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The Smoky Mountain trip was fantastic! Colors were beautiful, so much to do and see. Terry and Jane were the best; loved the poems, even the jokes were great 🙂   Cheryl & Ralph Uecker 

 

 

Day 1 – Home to Normal, IL 

Welcome aboard! Today we’ll travel to Normal, IL for an overnight stay. Lunch is served along the way before continuing on to our hotel. Enjoy an evening at your leisure tonight. 

Included Meals: Lunch 

Hotel: Hampton Inn and Suites 

 

Day 2 – Normal to Nashville, TN 

View fall colors as we make our way to Nashville for our overnight. We’ll check into our hotel and head to the Opry Backstage Grill before attending the fabulous Grand Ole Opry. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express 

 

Day 3 – Nashville to Pigeon Forge, TN 

First on the itinerary today is a tour of Nashville. A step-on guide will join us to see historic downtown Nashville, Music Row, Centennial Park and much, much more before we head for Pigeon Forge! The scenery is great as we travel to Pigeon Forge, a quaint little city nestled in the Smoky Mountains. Dinner is served at the charming Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Black Fox Lodge (3 Nights)

 

Day 4 – Pigeon Forge 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning. Later, visit Dollywood, the greatest variety of wholesome entertainment in the Smokies! Choose from 40 live shows, 50 craft showcase displays, Dollywood Boulevard, eight acres of movie memories and more. Dollywood will lift your spirits and leave you with special memories. After dinner on your own we will attend one of the hottest shows playing in Pigeon Forge, “Country Tonite.” 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

 

Day 5 – Pigeon Forge 

After a wonderful breakfast at our hotel, we will welcome a step-on guide on board for a wonderful tour of the Great Smoky Mountains. After our tour we will return to the hotel for a free afternoon. You can rest, explore Pigeon Forge, or stop at The Island or Christmas Place. This evening we are in for a treat. We will take in the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show. There will be a homestyle dinner feast followed by a farcical musical revue with dancing and comedy. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

 

Day 6 – Pigeon Forge to Asheville Area, NC 

We’ll say goodbye to Pigeon Forge and head to Gatlinburg, TN and take a scenic tram ride up America’s largest aerial tramway. The breathtaking panorama of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains is inspiring. Once at the top, hop on the the scenic chair lift to climb even higher and listen to an authentic Blue Grass Band. Enjoy time at the Mountain Mall before returning to the bottom of the mountain where there will be time to enjoy lunch (on your own) and some shopping time in Gatlinburg before heading to Asheville. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

Day 7 – Asheville Area 

Wind along Hickory Nut Gorge, a scenic canyon drive as we motor through colorful mountains to Chimney Rock Park, with its towering granite monolith that affords breathtaking 75-mile views. Then we will cross the threshold into a world of hospitality, beauty, and luxury that has remained unchanged for more than a century. The Biltmore Estate, home of George Washington Vanderbilt, is a testament to the uncompromising ideals of an exceptional man. Stroll the immaculate gardens and enjoy a delicious lunch at the estate’s Stable Restaurant, offering a wonderful atmosphere. The evening is at your leisure. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

 

Day 8 – Asheville Area to Frankfort, KY 

We make our way to Berea today for lunch at The Dinner Belle. This afternoon you are guests at the Old Friends Living History Farm where they provide a safe haven & permanent retirement to Thoroughbreds whose racing & breeding careers have come to an end. Arrive at your hotel for a restful evening and choose from a variety of restaurants tonight. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Hotel: Hampton Inn 

 

Day 9 – Frankfort to Normal, IL 

This morning we stop at Churchill Downs in Louisville, home of the world’s most famous horse race, for a guided tour of the racetrack. We’ll also explore their interesting Museum and view a movie in their 360˚ movie room, plus experience the fun gift shop! Enjoy the opportunity to create Lucky Shoes. Some folks have four leaf clovers or rabbits feet as a lucky charm. At Churchill Downs, the horseshoe is thought to bring good luck and protection. We’ll decorate our own lucky horseshoe to take home! Then we’ll grab a boxed lunch before we head towards home with a stop for night in Normal, IL. Enjoy a farewell dinner at Baxter’s American Grille. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Dinner 

Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites 

 

Day 10 – Normal to Home 

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we make our final stretch for home. Enjoy lunch on your own along the way. Arrive home late afternoon or early evening. 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Motorcoach Per Person Pricing Information

Double: $3,149
Single: $3,989
Triple: $2,929
Quad: $2,779

Motorcoach Travel Protection Per Person

Double: $198
Single: $254

Travel Bucks

$45 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

18 Meals, Hotels & Activities as stated, Luxury Motorcoach



The average temperature while R&J is visiting is 69°
Travel with R & J Tours to a warm destination where it is...
43°
Minneapolis, Mn
76°
Smoky Mountains – SOLD OUT! Call for Waitlist: 1-800-758-6877
Motorcoach Departure Date:
10/20/2023
Motorcoach Return Date:
10/29/2023

Make a Reservation Online

Tour Map


Tour Highlights

Grand Ole Opry
3 Nights Pigeon Forge
Country Tonite Show
Old Friends Living History Farm
2 Nights near Asheville, N.C.
Tour Biltmore Estate & Stroll the Gardens
Guided Tour of the Great Smoky Mountains
Blue Ridge Parkway Drive
Take a ride up America’s largest Aerial Tramway in Gatlinburg
Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show
Churchill Downs with Lucky Shoes activity
Dollywood
Nashville City Tour
Chimney Rock State Park



Travel with R & J Tours to a warm destination where it is...
43°
Minneapolis, Mn
76°
Smoky Mountains – SOLD OUT! Call for Waitlist: 1-800-758-6877
The average temperature while R&J is visiting is 69°
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