elvis presley tour internacional

Elvis Presley Tour of the USA with Jim Porter

• Includes Flights, Accommodation, Guided Sightseeing, A selection of entertainment & meals
• Departs 9 October 2024
• Visiting New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Tupelo, Memphis, Nashville, Pigeon Forge, Atlanta and Las Vegas

PRE CRUISE TOUR

New york post tour, tour highlights.

• Sightseeing tour of New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville
• Visit locations used by Elvis on the film “King Creole"
• Cruise, dinner and jazz music aboard a majestic Mississippi paddlewheeler
• Louisiana swamp tour by boat
• Explore the night life and outstanding traditional jazz music of New Orleans
• Frogmore Cotton Plantation
• BB King Museum
• Elvis birthplace and museum
• Graceland, Elvis Presley’s famous mansion
• Guided tour of Sun Studio
• Dinner in Memphis
• Stax Museum of American Soul Music
• Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Nashville
• Attend Dolly Parton’s spectacular live show, Dixie Stampede
• Elvis and The Superstars tribute show (subject to availability)
• Attend the “Spirit of the King” show in Vegas
• Big Elvis show at Harrah’s
• Farewell dinner
• Tour escorted throughout by Jim Porter.
• Return economy-class airfare to USA from Sydney/Melbourne/ Brisbane. Economyclass air travel within the USA.
• 17 nights’ accommodation in well-located first-class and moderate first-class hotels with private facilities, on a twin-share basis. Hotel taxes and service charges.
• Meals: Breakfasts daily; four dinners (evening meals) and one lunch.
• Entry to all sightseeing attractions mentioned in the itinerary, except for those marked ‘optional’.
• Admission to all music concerts/events mentioned in the itinerary, except for those marked ‘optional’.
• Transport by first-class chartered coaches throughout. All airport/hotel transfers.

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 first 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.

DAY 1 Wednesday October 9, 2024 New Orleans Today we depart on our flight to New Orleans. Due to the International Date Line we arrive on the day we depart. We are transferred to our hotel.

DAY 2 Thursday October 10, 2024 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”. This evening we will enjoy a fabulous cruise, dinner and jazz music aboard a majestic Mississippi paddlewheeler. (B,D)

DAY 3 Friday October 11, 2024 New Orleans 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. Afternoon: On our return to New Orleans you will be free to grab some lunch and explore the fabulous antique shops, art galleries, museums, restaurants, bars, and colourful street performers of The French Quarter. 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).

DAY 4 Saturday October 12, 2024 Louisiana/Nachez Morning: Depart New Orleans and drive to Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, for morning tea. Elvis performed in Baton Rouge on May 31, 1977 to a crowd of 15,000 wearing the Mexican Sundial jumpsuit. We continue north on Highway 61, towards the historic town of Natchez, Mississippi. Visit Frogmore Cotton Plantation, where you will be taken on a guided delta heritage tour. You will learn about the lifestyle that existed during slavery. Afternoon: Check in to our accommodation, on the banks of the Mississippi. (B)

DAY 5 Sunday October 13, 2024 Tupelo Today we travel to the town of Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis Presley in northern Mississippi. We will stop for lunch and visit the BB King Museum, in the town of Indianola (his birthplace). (B)

DAY 6 Monday October 14, 2024 Tupelo/Memphis 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 Tepelo Hardware store where Elvis’s first guitar was purchased for him. We then proceed to the city of Memphis where we stay for the next four nights. (B)

DAY 7 Tuesday October 15, 2024 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 8 Wednesday October 16, 2024 Memphis This morning we have an overview tour of the city of Memphis. We 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 9 Thursday October 17, 2024 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 museum – where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated). (B)

DAY 10 Friday October 18, 2024 Nashville Today we travel to Nashville, the home of country music, with a stop in Casey Jones Village. Casey Jones was a railroad engineer involved in a train accident that inspired numerous ballads. This afternoon 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). We then 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 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. Also, you may wish to visit the Wildhorse Saloon (large live music & line dancing venue, in the same area). (all venues tonight optional). (B)

DAY 11 Saturday October 19, 2024 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 Johnny Cash Museum. This evening we will attend Nashville’s famous Grand Ole Opry show, featuring a host of country music’s biggest stars. (B)

DAY 12 Sunday October 20, 2024 Pigeon Forge Travel to Pigeon Forge, eastern Tennessee. Enroute, stop in Lynchburg, for a guided tour of Jack Daniel’s Distillery, followed by lunch at Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House (beautiful Southern home-cooked meals). Continue on to Pigeon Forge. Pigeon Forge has an outstanding music-related theme park (Dollywood) and numerous live music theatres. Evening: Tonight we attend Elvis and The Superstars tribute show at the Smoky Mountain Theater (subject to being available otherwise alternative show will be supplemented). (B,L)

DAY 13 Monday October 21, 2024 Pigeon Forge Visit Dollywood, including Dolly Parton’s excellent Chasing Rainbows Museum, music ‘theaters’, craft displays, etc. Dollywood’s Southern Gospel & Harvest Festival will be taking place (outstanding southern gospel vocal harmony groups). Evening: Attend Dolly Parton’s spectacular live show, Dixie Stampede. Dinner & show, including great horse riding, buffalo or longhorn cattle, etc. Note: Dolly does not appear in this show. (B,D)

