Jim Porter has been the President of The Elvis Presley Fan Club of Australasia for 30 years. He is well respected in the Elvis world and is friends with many people that played a part in Elvis’ life and career. He has been interviewed by numerous newspapers, travel magazines, and radio stations, and appeared on television shows, both nationally and internationally, talking about his love and knowledge of Elvis. Jim has been leading Elvis tours to the USA, Mexico and Hawaii since 1988, having frst visited Graceland and the USA in 1984. Having a vast knowledge of both Elvis and the USA and local sites and cuisines and believing in the personal touch, Jim is able to suggest places of interest and restaurants that meet your tastes, budget and needs. He looks forward to meeting you and sharing an incredible tour of Elvis’ life and music as we tour America.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Wednesday October 1, 2025
Chicago
Today we depart on our flight to Chicago. Due to
the International Date Line, we arrive on the day
we depart. We are transferred to our hotel from
the airport.
DAY 2 Thursday October 2, 2025
Chicago
Morning: Sightseeing coach tour of Chicago, with
local guide. Travel along the Magnificent Mile –
part of Michigan Avenue where exclusive shops
line the wide boulevard. Also see the impressive Fourth Presbyterian Church, built in Gothic Revival style, and the John Hancock Centre (100
stories high). In the afternoon we will enjoy a tour
of Chess Records (currently Willie Dixon’s Blues
Heaven Foundation), which played a major role
in shaping rock ‘n’ roll. The Rolling Stones, Chuck
Berry, and Bo Diddley recorded here. Evening:
Enjoy a welcome included group dinner at a local
restaurant. Later, we head over to Buddy Guy’s
Legends blues club and a sensational night of
blues music (optional). (B,D)
DAY 3 Friday October 3, 2025
Detroit
This morning we will travel from Chicago to
Detroit by coach. In the afternoon we will go on a
sightseeing tour of Detroit. The tour will include
highlights such as the iconic Detroit Institute of
Arts, the historic Fox Theatre, and the bustling
Eastern Market with its colourful murals and
unique shops. Strolling through the revitalized
downtown area will reveal a dynamic blend of historic landmarks, cutting-edge street art,
and lively cafes, all set against the backdrop of
Detroit’s iconic skyline and the Detroit River. In
the evening, enjoy optional live music at a local
jazz or R&B club. (B)
DAY 4 Saturday October 4, 2025
Detroit
Today we will go on a guided tour of the Motown
Museum, Hitsville U.S.A., the birthplace of
Motown Records, where you’ll see Studio A and
where artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye,
and The Supremes recorded their hits. Then, we
will visit the Detroit Historical Museum for an in
depth look at the city’s role in shaping American
music and culture. After lunch, we will then visit
the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
to see classic cars that inspired rock ‘n’ roll
songs and fuelled American pop culture. In the
evening, enjoy optional live music at a local Jazz
or R&B club. (B)
DAY 5 Sunday October 5, 2025
Cincinnati
Today we travel to Cinncinnati, a vibrant city along
the Ohio River, known for its historic architecture,
rich arts scene, and diverse culinary offerings.
We will enjoy a short sightseeing tour on arrival
including a visit to the American Sign Museum
featuring neon signs and advertising displays
from the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll. (B)
DAY 6 Monday October 6, 2025
Nashville
Today we travel to Nashville, the home of country
Today we travel to Nashville, the home of country
music. On arrival we will have a sightseeing coach
tour of Nashville, with local guide, including the downtown area, Music Row area (recording and
publishing companies), and exclusive residential
area (see homes of the rich and famous). This
evening why not take in some fabulous live music
in Nashville’s main entertainment precinct (around
‘Broadway’ and ‘2nd Avenue’). There are lots of
great ‘honky tonks’ (live music bars) in this area,
including the legendary Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge
(optional). (B)
DAY 7 Tuesday October 7, 2025
Nashville
This morning, we visit the outstanding Country
Music Hall of Fame & Museum where we will see
Elvis’s HOF plaque and his “solid gold” Cadillac.
We then visit the RCA Studio B. Perhaps America’s
best known music studio and where Elvis
recorded roughly half the songs from his career.
During the tour, make sure you get your photo
taken sitting at the 1942 Steinway Piano that Elvis
played all those years. This afternoon we visit the
beautiful and historic Ryman Auditorium (Grand
Ole Opry venue 1943-1974), for a fascinating tour.
Elvis preformed here once on October 2, 1954.
