Wonders of Kentucky & Tennessee - 13 day Self Drive with flights

Upon arrival in Covington, settle into your accommodation for a three-night stay. Spend your first day on the South banks of the Ohio River and the region of Northern Kentucky exploring the historic streets of Covington. Visit landmarks like MainStrasse Village and Wallace Woods, as well as the downtown commercial district which is home to a large concentration of historic buildings.

Over the following days, immerse yourself in the local culture, perhaps indulging in a visit to the Newport Aquarium or enjoying a leisurely stroll through Devou Park. We recommend you take a stroll across the Roebling Suspension Bridge (a prototype of the Brooklyn Bridge) spanning the Ohio River and take in the Cincinnati River Front with its parks, baseball and American football stadiums, plus neighbouring entertainment and dining districts.

Discover the B-Line, an experience centred around five Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® Distilleries: New Riff Distilling, Neeley Family Distillery, Second Sight Spirits, Boone County Distilling Co., and The Old Pogue Distillery. Add seven bourbon-centric bars and six amazing restaurants cultivating the freshest tastes in bourbon culinary delights: you're on The B-Line

Leaving Covington behind, your journey southward leads you to the vibrant city of Louisville, deeply ingrained in the fabric of American culture. Renowned for its illustrious Kentucky Derby held annually at Churchill Downs every May, Louisville captivates visitors with its cosmopolitan atmosphere and diverse offerings. For an immersive experience, visit the adjacent Kentucky Derby Museum, where interactive exhibits and a captivating audio-visual display encapsulate the electric ambiance of Derby Day.

Downtown Louisville itself unfolds gracefully along Main Street before descending abruptly towards the majestic Ohio River, where the historic Belle of Louisville sets sail on scenic cruises. Make sure to carve out time to visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, a testament to the city's storied baseball history, and indulge in a tasting adventure along the Urban Bourbon Trail, meandering through Whiskey Row and beyond. We also recommend a visit to the Muhammad Ali Centre.

Today's journey presents a medley of captivating destinations, beginning with Bardstown, hailed as America's most enchanting small town, and the esteemed Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Centre. Traverse the picturesque Bluegrass Parkway, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the countryside, before arriving at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site in Hodgenville, where you can delve into the early life of the revered president. Continuing southward on I-65 towards Bowling Green, you'll find yourself amidst the heart of Kentucky's Cave Country, renowned for its "karst" topography, which harbours numerous ancient caverns and picturesque rolling hills.

The highlight of the day lies within Mammoth Cave National Park, boasting over 400 miles of labyrinth passages and domed caverns adorned with unique geological formations sculpted by acidic water seeping through limestone. 

In Bowling Green, prepare for a unique blend of cave exploration and automotive marvels, epitomised by the renowned Corvette experience. Beyond its singular attractions, this cosmopolitan university town boasts a vibrant cultural scene, eclectic shopping opportunities, and delectable dining options.

Before bidding farewell to Bowling Green, delve into the legacy of the Corvette, hailed as "America's true sports car," and uncover the creative spirit that earned a small Kentucky river town UNESCO Creative City status—one of only seven in the world.

Since 1981, General Motors has proudly manufactured the Corvette at the Bowling Green assembly plant, maintaining its exclusive production for over three decades. Embark on a guided tour of the factory to witness the seamless fusion of human ingenuity and precision engineering, resulting in the creation of 137 custom-ordered cars per day. Adjacent to the factory lies the National Corvette Museum, showcasing a diverse collection of over 70 Corvettes. 

Paducah, a beacon of creativity, beckons with its designation as the 7th City of Crafts and Folk Art in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Situated at the confluence of America's inland waterways—the Ohio and Tennessee rivers—Paducah's history and culture are deeply intertwined with its maritime legacy. The River Discovery Centre offers an immersive journey through the region's heritage highways, from the era of its earliest inhabitants to the bustling modern-day river life of the city.

Today's itinerary promises a captivating blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty. Begin your day by delving into the world of quilting at the esteemed National Quilt Museum, located in Paducah.

Continuing your journey southward towards Memphis, make a poignant stop in Henning at the Alex Haley Museum & Interpretive Centre. Here, you'll immerse yourself in the legacy of Alex Haley, whose seminal work "Roots: The Saga of An American Family" captivated audiences worldwide.

Memphis is a legendary city that never fails to captivate visitors. Its rich history blends seamlessly with its vibrant energy and contemporary allure, drawing travellers from across the globe. Explore iconic landmarks like Sun Studio, where musical legends were made, and immerse yourself in the soulful rhythms of American music at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the Smithsonian’s Rock ’n’ Soul Museum, and the innovative Edge Motor Museum. Delve into African-American history at the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum and pay homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel.

Of course, a visit to Memphis wouldn't be complete without experiencing Graceland, Elvis Presley's beloved home, and Beale Street which pulsates with live blues music and offers a lively nightlife scene at iconic venues like BB King’s, Rum Boogie Café, and Jerry Lee Lewis’ Café & Honky Tonk. 

Departing from Memphis, your journey eastward through the picturesque cotton fields leads you to Nashville, with a stopover at the Casey Jones Village in Jackson to savour Southern delicacies at The Old Country Store. In Brownsville, immerse yourself in music history at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Centre, where you can explore the Flagg Grove School, once attended by a young Tina Turner, and discover the legacy of cotton production at the adjacent Cotton Museum.

Arriving in Nashville, renowned for its country music roots, you'll find a vibrant city boasting a diverse musical landscape, including rock, Americana, bluegrass, blues, and gospel. Experience the city's creative spirit through its evolving arts, fashion, and culinary scene, alongside its legendary music culture. Spend an evening at The Bluebird Cafe, where songwriters showcase original material in an intimate setting, or catch a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry, featuring country music stars and rising talents.

Tour the Johnny Cash Museum and immerse yourself in the life of the legendary musician, or visit the historic Ryman Auditorium, revered as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” where music icons have graced the stage for decades. Explore RCA Studio B, Nashville's legendary recording studio, where hits by artists like Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton were born.

Complete your Nashville experience with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, the world’s largest museum dedicated to music, where you can journey through the history of country music and discover treasured artifacts from your favourite artists. From music legends to cultural landmarks, Nashville offers a truly unforgettable American experience.

Today marks the end of your Wonders of Kentucky & Tennessee Self Drive adventure. Relax for the morning and then return your car at the airport before checking in for your departure flight.