DAY 14 Tuesday October 22, 2024 Atlanta Morning: Travel to Chattanooga. In 1956 Elvis visited the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel (formerly Chattanooga’s opulent railway station). We will see a magnificent 19th century American steam locomotive and the hotel’s renowned railway carriage accommodation. Also on the Chattanooga Choo Choo site you may like to visit Songbirds… a first-class rare & vintage guitar museum (optional). We then travel to Atlanta, Georgia. Afternoon: Enjoy sightseeing coach tour of Atlanta, with local guide. During the Civil War, Atlanta was an important Confederate stronghold, but it was reduced to rubble when captured by Union General William Sherman. These events became the setting for the famous novel, Gone with the Wind. Nowadays Atlanta is a major economic & cultural centre. During our tour we will visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park. (B)

DAY 15 Wednesday October 23, 2024 Las Vegas Today we fly to Las Vegas, the city where Elvis first performed in 1956 and conducted a total of 664 concerts. On arrival in Las Vegas we are transferred to our hotel. Jim will also assist you in obtaining tickets for Las Vegas Casino Shows (optional). (B)

DAY 16 Thursday October 24, 2024 Las Vegas This morning we will enjoy a panoramic coach tour of the city. See the incredible casino/ hotel/entertainment complexes that line the famous Las Vegas ‘strip’ and see the historic Welcome to Las Vegas neon sign (1959) and sights associated with Elvis. This afternoon we see the Big Elvis show at Harrah’s. One of the top Elvis tribute acts in the world, it has been operating for 40 years. (B)

DAY 17 Friday October 25, 2024 Las Vegas Today is a free day in Las Vegas. You may wish to explore the nearby hotel/ casino/ shopping complexes, such as Caesar’s Palace, or visit fascinating exhibitions, such as Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition (optional). Alternatively, you may wish to go on an optional tour to the Grand Canyon (by air and coach). This evening we have a final night dinner to celebrate the conclusion of the tour. (B,D)

DAY 18 Saturday October 26, 2024 Departure We transfer to the airport for our flight to Los Angeles and then back to Australia. (B) DAY 19 Sunday October 27, 2024 In flight DAY 20 Monday October 28, 2024 Australia This morning we arrive back in Australia. The tour concludes.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Insurance. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
• All items of personal nature, such as drinks, room service, laundry and phone calls.
• Meals and drinks, unless specified in itinerary. Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, that are ‘included’ are marked B, L, D in the itinerary.
• Entry to concerts/entertainment events, other than those listed in the itinerary. Entry to any other musical entertainment to be paid direct. Some entertainment venues, in places such as Beale Street (Memphis), ‘Broadway’ district (Nashville), and the French Quarter (New Orleans) may have a modest cover charge, but many have free admission.
• International airport and departure taxes above the rate quoted.
• Domestic flight connections to and from departure & arrival cities.

General information and booking conditions

International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a 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. ACN 005 817 0781 (Travelrite International) is the tour operator.

Tour Costs The tours costs are based on transport, accommodation, entrance costs and the exchange rate at 1 October 2023. 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 deposit of $800 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 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.

Travel insurance Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs of cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc.

Minimum Tour Numbers and Conditions: 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 that do not allow for any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals, airfare or other services not utilized 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 the 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.

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 deposit of $800 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) 8803 6868 Email: [email protected]

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 Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA

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The Real Reason Why Elvis Never Toured Outside America

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Elvis Presley’s life remains one of the world’s most captivating and heartbreaking stories. Though it all looked perfect from the outside, Elvis suffered from drug addiction and health problems, and was grossly mismanaged and taken advantaged of by the people around him. In fact, some fans even argue that he was cursed .

Despite being arguably the world’s most famous and beloved star, Elvis never performed outside North America. He did leave the United States for military service in Germany in his early 20s, and he did perform a selection of shows across the border in Canada. But he never toured internationally.

Given his popularity and the demand for him to perform outside of America, fans believe that there must have been some pressing reason stopping Elvis from leaving U.S. soil.

For decades since his 1977 death, rumors have circulated that Elvis had a fear of flying which kept him from touring overseas. And as it turns out, sources have confirmed that he did have negative feelings towards flying, at least early on in his career. But was this the reason he never toured abroad?

Was Elvis Afraid Of Flying?

According to Magic , Elvis’s fear of flying started in 1956 , when the flight he was taking from Amarillo to Nashville had engine trouble and had to make an emergency landing.

His ex-wife Priscilla confirmed the rumors to Larry King, saying, “He had a fear of flying, and his mother didn't really want him flying either. So he stopped for a while."

RELATED Priscilla Presley On How Elvis Would Have Reacted To The New Biopic

However, some fans have pointed out that Elvis did make frequent domestic flights. He even had his own plane named after his daughter Lisa-Marie.

Those that believe in the fear of flying theory argue that he became more spiritual after the death of his mother and looked at dying as a form of passing over to another life. Others say he naturally got over the fear, while some are convinced Elvis was never afraid to fly.

Whether he had a fear of flying or not, it appears there may have been another, more sinister reason why Elvis never left the country to tour.

The Alleged Real Reason Why Elvis Never Toured Outside America

It was never confirmed by Elvis or those around him why he never toured overseas. But fans and experts who have watched the star’s life closely are mostly united on the Colonel Tom Parker theory .

As Grunge points out, it’s been alleged that Elvis’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, talked him out of touring abroad because Parker himself was an illegal alien. He had no passport documentation, and he feared that if he left American soil, he wouldn’t be able to get back in.

RELATED: The Real Reason Why Harry Styles Got Rejected For The New Elvis Movie

Additionally, the Colonel was allegedly linked to a murder in his native Breda and feared traveling overseas as he didn’t want to face passport scrutiny.

It has been confirmed that Parker wasn’t really an American citizen, as he claimed. Despite telling people that he was from West Virginia, and passing off certain elements of his accent as being Southern, he was actually born Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk in Breda, Netherlands.

