About this tour
When Noah from our BugBitten team booked this Memphis daytrip, we got the full Elvis and blues rock circuit in one hit: Graceland's museum, Sun Studios, and Beale Street, all wrapped in a 13-hour private drive from Nashville. You're in a luxury vehicle with a Nashville native behind the wheel, and the itinerary hits the key stops without feeling rushed. The vibe is pure American music pilgrimage — you'll spot the Mississippi River, the Memphis Pyramid, and everything that made the city legendary. Includes entry fees, drinks for 21+, and snacks along the way.
Highlights
- Elvis's mansion and museum — three solid hours to explore without a crowd
- Sun Studios, where 'Hound Dog' was recorded — intimate, hands-on studio tour
- Beale Street blues joints and BBQ lunch at BB King's on your own schedule
- Private luxury transport means no coach full of 40 strangers
- Nashville driver who actually knows the region — good conversation, local tips
- Complimentary champagne and OJ for 21+; sparkling water and snacks for everyone
- Two pit stops in Jackson to stretch, grab coffee, or browse souvenir shops
What to expect
You'll roll out of Nashville at 7:15am, which feels early but necessary for a 13-hour loop. The first pit stop in Jackson (20 minutes) is a caffeine-and-bladder break at Casey Jones Village — gift shops if you're keen, otherwise just a recharge. By 11am you're at Graceland, and three hours here is the sweet spot: enough time to walk Elvis's mansion, see the cars, check out the jumpsuits, and soak in the fan energy without feeling museum-fatigued.
Sun Studios (1pm, one hour) is a tighter, more intimate affair — you'll stand in the actual recording booth where the magic happened. Beale Street gets an hour-ish of free time, which is perfect for a late lunch at BB King's, a cold drink, and a live blues set if the timing works. The drive home includes scenic passes of the Pyramid and Mississippi River, another Jackson pit stop around 6pm, and you're back in Nashville by 8:30pm. It's a full day but well-paced.
Good to know
If you're into Elvis, Sun Studios, or blues music, this is the most efficient way to tick all three without hiring a private driver yourself. The included entry fees (Graceland and Sun Studios) save you money upfront, and having a knowledgeable Nashville native as your driver means you're getting context, not just transport. Small group (up to 5) means it feels personal. Free booze for adults and snacks throughout is a nice touch.
This is a marathon day — 13 hours door-to-door is genuinely tiring, especially if you're not a morning person. Not wheelchair accessible, which is a real limitation. The itinerary is tight; you're moving between cities and spots with little flex. Beale Street gets only an hour of free time, which some might find rushed for eating and exploring. Peak summer heat in Memphis can be brutal during Graceland's outdoor grounds. Breakfast happens at a pit stop, so meal timing is your call.
Bring comfortable walking shoes (Graceland and Beale involve legwork), sunscreen, and a light jacket for the AC'd vehicle and evening. Water, sodas, and snacks are included; specify your soda preference when booking. Champagne and OJ for 21+. Groups up to 5 passengers. No peak-season restrictions mentioned, but Memphis summer crowds are real.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.