Top Tennessee Historical Tours

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.

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 history and culture of Appalachia as you tour the Great Smoky Mountains from Gatlinburg. Join a small group and explore along one of the mightiest rivers while learning about the lives of loggers and pioneers. Drive along the scenic Newfound Gap Road and stop to take in views of valleys, mountains, and the Appalachian Trail.

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.

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.

No need to sidle up to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitor center at 9am to catch that ranger-led tour—with this self-paced audio guide, you have your own expert at your disposal, right on your phone. As you drive through the park, stories, tips, and more automatically play, getting you the most out of your Smoky Mountain adventure.

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.

Ride through Nashville, lit up for the night, on this downtown trolley tour hosted by a performing guide. Learn about the history of music city and hear tales of all the superstars who have passed through over the years. Snap photos while hearing insightful commentary from your entertaining guide.

Discover how the Civil War affected Belle Meade and Nashville On the Battle at Belle Meade tour, learn about how the Harding-Jacksons and those enslaved on the property lived through the American Civil War. On this dynamic outdoor walking tour you will make multiple stops across the property, following the footsteps of the soldiers who skirmished at Belle Meade. Discover how the US Colored Troops, the Army of the Cumberland, and the Army of Tennessee fought at the Battle of Nashville, and its impact on the American Civil War. All ages welcome. This tour does not go inside the mansion.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Visit the National Museum of African American Music during your time in Nashville for a comprehensive look at the vast contributions that African-Americans have made to American music. The exhibits feature the legacy and accomplishments of African-Americans, using history and interactive technology to this new attraction in Music City.

Tour the historic Memphis home of the Woodruff and Fontaine families. The Victorian era mansion was built in the French style and is furnished in period antiques. This is your chance to visit the past and learn what Memphis was like in the 19th century. Explore at your own pace on a self-guided tour and learn more by scanning QR codes throughout the house.

Learn about the history and culture of the Cherokee people with access to the Museum of the Cherokee People. Book your ticket in advance to guarantee entry, and then visit on your own schedule. The museum is full of informative and interactive exhibits that are both kid-friendly and engaging for adults.

Explore Nashville from the iconic Cumberland River aboard an authentic paddlewheel riverboat. This delightful sightseeing cruise features live narration and music, providing a unique glimpse into the history and culture of Music City. Relax in the Victorian dining rooms or enjoy the river breeze on the promenade deck. Lunch and a full bar are available for purchase, making it an ideal outing for families and groups alike. Don't miss the chance to see historic steam engines in operation on the Steamer Nashville, one of only three remaining western river steamboats. - 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise with live narration and music - Family-friendly atmosphere with indoor/outdoor seating options - Lunch and full bar available for purchase on board - Unique opportunity to tour historic steam engines in operation

Most tourists visit Nashville for its world-famous music scene, but food lovers know that exploring the city’s culinary scene is an excellent way to experience Southern hospitality. Travel to five unique tasting stops and enjoy a mix of elevated fare and comfort food using seasonal ingredients on this small-group food tour. Between stops, hear about Nashville’s rich heritage at highlights such as the Ryman Auditorium or the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

Discover Memphis’ rich history, musical heritage, and Southern cuisine on this comprehensive “best of Memphis” tour. Take in all the highlights of downtown Memphis, from the Blues bars of Beale Street and historic Victorian mansions, to the site where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and one of Elvis’ early apartments. Get insight into the city's amazing heritage at the The National Civil Rights Museu, site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. After visiting the museum of choice, you'll be driven safely back to Beale St., or to the Memphis Riverboat to enjoy a scenic cruise on the Mississippi River.

Cover more ground in Music City with this Nashville e-bike tour. Set off with your guide and small group to pedal through the heart of the city and take in sights like Lockeland Springs and Shelby Park, stop to snap a picture from the Pedestrian Bridge, and dismount to stroll along the Country Music Walk of Fame. End with the Nashville Famers Market and the Bicentennial Mall, two of the city’s top sights.

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.

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.

Enjoy a performance of ‘Remembering Red – A Tribute to Red Skelton’ at the Red Skelton Tribute Theater in Pigeon Forge. This family-friendly comedy show is performed by Brian Hoffman, who brings to life memories of the Golden Age of television as he re-creates Red Skelton’s characters and jokes. Before the show starts, get into the spirit of the era with a video about celebrities, music and more from the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s.