Discover the thrill and scenic beauty of Dollywood on a day trip from Nashville. Unlimited rides, scenic train rides, and Appalachian festivals make this adventure unforgettable.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
8–10 hours
Fitness Level
Average fitness level needed; includes walking and standing
Wildlife
History
Dollywood was founded in 1986 by entertainer Dolly Parton and has grown into a cultural hub reflecting Appalachian heritage.
Conservation
Dollywood actively participates in mountain habitat preservation and sustainable tourism practices to protect the local environment.
Gray Line Tennessee
Discover the thrill and scenic beauty of Dollywood on a day trip from Nashville. Unlimited rides, scenic train rides, and Appalachian festivals make this adventure unforgettable.
Gray Line Tennessee is a licensed tour operator based in Nashville that specializes in guided day trips, narrated city tours, and multi-hour excursions across Tennessee. The company operates a variety of experiences from short city circuits to full-day journeys, including trips to Dollywood, Graceland, and historic Franklin. Tours include roundtrip transportation or hotel pick-up on select departures, professional narration, and curated stop itineraries that highlight music, history, and Southern culture.
Gray Line Tennessee works with local attraction partners such as Dollywood, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, and Graceland to provide access and timed entries on specific itineraries. Vehicles range from open-air double-decker buses to air-conditioned mini buses and classic trolleys, depending on the chosen tour. Narrators and guides provide context at major sites including the Carter House, Lotz House, Bicentennial Mall, and the Parthenon.
The operator’s offerings include family-friendly entertainment options like Dollywood Day Trips and the General Jackson Showboat Dinner Tour, as well as history-focused excursions such as Franklin’s Civil War and the NEW Franklin Hop Tour. For travelers seeking iconic Memphis experiences, the Memphis Day Trip provides VIP access to Graceland and visits to Sun Studios and Beale Street.
Gray Line Tennessee’s ticketed tours aim to simplify travel logistics for visitors to Nashville by combining transportation, access, and guided commentary into single reservations. Customers can select from short 1-hour city tours up to full-day 15-hour excursions, making it possible to tailor outings to time available and personal interests. Offerings highlight music, history, and culture.
Tours Offered
9
Guided routes across Tennessee
Transportation
Select Included
Select tours include roundtrip transport
Trip Lengths
1–15 hours
From 1-hour tours to 15-hour days
Highlights
Music, History, Family
Dollywood, Graceland, Franklin sites
Compare durations, included access, and amenities to pick the right Nashville tour or full-day excursion and reserve today.
Arrive Early
Get the best rides and avoid long lines by arriving at park opening time.
Wear Comfy Shoes
With all the walking and standing, comfortable footwear is key for enjoying the entire day.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water or purchase drinks to stay energized throughout the adventure.
Check Festival Schedules
Plan ahead to catch your favorite performances and craft demonstrations during seasonal events.
Comfortable Shoes
Supportive footwear suited for a full day of walking and standing.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from sun exposure during outdoor activities.
summer
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated as you explore the park and surrounding area.
Light Jacket
Be prepared for cooler mountain breezes during spring or fall visits.
spring;fall