Top Tennessee Historical Tours

Discover the history and culture of Appalachia as you embark on a tour through the Great Smoky Mountains from Gatlinburg. Join a small group and take a hike through the part learning about the lives of loggers and pioneers. Drive along the scenic Newfound Gap Road and make stops to take in the views of valleys, mountains, and the Appalachian Trail.

Go behind the curtain at Nashville’s premier country music stage, the world-renowned Grand Ole Opry, on this small-group backstage tour. Walk in the footsteps of countless country music superstars and get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at this legendary venue and show that made country music famous. This is a bucket-list item experience ideal for all fans of country music.

An ideal introduction to Nashville—this tour is a shortcut to seeing some of its most important sights, without spending hours doing research. Head off with a local musician guide on an adventure to learn about the history of country music and local legends. Along the way, check off a variety of the city’s most important sights, such as the Ryman Auditorium, Tootsies Orchid Lounge, and Printer’s Alley.

This guided tour of the Belle Meade Mansion offers an unforgettable experience at one of Nashville's most iconic historic sites, with a wine tasting. Explore the impressive 1853 Greek Revival Mansion on a guided tour, then enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at the on-site Belle Meade Winery. Your admission also includes access to the scenic grounds, historic outbuildings, outdoor games, walking trails, gift shops, and the delicious Belle Meade Meat & Three restaurant.

Follow in the footsteps of country legends on a self-guided tour of Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, a downtown venue known as "The Mother Church of Country Music." Explore five exhibits on the Ryman Auditorium’s musical history, with footage of celebrity hosts to introduce each one. This self-guided Ryman Auditorium tour offers the chance to explore Nashville country music on your own schedule, and take a commemorative on-stage photo.

Explore the best of country music’s past and present with this Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum ticket. Situated in the heart of downtown Nashville, this beautifully modern facility is known as the “Smithsonian of country music,” offering 350,000 square feet of dynamic, state-of-the-art galleries, archival storage, educational classrooms, retail stores, restaurants, and special event space—all with a stunning view of the rest of Music City. It’s a must-see venue for all fans of country music.

All aboard for a one-of-a-kind Chattanooga experience! Begin your day on a vintage trolley as our local guide leads you through the heart of downtown, sharing stories of the city’s rail heritage, Civil War past, and vibrant culture. Then, your journey continues aboard a historic train ride — a must for railroad fans and adventurers alike. This combo tour blends nostalgia, storytelling, and scenery into an unforgettable exploration of Tennessee’s Scenic City, where tracks and trolleys meet for a fun, family-friendly adventure.

Uncover the sordid past of Gatlinburg, Tennessee during a ghost tour of the mountain town. Listen to stories of tragic deaths, cannibalism, and witchcraft as you stop at famous landmarks including the Gatlinburg Space Needle, White Oak Flats Cemetery, and Mysterious Mansion. As you explore, keep your eyes peeled for any paranormal activity that may be lurking in the area.

Step into Nashville’s musical history on a guided tour of RCA Studio B that includes admission to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Visit a recording studio that helped to shape the 'Nashville Sound,' then explore country music heritage with interactive exhibits and recordings. Multiple departure times are available for this tour of RCA Studio B and the Country Music Hall of Fame, in the historic heart of Nashville.

Explore the historic Jack Daniel's Distillery on this guided tour from Nashville. Embark on a tasting tour of the distillery and sample several tastings of premium Tennessee whiskey. Tours departing first thing in the morning include free time to walk through the nearby town, famous for its Tennessee Walking Horse, and downtown Lynchburg.

The Franklin Hop-On, Hop-Off tour features our vintage trolley with narration, allowing you to see the sights at your own pace. Hop on or off at 5 stops around Franklin, TN that is convenient to 50 points of interest. The Franklin Hop is a hop-on, hop-off tour with live narration that takes you through the historic town’s most iconic sites. Hop-off to explore Carnton and other historic sites along the way. Enjoy popular eateries, unique shopping, downtown Franklin, and much more! Sights & Stops Included: DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN/VISITOR CENTER HISTORY & CULTURE CENTER THE FACTORY AT FRANKLIN CARNTON CARTER/LOTZ HOUSE Hop-on and off all day from 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Wednesday - Saturday. Full Narrated Tour is 45 minutes long. The Franklin Hop comes back to stop #1 (Visitor Center) every hour on the hour. Last full tour departs from stop #1 (Visitor Center) at 4:00 pm. (Visitor Center- 400 Main St #130, Franklin, TN 37064) Wednesday-Saturday: 10am – 5pm Sunday -Tuesday: Not Available

Discover the stories of whiskey-making in pre-prohibition America with this visit to Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery with Guided Tour and Tastings. Located in Marathon Village, this historical venue is a treasure trove of fascinating tales about sunken ships, lost gold, and a revived family business. No need to worry about paying for tastings during your visit, as alcoholic drinks are included, and you’ll get to try a sampling of four seasonal offerings.

