The King of Rock and Roll will be taking centre stage on the big screen this month with the release of the much anticipated and delayed 'Elvis' - Baz Luhrman's musical film about the star's life. Starring Austin Butler as Elvis and Tom Hanks as his manager and tipped to be one of the hits of the summer, the film is scheduled for release in the UK on 24th June. 

The film explores the legend's life and delves into the complicated relationship he had with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker (played by Tom Hanks) with his rise to fame set against the backdrop of a changing cultural landscape in America. 

If the soundtrack and storyline leave you wanting more, leading tailor-made tour operator Wexas Travel (020 7838 5892, wexas.com) has some fantastic itineraries travelling to the heart of Elvis's homeland.

All American Music Tour

A visit to Graceland is just one of the highlights to visit on Wexas Travel's All-American Music Tour.  This 13 day tailor made self-drive holiday starts in Nashville, the home of country music where an evening of live music in one of Broadway's honky tonk bars is a highlight. After two nights, travel on to Memphis – renowned as the birthplace of rock 'n' roll and home of the blues.  Explore the mansion at Graceland, Elvis's former 120-acre estate with its private gardens, gold records aplenty, classic cars and bejewelled jumpsuits as well as a selection of his customised jets!

Visit the Smithsonian 'Rock n Soul' Museum and examine the tools of the trade on a tour of the Gibson guitar factory.  This self-drive itinerary also includes nights in Mississippi's Greenwood – with the chance to visit the B.B King Museum; Natchez – the oldest permanent settlement on the Mississippi; Lafayette in Louisiana and two final nights in the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans staying in the heart of its iconic French Quarter.

Wexas Travel (020 7838 5892, wexas.com) offers this 13 day tailor made self-drive All American Music Tour from £1,980 per person including flights, UK airport lounge access, 7 days car hire and 11 nights accommodation on a room-only basis. 

Alabama Music Road Trip

Showcasing the best of America's musical heartland is this Alabama Music road trip itinerary from Wexas Travel.  Start off with 2 nights outside Alabama in the music-loving city of New Orleans, before crossing into Alabama at Gulf Shores, with its renowned beach bars including The Hangout and Flora-Bama as well as miles of powder white sand. Spend a night in the port city of Mobile, home to the first American Mardi Gras in 1703, before driving north to Montgomery, where Rosa Parks was arrested in 1955.

A visit to Birmingham, Alabama's biggest city, offers a great selection of jazz and dance clubs to sample before a drive to Huntsville, with opportunities for hiking or biking in the Appalachian foothills as well as the world's largest space attraction, the US Space and Rocket Centre.  The music theme continues in Muscle Shoals, home to the FAME Studios where artists including Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge and the Rolling stones recoded some of their hits.  Finish this musical road trip with a visit to Tupelo where Elvis was born and Memphis where Graceland is an absolute must for fans of the King of Rock and Roll.

Wexas Travel (020 7838 5892, wexas.com ) offers this 14 day Alabama Music self-drive from £2,410 per person including flights, UK airport lounge access, 11 days car hire and 12 nights accommodation on a room only basis.

About Wexas: Wexas Travel is a luxury worldwide tour operator offering tailor made holidays with itineraries created by specialist experts who put customers at the heart of everything they do.