Top 15 Unforgettable Nashville Tours You Can’t Miss

Nashville is a captivating destination, recognized as the core of country music in the United States. The city also presents a variety of culinary experiences, nearby historical attractions, and the renowned warmth of Southern hospitality.

A highly effective way to explore the diverse facets of Nashville is through guided tours. Numerous exceptional tours are available, each with unique themes—from music and history to gastronomy and art—enhancing your comprehension of the city’s culture.

Here are the 15 most outstanding tours you can embark on from Nashville.

1. Homes of the Stars Tour

Often referred to as the Hollywood of country music, Nashville is home to numerous renowned musicians. This tour provides insights into their lives and offers a glimpse of their residences.

During this three and a half hour adventure, you will observe the homes of artists like Taylor Swift, Kid Rock, and Dolly Parton, while learning about the historical context of music in the city.

You will also admire the exquisite architecture in some of Nashville’s most affluent neighborhoods and immerse yourself in the city’s cultural heritage. It has even been reported that some stars have participated in the tour in the past.

2. Nashville Hop-on Hop-off Trolley

Hop-on-hop-off buses provide an excellent opportunity to explore new cities, and this tour is conducted in a Southern-style trolley bus. It features 15 designated stops throughout the city, offering a convenient means to navigate and discover the most renowned locations.

Distinct from other hop-on-hop-off tours, this experience includes a live guide, adding a personal touch to your journey.

The pass remains valid for one day, and a complimentary map is provided to aid in route planning.

3. Fully Narrated Half Day City Tour

For a more structured experience, this tour proves to be an excellent choice; it offers a fully narrated exploration of the city with stops at prominent sites.

Participants are granted complimentary access to the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, as well as the Ryman Auditorium. This three and a half hour tour is ideal for those seeking a quick overview of the city or visiting on a brief layover.

The local guide will share insights into Nashville’s historical and cultural significance, with transportation between locations included.

4. Grand Ole Opry Behind The Scenes Tour

The Grand Ole Opry is a landmark in Nashville, where many of the city’s most illustrious residents have performed.

This venue hosts the longest-running live radio show in the United States. This tour grants you access to behind-the-scenes insights into the show and educates you on its historical significance as well as Nashville’s musical legacy.

Additionally, you will gain entrance to the Gaylord Opryland Resort, which boasts over six acres of stunning grounds. Within the resort, you can enjoy the Delta Riverboat cruise that departs from the area.

5. Grand Ole Opry Live Country Music Tickets

If your goal is to experience the live Grand Ole Opry show without the behind-the-scenes tour, this option ensures you secure tickets for your Nashville visit.

You will witness outstanding performances in country music—both contemporary and classic—and engage with the audience in the well-known radio show. If timed correctly, you might be lucky to see true country music legends performing, alongside future stars of the genre.

This package encompasses tickets to the show as well as transportation from a central Nashville hotel.

6. Nashville Nights and Lights

Embark on a nighttime exploration of Nashville with this captivating tour that showcases the illuminated splendor of the central city.

This five-hour experience highlights the city’s most prominent landmarks under the night sky and provides insight into the local history and culture. Additionally, you will savor a typical Nashville dinner featuring Bar-B-Que, offering a delightful taste of Southern cuisine.

The tour concludes with a Honky Tonk celebration, encouraging you to partake in the lively dancing and joyful atmosphere.

7. General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise

Flowing through Nashville, the Cumberland River provides a picturesque setting for this slow-paced cruise, allowing you to enjoy the shimmering lights of the city and admire key riverside attractions.

Onboard, a full dinner is served in a dinner theatre format, complemented by live performances.

This experience takes place on a traditional paddle boat, allowing you to connect with a piece of Nashville’s history. The performance features the best of Southern music, ranging from Bluegrass to gospel. A lunch alternative is also available.

8. Nashville: Experience the City Behind the Hit TV Drama

The television series ‘Nashville’ has engaged viewers nationwide, and this tour guides you through all of the prominent filming locations featured on the show.

Your local guide, an expert on the series, will explain the significant spots, helping you immerse yourself in the city’s culture. Enjoy a coffee at the Bluebird Café and visit the Two Old Hippies store.

This tour also includes access to the Ryman Auditorium, where you may partake in a self-paced tour after the excitement of the Nashville TV experience.

9. Historic Tennessee Sightseeing Tour

Explore the vibrant history of Tennessee with this tour departing from Nashville, showcasing the state’s most beautiful architecture while revealing the stories behind the structures.

This journey will encompass narratives involving music, the civil war, and the cultural evolution within Tennessee.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to visit an operating horse farm and sample locally produced wines. This ticket includes entry into the Hermitage and Belle Meade Mansion.

10. Amazing Nashville Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Experience a self-guided exploration of the city while engaging in an exhilarating scavenger hunt.

Accessible on most smartphones, this adventure allows you to progress at your preferred pace while uncovering significant historical and cultural monuments. The scavenger hunt adds a thrilling element of accomplishment to your exploration.

Completion will take approximately two to three hours and can be undertaken individually or collaboratively.

11. Nashville Trolley Hop-on Hop-off Tour

This is yet another excellent hop-on-hop-off tour in Nashville, utilizing a traditional Southern trolley bus. A live guide accompanies you to elucidate all the notable sites within the city.

Although the tour encompasses only seven stops, the commentary is comprehensive, and many other sites are within convenient walking distance from the route. Your ticket is valid for 24 hours from your initial bus ride, and the complete circuit takes about an hour without any disembarkation.

This option is ideal for those with limited time desiring a brief overview of the city’s highlights.

12. Civil War History Tour – the Battle of Franklin, Tennessee

This tour takes you to Franklin, Tennessee, where you can explore several key sights with a focus on the Civil War history of the region.

Discover the story of the Battle of Franklin, recognized as one of the most devastating conflicts during the American Civil War. You will observe the remaining bullet holes dispersed throughout the town and learn how this battle continues to influence modern culture within the state.

This tour includes pickup and drop-off services from your hotel in Nashville, along with admission to three significant historical locations in Franklin.

13. Private 45-Minute Downtown Nashville Horse and Carriage Ride

Experience a tailored tour of downtown Nashville with elegance through this horse and carriage ride.

The short excursion can be customized to meet your preferences, and a highly informed local guide will share insights regarding the city’s history and culture.

This option is particularly suitable for individuals with limited time wanting a traditional encounter with the American South. You will be provided your own private carriage; this experience is especially popular among couples.

14. Nashville to Jack Daniel’s Distillery Bus Tour

Immerse yourself in the heart of Tennessee bourbon through this excursion from Nashville to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery.

You will have the chance to explore the entire production process—from maturation to distillation. Additionally, you may sample various upcoming flavors from the Jack Daniel’s collection and delve into the history of whiskey production in the United States.

Time will also be allotted to explore the nearby town of Lynchburg, experiencing the local Tennessee culture before returning to Nashville.

15. Memphis Day Trip with VIP Access to Graceland

No music enthusiast should overlook a visit to Memphis during their stay in Nashville. Home to Elvis Presley, this tour provides exclusive access to his Graceland mansion.

Discover the profound cultural connections between Nashville and Memphis while hearing captivating stories about Elvis and his lifestyle.

This extensive 15-hour tour provides an in-depth exploration of one of the most significant influences in American music history. A visit to Sun Studios is also included for a more comprehensive understanding of music production.