AAA Hoosier - AAA Sojourns Vacations

Detailed Description
Itinerary

Head to Memphis next summer and dust off your blue suede shoes in honor of the man who made them famous. Next year marks the 35th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death and special Elvis Presley Enterprises concerts and events are already being planned. Join fans from around the world who will converge in Memphis on August 10 - 18, 2012 for this very special celebration.

Experience what it was like to be “The King” as you travel to Graceland for a Platinum Tour and visit several of his favorite Memphis haunts. Learn about Memphis' musical history on a tour of Sun Studio where Elvis first got his start. Catch more of the Memphis vibe with guided visits to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the Rock & Soul Museum, both featuring memorabilia and insights into blues and soul performers like B.B. King, who helped build the Memphis blues sound.

Aside from attending several Elvis Week events,** you'll also spend an afternoon at the National Civil Rights Museum. It is located on the site of the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Other highlights include a relaxing afternoon riverboat cruise, dining at two of Elvis' favorite restaurants, and attendance at the Graceland Candlelight Vigil. This memorial is held each year on August 15 and typically lasts into the early hours of August 16, the anniversary of Elvis’ passing.

Price includes:
• 5 nights hotel accommodations at Westin Hotel Memphis
• Welcome reception, daily breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner
• Platinum Tour of Elvis' Graceland that includes Graceland Mansion, The Elvis Presley Car Museum, and the Elvis Lives: King and Pop Culture exhibit
• Admission to multiple Elvis Week events**
• Attendance at the annual Graceland Candlelight Vigil
• An afternoon cruise aboard Memphis Riverboats
• Visits to: The National Civil Rights Museum, Sun Studio, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and the Rock & Soul Museum

**Elvis Week events for 2012 are still being confirmed. Please ask your AAA Vacation Specialist for details.

Note: Elvis Week events** for 2012, alluded to in the itinerary below, are still being confirmed. Please ask your AAA Vacation Specialist for details. Pre-tour and post-tour stays may also be available. Inquire for rates and availability at time of booking.

Day 1 - Arrive in Memphis
Meet your tour guide upon arrival at the airport baggage claim area. Transfer to the Westin Hotel on the famous Beale Street. After time to freshen up, meet your fellow tour companions at a welcome reception. Afterward, enjoy dinner on your own this evening.
Accommodation: Westin Hotel Memphis - 5 nights

Day 2 - Graceland Tour & The National Civil Rights Museum
Enjoy breakfast this morning at the hotel. Depart for Graceland to experience the Platinum Tour, where you will see the Graceland Mansion, The Elvis Presley car museum, two of his custom planes, the Fashion King exhibit, and the Elvis Lives exhibit that explores how Elvis’ legacy has influenced pop culture as we know it today. After, enjoy lunch at the family-owned Coletta’s Restaurant. This restaurant was one of Elvis’ favorites for Italian cuisine and Elvis memorabilia adorns the wall of the “Elvis dining room.” Your afternoon will be spent exploring the National Civil Rights Museum. Dinner is on your own. The first Elvis Week event** is scheduled for this evening.

Day 3 - Music of Memphis
Today will be an in-depth experience of the music history of Memphis. Your sightseeing includes Sun Studio, the birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. After lunch at Neely’s BBQ, visit the Rock & Soul Museum. The remainder of the afternoon along with dinner is on your own. After dinner, depart for the second Elvis Week event.**

Day 4 - Graceland Candlelight Vigil
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Interspersed with free time to explore Beale Street, more Elvis Week events** are in store for you today. Dinner will be at Leonard’s before you head to Graceland to experience the Candlelight Vigil ceremony in front of the gates of Graceland. Historically, Elvis fans will line up all day long to be the first ones to the gravesite. This will be a late evening with the motorcoach departing Graceland around 11 p.m. (For those fans who would like to visit the gravesite, you will need to take a cab back to the hotel as the motorcoach will not be waiting past the scheduled departure time.)

Day 5 - Riverboat Cruise
Enjoy breakfast this morning at the hotel. Today, you’ll have the morning free to rest or explore downtown Memphis. Your guide will be able to give you suggestions. After lunch on your own, enjoy a cruise aboard the Memphis Riverboats. This evening you’ll have one final opportunity to experience Elvis Week events.** Dinner is on your own.

Day 6 - Depart Memphis
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.