Day 1 – Home to Blue Springs, MO
Our Music Road journey begins today with a visit to the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, IA. “There are few buildings in existence today that represent a complete shift in our musical history. As the last concert venue for Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. ‘The Big Bopper’ Richardson, the Surf is the bedrock of where the sound and attitude of rock and roll changed forever.” We’ll explore their new Music Enrichment Center and the Surf Ballroom Museum. A boxed lunch will be served at the Surf Ballroom. Then we travel on to the Drury Inn & Suites in Blue Springs, MO where we will enjoy the Kickback Reception, a complete light meal.
Included Meals: Lunch, Drury Kickback
Hotel: Drury Inn & Suites
Day 2 – Blue Springs to Branson, MO
Fantastic music is in store for us today! After breakfast at the hotel, we’re off to Branson. A delicious lunch is included at Paula Deen’s Restaurant. Then it’s showtime – #1 Hits of the 60’s show! A private backstage tour will set the stage followed by their amazing show, featuring great hits by the Beatles, Beach Boys, Stevie Wonder, Sonny & Cher, Elvis Presley, The Temptations, The Supremes, and many more! Afterwards, we’ll check into the Lodge of the Ozarks followed by a tasty dinner at Grand Country Buffet. Tonight one talented family, The Haygoods, brings us “Branson’s Most Popular Show!” Consisting of six brothers & one sister, this family has been playing music together in Branson for 26 years and have earned the title of the longest running, most successful first generation show in the history of Branson! They will wow us with their exuberant family show that features over 20 different instruments, incredible music, and amazing special effects!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Lodge of the Ozarks
Day 3 – Branson to Memphis, TN
After breakfast at our hotel, it’s a travel day to Memphis, with lunch on own along the way. Arriving in Memphis, the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll and Home of the Blues, we’ll settle into our home for the next 2 nights, The Guest House at Graceland! This extraordinary hotel experience is located in the heart of Elvis Presley’s Graceland! A welcome dinner is served at the hotel Delta’s Kitchen, featuring classic Southern cooking.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: The Guest House at Graceland (2 Nights)
Day 4 – Memphis
Good morning Graceland! Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before our morning of exploring this legendary estate begins! We’ll start off learning about the personal side of Elvis Presley with an interactive iPad tour of the Graceland Mansion, hosted by John Stamos and featuring commentary and stories by Elvis and his daughter, Lisa Marie. Graceland is so much more than a mansion. It was the private retreat of the King of Rock ‘n Roll. It was where his family grew up, spent their time together and enjoyed life. Our tour includes the living room, his parents’ bedroom, the kitchen, TV room, pool room, the famous Jungle Room, his father’s office, the newly-enhanced Trophy Building, the Racquetball Building – newly-restored to how it looked in 1977, and the Meditation Garden. The remainder of the morning is free for immersing yourself in Elvis’ life and legacy. See his private jets, his amazing collection of gold and platinum records, his stagewear including jumpsuits, his favorite automobiles including his iconic Pink Cadillac, and so much more! We’ll gather for authentic Memphis BBQ fare at Vernon’s Smokehouse at Graceland for lunch. Next, the Home of the Blues comes alive with the help of our local guide, who is a professional Beale Street musician, who will play and sing selections from the city’s rich musical heritage, while entertaining us with comedy, history, and behind-the-scenes stories of our favorite Memphis personalities. Along the way, we will see Beale Street, The Lorraine Motel, Cotton Row, Historic Central Gardens, Stax Studio, the early homes of Elvis, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash, and much more! Then we’ll head to the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum, which tells the story of the musical pioneers who overcame racial and socio-economic obstacles to create the music that changed the cultural complexion of the world. A scrumptious dinner is included this evening at a restaurant right on Beale Street.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Memphis to Nashville/Franklin, TN
