Private Open-Air Minibus Sightseeing Tour in Nashville

If you’re thinking about how to see Nashville without the hassle of crowded tours or walking endless blocks, a private open-air minibus tour might be just what you need. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a clear picture of what you can expect. It’s a flexible, custom experience that adapts to your interests, all while providing a comfortable, fun way to explore Music City.

One thing we love is the ability to create a personalized itinerary—whether it’s hitting the murals, stopping at a brewery, or snapping photos at iconic spots like Nissan Stadium. Plus, the fact that this is a private tour means fewer crowds and more tailored attention from your guide. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the cost—it’s $375 for up to 12 people, which might seem steep for some, but when you consider the privacy and flexibility, many find it a good value.

This experience is ideal for groups wanting a relaxed, tailored way to see Nashville’s highlights without the pressure of a large tour group. It’s perfect for friends, families, or even couples who want to explore at their own pace while enjoying the comfort and novelty of an open-air bus.

Key Points

• Private and customizable: You choose your stops, making it a personalized experience.
• Great for groups: Up to 12 people, ideal for friends or families.
• Comfortable transport: Individual bus seats with a cooler for drinks.
• Flexible scheduling: Can be booked for any time during business hours.
• Stunning views and photo ops: Perfect for capturing memories at iconic Nashville spots.
• Includes local insights: Guides are knowledgeable and friendly, often making the experience memorable.

What to Expect from the Tour Itinerary

This tour lasts around two hours—an ideal length for a quick yet rundown of Nashville. It starts on 4th Avenue South & Peabody Street, with the flexibility to be dropped off anywhere downtown afterward. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll see and do along the way:

Stops and Highlights

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
This is your first stop—an opportunity to learn about Tennessee’s history while enjoying the parks’ amenities, including a farmers market. It’s a quick 10-minute visit, but one packed with local flavor and history. It’s free, which adds a bit of value right from the start.

Marathon Music Works
Next, you’ll explore the historic Marathon Motor Works building, where some tours include tasting moonshine samples (the reviews note this as a fun bonus). You’ll also get a glimpse into Nashville’s music scene, plus stop at the American Pickers store. It’s about 20 minutes of fun and history, with no admission fees.

Downtown Nashville
This is a quick 5-minute stop to see murals and street art—some well-known, others more offbeat. It’s a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to see Nashville’s creative side beyond the usual tourist spots.

Nissan Stadium
Another short stop for photos, especially with the stadium’s sweeping views of the city skyline. It’s a great chance to capture Nashville’s sports and music culture—just a few minutes here.

Printer’s Alley
A brief 5-minute walk back into history, where you hear about the colorful past of this famous street—covering everything from early prostitution to Bible printing. It’s a small stop but packed with stories that add depth to your Nashville experience.

What Travelers Say

Multiple reviews mention the guide’s ability to customize the tour based on interests—whether it’s music, murals, or local history. One reviewer warmly notes, “Jason is friendly, knowledgeable, and most importantly hilarious,” emphasizing that a good guide makes all the difference. Others loved the photo opportunities and the relaxed pace, making it feel like exploring with a friend.

Why This Tour Stands Out

The private aspect is a major draw—no sharing your experience with strangers—plus, the customizable itinerary means you’ll see the things that matter most to you. We also appreciate the large cooler with ice, allowing you to BYOB (excluding alcohol, which isn’t included), so you can sip your drinks as you cruise around.

The duration of around two hours strikes a good balance—enough to hit several key spots without feeling rushed or exhausted. And the cost of $375 per group might seem a bit high at first glance, but when you factor in the private setting, the flexibility, and the inclusion of the cooler, many travelers find it a fair deal—especially if splitting costs among a group.

Deep Dive into the Stops

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

This stop offers a mix of history and scenery, with plenty of space to stretch your legs and take photos. Since it’s free and only 10 minutes long, it’s a quick, meaningful introduction to Tennessee’s past. Plus, learning about the state’s history adds context to your Nashville exploration.

Marathon Music Works & Moonshine Samples

For music lovers, this stop is a highlight. Exploring the building where Nashville’s music legacy lives, and tasting some homemade moonshine, makes for a memorable visit. The American Pickers store also adds a quirky touch—an eclectic peek into the city’s vintage and collectible scene.

Downtown Murals & Street Art

This is where Nashville’s modern, artistic vibe really shines. The murals aren’t just the usual tourist photos—they include hidden gems you might not see on a standard walk. It’s a quick stop, but one that’s perfect for social media and capturing the city’s creative spirit.

Nissan Stadium

Whether you’re a sports fan or not, this stadium offers excellent views, especially in the late afternoon or evening light. It’s a natural photo op, and the short stop means you can get a good shot without losing too much time.

Printer’s Alley

A quick walk into Nashville’s colorful past, Printer’s Alley was once a hub for both nightlife and contraband. Hearing the stories here adds a layer of authenticity to your city experience.

Why Travelers Rave About This Tour

Based on dozens of reviews, guides like Jason are praised for their knowledge and humor, making the two hours fly by. People mention that the tour was customized and informative, with “great stops and photo opportunities.” Many find it a fun mix of sightseeing and storytelling, perfect for both first-timers and seasoned visitors.

One reviewer says, “Jason showed us a great time and made sure we were comfortable the entire trip,” highlighting the personal touch. Others appreciated the off-the-beaten-path stops and the opportunity to learn about Nashville’s musical roots and hidden history.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the price, the value really depends on how much you enjoy personalized service and a flexible schedule. With private transportation, comfortable seats, and a cooler for drinks, it’s a more upscale way to see Nashville—especially if you prefer avoiding crowded buses or generic city tours.

If you’re traveling with a group who want a laid-back, tailored experience, this tour offers a lot for the money. The ability to choose stops and the knowledgeable guides turn a standard city tour into a memorable, personalized adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This is ideal for small groups looking for a relaxed yet comprehensive city overview. It’s especially suited for those who value privacy, customization, and a casual vibe. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to get oriented before hitting Nashville’s downtown, this tour can set the tone for your trip.

It’s also perfect if you enjoy stopping at local spots, snapping photos, and learning insider stories without feeling rushed. The tour’s flexibility makes it a good choice for varied interests—music, murals, history, or simply sightseeing in style.

FAQs

Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, a large cooler with ice is provided, so you can bring your drinks, just not alcoholic beverages. You’ll want to pack what you enjoy, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, giving you enough time to see key sights without it feeling like a marathon.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but since it’s a private, outdoor-style bus, it’s best for those who are comfortable with a moving vehicle and standing for a few minutes during stops.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t refundable, so plan accordingly.

Where does the tour start?
Meet at 4th Avenue South & Peabody Street. The tour can drop you off anywhere in downtown Nashville afterward, making it convenient for your ongoing plans.

Is the tour available every day?
Yes, it operates daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with booking available in advance.

Final Thoughts

This private open-air minibus tour offers a comfortable, flexible, and personalized way to get a taste of Nashville. The combination of knowledgeable guides, stunning photo stops, and the ability to customize your route makes it stand out among city tours. It’s especially worth considering if you want a private, relaxed experience with a local flavor.

While the price might give some pause, the value comes from the tailored itinerary, the private setting, and the insider stories you’ll gather along the way. It’s a great choice for groups who want to see Nashville’s highlights without the rush or chaos of a larger tour, and for those who love having control over what to explore.

If you’re after a laid-back, engaging way to start your Nashville adventure, this tour could be exactly what you’re looking for. Just remember to book in advance—it’s popular, and with great reviews like these, it tends to fill up fast.

Happy exploring, Nashville awaits!