He entered the United States illegally when he was 17, at a time when border security was much more relaxed.

In the Baz Luhrmann movie Elvis , this theory is put forward as the real reason why Elvis did not tour overseas. The film shows Elvis, played by Austin Butler , wanting to perform to his fans overseas, but the Colonel — played by Tom Parker — talking him out of it. In the movie, the Colonel tells Elvis that he shouldn’t travel abroad because of the security risk.

What Was Elvis’s Relationship Like With Colonel Tom Parker?

Since Elvis’s untimely death in 1977, his relationship with Colonel Tom Parker has been exposed as abusive and manipulative . Den of Geek reports that the Colonel took significant cuts of the star’s profits, sometimes even larger than Elvis’s own, tightly controlled his image and sound, and all but forced him into several movie roles that Elvis didn’t want to do.

RELATED: Austin Butler Risked His Health To Play Elvis

Between 1969 and Elvis’s death, the Mississippi-born star performed 600 times in Las Vegas, which he reportedly resented. Rather than honoring his client’s feelings, the Colonel kept Elvis performing at the International Hotel (now the Las Vegas Hilton) to pay off his own gambling debts.

In 1973, the Colonel sold Elvis’s back catalog to RCA for just $5.4 million, of which Elvis only received $2 million after taxes. As is shown in the movie, Elvis did finally fire the Colonel, but when the Colonel slammed him with an itemized bill for his services that was priced in the millions, Elvis and his father Vernon decided to take the Colonel back.

In 1980, an investigation was launched into the Colonel’s management of Elvis, which was found to be unethical and likely cost Elvis thousands.

The Alleged Reason Elvis Presley Never Toured Outside Of North America

There aren't many stars with whom millions around the world are on a first-name basis. That's a level almost beyond the upper echelons of celebrity. Madonna's full name, per Britannica , is Madonna Louise Ciconne, but as her renown expanded, she cast the rest of those affectations aside and became a popular culture powerhouse as simply Madonna.

Another of the most celebrated examples of this phenomenon is Elvis. Mr. Presley, Biography states, was born to a cash-strapped family in Tupelo, Mississippi, and the only early hints of his musical prowess were his enthusiasm for the music of the Assembly Of God Church. He was reportedly given a guitar when he turned 11, and the unassuming birthday present would surely go on to change the course of his life, not to mention the entire music industry.

His now-iconic debut on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in September of 1956 cemented his legend. According to History , it seized an 82.6% share of TV viewership, and the 21-year-old was watched by 60 million people as he performed while on the cusp of true superstardom. In short order, he had conquered the world. Curiously, though, he never toured outside of North America, and it seemed his manager had more than a little something to do with that.

Colonel Tom Parker seemed very averse to global tours

According to Graceland 's official website, Elvis met Colonel Tom Parker, the man who would steer him through the rest of his remarkable career, on February 6, 1955. The meeting was attended by representatives of Elvis' then-label, Sun Records, as well as the manager he had at the time, Bob Neal. Parker, it seems, wasted no time in making clear that he could take Elvis to the very top. By mid-March of the following year, Parker had assumed sole responsibility for managing Elvis.

Parker was there for much of Elvis' meteoric rise. According to Alanna Nash's "The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley," RCA Records' Chet Atkins deemed Parker to have been "the best manager I ever saw ... whatever he cost Elvis ... was worth it, because Elvis would've ... lost that luster in no time if it hadn't been for the Colonel." Literally and figuratively, it's difficult to say exactly how much Parker "cost" Elvis. With Parker's tremendous influence over the singer's career, though, he called a lot of the shots, and one decision he seemed to make was that his client wouldn't tour around the world.

In an interview with Noise11 , Jerry Schilling of Elvis' "Memphis Mafia" stated that Elvis, at the peak of his success, "wanted to tour overseas. He wanted to go to Australia. He wanted to go to Japan." He passed these ambitions on to the Colonel, per Schilling, who wouldn't hear of it.

The King and the Colonel collided

According to Schilling, per Noise11 , the Colonel insisted that if Elvis embarked on such a trip, he would do so without him. Elvis apparently told Parker that he was fired and attempted to do just that, but, per Schilling, "When Elvis tried to get a tour going no one would touch him because they were afraid of the Colonel ... They had the relationship with the Colonel. They respected the Colonel."

And so it was that such aspirations were not to be. According to Smithsonian Magazine , the icon would play only three shows outside of the United States, all of them in Canada in 1957. Along the way, Parker had reportedly refused all kinds of lucrative offers for tours worldwide, and it seems he did so because he had no choice. Parker was not Tom Parker at all, he was not a United States citizen, and he didn't have a passport .

Biography reports that Parker's true name was Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk, and that he was born in the Netherlands. He pretended to have been born in West Virginia, later fought for the United States Army, and was given the title of colonel in 1948 (strictly honorary) by Louisiana's governor, whom he had helped campaign. Of these intriguing details, Schilling told Noise11, "We didn't know that while Elvis was alive ... That came out after Elvis passed away." Biography adds that relations from Parker's true native nation recognized him from press photos of himself with the King.

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Elvis History Blog

The long, dark road … elvis on tour in 1976-77.

It’s hard to believe that Elvis Presley has been gone for so long. August 16 is the anniversary of his death in 1977. That day a sense of disbelief overwhelmed Elvis fans like me. How could it happen? Why didn’t we see it coming?

