THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Travel back in time on the NEW Franklin Hop Tour by Gray Line Tennessee, a hop-on, hop-off trolley around Franklin’s historic sites with live narration and stops for local dining and shopping.
Travel back in time on the NEW Franklin Hop Tour by Gray Line Tennessee, a hop-on, hop-off trolley around Franklin’s historic sites with live narration and stops for local dining and shopping.
Book with Gray Line Tennessee
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Gray Line Tennessee · Franklin, Tennessee
Franklin, Tennessee, sits just south of Nashville, offering a rich blend of Civil War history, quaint streets, and vibrant local culture. Gray Line Tennessee’s NEW Franklin Hop Tour invites visitors to traverse this historic town aboard a charming vintage trolley, delivering a uniquely engaging way to see over 50 significant sites. Far from a typical sightseeing bus, this hop-on, hop-off trolley experience weaves live narration into a seamless itinerary that brings Franklin’s past and present to life.
Passengers begin their journey downtown, where the trolley rolls past iconic landmarks such as Carnton, a former plantation home with deep Civil War ties, and the beautifully preserved Carter and Lotz Houses, notable for their architecture and historical exhibitions. The route also covers the bustling heart of downtown Franklin, where small shops, cafes, and Southern eateries pulse with energy, perfect stops for taste and retail breaks along the way.
What sets Gray Line Tennessee apart is their insider approach to local history, narrated by guides who combine storytelling with factual insights, making each stop a compelling chapter of the town’s narrative. The hop-on, hop-off flexibility means you control the pace—linger over a meal, visit a museum, or simply soak in the atmosphere before rejoining the tour.
Operating Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this tour suits families, history buffs, and travelers seeking comfort paired with adventure. It’s an ideal entry point into Franklin’s outdoor scene, bridging cultural exploration with accessible transport.
Whether you’re tracing Civil War footsteps or sampling artisanal fare, Gray Line Tennessee’s Franklin Hop Tour is a practical, immersive option for anyone looking to connect with the authentic spirit of Southern heritage without needing a car or a tight schedule.
easy.
up to 7 hours (flexible).
Suitable for all fitness levels; walking at stops is optional and moderate
The tour runs Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; it is not available on weekends.
The trolley departs from downtown Franklin at 400 Main St #130.
Yes, passes are all-day and allow unlimited hop-on, hop-off access during operating hours.
While the trolley is accessible, some historic sites may have limited wheelchair access; contact Gray Line Tennessee for details.
No, but the route includes stops near popular local eateries where you can purchase meals and refreshments.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and includes engaging narration appropriate for all ages.
Franklin was the site of the 1864 Battle of Franklin, one of the bloodiest Civil War battles in the South.
Gray Line Tennessee supports sustainable tourism by using trolleys that reduce the number of individual cars speeding through historic neighborhoods.
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.
Book with Gray Line Tennessee