This evening, we will attend Nashville’s famous
Grand Ole Opry show, featuring a host of country
music’s biggest stars. (B)
DAY 8 Wednesday October 8, 2025
Nashville
This morning, we will visit the Patsy Cline Museum,
which celebrates the life and legacy of the iconic
country singer, showcasing personal artifacts, costumes, and memorabilia that provide a glimpse
into her groundbreaking career and enduring
influence on music. After lunch we will visit the
Johnny Cash Museum, which offers an intimate
and comprehensive look at the life, music, and
legacy of the iconic “Man in Black.”. This evening
you may like to visit a Honky Tonk and make the
most of the spectacular live music. (B)
DAY 9 Thursday October 9, 2025
Memphis
This morning we will travel from Nashville to
Memphis by coach. In the afternoon we will
have an overview tour of the city of Memphis.
We will see famous Beale St, which is the main
entertainment district of Memphis, the Mississippi
Port which has been revitalized in recent years,
and more. We then have a guided tour of Sun
Studio (famous 1950s recording studio, where
Elvis, Johnny Cash, and others recorded). This
evening, we have dinner at an excellent Memphis
restaurant, followed by further exploration of the
live music venues in Beale St. (B,D)
DAY 10 Friday October 10, 2025
Memphis
Today, in one of the highlights of the tour we visit
Graceland, Elvis Presley’s famous mansion. Our
Elvis Entourage VIP Tour tickets allow admission
to all the main attractions at Graceland, including
the mansion, grave site, Automobile Museum,
Elvis’s custom airplanes museum and Elvis The
Entertainer Career Museum, etc. We will also see
an exclusive exhibit for VIPs only. There will be
time for lunch in one of the cafes or restaurants
at Graceland. In the afternoon we will return to
the hotel. (B)
DAY 11 Saturday October 11, 2025
Memphis
This morning we first visit the outstanding Stax
Museum of American Soul Music. The afternoon is
then free to explore Memphis. You could visit the
Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum or the excellent
National Civil Rights Museum (the motel – now
a museum, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was
assassinated). (B)
DAY 12 Sunday October 12, 2025
Tupelo
This morning, we will visit Lauderdale Courts,
Humes High School, Overton Park Shell, and
Audubon Drive, which were key landmarks in
Elvis Presley’s rise to fame. From living in public
housing and performing his first major show to
attending school and later moving to a home
that symbolised his success, these places tell
the story of his early years in Memphis. We
depart Memphis, on the way visiting Jerry Lee
Lewis Ranch, which offers a glimpse into the life
and legacy of the legendary rock ‘n’ roll pioneer,
showcasing his personal memorabilia and
historic home. In the afternoon we arrive in the
town of Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis Presley in
northern Mississippi. (B)
DAY 13 Monday October 13, 2025
Tupelo
This morning, we first visit the Elvis birthplace
and museum. It was in the two-bedroom house
constructed by his father, grandfather and uncle
that Elvis Presley was born on January 8, 1935.
We then see the Elvis Museum that details his
life and the original Assembly of God church that
Elvis attended which has now been relocated to
the museum site. It was here that Elvis was first
exposed to the rich Southern gospel that became
a staple of his musical repertoire. We then see
the Elvis homecoming statue and the Tupelo
Hardware store where Elvis’s first guitar was
purchased for him. (B)
DAY 14 Tuesday October 14, 2025
New Orleans
Today we will travel from Tupelo to New Orleans.
On the way, visit the excellent Jimmie Rodgers
Museum, in Meridian, Mississippi. Jimmie Rodgers
(1897-1933), known as The Singing Brakeman, was
one of the first superstars of American country music. Next to the museum see the beautiful
Dentzel Carousel, manufactured in 1896 for the
1904 St. Louis Exposition. (B)
DAY 15 Wednesday October 15, 2025
New Orleans
This morning we have an overview tour of New
Orleans, birthplace of jazz, with a local guide.
We will visit an above ground cemetery, see the
beautiful mansions on St Charles Avenue and
then explore the French Quarter, including a walk
along famous Bourbon Street. In the afternoon
Jim Porter will take us to the locations used by
Elvis on the film “King Creole” including the
balcony where Elvis Presley sang “Crawfish”.
