happy to do this for you. Holders of other Passports should consult the US for Visa or ESTA requirements.
PAYMENT AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
A payment of £1000 per person deposit is payable upon booking. Upon receipt of your deposit (and obviously subject to places being available) you will be sent a Confirmation-Invoice showing the balance due. A further payment of £1000 will be required by 1st June 2024 with the final balance due no later 1st October 2024.
Approximately 15 days before departure you will be sent your Travel Wallet containing your e-tickets, baggage tags, a souvenir lanyard/tour pass and final itinerary and joining instructions.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES
If you have any queries regarding the holiday detailed in this brochure please don’t hesitateto phone the Elvis Travel Service
on 01473 621 564 or America as you like it on 020 8742 8299.
HOW TO BOOK
To book simply call the Elvis Travel Service on 01473 621564
Need help saving for this or a future Elvis holiday?
We’re happy for you to pay monthly, planning ahead and setting a regular payment to what you can afford.
For further details contact America as you like it on:020 8742 8299
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.