Top Tennessee Sightseeing Tours in 2026

No need to travel far to take this thrilling Pigeon River white-water rafting tour, which departs from a central location right by Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg—one of the closest put-ins in the area. As the lengthiest rafting trip on the Pigeon River, this excursion is perfect for thrill seekers, while a guide on every raft makes it appropriate for rafters of all experience levels.

Upgrade your visit to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville with a VIP option that provides access to the exclusive Circle Room, the Opry’s stylish luxury lounge and includes a welcome visit from an Opry performing artist before the show. Get a commemorative photo, and enjoy the provided refreshments, which include two drinks from the top-shelf bar, and southern-style appetizers. Opens one hour before showtime, and closes after the intermission.

Hop a specialty golf cart to ride in style between some of Nashville’s splashiest entrepreneur-founded boutiques. On this shopping tour, you’ll have plenty of time to work those credit cards in white-hot Music City. Tours include plenty of time to grab an artisan cocktail along the way, plus stops at the city’s most colorful, selfie-worthy murals.

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.

Donut fans—get ready for a tasting extravaganza to remember! Save yourself time scrolling through donut shop reviews, and get local tips on where to find Nashville’s tastiest doughy treats. The tour begins in Sobro and heads along Broadway, with multiple donut stops along the way, where you can taste delicious samples and find your new favorite.

Discover downtown Nashville at your own pace with this self-guided audio tour. Simply download the VoiceMap app and follow along as you walk around the city. Nashville local Ed Owen is your host, and he’ll guide you to music hotspots such as the Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry, and Honky Tonk Row, as well as top attractions, including the Siegenthaler Walking Bridge, the Nashville Walk of Fame, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Kick your boring city tours to the curb — or at least putt them that way. This small-group tour of Nashville turns the city into your playground as you compete with your friends for the lowest score, calculated by the type of drink you order and your golfing abilities. Your guide will bring a caddie, a mobile putting green, and a set of putters to make sure the fun doesn't stop.

Prepare to get wet on an exciting Smoky Mountain rafting adventure down the Pigeon River. Even if it’s your first time, grab a paddle and navigate dozens of class I and II rapids that offer plenty of splashes and thrills but are perfect for beginners. The closest rafting to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, this 2-hour afternoon trip makes a great addition to any Smoky Mountain family vacation.

Catch all the must-see Nashville sights on this fun and flexible Pokémon Go tour. Hit up Poké Stops and battle at Gyms throughout Nashville alongside your group of one to 45 people and a personal safety officer.

For those short on time, get a quick overview of downtown Nashville on this guided walking tour. Learn about some of the famous musicians who performed here such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash and pass by some landmark sites like the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

From crispy fried chicken to whole-hog barbecue, Nashville is a food-lover’s heaven. Sample the classic flavors of the city on this private 3-hour culinary tour, which includes enough food tastings for a meal and private transportation in a climate-controlled van. This tour can accommodate your group of up to 14 people.

Heavy traffic can take away from the fun of driving the 11-mile (17.7 kilometer) Cades Cove loop. This guided bus tour offers a low-stress alternative to taking your own car, plus provides the benefit of guided commentary so you get more out of the trip than just a chance to admire mountain scenery.

Don’t miss the opportunity to take a private tour of Nashville & Music City in the company of a local singer/songwriter. During this excursion, you’ll see some of the city’s top landmarks and locations while getting a chance for scenery/group photo opps and a private performance from your guide. You’ll get to admire the Centennial Park/Parthenon, Bicentennial Park, Music Row, Broadway/Honky Tonk Row, 12th Avenue South, the Gulch, Bluebird Cafe, Marathon Village, and more sites and stories in between…while getting a behind-the-scenes insight into Nashville’s music scene, this is ideal for music buffs and music fans alike!

Save hours of research time with this Nashville tour that takes a deep dive into the city’s street art scene, its quirky neighborhoods, and some tasty food and drink, too. Put the map away and enjoy having a guide to show you their favorite parts of Nashville. Along the way, see colorful murals, and make a stop for mimosas and small bites.

The Ocoee River is one of the most popular destinations for whitewater rafting in Tennessee and flows through the heart of the Cherokee National Forest. On this tour, you’ll get a full day on the water, with full instruction and lunch included. Get your adrenaline pumping as you tackle Class III and IV rapids, admire the views as you cruise downstream, and raft down part of the ‘Olympic section’.

Experience the beauty of a Pigeon River rafting trip without the big thrills on this peaceful float down the river’s lower section. Not only is this kid-friendly tour a great option for families with kids aged three and older, but it’s also the perfect chance to relax and admire beautiful Blue Mountain scenery.

Discover Chattanooga from a fresh perspective with this private helicopter tour. After take-off, check out a bird’s eye view of the Tennessee River, the local aquarium, and Lookout Mountain that once hosted a Civil War battle. Maximize time with a private sightseeing flight and customize the itinerary according to your interests.

The Bicentennial Mall is one of Nashville’s premier tourist destinations. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll experience a performance of the Tennessee Carillon, stroll down the Walkway of Counties, visit the 200-feet wide map of the state, and learn about the State Capitol building. The tour ends with a trip down the Pathway of History, where you’ll learn how the state developed, hear about the sit-in protests during the Civil Rights era, and visit a World War II memorial. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history of Tennessee and Nashville. You’ll also get a sense of how the Bicentennial Mall is a representation of all things Tennessee, from its beauty to its people, and its music. After all, the park was designed to celebrate the state. This magnificent park, an extension of the State Capitol, is one of the most historical spots in Nashville and you can enjoy this tour of the park on location or virtually at home after downloading the VoiceMap app.

On this half-day you can make the most of limited time in Nashville, as a guide takes you to two state parks in just a few hours, with private transport included. Along the way, pass by four waterfalls and learn stories about the ancient history of the area. To help keep energy levels high, water, snacks, and a drink at the brewery are included.

Private roundtrip transportation from Nashville to Graceland, Memphis for up to 5 passengers in the Tesla Model X wrapped in soft leather with butterfly doors, a panoramic windshield and a Nashville Native as your driver. Up to 11 passengers in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Base price includes the transportation and the waiting time at each attraction Tickets are not included.

See Wears Valley from above on a scenic helicopter tour from Sevierville. Your pilot takes you over this gorgeous section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most popular nature destinations in Tennessee. Look for landmarks such as Cove Mountain, Waldens Creek, and the Bluff Mountain foothills, and hear in-flight commentary from your pilot via 2-way headsets. The helicopter covers about 36 miles (58km) of terrain on a flight that lasts about 18 minutes.

Music wasn’t invented in Memphis, but some of the best songs were written in these city streets. Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and plenty more iconic musicians rocked Memphis over the last century, and this walking tour is your private history lesson. Learn about W.C. Handy, Sam Phillips, and other artists who influenced the music industry. This private tour includes a full-day trolley pass and tickets to the Rock n’ Soul Museum.

Memphis’ music scene is legendary, and the city’s most famous musical icon has to be Elvis Presley. On this private walking tour, explore the city in the footsteps of Elvis, and visit sites such as his childhood home and the studio where he signed his first contract. After lunch (own expense) at a local diner, transfer by Uber with your guide to Graceland, and discover the star’s lavish mansion on a guided tour.

Taste your way around Nashville on this gastronomic adventure in 12 South neighborhood—a place that has been nicknamed the city’s “foodie neighborhood”. Exploring the city with a guide takes the guesswork out of deciding what to order and gives you access to great local tips. Along the way, try dishes such as a pulled pork sandwich, hot chicken, a yelp dog with chow chow, and smoked turkey with grits and banana pudding.