Top Tennessee Historical Tours

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Experience Memphis on this all-inclusive tour! Visit Beale Street, the Lorraine Motel, and the Mississippi River. Enjoy a BBQ tasting and explore iconic sites like the Rock 'n' Soul Museum or Edge Motor Museum. Discover the history behind the city’s landmarks and immerse yourself in Memphis’ unique culture.

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.

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.

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.

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.

See the sights and sounds of Nashville on this guided sightseeing tour around Music City. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure, then enjoy the ride. Get an educational and entertaining live narrative from the experienced guide while rolling past famous landmark locations like the historic Ryman Auditorium, Music Row, the Tennessee State Capitol, and more. Admission is included to Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Explore the heart of Memphis on this self-guided driving tour through music history. You’ll drive from Downtown Memphis to Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate, tuning into essential stories of blues, soul, and rock and roll. See the iconic Sun Studio, where legends like Elvis and Johnny Cash are recorded, stop by the Stax Museum of Soul, and even visit Aretha Franklin’s birthplace! And, of course, revisit the wild true story of Elvis Presley’s rise and fall. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

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.

Explore the darker side of Memphis history. A twilight exploration of Memphis' murderous, scandalous, fascinating past, complete with serial killers, mobsters, vengeful lovers, and compelling unsolved cases. A knowledgeable local guide will take you to the scene of some of the city's most notorious crimes. Along the way you'll learn about: -A serial killer's summer of terror -Beale Street's deadliest saloon -Georgia Tann, notorious baby thief -Memphis' coldest case -Alma Theede, the "Black Widow" of Vance Avenue -the largest jail break in Shelby County history -and more! We'll even make a special stop for custom, to-die-for cocktails at the stylish Moxy Hotel (mocktails, soda, and water also available).

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 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.