In retrospect, we know that Elvis’ health was unstable for several years leading up to his passing. And yet, he kept up a personal appearance schedule that would have taxed the energy of a much healthier, younger man. Between mid-March 1976 and the end of June 1977, a period of less than 16 months, Elvis spent a total of 141 days on tour around the country, plus engagements of 10 days in Lake Tahoe and 11 days in Las Vegas. During breaks in the grueling schedule, Elvis dealt with legal problems, stressed relations with fired employees, and recurring health issues. Many reviews of his stage shows during this period provided clues to his deteriorating condition. Unfortunately, Elvis was moving too fast from city to city for the public to put the puzzle pieces together.

Elvis opened his 1976 tour schedule in March with a six-day, four-state hop through the Southeast. Writing in the  Cincinnati Enquirer  on the 22nd, Cliff Radel was brutally honest about Presley’s appearance and movements during his show the night before:

“The years have not been kind to Elvis. His eyes are puffy. His ample cheeks and fleshy neck overemphasize his surly lips. If he gains any more weight, they may be squeezed from his face. Presley’s girth is regal in the manner of Henry VIII. The man’s legendary hip gyrations are there in spirit, but not in action. The enormous six inch wide belt which before Presley split a rear seam in his powder-blue pants was a matching blue number encircled with the Presidential Seal—and the equally enormous paunch drastically restricted his movements.”

• “The pounds only make Elvis more imposing”

Elvis then had a month off before heading out on a seven-day swing through the Midwest and West. Reviewers at his first two stops in Kansas City and Omaha were much kinder to Elvis. Jess Ritter in the  Kansas City Star  on April 22 claimed, “From the moment he strode onstage last night, though, he proved clearly that, at age 41, he is still one of the most charismatic entertainers in America,” and in Omaha, reviewer Doug Smith noted, “The King is still the King, despite of reports that he has been depressed, debilitated and overweight. Indeed, Presley is maybe 30 or 40 pounds over his playing weight … But the pounds only make Elvis more imposing, if slightly less mobile.”

But out west Denise Kusel wasn’t pulling any punches in her review of Elvis’ Long Beach show on April 25:

“Watching Elvis at the Long Beach Arena Sunday night was like watching a parody of a dying legend … mostly it was like watching a chubby puppet wrapped in a double chin and a foreign body work through a series of Elvis songs. But heroes die and even the best sunrise melts into sunset and then darkness.”

In the spring and summer of 1976, Elvis worked a grueling tour schedule with only occasional breaks, all too short to restore his all to apparent precarious health. On May 28 in Bloomington, Indiana, writer Rich Stim noticed Elvis’ weight problem, but dismissed it as unimportant. “I might as well start out by saying that I could care less if Elvis was rolled out in a wheelbarrow, as long as his attitude was okay and his voice was in tune." After Presley’s June 27 show in Largo, Maryland, though, reviewer Charlie McCollum roasted the overweight singer. “Here was a fat (chubby is no longer the word) man … The lean, mean Elvis is long gone and, in his place, is a William Conrad-figure wearing a Sonny Bono wig. Instead of the lithe movements of a panther, this Elvis moved with the grace of a pregnant water buffalo.”

• "Elvis is fine, period"

Most reviewers that summer were content to make unflattering comments about Presley’s weight. Few wondered about the potential it posed to his overall health. One who did was Matt Damsker in the  Philadelphia Bulletin :

“His spokesman—tight-lipped and hard to reach at the Hollywood offices of his manager, the iron-handed Col. Tom Parker—insist that Elvis is fine, period. Still, the past year has produced a flurry of items concerning his various hospitalizations: for ‘an intestinal blockage from a twisted lower colon’; for ‘an enlarged colon that interfered with his breathing;’ for ‘flu,’ ‘fatigue’ and ‘exhaustion.’”  

By the end of August, Elvis was completely worn down, or so it seemed to reviewer John H. Anderson in Tuscaloosa:

“After two or three numbers it became painfully obvious that whatever Elvis had in his youth has escaped him in recent years. His outfit included an incredibly large belt and baggy pants, both designed to hide his expanding waistline. His face was puffy and his black-dyed hair was swept back into a middle-aged ducktail. The overall effect was that of a forty-year-old Fonzie with a beer gut. The vocals were disappointing. At times he sound tired. His occasional bursts of energy were short-lived.”

Elvis had five weeks off before starting another tour, this one 14 straight one-nighters, starting in Chicago on October 14, 1976. At first, it appeared Elvis had put his time off to good use. In Chicago, Jack Hafferkamp wrote, “Rest easy, ladies, Elvis is not as fat as you feared … Before he came to town, the gossip columnists had it that ol’ El had turned into a 41 years old butterball. But he fooled us.” And in Duluth, Jim Heffernan observed, “At 41, Presley is amazingly well preserved. He’s a little huskier now, but still trim.”

• "He seems to have matured into a sensitive artist"

With all the past angst about his weight gain, it was heartening to read Connie Trexler’s description of Elvis on October 26 in the  Fort Wayne News-Sentinel !

“Those saddening reports that Elvis had gone fat—in his attitude as well as in body—were probably true, but he seems to have overcome both physical and attitude problems. He seems to have matured into an excellent and sensitive artist. He is an impressive sight. He’s lost all the fat that recently plagued him, and he looks as young and sassy as he ever did.”

Even Robert Hilburn, the respected entertainment writer for the  Los Angeles Times , noted with optimism, “Most importantly, the loss of weight may be a sign of increased discipline that will now carry over into Presley’s recordings.”

