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

If you’re planning a trip to Nashville and want a way to see many of the city’s highlights without the hassle of organizing separate tickets or transportation, the Circle Pass might be just what you need. This package offers a one-day VIP hop-on, hop-off trolley experience that covers fifteen of Nashville’s most popular spots, blending self-guided visits with some guided elements.

What caught our eye about this tour? First, the flexibility it provides—being able to hop off at places that pique your interest, spend as long as you’d like, and then re-board for the next stop. Second, the inclusion of tickets to major attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Johnny Cash Museum, which saves both time and money.

However, a potential consideration is that the trolley service runs on a fixed schedule and may be crowded, making some travelers feel a bit rushed or unable to hear the narration clearly. Still, for those who want a broad, convenient overview of Nashville’s music scene and iconic sites, this tour offers solid value.

This experience is best suited for visitors who want to maximize their time and see a variety of attractions in one day. If you prefer detailed, guided tours with small groups, this might not be the perfect fit. But if you’re happy with a flexible, self-paced approach, the Circle Pass provides a practical and enjoyable way to dive into Music City.

Key Points

• Flexible Itinerary: Hop on and off at your pace, spending as much time as you want at each spot.
• Inclusive Access: Ticket bundle includes major Nashville attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Johnny Cash Museum.
• Ideal for Time-Savers: Perfect for seeing many highlights in a single day.
• Touring Experience: Combines self-guided museum visits with narrated city tours.
• Crowd and Schedule Considerations: Trolleys can fill up, and some narration might be hard to hear.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Offers good value, especially for those wanting a broad overview.

What’s Included in the Circle Pass?

This pass offers a mix of attractions and activities designed to give a well-rounded Nashville experience. For $217.50 per person, you get:

• Admission to the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum with a self-guided tour, allowing you to explore the exhibits at your own pace. The museum showcases an extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia that tell the story of country music across two centuries.
• Either RCA Studio B or Hatch Show Print Tour: You choose one. RCA Studio B is where legendary artists like Elvis Presley recorded hits, and you’ll get a guided tour into the recording space. Hatch Show Print, on the other hand, is an iconic printmaking shop known for its concert posters.
• A 1-day hop-on, hop-off trolley tour: This narrated ride covers the city and Broadway, letting you see Nashville’s sights while learning interesting facts.
• The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum: Celebrating studio musicians behind many hits, this museum offers insight into the behind-the-scenes artists you might not know by name but have heard on countless recordings.
• Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery Tasting: Sample some of Tennessee’s famous moonshine and enjoy a taste of local craft spirits.
• Johnny Cash Museum: Dive into the life and legacy of the Man in Black through exhibits that include artifacts, memorabilia, and multimedia displays.
• Ryman Auditorium: Tour the legendary “Mother Church of Country Music,” soaking in its history and the performances that made it famous.

All these inclusions are valid for a year from the date you receive your tickets, giving you flexibility to plan your visit.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Stop 1: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

This is arguably Nashville’s most iconic museum. It’s a self-guided experience, so you can take your time exploring exhibits that highlight country music’s history — from early roots to modern stars. The museum boasts a vast collection, including videos and recordings, and offers live performances and public programs.

Travelers who love music will appreciate the modern design and engaging displays. One reviewer mentioned, “The Museum presents the crown jewels of its vast collection to illustrate country music’s story,” which sums up the experience nicely. Expect around four hours here, so plan accordingly.

Stop 2: RCA Studio B or Hatch Show Print

You get to pick between two iconic Nashville landmarks. RCA Studio B has a guided tour where you can step into the recording space of legends like Elvis and the Everly Brothers. It’s a chance to see where some of music history was made, with commentary about the Nashville Sound that revitalized country music.

Alternatively, Hatch Show Print is still creating concert posters today. Visitors can tour the historic print shop and learn about the art of letterpress printing.

One reviewer found RCA Studio B “entertaining,” with lots of facts shared about the space and its history. The choice depends on whether you’re more interested in recording history or print design.

Stop 3: Old Town Trolley Tours

This hop-on, hop-off trolley is the backbone of the experience, looping about every 20 minutes. It provides a narrated city tour, sharing fun facts and behind-the-scenes tidbits. It’s a convenient way to get around Nashville’s neighborhoods and attractions.

Some travelers expressed frustration that the trolley can fill up quickly, and during busy times, you might have to wait for the next one. One review noted that “the trolleys were full most times,” so arriving early or during off-peak hours could improve the experience.

Stop 4: Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum

This museum shines a light on the studio musicians behind countless hits. It’s more than just a list of famous names; it showcases instruments used on famous recordings and explains how these musicians contributed to music history.

