Memphis is the uncontested home of blues, soul and rock ’n’ roll and this five-night break combines the city’s musical legacy with a fascinating look at the American Civil Rights Movement and its place in the region's history.
Stay steps from Graceland at The Guest House at Graceland, an elegant hotel celebrating the life of Elvis Presley
VIP access to Graceland, exploring Elvis’s home, cars, costumes and private jets
Step into music history at Sun Studio, where Elvis and rock ’n’ roll legends were discovered
A powerful visit to the National Civil Rights Museum, housed at the historic Lorraine Motel
Live blues and neon nights on Beale Street, the beating heart of Memphis music culture
Arrive in Memphis, slip on your blue suede shoes and make your way to The Guest House at Graceland, a tasteful Elvis-inspired hotel just steps from the King’s iconic Graceland mansion. Nods to the great entertainer permeate the property with theatre showings of Elvis’s movies and live entertainment in the lobby lounge. Sample Southern hospitality in Delta’s Kitchen or try some of Elvis’s favourite dishes in EP’s Bar & Grill.
From the day he moved in with his parents in 1957 until his death 20 years later, Graceland was Elvis’s escape and refuge, where the rock ’n’ roll legend lived and relaxed with family and friends. Today you’ll experience Graceland in true VIP style, including ‘skip the line’ entry to the mansion, access to exclusive VIP exhibits and the chance to see collections of the singer’s gold and platinum albums, jeweled jumpsuits, classic cars and private jets. Then why not continue the Elvis theme with a meal at either Vernon’s Steakhouse or Gladys’ Diner, named after Elvis’s beloved parents.
Walk into musical history with a Memphis city tour culminating in a visit to the legendary Sun Studio, which launched the talents of Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison among others. Listen to outtakes from classic 1950s recording sessions and stand on the very spot where Elvis first recorded. Return that evening for dinner at the hotel or perhaps grab a bite from one of downtown Memphis’s fashionable food trucks, celebrity-chef restaurants or buzzing breweries.
The struggle for civil rights is as important a part of Memphis’s history as its musical heritage. Today you’ll visit the National Civil Rights Museum, located in the historic Lorraine Motel, where Dr Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated in 1968. The important interactive museum traces the history of the American Civil Rights Movement from the 17th century to the present day, highlighting key events and figures and exploring how the movement continues to shape the struggle for equality and freedom around the world today.
Start your final day with a visit to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, a fun, fascinating and educational museum that features never-before-seen memorabilia, rare video performances and archive interviews with some of the greatest musicians of all time, from ZZ Top and Otis Redding to B.B. King and Tina Turner. It’s a great complement to the legendary Rock ’n’ Soul Museum, which tells the complete story of Memphis’s musical history. End with a night out on neon-lit Beale Street, home to many of the city’s best live music venues. Return to the airport the next day in time to catch your flight home.