And after Scott Cain wrote the following in the  Atlanta Journal  on the last day of 1976, Presley fans might have thought the King  had overcome all of his physical problems:

“There’s good news for Presley fans. Elvis is back in the groove. This Thursday show at the Omni was tops, the best possible year-end present for his Atlanta fans. From a vocal standpoint, Elvis was operating at his peak, both in tonal quality and exertion. He has lost a little weight and looks much healthier than he did last June. His vitality is restored and he was full of pep. Furthermore, he was in a good mood. He was giving his best and knew it, adding a wonderful aura of self-confidence to the show.”

• Elvis brushed aside his manager’s help

Unfortunately, the optimism about Elvis’ health faded quickly in the new year. In his  Miami News  concert review of February 13, 1977, Jon Marlowe described an over-the-hill, overweight idol—and his fans—just going through the motions:

“An Aging Rock Star’s Guide to Concert Appearances: Although your bulging stomach is now hanging half-way over your traditional hips, as soon as you walk out on stage, try shaking them at least once. The audience will give you a standing ovation and scream with sheer delight just for your effort.”

We now know Elvis’ manager was aware that his client’s condition, both physical and emotional, was in decline. When Elvis brushed aside the efforts of the Colonel and other insiders to help him, there was nothing Parker could do but shield Presley’s true condition from the press as best he could. After Elvis’s February 20 appearance in Charlotte, Frank Zupan wrote in the  Columbia Record :

“The 42 year old singer gave the hour and 15 minute performance with a touch of the flu, [a Presley spokesman] said. ‘Due to the fact that he had a virus, he was unable to do all the numbers he wanted to do.’ He said that there was no talk of Presley’s retirement by anyone in the singer’s party. ‘The way Colonel Park and them talk, they look forward to years and years of continued performing for the fans.’”

Although his condition did not improve, Elvis continued to take the stage, even though his illness sapped all the energy from his performance. Elizabeth Roberts wrote of Presley’s show in Alexandria, Louisiana on March 30:

“Presley was on stage less than an hour; he was impossible to understand when he talked between numbers … he never said one word to the audience or mentioned how nice or not nice it was to be in Alexandria or said ‘hi, how are you, we’re going to have a good time tonight and hope you enjoy the show.’ He came on stage, did a few numbers and then dashed off.”

• Cancelled shows … hospital stay … back on the road

The next night, Elvis was unable to go on stage in Baton Rouge. Sold out shows in Mobile, Macon, and Jacksonville were cancelled, and Presley returned home on April 1 and checked into Memphis Baptist Hospital. Four days later he went home, and, incredibly, by April 21 he was back on the road for shows in 11 cities over 12 days.

The first show was in Greensboro, North Carolina, and, according to Jerry Kenison in the  Greensboro Daily News,  Elvis was in no shape to start another grinding tour:

“There was no magic. The tremendous energy, humor, movement and emotion that characterized Presley’s 1972, 1974 and 1975 appearances here just weren’t on the stage much of the time … in general, Elvis moved very slowly, giving the impression that sudden or extreme motion would be painful … No matter how much he seemed to be trying … Elvis’ energy was lagging. He mumbled through ‘Hound Dog,’ seeming not to care. He improvised on other old standards, missing notes here and there.”

While a bout of the flu had been the excuse for a poor showing earlier in Charlotte, it was a “bad cold” that caused Elvis to cut short his show in St. Paul on April 30.  Pioneer Press  writer Charley Hallman reported, “Several times during Presley’s appearance, the singer had to stop for a drink of water and an assistant, Charlie Hodge, stood by with a box of Kleenex for Presley to use. Presley’s early cutoff of the music stunned many of the concertgoers. There was no applause at the end of the show.”

Elvis’ last concerts in May and June 1977, revealed a tired, disinterested superstar apparently just trying to survive the nightly ordeal on stage. For Presley fans, the reviews now are painful to read, knowing what lie just three months ahead. A couple of excerpts:

“Elvis ’77 is paunchy, puffy, lumbering, frequently off-key, apparently under-rehearsed (he has to read the first verse of ‘My Way’ from a page of sheet music) and, for all that, the most outrageously condescending showman I have ever seen. He performed Saturday as if just roused from a drunken slumber, slurred his witless patter as if still slightly in-the-bag, and otherwise gave no sign of artistic integrity. There are dolphins who perform more affectingly. What’s worse his fans don’t mind. They remain adoring and uncritical.”  — Matt Damsker,  Philadelphia Evening Bulletin , May 27, 1977

“Elvis Presley is 42, fat and losing his voice. His once famous bone-grinding wiggle has now shifted to an occasional twitch that leaves the so-called ‘king of rock’ breathless … The songs speak to those who have known deep joy and sorrow. Do they speak to him, an adored millionaire who lives as a recluse—a star who must keep alive the fantasies of millions, though he grows tired, and occasionally ill? The puffy face, the added weight are there, perhaps the toll of years of being what Elvis was marketed to be.”  — Randall Savage,  Macon News , June 2, 1977

• “Elvis, we love you, but please don’t do this to us”

No one saw Elvis’ sad ending as clearly, though, as Ken Williams, who reviewed Presley’s next to last concert in Cincinnati on June 25, 1977. No need to frame his comments. They were a final plea for Elvis to save himself:

“There comes a time when a performer should retire for the sake of his fans as well as for himself. I’m sad to say Elvis Presley has reached that time. Reports of recent Elvis concerts have been disheartening indicating that the King of Rock ’n Roll is dead. Apparently the reports are founded upon truth, and the King confirmed the suspicions with his listless, lifeless performance Saturday night at Cincinnati Riverfront Coliseum before another sellout crowd.       

“The King looked awful. Though loyal fans attending the concert with me insisted he has lost weight since last year’s concert, Elvis still has a paunch which could do a Santa Claus suit without needing padding. Ghastly pale, eyelids nearly swollen shut, Elvis tried to exercise his booty as in the golden years. I’ve seen senior citizens with better acts.

