Circle Pass: Johnny Cash, Trolley Tour, Ryman, Ole Smoky, & More

Discover Nashville with the Circle Pass: A Flexible, All-Inclusive Tour at $217.50

The Circle Pass offers a comprehensive Nashville experience at $217.50 per person, spanning 1 to 2 days. This VIP pass grants access to fifteen key locations through a hop-on, hop-off trolley, providing flexibility to explore at your own pace. The tour includes admission to four major attractions, such as the Country Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum, Ryman Auditorium, and Musicians Hall of Fame. It also features a guided tour of RCA Studio B or Hatch Show Print, and a liquor tasting at Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery.

Despite some reviews mentioning challenges like trolley crowding or confusing stop information, the overall value and variety make this pass a solid choice for travelers eager to see Nashville’s highlights without the hassle of individual bookings. It suits those who appreciate flexible sightseeing and self-paced exploration in a city rich with musical history and culture.

Key Points

• Flexible 1- or 2-day VIP trolley pass with hop-on, hop-off convenience
• Includes admission to Country Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum, Ryman Auditorium, and Musicians Hall of Fame
• Guided tour options at RCA Studio B or Hatch Show Print
• Tasting experience at Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery
• Accessible location near public transportation with tickets valid for a year
• Price of $217.50 offers good value for multiple attractions and flexible sightseeing

The Focus on Nashville’s Landmark Museums

This tour centers around four major Nashville attractions with included admission: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Johnny Cash Museum, Ryman Auditorium, and Musicians Hall of Fame. Each provides a deep dive into Nashville’s musical heritage. The Country Music Hall of Fame emphasizes visual exhibits, historic videos, and live performances, creating a lively, multimedia experience. The Johnny Cash Museum showcases the largest collection of artifacts dedicated to the legendary singer, making it a must-visit for fans.

At the Ryman Auditorium, visitors explore the iconic stage known as the Mother Church of Country Music through a self-guided tour. The Musicians Hall of Fame recognizes the studio musicians behind many hit records, displaying the instruments used on iconic recordings. All four locations are easy to access with the pass, and their admission tickets are valid for a full year.

Navigating Nashville’s Music Scene: RCA Studio B or Hatch Show Print

A key highlight of the Circle Pass is the guided tour of RCA Studio B or Hatch Show Print—only one can be selected. RCA Studio B was once the recording home of Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, and others. It helped develop the Nashville Sound in the 1960s, characterized by background vocals and strings. The tour includes a visit inside the studio with instrument and mood lighting details.

Alternatively, the Hatch Show Print offers a guided look into the historic print shop still creating concert posters today. This choice allows travelers to see a working print shop with a legacy dating back over a century. Both options are free with the pass and offer unique insights into Nashville’s music and print history.

Exploring Nashville with the Old Town Trolley

The Old Town Trolley provides a 1-day hop-on, hop-off experience, looping every 20 minutes. The entertaining narration covers behind-the-scenes facts and local stories, making it an engaging way to sightsee. This trolley is more than just transportation; it acts as a mobile tour, helping visitors navigate Nashville’s neighborhoods and reach outlying attractions.

However, reviews note that trolley crowding can be an issue, as capacity is limited and not all stops are equally accessible. The trolley does not directly connect to all attractions, like Madame Tussauds, requiring additional transportation. Still, for those who enjoy self-paced exploration and valuable narration, the trolley remains a cost-effective way to see Nashville.

Tasting the Spirit of Nashville at Ole Smoky

A unique feature of this tour is the liquor tasting at Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery located at 6th & Peabody. Visitors sample a variety of moonshine, cocktails, and beers, and can purchase jars of moonshine or bottled beer to enjoy at home. The venue also offers food options like White Duck Taco and Prince’s Hot Chicken, making it a lively spot to soak in Nashville’s craft spirit scene.