A visitor commented, “The instruments used on hundreds of recordings are beautifully displayed,” making it a must-see for music aficionados. The self-guided format allows you to explore leisurely.

Stop 5: Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery

Located at 6th & Peabody, this distillery offers a tasting experience. Visitors can sample moonshine, cocktails, and local beers while enjoying the lively atmosphere with food options like Nashville’s own hot chicken and tacos.

One reviewer noted that while it’s a great place to taste spirits and soak in the local vibe, it’s not a guided tour of a distillery, which might be a disappointment if you were expecting that.

Stop 6: Johnny Cash Museum

This is a highlight for fans of country music and Johnny Cash. The museum features the largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia. Interactive exhibits and multimedia displays bring his story to life.

A visitor described it as “the best Johnny Cash venue,” emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the exhibits. It’s a self-guided tour, so you can spend as much time as you like here.

Stop 7: Ryman Auditorium

The “Mother Church of Country Music” rounds out the tour. Self-guided visits let you explore the historic hall at your own pace. With over 130 years of performances, this venue is a cornerstone of Nashville’s music scene.

Reviewers mentioned that “the spirit of performances and pop culture moments” makes touring the Ryman a special experience.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Most travelers find the value good for what’s included, especially appreciating the ease of using vouchers accepted at several museums and attractions. Many highlighted the knowledgeable guides and entertaining narration during the trolley tour, which added to the fun.

However, some concerns popped up. For instance, one reviewer pointed out that the trolley can be crowded, and the narration might be hard to hear at times. Others noted that some attractions, like the Parthenon, are not included in the pass, which can lead to misunderstandings if not read carefully.

A few travelers mentioned that timing is key—since the trolley runs on a schedule and some attractions have limited hours, it’s important to plan ahead to maximize your day.

The Practical Side: Transportation, Timing, and Cost

The Circle Pass is designed to give you a broad overview without the need to buy separate tickets or arrange multiple tours. For $217.50, you’re getting access to major attractions and a city tour. When you consider that museum tickets alone often cost $20-$30 each, plus the cost of individual tours, this package offers decent value.

The trolley runs daily from 9 am to 5 pm, so early arrival helps avoid crowds and ensures you get the most out of your day. Remember, the tickets are valid for a full year, offering flexibility if you want to spread your visits over multiple days.

The self-guided nature of the museums means you can go at your own pace, but be prepared for some attractions to have specific hours, so check ahead to avoid disappointment.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This package is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive Nashville experience without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s also good for travelers on a tight schedule, who want to see many highlights in one day.

If you’re someone who enjoys flexibility and prefers to explore at your leisure, the hopping on and off approach works well. However, if you love guided tours with small groups and detailed commentary, you might find this setup a little impersonal.

Those with an interest in country music, iconic venues, and Nashville’s musical roots will find plenty to love here. It’s less suited for travelers seeking in-depth behind-the-scenes tours or a more curated experience.

The Sum Up

The Circle Pass offers a practical way to get a taste of Nashville’s best in a single day. With access to major attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum, and the Ryman Auditorium, it’s a great deal for music lovers and first-timers eager to see the city’s highlights.

The flexible hop-on, hop-off trolley, combined with included tickets, makes it easy to customize your day around your interests. While crowds and scheduling can be tricky at times, most travelers find the value and convenience outweigh these minor frustrations.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, all-in-one Nashville introduction, especially if you want to enjoy a mix of museums, music history, and local flavors, this pass is worth considering.

FAQ

Is transportation to all attractions included? No, the trolley service is included, but it does not provide direct transportation to all attractions such as Madame Tussauds. You might need to arrange your own transport for some locations.

How long do I have to use the tickets? The tickets are valid for one year from the date you receive them, giving you flexibility to plan your visit.

Can I visit all attractions in one day? The pass is designed for a single day’s use, but depending on your pace, some travelers may find it tight. Planning your stops and starting early helps.

Are the museums self-guided or guided? Most museums, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Johnny Cash Museum, are self-guided, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

What if I want to visit the Parthenon? The Parthenon is along the trolley route but is not included in the pass. You’d need to visit separately or pay admission.

Is the tour suitable for families? The tour is generally family-friendly, especially for music fans and those interested in Nashville’s musical history, but it’s not specifically geared toward children.

What should I bring? Bring your printed tickets or digital copies, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera. Check the weather forecast for outdoor stops.

What is the cost compared to other options? The price offers good value when you consider individual museum tickets and separate tours, especially for a broad overview of Nashville.

If you’re after an easy, flexible way to get a broad taste of Nashville’s music scene and iconic spots, the Circle Pass could just be your ticket to a memorable day in Music City.