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Day 1 – Home to Bloomington, IL

Our festive journey filled with music and Christmas spirit begins as we travel along. We’ll stop for an included lunch before continuing on to Bloomington, IL where we’ll settle into our hotel for our first overnight stay.

Included Meals: Lunch

Hotel: DoubleTree

 

Day 2 – Bloomington to Lexington, KY

After breakfast our journey continues south to Lexington, KY, where we’ll check in at the beautiful Campbell House. Now a historic boutique hotel, it was originally built in 1851 as a prominent 19th century residence. We’ll enjoy its Southern charm of original interiors and equestrian ties. This evening we’ll go to the Kentucky Castle, where we’ll enjoy an interesting guided tour of the impressive castle decorated so lovely in its Christmas finery. Afterwards, we’re treated to a memorable dinner in this truly one-of-a-kind setting!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Campbell House

 

Day 3 – Lexington to Pigeon Forge, TN

Today we travel to the beautiful Smoky Mountains and arrive at our destination in Pigeon Forge, TN. We’ll be guests at the brand-new Drury Plaza Hotel, our home for the next three wonderful nights. Partake in the Drury’s Kickback Reception, which is a complete light meal. This evening, we’ll celebrate the season with the Christmas at Array Show. World-class vocalists will serenade us with beloved Christmas classics and enchanting new favorites, Yuletide dancers will embody the joy and magic of the holidays, and the Navitity scene will embrace the true essence of Christmas – God’s ultimate gift of love and hope to humanity. We will leave this grand Christmas show feeling inspired and full of Christmas spirit!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Drury Kickback

Hotel: Drury Plaza Hotel (3 Nights)

 

Day 4 – Pigeon Forge / Asheville, NC

Today we enjoy a scenic drive through the Smoky Mountains as we travel to the remarkable Biltmore Estate for an extensive time of exploration. Construction began in 1889, and on Christmas Eve in 1895, the country retreat George Vanderbilt had spent so long planning was finally complete and marvelously decorated and full of festivity! A self-guided audio tour at our own pace of this grand historic home, beautifully decorated for the holidays, allows us time to take in the elegant rooms, festive displays, magnificent architecture, and seasonal charm throughout the estate. We’ll also enjoy a delicious lunch together at the Stable Café on the Biltmore grounds. Returning to Pigeon Forge, we’ll refresh at the hotel before dinner is served at Puckett’s Restaurant.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 5 – Pigeon Forge

Today is devoted to the wonderful Bluegrass Christmas in the Smokies Festival in charming Gatlinburg! Get ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the warm melodies of Bluegrass music in the heart of the Smoky Mountains! Upon entering the Convention Center, we’ll each receive a wristband before settling into our reserved seats. The Festival has a full line-up of Bluegrass bands to entertain us throughout the day both with outstanding traditional Bluegrass music as well as Bluegrass Christmas music! At any point if you feel like stretching your legs, you’re free to come and go. There are many restaurants and quaint shops nearby. Later we’ll all step out for a special group dinner at Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que before returning to the Festival for more great evening performances.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

Day 6 – Pigeon Forge to Louisville, KY

As our Bluegrass time in Pigeon Forge comes to a close, we begin our journey home with a stop in Louisville, KY. A unique afternoon is in store as our motorcoach drives below ground at Mega Cavern’s, allowing us to experience the only underground holiday light show in the world! “Lights Under Louisville” includes more than 40 themed displays, multiple projection areas, over 900 lit characters, exciting themes, two laser locations, multiple light tunnels, holiday music, over 6,500,000 points of light, and the only domestic holographic Santa. As we motor along, we’ll be immersed in a megadose of Christmas cheer! We’ll stay the night at Drury Inn & Suites and enjoy the Kickback.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Drury Kickback

Hotel: Drury Inn and Suites

 

Day 7 – Louisville to Davenport, IA

Another day of traveling will bring us to the majestic Hotel Blackhawk, located in the heart of downtown Davenport. This AAA Four-Diamond Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel, originally opened in 1915, has hosted Presidents, entertainers, and legendary athletes! Not only do we get to stay here for our last overnight, but we’ll also be treated to an elegant Farewell Dinner followed by our own private concert by a talented Bluegrass Christmas entertainer! We’ll tap our toes to both traditional Bluegrass music and Christmas Bluegrass music! What a special finale to our grand tour!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Hotel Blackhawk

 

Day 8 – Davenport to Home

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we start for home. Our hearts are filled with Bluegrass Christmas music and our minds are filled with the incredible sights we have experienced together!

Included Meals: Breakfast

Motorcoach Per Person Pricing Information

Double: $2,899
Single: $3,649
Triple: $2,699
Quad: $2,579

Motorcoach Travel Protection Per Person

Double: $228
Single: $292

Travel Bucks

$40 Travel Bucks per person earned with this tour

Deposit Due

$100 deposit per person due at time of reservation. Full payment due 30 days prior to depart.

Passport Needed

No

Tour Pace

Moderate Walking

Price Includes

13 Meals & 2 Kickbacks, Hotels and activities & events as stated in brochure, Luxury Motorcoach



The average temperature while R&J is visiting is 57°
Travel with R & J Tours to a warm destination where it is...
26°
Minneapolis, Mn
60°
Bluegrass Christmas in the Smokies
Motorcoach Departure Date:
11/17/2026
Motorcoach Return Date:
11/24/2026

Make a Reservation Online

Tour Map


Tour Highlights

* 1 Night at Historic Campbell House
* Kentucky Castle Tour & Dinner
* 3 Nights in Pigeon Forge at Brand-New Drury Plaza Hotel
* Christmas at Array Show
* Extensive Exploring of Biltmore Estate at Christmastime, Including Tour & Lunch
* Full Day at Bluegrass Christmas in the Smokies Festival
* Louisville Mega Cavern’s Lights Under Louisville Driving Tour
* 1 Night at Hotel Blackhawk with Elegant Dinner & Private Bluegrass Christmas Entertainment



Travel with R & J Tours to a warm destination where it is...
26°
Minneapolis, Mn
60°
Bluegrass Christmas in the Smokies
The average temperature while R&J is visiting is 57°
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