The tasting experience lasts approximately two hours and is included in the pass, making it a fun and flavorful stop during the day. The distillery complex features bars, shopping, and live entertainment, providing a relaxed atmosphere for sampling Nashville’s local spirits.

The Iconic Ryman Auditorium: A Must-See Landmark

The self-guided tour of Ryman Auditorium is a highlight for music lovers. Known as the Mother Church of Country Music, the Ryman has hosted legends like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Elvis Presley. Visitors can explore the historic halls, see photographs, and learn about performances that shaped country music.

The tour lasts about an hour and provides insights into the venue’s storied past. Its central location makes it easy to combine with other stops, and the admission is included in the pass. The Ryman’s timeless ambiance makes it an essential part of the Nashville music experience.

Visiting the Musicians Hall of Fame and Its Hidden Gems

The Musicians Hall of Fame celebrates studio musicians behind many chart-topping hits. The museum displays instruments used on recordings by artists like The Monkees, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley. The self-guided tour takes approximately three hours and offers a close look at the tools behind Nashville’s music industry.

The inclusion of this museum adds depth to the tour, emphasizing the musicians’ contributions often overshadowed by vocal stars. The museum’s collection of instruments and recordings provides an interactive experience for those interested in the craftsmanship of music production.

Practical Details: Access, Duration, and Flexibility

The Circle Pass is available Monday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with tickets valid for one year from purchase. The meeting points are conveniently close to public transport, and the confirmation is immediate upon booking.

The full itinerary combines self-guided museum visits, guided studio tours, and trolley rides, offering a balanced mix of indoor and outdoor attractions. The total duration spans 1 to 2 days, giving travelers flexibility to spread out visits or enjoy a packed day.

While the trolley enhances sightseeing, some reviews warn about crowds and noise, which might affect audio narration quality. Also, not all attractions are accessible via trolley, and additional transportation may be needed for some stops, like Madame Tussauds.

Final Thoughts: A Versatile Nashville Adventure

The Circle Pass provides great value for those eager to explore Nashville’s musical and cultural landmarks without the hassle of booking individual tickets. Its flexibility allows for customized pacing, and the admission to major museums enriches the experience.

However, limitations include trolley crowding and some stops requiring extra transport. The pass’s validity for a year offers ample time to plan visits, but early planning helps avoid missing out on timed tours like RCA Studio B.

This tour package suits music enthusiasts, families, or solo travelers who enjoy self-guided exploration combined with guided elements. The mix of museums, historical venues, and tasting ensures a comprehensive Nashville visit packed into a manageable and budget-friendly itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Circle Pass include transportation between attractions?
No, the pass includes a hop-on, hop-off trolley service, but not all attractions are directly accessible via trolley. Additional transportation may be needed for some stops, like Madame Tussauds.

Can I visit all the attractions in one day?
While possible, most reviews suggest spreading visits over two days to comfortably enjoy each location, especially considering crowds and travel time.

Are tickets valid for a full year?
Yes, admission tickets are valid for one year from the date of collection, providing flexibility in planning visits.

Is the trolley crowded?
Some travelers report full trolleys, particularly during peak hours, which can limit audio narration quality and seating availability.

What attractions are included with the pass?
The pass includes Country Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum, Ryman Auditorium, Musicians Hall of Fame, guided Tour of RCA Studio B or Hatch Show Print, and a liquor tasting at Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery.

Are the museums self-guided or guided?
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Musicians Hall of Fame offer self-guided tours, while the Studio B or Hatch Show Print tours are guided.

What food and drink options are available?
The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery offers samples of moonshine, cocktails, and beer, along with food options like tacos and hot chicken.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is accessible and suitable for most travelers, but some attractions include standing and walking, so be prepared.

Are there any notable exclusions?
The pass does not include transportation to all attractions, and the Parthenon is not an included attraction, though it is a stop along the trolley route.

How do I book and receive tickets?
After booking, travelers receive a separate email with individual tickets for direct entry, valid for a full year. It’s recommended to bring these tickets on the day of visits.