This exciting new 15 day tour allows you to discover some of the highlights of this unspoilt state and also experience the excitement of Nashville & Memphis, located over the border in beautiful Tennessee - the undisputed capital of American music.
Days One & Two - Cincinnati
Begin your adventure in Cincinnati, Ohio. Depart direct from London or other regional airports indirectly, to this lovely city, sitting on the Ohio River. Upon arrival collect your hire car or take a shuttle transfer to your chosen hotel.(approx 20 mins).
A full day to explore and enjoy the delights of Cincinnati, a city rich in architecture and culture with a European flavour and a sense of the south. The city is split by the great Ohio River and much of its history past and present revolves around the river. This modern cosmopolitan city boosts great shopping and museums, as well as the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical gardens.
Take a trip on one of the rivers paddle steamers, or climb the hill to Mount Adams, taking in easily the best view of the city and stroll the shops, bars and restaurants of this vibrant area of town. Take in an "Underground Railway Tour". This gives you a fascinating incite into the struggle of the black slaves, that fort their way north to Cincinnati to escape slavery in the South.
Explore the attractive riverfront area, the arty Mount Adams District and the livelier Over-the-Rhine area
Stay 2 nights.
Days Three & Four - Lexington (89 miles)
Departing Cincinnati today your journey will take you south to Lexington, the Horse Capital of The World. Visit the amazing Kentucky Horse Park, home to over 50 different breeds of horse and witness the trotters and pacers at The Red Mile Harness Track, the regions's oldest track.
Celebrate the history of Bourbon at four distilleries along The Kentucky Bourbon Trail; The Woodford Reserve Distillery, Buffalo Trace, Four Roses and Wild Turkey. Later enjoy a short drive south of the city to the small but historic fine old small towns of Danville and Harrodsburg and visit the nearby Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, home to a superb restaurant specializing in Kentucky favourites. If you time don't miss a visit to the Small town of Berea 30 miles south of Lexington. This is home to the interesting and unique Berea College home to 1500 students working in 120 crafts in return for free tuition and also the Kentucky Artisan Centre.
Stay 2 nights.
Day Five - Country Music Byway/Renfro Valley (46 miles)
Spend the day exploring one of America's unique National Byways, Country Music Highway. Devoted to the rich heritage and history of the region, and home to many well known country music stars including Loretta Lynn, Wyonna Judd, Naomi Judd, Billy Ray Cyrus, Tom T Hall, Ricky Skaggs, Keith Whitley, Dwight Yoakam and Patty Loveless. Experience the sounds of Appalachian music at venues all along the byway.
Arrive in the Renfro Valley in time to visit the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Stay 1 night.
Day Six - Bardstow (59 miles)
After breakfast you will continue your journey to lovely Bardstown, where Eclectic shops, cultural and historical heritage blend beautifully.
Visit the Jim Beam American outpost where you will learn about six generations of Beam distillers, and also The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey history.
Stay 1 night.
Days Seven & Eight - Nashville (155 miles)
Today your journey will take you over the border into Nashville, Tennessee, a city rich in musical heritage and southern tradition, Nashville is still justly famous for its country music.
Visit the legendary Country Music Hall of Fame and Studio B where Country & Music legends like Elvis, Dolly Parton, the Everly Brothers and many more created their unique brands of music. Hear live music at a honky-tonk or kick your heels up into the early hours line dancing at a saloon.
The legendary Grand Ole Oprey is a 'must see' on weekends.
With shopping, historic sites, eclectic dining and a diverse entertainment industry, Nashville offers entertainment that goes from dusk til dawn.
Stay 2 nights.
Days Nine & Ten - Memphis (212 miles)
Depart the capital of country-western music for the Home of the Blues, Memphis. This city combines the charms of the Old South with the exciting pace of a modern metropolis. You may wish to tour downtown Memphis with its historic Beale Street, a vibrant, restored area with music venues and rib restaurants and bars. Enjoy watching the artists that that perform in Handy Park, then juke to the beat at The Rum Boogie Café before you cool down and listen to some jazz at Kings Palace.
The musical legacy of Elvis Presley, "King of Rock'n Roll" also reigns over this city where he made his first records and bought his beloved home - Gracelands. Elvis bought the 14 acre estate in 1957 when he was just 22. The audio tour of Gracelands is hosted by Priscilla Presley who gives you personal insight into her life with the King.
From the elegance of the all white living room to the playful décor of the famous "Jungle Room", Elvis' personality comes to life. The most spectacular part of the tour is the trophy room. There you will see his vast collection of gold records and many awards.
Stay 2 nights.
Day Eleven - Paducah (173 miles)
Departing Memphis early after breakfast, todays drive will take you to Paducah, at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. Arrive in time to spend the afternoon exploring this interesting town.Visit the River Heritage Museum and Whitehaven, an 1860's era classical revival mansion , now a state welcome centre. Paducah is also home to the Market House Museum and The Museum of the American Quilters Society - the nations largest quilt museum!
Stay 1 night.
Days Twelve to Fourteen - Louisville (217 miles)
Depart Paducah early after breakfast so you can spend time exploring the incredible Mammoth Cave National Park en route. Home to over 350 miles of labyrinthine passages and doomed caverns and a host of amazing geological formations including a bewildering display of stalagmites and stalactites, Mammoth is best viewed by pre booking a ranger guided tour. You can also rent a canoe or enjoy a trail along the many hiking trails of The Green River.
You will have plenty of time to explore the city of Louisville, a cosmopolitan and well diversified city with a great choice of restaurants and a lively arts scene. Perhaps enjoy a visit to the Speed Art Museum home to works by Rembrandt and Monet or the impressive Louisville Baseball Slugger Museum( a must even for non baseball fans!). The city also boasts an unrivalled network of public parks.
Continue north along the 'Blues Highway' to Memphis, the place where blues came of age and where rock & roll was born. We recommend you park the car at your centrally-located hotel and walk over to Beale Street for a night of great music. Beale Street was a key arena in which bluesmen from BB King to Howlin' Wolf made their names. BB King's Blues Club is now one of Beale Street's best clubs.
Stay 3 nights.
Day Fifteen - 101 miles
Departing Louisville after breakfast, your drive back to Cincinnati, Ohio, will take you approximately one and a half to two hours. Continue on Cincinnati Airport where you will need to drop your car off and catch your overnight flight home.
Total Mileage - 1052 miles
Package Includes: