Earlier this year I joined Globus’ seven-day guided tour, Music Cities: Nashville & Memphis, and it became one of the most memorable journeys I have ever experienced.
What I expected to be a music-focused sightseeing trip turned into something far richer – full of history, emotion, unexpected moments and a genuine sense of connection to the places I visited.
The tour began under the guidance of Hilary, our Globus Tour Director, and from that point everything ran beautifully.
Nashville quickly exceeded my expectations. Centennial Park, Music Row and the Country Music Hall of Fame offered a vivid introduction to the city’s musical roots and the Hall of Fame in particular was far more expansive than I had imagined.
One of the standout experiences made possible through this tour was attending the Grand Ole Opry.
As someone who has long loved country music, sitting in that legendary venue felt almost surreal. It was a true bucket-list moment, made even more special when Garth Brooks appeared on stage – an unexpected highlight I will never forget, even though he did not perform.
RCA Studio B and the Ryman Auditorium were equally memorable in different ways. Studio B felt like stepping into music history, while the Ryman carried a living sense of legacy, balancing the weight of the past with the energy of the present.
Evenings in Nashville were unforgettable. The Honky Tonk district was overflowing with energy, with live music spilling from every doorway.
It was loud, vibrant and unlike anything I had experienced in Australia; in Nashville, music feels woven into daily life.
Travelling from Nashville to Memphis brought a slower rhythm, with stops that offered a glimpse into small town Tennessee life beyond its famous music landmarks.
Memphis itself brought a deeper emotional tone. The visit to the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel was confronting and powerful.
Standing in a place so closely tied to such a significant and tragic moment in history was sobering and the museum experience left a lasting impression.
From there, the tour returned to music history in its purest form.
Sun Studio was a personal highlight as a musician. We could plan our day our way with a Globus Choice excursion.
I chose the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum, which tied together the story of blues, soul and rock ’n’ roll in a meaningful way. Learning how these genres evolved from hardship to expression gave real depth to everything we had seen.
There were lighter Memphis moments too, including the quirky and entertaining Peabody Hotel Duck March. And of course, no visit would be complete without Graceland (main image).
Touring Elvis Presley’s mansion, with its famous Jungle Room, costumes, cars and private jet, felt overwhelming in scale. The Meditation Garden, where Elvis and members of his family are laid to rest, was especially moving and reflective.
A major part of what made the tour special was the people. Hilary, our guide, was outstanding. She was knowledgeable, attentive and genuinely passionate about what she does.
Deb, our driver, was equally wonderful, always friendly and welcoming. The group itself added so much warmth and enjoyment to the experience – I feel so lucky to have shared the journey with them.
In the end, this Globus tour was far more than a sightseeing itinerary. It was a journey through music, history and culture, filled with moments that will stay with me for a long time.
It exceeded my expectations and is something I would happily recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in music or simply a desire to experience something truly special.