“There was an emptiness at the end. Yes, there comes a time when a performer should step down, retire or rest. Elvis, we love you, but please don’t do this to us. We prefer remembering you at your peak, rather than at your funeral. ‘The King is Dead. Long live the King!’”

• Could Elvis’ fans have saved him?

So we come to the heartrending question that accompanies our memories every August 16th. If we had known everything described above, would we, Elvis’ fans, have done everything possible to save him? Sadly, it’s very doubtful.

What Elvis needed in 1976 and 1977 was to stop touring and concentrate on regaining his physical and mental health. He deserves most of blame for what happened to him, of course, but we fans who saw him on stage in his final years will always experience a soul-searching dilemma. To save Elvis, would we be willing to erase our special memories of seeing him perform and hearing him sing? The only thing that would have kept him from the grueling tour schedule that surely contributed to his death would have been if we had refused to attend his shows. Not a chance of that happening.

Shifra Stein, writing in the  Kansas City Times  on June 20, 1977, said it best:

“Urged on and on around the country by fans who rely on his past glories to fuel their image of him, Elvis is like a bull in the ring. He belongs to the crowd—and they refuse to let him go.”

Alan Hanson  | © August 2016

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"There comes a time when a performer should retire for the sake of his fans as well as for himself. I’m sad to say Elvis Presley has reached that time. Reports of recent Elvis concerts have been disheartening, indicating that the King of Rock ’n Roll is dead."

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Exploring Elvis Presley’s International Tour and Legacy

By Happy Sharer

Introduction

Elvis Presley is often considered to be one of the most influential musicians of all time. He was a pioneer in the rock-and-roll genre and his influence can still be felt today. His songs have been covered by countless artists over the years and his style has had an enduring effect on popular culture. But did you know that Elvis also went on an international tour? In this article, we will explore the significance of Elvis’ international tour and its lasting impact.

Overview of Elvis Presley and His Impact on Music

Elvis Presley was born in 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi. He began his career as a singer and songwriter in 1954, and quickly rose to fame. His unique blend of country, blues, and gospel music was unlike anything else that had been heard before, and it revolutionized the music industry. Elvis’ first hit single, “Heartbreak Hotel”, reached number one on the Billboard charts, and he went on to have a string of successful hits throughout the 1950s and 1960s. He also starred in numerous films, further cementing his status as a cultural icon.

Overview of Elvis’ International Tour

In 1957, Elvis embarked on an international tour that took him to countries around the world, including Canada, Mexico, England, Germany, and Australia. During this tour, Elvis performed a total of 57 shows in 18 different cities. The tour was a massive success, and it gained him legions of fans in each of the countries he visited. It was also the first time that many international audiences had ever seen a live performance of an American musician.

Analyzing Elvis Presley’s Global Impact Through His International Tour

Elvis’ international tour was a crucial moment in his career. Not only did it help to make him a global star, but it also helped to spread the influence of American music around the world. During his tour, Elvis performed some of his most iconic songs, such as “Hound Dog”, “Jailhouse Rock”, and “Love Me Tender”. These performances were seen by millions of people, and they helped to popularize rock-and-roll music in countries outside of the United States.

How Elvis Revolutionized Music Through His International Tour

Elvis’ international tour was not just a success for him personally, but it also had a major impact on the music industry as a whole. According to music historian Michael Lydon, “The tour was a watershed moment for international music. It showed the world that American music could be enjoyed and appreciated by people from all walks of life, regardless of language or culture.” This tour helped to open the door for other American musicians to tour internationally, and it helped to create a global market for music.

Examining the Cultural Significance of Elvis’ International Tour

In addition to its impact on the music industry, Elvis’ international tour was also a significant moment in popular culture. During his tour, Elvis was seen as a symbol of freedom and rebellion. His performances challenged social norms and inspired young people around the world to challenge authority and embrace their own individuality. As a result, Elvis became a beloved figure in many countries, and his influence can still be felt today.

The Legacy of Elvis Through His International Tour

The legacy of Elvis Presley continues to live on through his international tour. His music and performances still resonate with people around the world, and his influence can be seen in the music of modern artists. In fact, according to a study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles, Elvis’ music is still the most widely listened to music in the world. This speaks to the lasting impact that Elvis had on the music industry and popular culture.

The Impact of Elvis on Pop Culture Through His International Tour

Elvis’ international tour was also instrumental in shaping modern pop culture. His style and attitude have been imitated by countless artists, and his influence can be seen in everything from fashion to film. His look and sound have become synonymous with the idea of “cool”, and his presence can still be felt in popular culture today.

Revisiting the Magic of Elvis’ International Tour

When Elvis embarked on his international tour, he was taking a risk. He had no way of knowing how his music and performances would be received by audiences in other countries. But his gamble paid off, and his tour was a resounding success. Today, Elvis’ international tour is remembered as one of the most important moments in music history.

Reflection on the Impact of Elvis’ International Tour

Elvis’ international tour was a pivotal moment in both music and popular culture. His tour helped to spread the influence of American music around the world, and it opened the door for other American musicians to tour internationally. It also helped to shape modern pop culture, and its influence can still be felt today. Elvis’ international tour was truly a revolutionary moment in music history.

Concluding Thoughts on Elvis’ Influence Through His International Tour

The impact of Elvis Presley’s international tour cannot be overstated. His unique blend of music and style revolutionized the music industry, and it shaped the landscape of popular culture. His tour was a defining moment in music history, and its influence can still be felt today. Elvis’ international tour is a testament to his enduring legacy and influence.

