“We were asked to name one or two highlights – not possible! I easily came up with six to seven! This is a very complete tour of the area…Our guide and driver were very good.” Steve – Sartell, MN (Smoky Mountains 2025)
Day 1 – Home to Bloomington, IL
Welcome aboard! Today we’ll travel to Bloomington, 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: DoubleTree
Day 2 – Bloomington 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 Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen 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. We’ll check in for three nights to the brand-new Drury Plaza and partake in their Kickback Reception, which is a complete light meal.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Drury Kickback
Hotel: Drury Plaza (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. We’ll return to the Drury to freshen up and enjoy the Kickback before we will head to the Comedy Barn for a clean, fun comedy show that will leave our cheeks aching from all the laughter!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Drury Kickback
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 to take in the incredible views from the summit. Enjoy taking in the variety of shops at Ober Mountain as well. Then we return 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
Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites (2 Nights)
Day 7 – Asheville Area
This morning 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. We’re treated to a full day at the Biltmore! So take your time exploring the mansion during a self-guided audio tour and strolling at leisure the immaculate gardens and grounds. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the estate’s Stable Restaurant, offering a wonderful atmosphere. Browse the charming estate shops: A Christmas Past is the perfect place to find a special ornament for your tree, Bookbinder’s offers books related to the Vanderbilts and their era, the Confectionery is a great option for a mid-afternoon treat – plus there’s more!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 – Asheville Area to Louisville, KY
We make our way to Berea today for lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon we 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 our hotel for the Kickback and for a restful evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Drury Kickback
Hotel: Drury Inn & Suites
Day 9 – Louisville to Bloomington, 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, view a movie in their 360˚ movie room, and browse the fun gift shop! Plus a mock racing event allows us to share in the fun & excitement of wagering, betting windows, and live tellers with “Horsey Bucks.” Then we’ll grab a boxed lunch before we head towards home with a stop for night in Bloomington, IL. Enjoy a farewell dinner at Baxter’s American Grille.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: DoubleTree
Day 10 – Bloomington 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
Motorcoach Travel Protection Per Person
Travel Bucks
Deposit Due
Passport Needed
Tour Pace
Price Includes
17 Meals & 3 Kickbacks, Hotels & Activities as stated, Luxury Motorcoach
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- BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY OVERLOOK OF LOOKING GLASS ROCK NORTH CAROLINA
10/16/2026 10/25/2026
Tour Map
Tour Highlights
* Grand Ole Opry
* 3 Nights Pigeon Forge
* Comedy Barn Show
* Old Friends Living History Farm
* 2 Nights near Asheville, N.C.
* Full Day Touring Biltmore Estate & Stroll the Gardens
* Guided Tour of the Great Smoky Mountains
* Take a ride up America’s largest Aerial Tramway in Gatlinburg
* Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show
* Churchill Downs with Race Activity
* Dollywood
* Nashville City Tour
