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Civil War Tour: Exploring Historic Franklin Battle Sites
4.8
510 Ratings
Nashville
Experience the intensity of the American Civil War on a tour of historic Franklin battle sites. Visit the Carter House, Lotz House, and Carnton to learn about the war’s dark history and see bullet holes and blood stains that still remain.
Experience the intensity of the American Civil War on a tour of historic Franklin battle sites. Visit the Carter House, Lotz House, and Carnton to learn about the war’s dark history and see bullet holes and blood stains that still remain.
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Gray Line Tours - You’ll be picked up from your Nashville hotel in the morning and taken by comfortable coach to Franklin, a nearby city that played a key role in the American Civil War.\n\nVisit sites near where the Union and Confederate armies fought and hear stories from your knowledgeable guide about the Battle of Franklin, fought on November 30, 1864 and known by many as the five bloodiest hours of the Civil War.
- Gray Line Tours - You’ll be picked up from your Nashville hotel in the morning and taken by comfortable coach to Franklin, a nearby city that played a key role in the American Civil War.\n\nVisit sites near where the Union and Confederate armies fought and hear stories from your knowledgeable guide about the Battle of Franklin, fought on November 30, 1864 and known by many as the five bloodiest hours of the Civil War.
What's Included
- 7-Hour Guided Civil War & History Day Tour from Nashville
- Round-Trip Transportation from Nashville Aboard Air-Conditioned Shuttle
- Admission to Carnton Plantation, Lotz House, and Carter House
- In-depth storytelling about The Battle of Franklin’s crucial moments
- Free time in historic Franklin for shopping, dining, and sightseeing
- 7-Hour Guided Civil War & History Day Tour from Nashville
- Round-Trip Transportation from Nashville Aboard Air-Conditioned Shuttle
- Admission to Carnton Plantation, Lotz House, and Carter House
- In-depth storytelling about The Battle of Franklin’s crucial moments
- Free time in historic Franklin for shopping, dining, and sightseeing
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Lunch (Lunch is on your own in downtown Franklin)
- Gratuities
- Lunch (Lunch is on your own in downtown Franklin)
Additional Information
Explore the gruesome events of the American Civil War on this trip from Nashville to Franklin, where the well-known Battle of Franklin took place in 1864. Acquire knowledge about the war’s bleak past from your informed guide as you explore the Carter House and Lotz House, both of which still exhibit bullet marks and blood stains. You’ll also journey…
Explore the gruesome events of the American Civil War on this trip from Nashville to Franklin, where the well-known Battle of Franklin took place in 1864. Acquire knowledge about the war’s bleak past from your informed guide as you explore the Carter House and Lotz House, both of which still exhibit bullet marks and blood stains. You’ll also journey through the Carnton and come to understand its involvement during and following the conflict, when it evolved into the nation’s biggest private Confederate cemetery.
- Lunch on your own in downtown Franklin.
- Accessibility: ADA-compliant vehicles are available for most tours if you provide us with a 48-hour notice. After scheduling your tour, please contact our Dispatch Office to confirm availability.
Location
108 1st Ave S
1st Avenue South
Tours depart from: Gray Line Ticket Booth at the Riverfront Train Station, 108 1st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37201 (off 1st Ave S, across from Acme Feed & Seed). Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to tour start time.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(510 Ratings)
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Shauneenl2019
Oct 9, 2025
Not to be missed. - We had a great time on this tour, great price for what you get. All of the tour hosts were so passionate about the history they were telling especially at Carlton. If you have a day to spare in Nashville and you like history it's a definite must go. The town of Franklin itself is also beautiful and quaint with great places for food and shopping as you stop off for lunch for roughly 1 hour.
I would recommend this tour for anyone visiting.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Steven_c
Oct 8, 2025
Civil War - Excellent tours. We got our money's worth. Driver and tour guides we very knowledgeable. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Philippq5123cy
Oct 7, 2025
Great tour! - We toured three amazing Civil War sites, all tied together because of the Battle of Franklin. Each docent was personable and knowledgeable, and our tour guide "Roger" was a wealth of information on the area and the Civil War.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rosabear
Oct 6, 2025
Battle of Franklin - Awesome tour and our Tour Guide (Roger) was very knowledgeable and professional. This is a definite must see while in the Nashville area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bearsmom20
Oct 3, 2025
Great learning opportunity - Tour guides were knowledgeable, houses were restored beautifully. Tour guides had a passion to teach history of the area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_h
Oct 2, 2025
Our tour guide Roger was... - Our tour guide Roger was very knowledgeable about the history of Franklin and the Battle of Franklin. He expertly described the events of that day and the houses visited brought that description to life. The lunch hour (about 75 min) in downtown Franklin was the perfect length to eat and walk about the town square and Main Street. This tour is a must do and highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Paul_a
Oct 1, 2025
Great for people who want... - Great for people who want to know more about the Civil War. The tour guides at each of the three houses were enthusiastic and gave really good information. The Gray Line bus driver, Julie, was delightful.
Review provided by Viator
Karengg2144oj
Sep 28, 2025
Worth the time to learn more about war - Our driver Jules was a sweetheart and made me , a non country music loving person, enjoy myself. Enjoyed the house tours immensely however Elizabeth did not know how to handle a mother and child graciously and they had to leave tour. Also second house tour added extra family to an already full bus so we were rushed thru. I enjoyed the third house tour immensely. We were split into 2 groups as it was a smaller house. It was a full day. My only other caution would be to be careful at bus pick up sight as I walked along river a little while waiting and a homeless woman tried to attack me physically just before 9 AM. The lunch stop had cute stores to shop in. I did not stop to eat as I brought my lunch.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roam61935072267
Sep 28, 2025
Fantastic tour - Julie was an amazing tour guide and driver. She was so friendly and personable, taking time to speak to each person and offering such useful tips and information on our stops. This tour was an eye-opening experience regarding the very personal effects of the Battle at Franklin, TN on the plantation and homeowners. A must for anyone interested in the history of the civil war.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carla_s
Sep 27, 2025
Wonderful tour and tour guide! - Julie was an amazing tour guide! Highly recommend! This is definitely one of the most interesting Viator experiences ever. The homes were unique and I especially enjoyed Thomas Cartwright’s stories at the Lotz’ house. He included so many details and wonderful anecdotes!
Review provided by Viator
