Nashville to Memphis: Graceland VIP Tour & Sun Studio Day Trip

Summary

Graceland’s gold gates Sun Studio legends and smoky Beale Street blues

You’ll set foot in Elvis’s world at Graceland with VIP access, hear rock ‘n’ roll legends come alive at Sun Studio, watch the Peabody ducks parade through marble halls, and wander Beale Street’s music-soaked sidewalks before heading back to Nashville—a day full of stories you’ll want to tell twice.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the way Memphis air felt different—warmer, thick with that river smell and something sweet I couldn’t place. After four hours rolling out of Nashville (I dozed off somewhere past Jackson), we pulled up to Graceland. Our guide, Sharon, handed out these shiny lanyards—VIP passes—and grinned like she’d seen this moment a hundred times. The gates were smaller than I imagined but standing there, hearing Elvis through the trees, it got under my skin in a way I didn’t expect. The mansion’s rooms are frozen in time—green shag carpet, mirrors everywhere. I caught myself whispering at one point, like he might be around the corner.

I wandered through the car museum (pink Cadillac lives up to the hype) and stared at his planes for longer than I meant to. Lunch was on our own—barbecue in the cafeteria line, smoky and messy—and then back on the bus for Sun Studio. That place is tiny, but you can almost feel the ghosts in the walls. Our studio guide told stories about Johnny Cash recording late at night; she even let us hold an old mic—cold metal, heavier than it looks. Someone in our group tried to play a chord on the piano and got shushed by a staffer who laughed after. It felt right somehow.

Later we squeezed into the Peabody Hotel lobby just as everyone started craning their necks for those famous ducks. They waddled down their little red carpet like royalty; I’m not sure why it made me grin so much. There was barely time to catch my breath before we spilled out onto Beale Street—neon lights flickering on as dusk settled in, music leaking from every doorway. I still think about that blue note drifting out of a club just as we had to leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Memphis daytrip from Nashville

• Travel from Nashville to Memphis
• Visit Elvis Presley’s Graceland home
• See Elvis burial site and car museum
• View Elvis’s tour airplanes
• Lunch on your own at Graceland
• Take guided tour of Sun Studios
• Watch Peabody ducks parade at hotel
• Explore Beale Street on your own
• Return to Nashville hotel after dark

Top questions

How long is the Nashville to Memphis day trip?

The tour lasts a full day including about 4 hours each way between Nashville and Memphis.

Is lunch included during the Graceland VIP tour?

Lunch is not included but you have free time to buy your own meal at Graceland’s dining options.

Are tickets for Graceland and Sun Studio included?

Yes, admission for both Graceland (with VIP access) and Sun Studio is included in your booking.

Do you get hotel pickup in Nashville?

Yes, round-trip transportation from your Nashville hotel is provided as part of the tour.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas including transportation are wheelchair accessible; contact operator 48 hours ahead if needed.

What languages are available for audio guides at Graceland?

The Graceland Mansion Tour offers audio guides in English, German, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and French.

Can you explore Beale Street on your own during this trip?

You have about an hour of free time to explore Beale Street or visit nearby attractions independently.

Do you see Elvis Presley’s airplanes on this tour?

Yes, your ticket includes self-guided access to Elvis Presley’s two airplanes at Graceland.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from Nashville by air-conditioned coach bus with a professional driver-guide; skip-the-line entry into Graceland Mansion with VIP access; self-guided tours of Elvis Presley’s airplanes and automobile exhibit; an audio-guided mansion tour (with multilingual options); a guided visit inside Sun Studio; free time for lunch at Graceland; time to watch the Peabody Hotel duck march; plus about an hour on your own exploring legendary Beale Street before returning after dark.