Musical Highways of the Midwest

Arrive in Saint Louis and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Manager and fellow travel companions at 5:30 p.m. during the Pear Tree’s Managers Reception featuring food and beverages. Meal: D

This morning a local guide conducts a narrated tour of Saint Louis. See the impressive Gateway Arch, the monument to westward expansion, the Old Cathedral the new Busch Stadium and Millionaire’s Row. Learn about the city’s rich musical heritage that includes blues, jazz, ragtime and rock and roll. Lunch today is in Saint Louis’ historic Italian neighborhood known as “The Hill.” This afternoon tour the National Blues Museum which explores the Blues and celebrates the genre as the foundation of all modern American music. Tonight, again enjoy the Pear Tree’s Managers Reception featuring food and beverages. Meals: B, L, D

Travel to the heart of the Ozark Mountains to the live entertainment capital of Branson. This afternoon take a trip back to the good ‘ole days when poodle skirts and soda shops were all the rage. The Hot Rods & High Heels show features stunning costumes, fun dance routines and toe-tapping tunes. Following dinner, tonight’s entertainment is at the state-of-the-art Sight & Sound Theatre. Based on theatrical themes of stories from the Bible, the shows feature exciting special lighting effects and sound system that will leave you amazed. Meals: B, D

Today, the “Home of the Blues” comes alive on a Musical City Tour of Memphis conducted by a professional Beale Street musician who will play and sing selections from the city’s rich musical heritage. Learn the history of Memphis, hear behind-the-scenes stories while be entertained with music and comedy. See famous Beale Street, the infamous Lorraine Motel and the legendary Peabody Hotel along with the early homes of Elvis, B.B. King and Johnny Cash. Meal: B

Today is devoted to Elvis Presley’s Graceland. You will tour the mansion, the heart of the 14-acre estate and see the living rooms, music room and “jungle” den. You will also see the meditation garden where “The King” is laid to rest. Also tour Elvis’ two custom airplanes, the Car Museum, The Entertainer Career Showcase Museum as well as the new state-of-the-art Visitor Entertainment Complex. Truly a day of musical history to remember. Visit Sun Studio, known as “The Birthplace of Rock’n’Roll”, as musical legends from the 50s began here. Imagine standing on the very same spot where Elvis was first recorded. Then, enjoy some delicious Memphis cooking at Central BBQ. Meals: B, D

Depart Memphis today and continue your musical adventure with a stop at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. This historic recording studio was formed in 1969 and has attracted noted musical artists from across the planet. Sonny and Cher, Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones have all recorded songs here. Later, arrive in Nashville and enjoy a panoramic tour of this musical city. Meal: B

Begin your day with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Called the “Smithsonian of Country Music” because of its collection of artists’ artifacts, photographs, recorded sound and vintage video, the museum is highlighted by its core exhibit Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music. Then, get that Nashville feel at historic RCA Studio B. Once the recording home of popular music titans such as Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins and the Everly Brothers, it was here that the Nashville sound was born. After time to freshen up at the hotel you have reserved seats at the Granddaddy of Country shows, the Grand Ole Opry. Meals: B, D

Following breakfast, a group transfer to the Nashville International Airport is available for flights out after 11:00 a.m. Meal: B