Collette > Great Smokies and Kentucky

Great Smokies and Kentucky
8 Days starting from $1,349

Countries Visited:
United States

 

Length: 8 Days
Type:
Category:
Operator: Collette
Tour Code: 3368
   
 
About This Tour


Spectacular scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains blends with America's musical traditions on this leisurely tour that travels through Tennessee, Kentucky and North Carolina. In Nashville, see the Old Ryman Auditorium, Parthenon, State Capitol and Music Row with dinner and entertainment at Wildhorse Saloon Enjoy an exciting performance at the Grand Ole Opry. Discover the opulence of the Biltmore estate, a 250-room French chateau. Visit Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby Museum and the Kentucky Horse Park.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • Additional Details


Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip.

Meals
6 Breakfast(s), 4 Dinner(s)

Hotel Accommodations:
Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

PIGEON FORGE Inn at Christmas Place

ASHEVILLE Holiday Inn Asheville- Biltmore West
NASHVILLE Gaylord Opryland Hotel

LOUISVILLE The Galt House Hotel

On some dates alternate hotels may be used. Add a post night stay in Nashville. Prices start at $130.00 per person.

Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling.
Sightseeing
Private transportation via a deluxe, climate-controlled motorcoach

Day 1
Louisville, KY - Tour Begins
Spectacular scenery and foot-stompin’ entertainment surround you when you travel through the Great Smoky Mountains and Kentucky - the “Bluegrass State.” Your tour begins today when you arrive in the home state of the famous Kentucky Derby.

Day 2
Louisville - Lexington - Louisville
Kentucky is known for raising the finest thoroughbred horses in the world. This morning, enjoy a memorable breakfast while watching horses perform their morning exercises when you dine at the Kentucky Derby Museum’s “Backstage Tour.” Your visit includes a stop at the famous Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby! Next, travel to historic Lexington via some of the most breathtaking countryside imaginable – including incredibly manicured horse farms. A visit to the Kentucky Horse Park is sure to be a highlight. This working horse farm – unparalleled worldwide with 1,200 acres surrounded by 30 miles of white plank fencing – is dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse. Take some time to visit the International Museum of the Horse, an affiliate museum of the Smithsonian Institution that is located on the grounds as well! Get to know your fellow travelers during an evening of fine dining and entertainment aboard the Belle of Louisville, the steam powered national historic landmark and a treasured Louisville icon!

Day 3
Louisville - Bardstown - Asheville, North Carolina
Your day begins with a tour of the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Discover the story behind the bat and the family company that still creates it! Enjoy a visit to Sinking Springs Farm, the birthplace of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, and Bardstown, where half of the world’s bourbon is distilled. A guided tour of Maker’s Mark Bourbon Distillery allows you to see this interesting industry first-hand. After the tour you will be treated to a tasting and have the opportunity to purchase a bottle of the finest Maker’s Mark bourbon and seal your own bottle with its signature wax. Then, set off on the road that leads to Asheville.

Day 4
Asheville - Cherokee - Asheville
Your day begins with a visit to the Cherokee Reservation, learning about their fascinating language and history through the ages. Spend your morning at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian where you’ll be immersed in the history, culture and stories of the Cherokee people. Then, climb aboard the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, traveling back to a time when the short line railroad was every small town’s signature. As you relax to the soothing and nostalgic sounds of the train, behold the awe-inspiring countryside unfolding before your eyes.

Day 5
Asheville - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Begin your day with a visit to the incredible Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned home in America. This 250-room French chateau is owned by the Vanderbilt family and features an extensive collection of art and furniture. Spend the day exploring this 8,000-acre property, including the exquisite Biltmore Winery, where you will enjoy a special wine tasting. This afternoon, behold incredible beauty as you travel through Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Emitting a distinct smoke-like haze, these mountains are some of the oldest upland regions on Earth and stretch from western North Carolina into eastern Tennessee. Then, roll up your sleeves for a good old Country-style meal when you enjoy a dinner show at the fantastic Dixie Stampede!

Day 6
Pigeon Forge - Gatlinburg - Nashville
Begin your day with a lovely morning show before enjoying free time to explore Gatlinburg''s many specialty shops and restaurants. You will find everything from fine arts and linens to crafts and collectibles. Stroll its charming streets, reveling in the lively atmosphere around you. Then it’s off to the “Music Capital of the World” – Nashville!

Day 7
Nashville
This morning, a local guide officially welcomes you to Nashville by sharing its history and lore during an interesting sightseeing tour. View the State Capitol, Music Row and the Parthenon – a full scale replica of the Athenian original! Then, spend some time visiting the Ryman Auditorium to stroll through the halls filled with fascinating memorabilia from the Ryman’s storied past! The remainder of your afternoon is free to explore Nashville at your leisure. You may opt to take an excursion to the Country Music Hall of Fame or perhaps visit a local venue to relax over some soothing tunes in this musical city. Later, take your seat at the renowned “Grand Ole Opry!” What began as a building where a local radio broadcast show aired once a week in 1925 has grown to become an entertainment complex that attracts music fans from all over the world.

Day 8
Nashville - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today. You return home with songs in your heart and many cherished memories of your journey through the Great Smokies and Kentucky.


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
5/9/2009 - 5/16/2009
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5/30/2009 - 6/7/2009
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6/6/2009 - 6/13/2009
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8/29/2009 - 9/5/2009
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9/5/2009 - 9/12/2009
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9/5/2009 - 9/13/2009
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9/12/2009 - 9/19/2009
$1,699
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9/19/2009 - 9/26/2009
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9/26/2009 - 10/3/2009
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10/3/2009 - 10/10/2009
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10/10/2009 - 10/18/2009
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10/17/2009 - 10/24/2009
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10/24/2009 - 10/31/2009
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10/31/2009 - 11/8/2009
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11/7/2009 - 11/14/2009
$1,649
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11/14/2009 - 11/21/2009
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12/12/2009 - 12/19/2009
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4/10/2010 - 4/17/2010
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4/17/2010 - 4/24/2010
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4/24/2010 - 5/2/2010
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Know Before You Go....

Passport & Visa Information
Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.

IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.

Time Zone
Louisville Mississippi and Nashville are 1 hour behind Eastern Standard Time.
 
Electricity
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. Voltage for US, Canada, and Mexico is 110.
 
Elevation
Highest elevation included on tour 1289 feet, Gatlinburg

Pigeon Forge, Smoky Mountain National Park, Biltmore Estate, Asheville, Country Tonite Theatre, Nashville, Grand Ole Opry, Wildhorse Saloon, Churchill Downs, Kentucky Horse Park, Star Cruises

An exciting country-western show at Country Tonite Theatre introduces you to this great region through music.

Enjoy an evening at Nashville's famous Wildhorse Saloon.

Explore Sinking Springs Farm, the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln.

Know Before You Go....

Passport & Visa Information
Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.

IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.

Time Zone
Louisville Mississippi and Nashville are 1 hour behind Eastern Standard Time.
 
Electricity
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. Voltage for US, Canada, and Mexico is 110.
 
Elevation
Highest elevation included on tour 1289 feet, Gatlinburg
   
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