Elvis Presley’s international tour was a groundbreaking moment in music history. It helped to popularize American music around the world and it opened the door for other American musicians to tour internationally. It also had a lasting impact on popular culture, and its influence can still be felt today. Elvis’ international tour is a testament to his lasting legacy and influence.

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Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way.

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Elvis Presley History. The Life. The Legend. The King.

The History of Elvis Presley • Before the Film Came the Fans • Discover the Vegas Resident Hotel of the King!

From humble beginnings in Mississippi to lighting the stage on fire with his electric dance moves and sensual and soulful songs, Elvis Presley is a global sensation. Simply known by his first name around the world, the legacy of Elvis lives on even after his death in 1977 at the age of just 42. From radio, film, TV and concert stages, Elvis shook the world of entertainment by blurring the lines of social and racial barriers. Now, he’s back center stage in the all-new biopic “Elvis” directed by Baz Luhrmann.

Experience the history of Elvis Presley through his life, culminating with his years in Las Vegas performing at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino!

Elvis at Westgate Las Vegas

Elvis Presley’s first show at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino was on July 31, 1969. It was his residency venue for the next seven years, culminating with his final show at the resort in December 1976. Elvis performed 636 sold-out performances at the International Hotel, which became the Hilton before becoming Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino in 2014.

Who is Elvis Presley?

Elvis Presley was a musician, performer and actor during his 23-year career. He was dubbed the “King of Rock n’ Roll” all over the world because of his good looks; modern take on blues, country, gospel and R&B; and his gyrating dance moves that left audiences swooning. He is often referred to as simply “The King,” with his later years being known for his drug use, over the top costumes and his role in making Las Vegas an entertainment capital of the world.

Early Life of Elvis

Elvis Aaron Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935. He had an identical twin brother who was stillborn. Elvis and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1948. He received his first guitar on his 11th birthday and later won a talent show at his Memphis high school. Elvis began his professional singing career in 1954 with his first single "That's All Right.”

Elvis Presley’s Rise to Stardom

Elvis’ first number one single was “Heartbreak Hotel” in 1955, as well as his first number one album of the same name. A year later in 1956, he made his film debut in “Love Me Tender.” During his early career, he appeared on multiple talk shows, including “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Steve Allen Show.” He would go on to star in 31 feature films, plus two concert documentaries. It is estimated that Elvis recorded more than 600 songs throughout his career and released more than 20 studio albums, plus film soundtracks.

Elvis in the Army

Elvis received his draft notice in 1957 as his stardom continued to rise. He eventually served in Germany for about a year and a half, but shortly before he left, his beloved mother died. He returned home to Memphis for the funeral before returning to active duty. While in Germany, Elvis met Priscilla Beaulieu, who later became his wife. The pair married on May 1, 1967 in Las Vegas. They eventually divorced in October 1973.

Elvis at Westgate

Elvis made entertainment history at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, performing two shows a night, seven days a week during his residency at the former International Hotel built just off The Las Vegas Strip in July 1969. At the end of that same month, Elvis began performing sold-out shows to excited audiences at what is now Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. In 2014, Westgate inherited part of Elvis’ legacy by acquiring the hotel where he performed in what is now the International Theater and where he called home when he was in town.

A Legendary Legacy

Elvis can still be seen today at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino where he performed during the last years of his life. A bronze statue immortalizes the great performer and his contributions to music, film, TV and the City of Las Vegas itself. Elvis has sold over one billion records around the world. He received 14 Grammy nominations with three wins, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the age of 36 and was one of the first performers inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. Today, you can tour Elvis’ home, Graceland, and see how he lived and where he’s buried.

Elvis the Film

The charismatic performer is once again in the spotlight in a new film directed by Baz Luhrmann, starring Austin Butler, as Elvis, and Tom Hanks, as Tom Parker who was Elvis’ longtime manager, among other Hollywood stars. The film explores is rise to fame, his tumultuous later years and his enduring legacy. The film debuted on June 24, 2022.

Legendary Entertainment Lives On

Thanks to Elvis’ legacy, entertainment lives on at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Liberace, Barbara Streisand, Tina Turner and many others have graced the International Theater stage at the resort throughout the years. Today, Barry Manilow headlines with his “The Hits Come Home” show. Other acts include 38 Special, Kool and The Gang, The Bronx Wanderers, Soul of Motown and The Magic of Jen Kramer. And, Elvis will strut across the stage once again during The King of Las Vegas Festival, happening July 8-10, 2022. Watch the King of Rock n’ Roll light up the stage with his greatest hits and vivacious dance moves.

ELVIS FILM FACTS

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Graceland tours: the best options & what to expect.

Advice for making the most of your time at Elvis' famous home.

The Best Graceland Tours

Andrea Zucker | Courtesy of Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau

When Elvis Presley was just 22 years old, he purchased Graceland – a 10,266-square-foot mansion that occupied a nearly 14-acre property in Memphis, Tennessee . After the singer's death in 1977, the executors of his estate found that the mansion's exorbitant operating costs proved difficult to maintain, so they decided to open Graceland for tours in 1982. Since then, more than 20 million people from around the world have visited the mansion – which now spans 17,552 square feet – and its surrounding Elvis-themed museums and shops. Read on to plan your Graceland visit.

What is Graceland?

Can you visit graceland without a tour, how much does it cost to tour graceland, graceland tour options, how long is the graceland tour, which graceland tour is best, graceland hours, what is the best time of year to visit graceland, can you stay overnight at graceland, tips for visiting, are there tours from nashville to graceland.

