Overview
Immerse your students in the rich musical legacy of Nashville and Memphis! Your class will visit world-renowned venues including the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium, discover the impressive collection of the Memphis Rock ‘n Soul Museum, and explore Elvis’ Graceland. Your students can also look forward to visiting the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, embarking on an immersive walking tour of Beale Street, and seeing the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Nashville, TN
Lunch
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage visit
Tour the home and grounds of the 7th U.S. president, Andrew Jackson, sprawling over 1,100 acres and including the original log home, garden, and slave cabins. With over 80% of the original artifacts in his mansion, you'll get a strong sense of what life was like here.
Dinner
Nashville Course Leader-Led city tour
Enjoy a guided tour of Music City’s landmarks, including historic downtown, the State Capitol, the Parthenon, and Music Row.
Day 2
Breakfast
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum visit
Take a deep dive into the history and cultural impact of country music from its origins to modern-day artists at this museum nicknamed the "Smithsonian of country music." Admire Elvis Presley’s gold piano and Taylor Swift’s glittery guitars, while discovering how this music evolved over the years.
Walk of Fame Park visit
Visit some of the music industry's greatest stars when you stroll through this park paved with inlaid stars that are engraved with the biggest names in music. You'll find many with Nashville ties, from Johnny Cash to Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire to the Kings of Leon, to name a few.
Lunch
Ryman Auditorium visit
Stand on country music's most iconic stage, where Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton have performed, or sit in the original, wooden pews and imagine the legends belting out their classics. You'll tour the venue, marveling at the large collection of memorabilia from legendary artists.
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
View Nashville from above as you stroll this historic 3,150-foot bridge, built in 1909. Once one of the longest concrete arch bridges, it now only allows foot traffic. It's the perfect spot to capture unobstructed views of downtown Nashville.
Dinner
Grand Ole Opry tour
Get a behind-the-scenes look into the sights, sounds, and stories of the country music legends. You'll learn about legends like Minnie Pearl, visit fourteen, themed dressing rooms, explore the historic memorabilia, and step onto the iconic wooden circular stage where the musical magic takes shape.
Grand Ole Opry show
Sit up and enjoy this fast-paced live radio show which has been airing continuously since 1925. In this entertainment-filled, museum-like venue, you'll experience the roots and evolution of country music as you watch an eclectic mix of country legends and rising stars take to this iconic stage.
Day 3
Breakfast and hotel check-out
Travel to Memphis, TN
Lunch
National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel visit
Trace the history of the Civil Rights Movement from the 1600s to present day through immersive galleries, artifacts, and compelling narratives. Explore the Lorraine Motel to learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy and reflect on the ongoing fight for social justice worldwide.
Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum visit
Explore interactive exhibits highlighting the history and cultural impact of Memphis’ music scene and local artists. Discover rare recordings, unique artifacts, instruments, and stories of legendary performers like B.B. King, Otis Redding, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley.
Dinner
Beale Street walking tour
Discover this world-famous street, known as a celebrated hub for African American culture, the blues, and civil rights activism. Walk in the footsteps of legends like Elvis and B.B. King as you explore iconic landmarks and learn about the street’s influence on music worldwide.
Day 4
Breakfast and hotel check-out
Graceland visit
Step inside the private retreat of the King of Rock 'n' Roll, where Elvis and his family lived and made memories. Tour Graceland Mansion, explore his legacy at the Memphis Entertainment Complex, and step aboard his custom jets to see how he traveled in style.
Stax Museum of American Soul visit
Experience the vibrant history of soul music and legendary artists like Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes. Step inside a replica of the famous studio, dance on the Soul Train floor, and explore rare artifacts that showcase the music, culture, and lasting impact of this iconic genre.
Lunch
Depart for home
Dinner
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
WorldStrides Course Leader - a dynamic destination expert who brings learning to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Field Research Guide (Discovery Journal)
Scenes from Nashville and Memphis
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.