9 days in Memphis, Nashville & Knoxville Itinerary

The largest city on the Mississippi River, Memphis bills itself as both the "Birthplace of Rock" and "Home of the Blues." With such a rich musical heritage, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Elvis Presley chose to live in Memphis during his later years.

Change things up with a short trip to Horseshoe Tunica in Tunica (about 46 minutes away). There's lots more to do: admire nature's wide array of creatures at Memphis Zoo, try to win big at Southland Park Gaming and Racing, get engrossed in the history at Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, and pause for some photo ops at Statue of Elvis.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, read our Memphis trip itinerary planner .

Miami to Memphis is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Central Standard Time (CST) is minus 1 hour. Traveling from Miami in December, expect Memphis to be much colder, temps between 55°F and 38°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 31st (Tue) to allow enough time to travel to Memphis.

Start off your visit on the 31st (Tue): stop by Dinstuhl's Fine Candy Company, Inc. and then test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms. On your second day here, make a trip to Graceland, steep yourself in history at Sun Studio, then steep yourself in history at The Peabody Ducks, and finally make a trip to Beale Street.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Memphis road trip tool .

Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Nashville.

Known as the capital of country music, the thriving city of Nashville combines old-world southern charm with a progressive urban flair.

On the 3rd (Fri), see the interesting displays at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, then stop by Carter Vintage Guitars, then have some family-friendly fun at The Escape Game Nashville (Berry Hill), and finally see a show at Grand Ole Opry. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in nature's colorful creations at Gaylord Opryland Resort Gardens, take a stroll through Downtown Nashville, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Downtown Presbyterian Church.

For where to stay, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Nashville online holiday planner .

Drive from Memphis to Nashville in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or fly. Expect a daytime high around 48°F in January, and nighttime lows around 29°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 4th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Knoxville.

A gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Knoxville embraces music culture.

On the 5th (Sun), don't miss a visit to Market Square, don't miss a visit to Strong Alley (Graffiti Alley), then look for gifts at Mast General Store, then look for all kinds of wild species at Ijams Nature Center, and finally test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms. On the next day, get to know the resident critters at Zoo Knoxville, take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. John's Cathedral, and then stroll around World's Fair Park.

Quickly create a custom-made itinerary for Knoxville using our trip planner.

Getting from Nashville to Knoxville by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a bus; or fly. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Nashville to Knoxville. January in Knoxville sees daily highs of 47°F and lows of 29°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Mon) so you can travel back home.