Memphis with Keenan Winery — 2027 Tennessee Music Cities Cruise
Music Cities River Cruise. A 10-night land tour and cruise, October 6th – 16th, 2027, with an optional post-cruise October 16th – 18th, 2027.
Our Keenan Tennessee Rivers cruise in October 2027 has room for plenty more shipmates. Join us! This trip is an adventure along the Mississippi, Ohio, and Cumberland rivers to explore the hospitality, music and rich history of the South. On Days 2 & 3 of our exclusive tour and before embarkation, we explore Memphis, famous for the influential strains of blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll that originated here. Some background information about these three days of our program:
Memphis
The city of Memphis, founded in 1819 on land previously inhabited by Chickasaw Indians, was named for the ancient Egyptian city (meaning "Place of Good Abode"). Memphis grew rapidly with the expansion of cotton growing in the South and because of its transportation facilities by railroad and river. The city was incorporated in 1826. A Confederate industrial, military, and naval center early in the American Civil War, Memphis was captured by a Union gunboat force on June 6, 1862, and remained occupied until the end of the war. Today, Memphis is known as the birthplace of blues and the launchpad for legends like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash.
The Peabody Hotel
Enjoy 3 nights at "South's Grand Hotel" The Peabody, while immersing yourself in the music, history, and cuisine of Memphis. The Peabody, a legendary landmark that has defined Southern hospitality since 1869, is known for its charm, elegance, and rich history. With a style and tradition befitting one of Memphis' grandest, most legendary hotels, The Peabody Memphis is a magnificent bridge between the celebrated past of "Blues City" and the city's cosmopolitan lifestyle today. Constructed in 1925, this 13-story, 464-room hotel is a reflection of the grand hotel architectural style of the Roaring '20s. The Peabody is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a member of the prestigious Historic Hotels of America group. The Peabody is also world-famous for its five resident Mallard ducks, who march daily through the lobby and into the fountain at 11am and 5pm.
Graceland
Graceland, the mansion that was Elvis Presley's home for 20 years and an essential part of the famous American singer's identity, is a major tourist attraction in Memphis today. Presley is buried at Graceland, as are several of his family members, including his parents, daughter, and grandson. Presley's music changed the face of the 20th century, and he has become one of the most popular and enduring figures in America's entertainment industry. The Colonial Revival-style mansion was purchased by Presley in 1957 for $102,000, including the white-columned mansion and 13.8 acres of surrounding land. Elvis moved in along with his parents, Vernon and Gladys Presley. In 1991, Graceland was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
This morning, we take a short pilgrimage to Graceland for a guided tour of this quintessential piece of American pop culture history. Enjoy the Elvis Presley's Memphis Museum, and a "Show 'n' Tell" tour through the archives with an archival expert as our guide. This immersive tour offers an intimate look into "The King's" personal life, from the famous Jungle Room to his extensive collection of gold records and iconic jumpsuits, followed by lunch at Vernon's Smokehouse.
Beale Street
Beale Street was created in 1841 by entrepreneur and developer Robertson Topp, who later named it for Edward Fitzgerald Beale, a military hero from the Mexican-American War. Its western end primarily housed shops of trade merchants who traded goods with ships along the Mississippi River. In the 1860s, many black traveling musicians began performing on Beale Street. The first of these to call Beale Street home were the Young Men's Brass Band, who were formed by Sam Thomas in 1867. In the early 1900s, Beale Street was filled with many clubs, restaurants and shops, many of them owned by African-Americans. Today, Beale Street is a legendary historic thoroughfare and the official "Home of the Blues". Stretching roughly 1.8 miles, the multi-block entertainment district pulses with neon lights, smoky BBQ joints, and nonstop live music from soul-stirring blues clubs.
On this day, we have a full day ahead that includes all the sights and fun of a Memphis MoJo Tour plus a guided tour of Sun Studio. See the homes where B.B. King and Elvis lived in their early years. Lunch and afternoon are at leisure. This evening we take a short stroll for our group dinner at Charlie Vergos' The Rendezvous Restaurant, a world-famous institution for Memphis BBQ!
Special activities and meals are included. This custom program is solely available through our tour operator, Expanding Horizons of Tustin, California.
Feel free to recommend this special holiday to all your friends and relations you believe will enjoy this kind of bucket list vacation; with all the "must do's" with great food and fine wine.
Join us! Michael & Jennifer Keenan
Early booking discount. Members of the Keenan Winery Group save $700 per couple ($350 per person). A deposit of $1,500 per person holds your space on the entire program. Book and deposit by 30 September 2026.
Itinerary, prices & registration Call Expanding Horizons — (714) 975-9941 Email Heather
The trip is operated by Expanding Horizons of Tustin, California, who handle booking and payment. Michael and Jennifer host.
