Can you recommend a good tour of the southern states of the US (from the UK) that includes a trip to Graceland

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A. Many tour operators offer organised trips to the southern US states, some of the best - that include a visit to Elvis Presley's Graceland home�- include the following:

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Unijet: launched a dedicated Deep South brochure in 2000. It offers hotel-only deals (booked in conjunction with flights) to Memphis (including Graceland), Nashville (Grand Old Opry) and New Orleans. More information is available by telephone on 08705 336336 or online at www.unijet.co.uk.

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Travelocity: offers some great music trips (Collette Tours) - usually lasting 10 days�- to Memphis, New Orleans and Nashville. As well as visiting Graceland, you can also visit the Grand Old Opry (home of country music) in Nashville, Tennessee; the home of jazz in New Orleans, Louisiana; and visit the Osmond Family Theatre in Branson, Missouri. Hotel accommodation and travel is included in all deals. More information is available online at: http://dest.travelocity.com/Vacations/Tours/Package/0,2604,TCYUK_154_,00.html.

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Arena Travel: is the official tour operator of the Elvis Presley Fan Club of Great Britain, so has a lot of experience of planning trips to Graceland. Its special offers include Memorial Tours (that coincide with the anniversary of Elvis'death�- 25th anniversary tours will take place in August 2002 - he died on 16 August, 1977); Birthday Tours (he would have been 67 in January 2002) - there are still some places available on the 67th Birthday Tour (Friday 4th - Thursday 10th January 2002); and Elvis' Memphis (including a visit to Heartbreak Hotel). More information is available online at: http://www.arenatravel.com.

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Q. Where would I be able to obtain information on visiting Graceland online

A. The best place to start is on the official Elvis website - www.elvis.com - as it provides a virtual tour of the house and gardens so you get an idea of what you'll actually see during your trip. The site also provides information on special events, books, memorabilia, anniversaries, weddings etc.

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Q. Why does it contain information on weddings

A. You can actually get married in Graceland ' well opposite it in actual fact in the Chapel in the Woods - which can accommodate up to 50 family and friends. As well as having your wedding photo taken in front of the Graceland mansion, your vows will be exchanged in front of a stained-glass window, a replica of the stained glass transom located above Graceland Mansion's front door. In addition to this, the reception area located at the back of the chapel offers a table to showcase your wedding cake against a hand-painted mural of Graceland Mansion. Elvis fans eat your heart out!

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Q. Is Graceland opened all year round and is it popular

A. It is very popular - it is the second most visited house in the USA, after the White House. It is open throughout the year from 9am to 5pm except during Thanksgiving, on Christmas Day and New Years Day when it is closed. During the summer months it is open from 7.30am-7pm.

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Q. What will I actually see on a visit to Graceland

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Visitors are given portable cassette players with recordings that describe each of the rooms they can visit - including the living room, music room, Elvis' parents' bedroom, the dining room, kitchen, TV room, pool room, and 'jungle' den in the main house, and, behind the house, Elvis' racquetball building and his original business office. A small exhibit of personal belongings, memorabilia and awards, a display of his many gold records, and Elvis's grave in the Meditation Garden is also included in the tour. The tour lasts approximately 60-90 minutes.

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The Elvis Presley Automobile Museum contains his two jets - the Lisa Marie and Hound Dog II, plus his 1955 pink Cadillac, a 1956 purple Cadillac convertible, and two Stutz Blackhawks from the early 1970s, but also motorcycles and other vehicles.

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Sincerely Elvis is an exhibit that contains many of Elvis' personal belongings including his trainers and his personal record collection.

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Q. How much does it cost to visit Graceland

A. Entry fees for a mansion tour are $10 (�7.50); $5 for the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum; $4.50 for Elvis's jets; and $3.50 for tours of the Sincerely Elvis Museum. A Platinum Tour Card permits entry to all Graceland attractions for $19.50. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during August, and can be made by phone on 00 1 901 332-3322. Reservations can also be made online at www.elvis.com/graceland and should be submitted 48 hours prior to the requested tour date.

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Graceland is located at 3734 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, Tennessee.

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By Karen Anderson