Evening: Explore the French Quarter, including
colourful Bourbon Street. (B)
DAY 16 Thursday October 16, 2025
New Orleans
This morning, you will be free to explore the
fabulous antique shops, art galleries, museums,
restaurants, bars, and colourful street performers
of The French Quarter. This afternoon we
will enjoy a historic cruise and lunch aboard
a majestic Mississippi paddlewheeler. In the
evening there will be a chance to take in the
outstanding traditional jazz music at Fritzel’s jazz
bar or Preservation Hall (both optional). (B,L)
DAY 17 Friday October 17, 2025
Houston
Morning: This morning we visit the beautiful
Louisiana swamp country and enjoy a swamp
tour, by boat. You will see amazing wildlife
(alligators and birdlife) set amongst the distinctive
swamp vegetation and bayou communities. We
continue onto Houston. This afternoon we will
enjoy an included farewell dinner. (B,D)
DAY 18 Saturday October 18, 2025
Departure
This morning we will enjoy a sightseeing tour
of Houston. We will visit the Historic District,
featuring landmarks like Market Square Park and
historic architecture, and Hermann Park. In the
afternoon we will be transferred to the airport and
will board our flight back to Australia. (B)
DAY 19 Sunday October 19, 2025
In flight
DAY 20 Monday October 20, 2025
Australia
This morning we arrive back in Australia. The tour
concludes.
| TWIN FARE PER PERSON | SINGLE FARE |
|---|---|
| $13,250 | $15,945 |
It is important that all tour participants have a basic level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator
Travelrite International Pty Ltd. A.C.N.
005 817 0781 (Travelrite International) is the tour operator.
Tour Costs
The tours costs are based on transport,
accommodation costs and entrance costs at 1 November
2024. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any
of these factors change, giving any passenger that has
booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies
paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to costings
will be made within 60 days of departure.
Deposit and Payment
A non-refundable deposit
of $900 per passenger is required at the time of booking.
Full payment will be required 60 days before departure.
A 1.5% administration charge will be added to payment by
Visa, Mastercard and America Express.
Cancellations
Cancellations within 60 days prior
to departure will result in the loss of all monies paid.
Cancellations outside of 60 days prior to departure
will result in the loss of the deposit paid per person.
Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs of
cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc.
Changes to the Tour Itinerary
Travelrite
International reserves the right to make changes to the
tour itinerary to fit in with operational requirements. Any
changes to the itinerary will be replaced with similar
arrangements with an equal or greater value.
Minimum Tour Numbers:
The tour has been costed
on the basis of a minimum number of passengers having
booked 60 days prior to departure. Travelrite reserves the
right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all monies
paid or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a
modified cost if the minimum number is not achieved.
Refunds
The tour is based on arrangements which
do not allow for any refunds in respect to sightseeing,
accommodation, meals or other services not utilised after
the tour has commenced.
Baggage
All passengers qualify for 1 piece free baggage
allowance.
Tour Participation
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibility
Travelrite International Pty Ltd. is the
tour organiser. Travelrite International acts only as agents
in making of arrangements with carriers, hoteliers and
others for the tour. As a result we cannot accept liability
for any act or omission whatsoever, whether negligent
or otherwise of those carriers, hoteliers or other persons
providing services in connection with the tour over whom
we have no direct or exclusive control. We do not accept
responsibility for any injury, damage, loss, delay, change of
schedule or any other events which are beyond our direct
control, such as, but not limited to, war, flood, fire, civil
disturbance, acts of God, acts of government, or any other
authorities, terrorism, accidents to or failure of machinery
or equipment, or industrial action. The passage contract
in use by the carriers concerned, when issued, shall
constitute the sole contract between the transportation
companies or firms and th purchasers of these tours and
the passengers. Baggage is at own risk throughout the
tour. The contract shall be construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of Victoria and any legal action must
be undertaken in the State of Victoria.
Delays and Unforeseen Events
You engage Travelrite International to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite International acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite International may without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite International reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite International any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite International in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite International advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
How to Book:
Bookings can be made by completing a
booking form and sending it with a non-refundable deposit
of $900 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty. Ltd.
423 Whitehorse Road
Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free 1800 630 343
Phone: (03) 9836 2522
Email: sales@travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well
established travel company which has been marketing
throughout Australia for over 40 years. It has a fully ATAS
accredited (No. A10538) office at Balwyn. As such it
directly represents the major airlines of the world and all
major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport
operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member
of the Australian Travel Industry Association – ATIA.
“One of the best tours we have ever done. Great program and lovely people.”
“Well organised tour that ran smoothly. Very impressed with Wayne Horsburgh, intelligent, talented and caring.”
