London, 18 July 2017 – 2017 is shaping up to be a big year for Rock 'n' Roll fans, with a number of anniversaries taking place throughout America's Deep South that honour those who changed the face of popular music forever.

16 August marks 40 years since the passing of Elvis Presley. November sees 60 years since Nashville's RCA Studio B opened, the recording home for “The King” himself, and other musical heavyweights. Nashville's Ryman Auditorium (125 years since opening) and the Country Music Hall of Fame (50 years since opening) both celebrate landmark birthdays this year too. With such a rich musical heritage, America's Deep South is a hub for travellers who want to walk in the footsteps of their musical idols, experience the vibrant culture and get a warm “Southern welcome”.

To celebrate Elvis Week (11-19 August) in this 40th anniversary year, The Travel Corporation (TTC) recommends a selection of its finest musically-inspired trips through the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll.  

1. Take a private tour of Graceland with Elvis' best friend – exclusive to Luxury Gold

Luxury Gold, the leader in luxury escorted journeys, has launched a new VIP experience in 2017 which includes a private visit to Graceland hosted by George Klein, one of Elvis' oldest and dearest friends. The two met in the 8th grade, Elvis was the best man at George's wedding in 1970, and they were friends until Elvis' death in 1977. Luxury Gold's guests will enjoy an after-hours tour of Graceland with George Klein where he will regale stories of the pair's friendship, followed by a private southern buffet featuring some of Elvis' favourite dishes, served amongst his fabulous car collection. 

Luxury Gold's (www.luxurygoldvacations.com / 0808 301 2503) nine day Southern Grace itinerary visits Nashville, Memphis, Natchez and New Orleans and is priced from £3,450 per person. Price includes return flights from London, eight nights of luxury hotel accommodation, daily breakfasts and five additional signature dining experiences, sightseeing, luxury coach transportation, VIP arrival and departure transfers and a dedicated Tour Director.

2. Sample the Tastes and Sounds of the South with Trafalgar

Travel from Nashville to Memphis and The Big Easy on this ten day adventure into the tastes and sounds of the Deep South. Arrive in Nashville and explore the beating heart of America's Music City with trips to RCA's Studio B, Country Music Hall of Fame and the chance to see either the Johnny Cash Museum or the Ryman Auditorium. A Graceland excursion whisks guests southward to Mississippi and Louisiana. A unique Be My Guest experience will see guests dining on a traditional Deep South dinner with a former Four Seasons chef; and there's are traditional Creole delicacies to try at the New Orleans School of Cooking.

Trafalgar's (www.trafalgar.com/uk) or call 0800 533 5619) 10 day Tastes and Sounds of the South trip starts from £2,245 per person and includes daily breakfasts, selected dining experiences, nine nights of accommodation, on-trip transportation and the services of a dedicated Trip Manager.

3. Contiki's Millennial musical adventure

Stopping off in Austin, New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville and Atlanta, to name but a few, travellers with Contiki (the specialist in travel for 18-35 year olds) will have the chance to immerse themselves in the musical heritage of the Deep South. The trip includes a visit to The King's Graceland residence, a stroll down Beale Street, “the home of Blues”, and a traditional southern meal with music as a side dish. No visit to the South would be complete without an ample helping of signature dishes and treats, so travellers are encouraged to explore with their stomachs as much as their ears!

Contiki's (www.contiki.com/uk / 0808 281 1120) 12 day Boot, Scoot 'n' Blues trip starts from £1,454 per person with 11 nights of accommodation, daily breakfasts, selected meals, all on-trip transportation, and select sightseeing experiences included.

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ABOUT TTC:

Operating in 60 countries, TTC (The Travel Corporation) offers an extensive selection of award-winning international travel and tourism companies including Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Contiki Holidays, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, and more. TTC is committed to sustainable tourism through the TreadRight Foundation which has to date donated more than two million dollars to sustainable tourism projects worldwide. To see to full scope of TTC brands please visit www.ttc.com.  

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Chloe Davison | PR Manager | 020 7201 3506 | chloe.davison@ttc.com

Annalise Bertram | PR & Digital Media Executive | 020 7958 7737 | annalise.bertram@ttc.com

Victoria Riglen | PR Assistant | 020 7958 7737 | victoria.riglen@ttc.com