While there are several different ghost tours in Nashville, not many let you explore the city in style aboard a spooky-themed coach. On this murder, true crime, and ghost tour, listen to spine-tingling stories and sip on a curated cocktail as you head to haunted landmarks like the Union Station Hotel and Printers Alley.

The Crystal Palace Tour is a 45-55 minute guided walking tour through the first 1/4 mile of the cave. This section of the cave has been modified to include lights, pathways, steps, and handrails. Education is the focus of our tours and your guide will explain how caves form, provide a history of the cave, and point out a wide variety of formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, and much more, including rare shield and helictite formations! Guests also have a chance to view cave wildlife including bats and salamanders, as well as ancient fossils. Photography is welcomed, however you must keep up with the group. As a reminder our cave is not wheelchair or child stroller accessible.

Step back in time to 1864 and the Civil War’s Battle of Franklin on this full-day tour from Nashville. The Battle of Franklin was one of the worst disasters of the war for the Confederate States Army. On this tour, see the bullet and cannon ball holes as well as the battle-scarred floors that still bear witness to the carnage of this dark time in history. Spend time in the town of Franklin to shop, eat and view its historic sites.

Follow in the footsteps of musical legends, such as Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, and B.B. King, on this walking tour of Beale Street in downtown Memphis. Your guide knows the ins and outs of the street—said to be where blues began—ensuring you won't miss a beat of its storied past. Pass by highlights including Lansky Brothers, where Elvis Presley was known to shop, as well as the more-than-100-year-old A. Schwab General Store.

Embark on an unforgettable Nashville sightseeing adventure that brings the heart and soul of Music City to life! Our tour takes you from the iconic Country Music Hall of Fame, where legends are celebrated, to the lively Ascend Amphitheater with riverfront views, and Nissan Stadium for a glimpse into Tennessee Titans territory. You’ll cruise along the Cumberland River, marvel at the lights of historic Printer's Alley, and admire the beauty of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Nashville’s oldest. Soak in the state’s history at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and snap photos of the Tennessee State Capitol. Next, experience the unique artsy vibe of Marathon Village and the trendy flair of The Gulch before wrapping up on iconic Music Row. This tour is packed with legendary sights, perfect for uncovering Nashville’s vibrant past and exciting present.

Explore the city of Memphis through the lens of the Civil Rights Movement during this driving sightseeing tour. See key landmarks and monuments that are important to African-American history such as Slave Haven, the National Civil Rights Museum, and Beale Street. Listen to engaging commentary about the history of the area from periods of slavery to the civil rights movement to present-day.

Explore Nashville from a local's perspective on this city tour with a local guide. Aboard an open-air, low-speed vehicle, cruise through Nashville to see numerous landmarks and other sightseeing locations. Notable sights along this tour include Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, Music Row, The Gulch, and Marathon Village. Select a morning, afternoon, or evening tour when booking.

While many tours help you explore Nashville’s historic venues and music landmarks, not many combine the experience with a morning cup of rich coffee. On this small-group walking tour, start the day with pep in your step as you take in some of the city’s most popular sights while enjoying locally-brewed coffee.

Swap the live music venues for something different in Nashville—a true crime and murder–themed bar crawl. Enjoy the thrill of Prohibition-era stories as you visit historic bars and speakeasies that you might miss if exploring alone. Along the way, learn the dark stories linked to these unassuming places, and get tips on local drinks to try too.

Trace Memphis' history, from the Civil War to modern-day, on this guided walking tour. Learn about the history of this rowdy blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll river town, and visit many of the city’s top attractions—Beale Street and sections of the Mississippi River among them. Experience, too, a time-honored Memphis tradition: Peabody Hotel's March of the Ducks.

Step into Elvis Presley’s world on this private Memphis tour that goes beyond the usual stops. Visit iconic spots like Beale Street, The Orpheum Theatre, and the Overton Park Shell, where Elvis gave his first big performance, with your guide. Then, with your included tickets, head to Graceland for a self-guided tour where you have a scheduled mansion entry time, an audioguide, and access to the exhibits and museums. It’s the perfect experience for anyone wanting a deeper look into the King’s life and legacy.