Tour Description

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go! Nashville is one of the most beautifully decorated Christmas cities you will see! You will enjoy a memorable Christmas show cruise on the river, the nostalgia of Ryman Auditorium, the historic Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame, beautiful mansions and, of course, the elegant Opryland Gaylord Hotel with millions of tiny white lights, hundreds of Poinsettias, strolling carolers, and gorgeous animated Christmas scenes.

Day 1:

You will just feel the Christmas Spirit as you board the bus for the first day of this magical tour called “Country” Christmas. Our travels today will take us to Paducah, Kentucky for our overnight lodging.

Day 2:

We arrive in Nashville in time for lunch, and then we will arrive at the Ryman Auditorium for a Back Stage Tour. The Ryman Auditorium was built in 1892, first as a church, then as a theater and best known as Home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 – 1974. We check into our hotel, our home for 4 nights, before returning to the Ryman Auditorium for the Grand Ole Opry Show to end our evening. (B)

Day 3:

This morning we will tour the fabulous Fontanel Mansion. You are invited to step inside one of the most beautiful homes in the world, the home that Barbara Mandrell and her husband Ken Dudney built to raise their family. After this tour, we will board the General Jackson Riverboat for a relaxing cruise on the Cumberland River. While lunch is served you are entertained with Christmas music and comedy that will tickle your funny bone. The next stop will highlight your tour as you spend the afternoon at the Opryland Gaylord Hotel. Beautiful Christmas scenes, giant Christmas ornaments, animated carolers, poinsettias and lights decorate this luxurious hotel inside and out. There are also many shops, hosting a beautiful array of souvenirs. You may also wish to take a boat ride on the Delta River. But please be aware, the hotel is so large, and there are so many lovely things to see; you will only have time for a few wonderful adventures. Remember to leave cracker crumbs as you go so that you can find your way back to the bus! (B.L)

Day 4:

Today, we drive a short distance to “The Hermitage,” an antebellum mansion which was the home of Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the United States. After his presidency, Jackson returned here until his death in 1845. Tour the mansion, slave cabins and formal gardens where the Jacksons are buried. After lunch on your own on Music Row, we will pick up our Step-On Guide for a 3-hour tour of Nashville. Dinner is included this evening at Ellendale’s Restaurant. (B.D)

Day 5:

Enjoy a leisurely morning before arriving at the Belle Meade Plantation for a tour and lunch. The mansion was originally the centerpiece of a 5,400 acre working plantation and Thoroughbred farm. It is noted for its cantilevered staircase, 14-foot ceilings and classic proportions. The site also includes an 1890 carriage house displaying antique carriages, a 1790 log cabin, an 1820 smokehouse, plus an 1840 mausoleum and an 1884 creamery. We return to the city to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame for a nostalgic tour that will bring back so many memories of stars from yesteryear up to the current Hall of Famers. A tour of Studio B is included where many of our country music stars recorded their hit records. Tonight, Making Memories Tours will treat you to a Holiday Dinner and Show at the Nashville Nightlife Theater. (B.L.D)

Day 6:

We must depart Nashville this morning for our journey towards home. Talk about a Holiday Tour! This one has been absolutely spectacular! We know you will be trading names and numbers with all of your new found traveling friends with maybe a nap in between allowing visions of sugar plums to dance in your head. Making Memories wishes you a Merry Christmas with many memories from your “Country” Christmas Tour. (B)