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. We are headed to Nashville today, so appropriately we travel The Music Highway, a portion of Interstate 40 between Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville, so designated by the Tennessee Legislature. Along the way, we’ll visit Loretta Lynn’s Ranch! Experience a guided tour of her historic antebellum style home as well as an exact replica of her Butcher Holler home. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Grist Mill Museum and The Coal Miner’s Daughter Museum that showcases Loretta’s “rags to riches” story. Departing, a wonderful lunch will be found a few miles down the road at Loretta Lynn’s Kitchen. Arriving in Nashville this afternoon, we head to the nationally rated Johnny Cash Museum, which graphically relates the life and musical journey of June and Johnny Cash. Opening in 2013, it honors the life and music of the country music superstar often referred to as the “Man In Black.” Then we check into Franklin’s wonderful Drury Plaza Hotel and enjoy the Drury’s Kickback. An unforgettable night awaits with a private concert by Jason Coleman! We’ll be thoroughly entertained by this talented piano player, the grandson of Floyd Kramer!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Drury Kickback
Hotel: Drury Plaza Hotel Franklin (2 Nights)
Day 6 – Nashville
A fine Drury breakfast prepares us for exploring “Music City” today. Enjoy the Country Music Hall of Fame, one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to the celebration, preservation and interpretation of American music. For an artist in the country music field, induction into the CMHOF is the highest honor that can be attained. The very first inductees in 1962 were Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers, Fred Rose, and Roy Acuff. Afterwards, we’ll stop by the Assembly Food Hall where there’s a wide variety of lunch options to choose from on your own. Next we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Ryman Auditorium, a historic 2,362-seat live-performance venue in the downtown core of Nashville. A National Historic Landmark, and the former home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974, it is one of the most influential and revered concert halls in the world. Originally built to be a church, it is affectionately called “The Mother Church of Country Music.” Arriving back at our hotel, we’ll partake in Drury’s Kickback.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Drury Kickback
Day 7 – Nashville/Franklin to Owensboro, KY
Departing Nashville after breakfast, we’ll travel northwest into Kentucky, with lunch on own along the way. Here we find Owensboro, KY on the banks of the Ohio River and the beautiful home of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum. Bluegrass is a truly American music style evolving over the last 75 years. This welcoming attraction takes us through the history of Blue Grass, the story of the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe, and an amazing exhibit of Bluegrass instruments. Next up is the Rick Faris Guitar Company. Not only is Rick a touring musician and a two time IBMA award winner, he also builds superior, handmade guitars! Hoping for one of his custom builds? You’re in for a two year wait! Our home for the next two nights is the Hampton Inn & Suites Waterfront, perfectly located on the Ohio River. We’ll settle into our riverview rooms, linger near the lobby’s fountain, and enjoy free time to step right out the back doors to the scenic riverfront park. Owensboro is famous for its BBQ, so hello Moonlite Bar-B-Q – literally voted as one of the world’s happiest places! Trust us, after this visit, you will never forget one of the most incredible buffets you have ever experienced! Just when we think we can’t get any happier, guess who is providing live music at the Moonlite just for us? Rick Faris! He developed his own sound influenced by the 30’s pre-war traditions, and we’ll love every note during our private concert!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Waterfront (2 Nights, Riverview Rooms!)
