Today, we continue our journey into NASHVILLE with a tour of the RYMAN AUDITORIUM. Established in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle, Ryman Auditorium is a National Historic Landmark and must see for any Nashville visitor. Most famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 — 1974, there is far more to the story of Music City’s most recognizable icon. Take a Self-Guided Tour and discover what makes the Ryman, the “Soul of Nashville.” After our informative tour, we will enjoy some FREE-TIME and SHOPPING in the Nashville Area. After our time gathering souvenirs, we will make our way over to our lodging for the next three nights at the GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT HOTEL. Millions of lights engulf our home for three nights, greeting us in the best of Christmas Spirit! After checking into your luxurious ATRIUM VIEW ROOM, you will have time to freshen up before we begin tonight’s entertainment with a COUNTRY CHRISTMAS DINNER & SHOW starring the “OAK RIDGE BOYS”! It’s the perfect Christmas celebration!

MEALS INCLUDED … Breakfast & Dinner 

We begin our day with some FREE TIME in the morning allowing you opportunity to explore the resort and their beautiful Christmas décor. Before departing the resort for the OPRY MILLS MALL where you will have some FREE TIME for lunch and shopping on your own, we will enjoy a DELTA BOAT RIDE through the beautiful gardens of the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Conventions Center. This afternoon and evening activities will include reserved seats at the world-famous GRAND OLE OPRY at the HISTORIC RYMAN AUDITORIUM as well as dinner at the Santa Fe Cattle Company.   

MEALS INCLUDED … Dinner  

We’ll start off this morning with a wonderful TOUR OF MUSIC CITY USA! This three-hour guided tour will take us around Nashville and expose us to the best of the Music City. We will learn about the Athens of the South, we will drive by the star’s homes, and gather interesting facts about Nashville’s history, industries and famous people. We will also visit Nashville’s downtown area, State Capitol, Fort Nashborough, Riverfront Park, The Ryman Auditorium, Centennial Park & the Parthenon, Music Row’s Recording Studios, The Governor’s Mansion, Vanderbilt University and many other points of interest. After our tour, we will enjoy a special Christmas lunch and cruise aboard the GENERAL JACKSON SHOWBOAT (the world’s largest showboat that is over 300 feet long with 4 massive decks). After lunch, we will visit “ICE” in its self-contained, refrigerated exhibition. We will cap the end of our time in NASHVILLE with a night full entertainment at the NASHVILLE NIGHTLIFE DINNER SHOW.      

MEALS INCLUDED … Lunch & Dinner

This morning, we will head for MEMPHIS making our way to the “Newly Renovated” GRACELAND COMPLEX. A state-of-the-art entertainment and exhibit complex over 200,000-square-feet in size, “Elvis Presley’s Memphis” enables you to follow the life path that Elvis took, surround yourself with the things he loved, and experience the sights and sounds of the city that inspired him. Experience Elvis’ life and career like never before – his roots, his influences and his artistry. The Elvis Presley’s Memphis experience includes: Elvis The Entertainer Career Museum, Presley Motors Automobile Museum, & Elvis Discovery Exhibits.  

MEALS INCLUDED … Dinner  

Well, we’re full of Christmas Spirit to take home with us, so we’ll head back to Texas, but WOW, we’ve had a great time in NASHVILLE and MEMPHIS! Along with lunch and stretch breaks, we should arrive in Tyler around 5:00 PM, give or take a bit!      

MEALS INCLUDED … Breakfast & Lunch