Graceland is a 120-acre institution dedicated to the life and music of Elvis Presley. The main draw is the mansion, but there's more to see than Elvis' former abode. Visitors can stop by Elvis Presley's Memphis, a 200,000-square-foot museum and entertainment complex. This building houses the Presley Motors Automobile Museum and a series of exhibits, such as "Elvis: Dressed to Rock," which features Elvis' performance outfits from 1969 to 1977.

The Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, which displays the entertainer's gold and platinum records, his famous jumpsuits and movie memorabilia, can also be found here. Tourists will also have access to 10 interactive exhibits and games. Located throughout the complex, the interactive features include quizzes, a simulated golf cart ride and photo booths that put travelers on Elvis' movie posters and album covers. Finally, the complex houses two restaurants, a coffee shop, an ice cream parlor and a soundstage where tourists can watch Elvis' movies and attend live music performances.

After you learn all about the King, check out the Graceland Exhibition Center. This 80,000-square-foot venue features a variety of rotating museum exhibits, covering a variety of subjects, including motorcycles, Muhammad Ali and Van Gogh. The complex also boasts a food court, a bar and a separate, rentable event space.

No, you cannot visit Graceland without a tour. To access the site, you must purchase one of its ticket packages.

The cost per person varies depending on which tour experience you choose. Ticket packages that include access to the Graceland mansion start at $82 for adults and $46.50 for kids ages 5 to 10. Tickets can cost as much as $240 per person ages 2 and older for the "VIP" experiences, which offer access to exclusive areas, special keepsakes, meal vouchers and more.

There are multiple tour options for visiting Graceland.

• Elvis Presley's Memphis + Planes Tour : This is the basic tour option. It grants visitors access to Elvis Presley's Memphis Entertainment Complex and the Elvis' Custom Jets exhibit, but does not include access to the mansion. Tickets for this tour start at $49.75 for adults, with discounts for children.
• Elvis Experience Tour : Tickets for this tour, which start at $82 per adult, include everything in the above tour, plus access to the mansion complete with an audio tour.
• Elvis Entourage VIP : The Elvis Entourage VIP tour includes everything in both the other tour options, plus skip-the-line access to the mansion, a VIP shuttle to the mansion, access to a special exhibit, and a keepsake pass. Tickets start at $139 per person ages 5 and older.
• Ultimate VIP Tour : The Ultimate VIP Tour includes everything in the Elvis Entourage VIP, plus a guided tour of the mansion with an experienced guide, access to a VIP lounge, a meal voucher to an on-site restaurant, an archives show and tell, the chance to buy exclusive souvenirs and a photo-op. Tickets for this experience start at $202 per person; children 2 and younger tour for free.
• Inside the Graceland Archives UVIP Tour : If you're interested in the work done by the Graceland Archives Team, consider this tour, which includes everything in the Ultimate VIP Tour, in addition to a behind-the-scenes look at how the performer's most iconic costumes are cared for and preserved, how his more than 90,000 photos are cataloged and prepped for touring exhibitions, and more. Tickets for this package start at $217 per person; children 2 and younger tour for free.

The mansion tour will take about 90 minutes to complete. Those who decide to tour the rest of Graceland's offerings should budget at least 3.5 hours to explore.

Which Graceland experience you choose largely depends on your fascination with the King. Graceland visitors mention that even non-Elvis fans will enjoy the tour and the up-close look at the entertainer's famous lifestyle. Visitors also appreciate the audio tour narrated by John Stamos. They recommend upgrading your tour to one of the VIP options, saying it is well worth the additional cost.

Graceland is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. (depending on the day of the week and time of year). It closes or has abbreviated hours on holidays. The last mansion tour begins at 4 or 5 p.m., depending on the day and time of year.

The best time to visit Graceland depends on what kind of experience you want. Travelers should check out Graceland's events calendar as the complex and its hotel, the Guest House at Graceland, host numerous weekend events, concerts and day trips to Elvis' hometown throughout the year. Visitors in the mood for a festive atmosphere will want to book a trip in late November, December or early January to see the estate's holiday lights display and decorations.

Yes, you can stay overnight at Graceland. The Guest House at Graceland sits within steps of the mansion and features 450 rooms with designs inspired by Graceland, as well as two restaurants, an outdoor pool and a 464-seat theater for movies and performances, among other amenities.

Andrea Zucker | Courtesy of Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau

• Visit the mansion after 2 p.m. to enjoy fewer crowds and shorter wait times, as this is the slowest time of day. (Multiple travelers note long wait times when arriving before this time). Check Graceland's website for exact opening times; there are certain days and holidays where hours vary.
• You're welcome to bring cameras, but flash photography is not permitted.
• Video cameras cannot be brought into the mansion, attractions or gift shops.
• Note that two rooms in the basement of the mansion and the airplanes are not wheelchair accessible.
• Bring a permanent marker to sign the famous Graceland wall before you leave.

Yes. You'll find options for tours from Nashville (and more) below:

• Gray Line Tennessee:  Nashville to Memphis with Skip-The-Line Graceland VIP Tour & Sun Studio. View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide  
• Graceland:  Elvis Presley's Childhood Home with Lunch & Transportation from Memphis. View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide  
• Memphis Best Tours:  Memphis City Tour with Admission to One Memphis Attraction.  Viator
• Blues City Tours: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour. GetYourGuide

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Memphis Tours
• The Best Nashville Tours
• The Best Whitewater Rafting in Tennessee
• The Top Things to Do in Tennessee
• The Best Places to Visit in Tennessee

Tags: Elvis Presley , Tennessee , Tours , Vacations , Travel , Tennessee Vacations , US Vacations , Southeast Vacations

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