Day 8 – Owensboro
Breakfast is served at the hotel before we visit the lovely Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, displaying hundreds of outstanding plant selections for us to enjoy. Then we’ll be given time to explore downtown Owensboro and find lunch on your own. Afterwards, a special visit is planned at the Kolok Wood & Stone Sculpture Gallery & Studio. We’ll get to meet the talented artist, William Kolok, who creates beautiful bronze, lasting limestone, and whimsical wood sculptures. Through his demonstration, we’ll get a behind the scenes look at the process of wood and stone carving, hear the story behind each piece of art, smell the wood chips, feel the textures, and brush off the stone dust! Browsing the gallery, we’ll find an eclectic collection of sculptures for gardens as well as interior pieces including wall hangings, free standing and tabletop pieces. Another unique stop is the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art. A highlight here will be the magnificent collection of sixteen late 19th century German stained glass windows installed in 20’ towers! Afterwards, we’re treated to a tour and bourbon tasting at Green River Distilling Co. Founded in 1885, Green River is the 10th oldest distillery licensed in Kentucky and is distilled & bottled on the same hallowed grounds as it was well over a century ago. Then we’ll head back to the hotel to refresh before a delightful dinner is served at The Miller House, a historic home built in 1905. Back at our riverfront hotel, be sure to view the mesmerizing, color changing lights on the Glover Cary Bridge.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 – Owensboro to St Louis/Creve Coeur, MO
We bid the Ohio River goodbye after breakfast and travel to St. Louis, MO, with lunch on own along the way. Our Music Road experience continues at the National Blues Museum in St Louis, MO. We’ll take a self-guided journey into the soul of the Blues, where every corner turned echoes with rhythms and tales from the genre’s rich history. Get ready to sway as we’re treated to a private concert by a Blues band in the museum’s Legends Room – how perfect! Our Drury Inn tonight is located in St. Louis’ western suburb of Creve Coeur. Tonight parktake in the Drury’s Kickback.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Drury Kickback
Hotel: Drury Inn
Day 10 – to St Louis to Rock Island, IL
Today we make our way north after breakfast. First we’ll stop in Peoria at Obed & Isaac’s Brewery for an interesting tour of this old cathedral that’s been converted into a microbrewery. We’ll also enjoy a tasty lunch at Obed & Isaac’s. Then we’ll continue our drive to Rock Island, IL and check into the Holiday Inn. Tonight we’re guests for a wonderful dinner and fantastic play at the Circa 21 Playhouse!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Holiday Inn
Day 11 – Rock Island to Home
We’ll enjoy one last breakfast before we drive to the historic district of Mason City, IA. Here we’ll find the Decker House, a grand 1890s Neoclassical house, and the perfect place for lunch! Then we’ll learn all about Mason City’s native son, Robert Meredith Willson. Does he sound familiar? He is best remembered for his Broadway Musical, “The Music Man” for which he wrote the script, lyrics, and music! At Music Man Square, we’ll stroll down a replica of the movie’s 1912 streetscape, we’ll explore the life, works and achievements of Meredith Willson from “right here in River City” at the Meredith Willson Museum, we’ll tour Meredith Willson’s boyhood home, and more! We’ll end our Music Man Square experience with an ice cream treat. Back on the coach, we’ll drive home with special memories of our Music Cities Road Trip!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Ice Cream Treat
Motorcoach Per Person Pricing Information
Motorcoach Travel Protection Per Person
Travel Bucks
Deposit Due
Passport Needed
Tour Pace
Price Includes
22 Meals & 4 Kickbacks Plus Treat, Hotels & Activities as stated in brochure, Luxury Motorcoach
04/15/2026 04/25/2026
Tour Map
Tour Highlights
* Surf Ballroom Museum
* #1 Hits of the 60’s Show
* The Haygoods Show
* 2 Nights at The Guest House at Graceland
* Graceland Mansion Tour & Exhibits
* In-depth Musical Memphis Touring
* Rock ’n’ Soul Museum
* Loretta Lynn Ranch
* Johnny Cash Museum
* Jason Coleman Private Concert
* 2 Nights Drury Plaza in Franklin
* Country Music Hall of Fame
* Ryman Auditorium Guided Tour
* Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum
* Rick Faris Guitar Company
* Rick Faris Private Concert
* Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
* Kolok Wood & Stone Sculpture Gallery & Studio with Demonstration
* Owensboro Museum of Fine Art
* Green River Distilling Co. Tour & Tasting
* National Blues Museum with Private Concert
* Obed & Isaac’s Brewery Tour & Lunch
* Circa 21 Playhouse Dinner & Play
* Music Man Square plus Treat
* Additional Fantastic Meals: Paula Deen’s, Delta’s Kitchen, Vernon’s at Graceland, Beale Street, Loretta Lynn Kitchen, Moonlite Bar-B-Q, Miller House, Decker House & More!
