$2,609 and up per person
Take in the sights and sounds of the holidays in Nashville, Gatlinburg and Asheville. Enjoy reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Tour historic RCA Studio B and see where country legends recorded hit songs. Experience a magical holiday dinner and show at the Opryland Resort.
Delight in a choice of a horse-drawn carriage ride or a Grand Ole Opry Resort’s Delta River cruise and marvel at all the holiday lights and décor. A visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame is sure to have you hummin’ and strummin’ long after you leave Nashville. In Gatlinburg, relax and tap your toes during Dolly Parton’s Christmas Stampede and Dinner Show.
Explore the natural wonders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park by day and marvel at the spectacular light displays and shows celebrating the spirit of the holidays at Dollywood.
Then, travel to Asheville, North Carolina, and enjoy the city’s historic architecture, engaging neighborhoods and robust arts districts. Tour the Biltmore Estate, George Vanderbilt’s “little mountain escape” in the Blue Ridge Mountains, elaborately adorned for the holidays. When you leave, you’ll have the warmth and charm of the south still in your heart.
Destination
Tennessee & The Smoky Mountains
Take Note...
Roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing our airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
Please be advised many airlines do not provide advance seat assignments until check-in at the airport. Advance seating will be subject to the airline’s terms and conditions.
The overall activity level of this tour is a level 2. This means you like a balanced approach to travel. You feel confident walking at least 30-45 minutes at a time over a variety of terrains – from cobblestone streets to easy pathways; a couple of hills or a few flights of stairs. You’re comfortable walking a few city blocks at a time, but need some time to unwind and relax.
Due to tour scheduling, flights into Nashville must arrive no later than 6:00 p.m. and return flights should not be scheduled prior to 12:00 p.m.
Not Included
- Travel Insurance
- Airport departure taxes
- Excess baggage charges
- Gratuities
- Personal Expenses
- Other services specified as optional or not included.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance (including trip delay, trip cancellation, trip interruption, and baggage insurance) once a trip has been booked. Health, accident, and emergency evacuation insurance are also strongly recommended.
For more information related to travel insurance and possible providers click here.
Itinerary
Pre Night
Gaylord Opryland Resort
Before your tour begins you can stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort to experience the energy and excitement of Music City. On the banks of the Cumberland River, Gaylord Opryland Resort is centrally located and close to everything. You’ll be amazed at the nine acres of indoor gardens, cascading waterfalls and an indoor river with its own Delta flatboat. Within this lush landscape, you’ll discover fine dining and casual restaurants, unique shopping experiences, and a 20,000-square-foot resort spa and fitness center. This spectacular resort is the flagship property of the Gaylord Hotels family. It features 2,881 stylish guest rooms, each featuring high-speed wireless Internet access and two phones, including one cordless.
Price:
$250 per night for standard room
$300 per night for superior room
Day 1 - Nashville, Tennessee – Tour Begins
Step back in time on a holiday getaway that opens in the “Music Capital of the World” – Nashville – and the glorious Gaylord Opryland Resort. This impressive property is a year-round wonderland, but during the holidays, it truly sparkles even brighter!
Day 2 - Nashville
A local guide will share the history and lore of Music City during a sightseeing tour where you will view the State Capitol, Music Row and the Parthenon — a full replica of the Athenian original! Later this evening, take your reserved 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.
Breakfast
Gaylord Opryland Resort
Day 3 - Nashville
Today, a tour of RCA Studio B gives you an insider’s look at Nashville’s oldest remaining recording studio, where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Charlie Pride once recorded some of their classic hits. Learn how each artist recorded their chart-topping music in this famous studio – you may even have the opportunity to record your own hit! Later, explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, the largest museum of popular music in the world. The museum’s vast collections of memorabilia, costumes, recordings and instruments are artfully presented in cutting-edge exhibits relaying the vibrant history of country music and its artists. This evening, gather for a spectacular dinner and holiday show at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. Then, it’s your choice! Embark on a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride -OR- take in your resort’s amazing lights and holiday décor on a relaxing river cruise.
Breakfast & Dinner
Gaylord Opryland Resort
Day 4 - Nashville – Pigeon Forge – Gatlinburg
This morning we travel east to Gatlinburg, a lively mountain resort, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and your home for the next two nights. First, we’ll stop in Pigeon Forge to visit the Titanic Museum for a private, Edwardian-style Christmas lunch. After lunch, tour the museum which is a replica of the Titanic itself.
Breakfast & Lunch
Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg
Day 5 - Gatlinburg – Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Gatlinburg
Begin your day with a local guide leading an expedition into the most visited national park in the United States. Great Smoky Mountains National Park*** is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park contains one of the most diverse ecosystems on earth and the largest deciduous forest in the eastern United States. Explore the park, stopping at various lookouts on our way to Newfound Gap, which boasts views of both sides of the Smoky Mountains – those in Tennessee and North Carolina. Afterwards, enjoy a tour and tasting at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery. This evening, be entertained at the lively Dolly Parton’s Christmas Stampede & Dinner Show, where you’ll see music, dancing, and professional horse riders performing incredible stunts.
Breakfast & Dinner
Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg
Day 6 - Gatlinburg – Asheville, North Carolina
Depart for Asheville, North Carolina, our Blue Ridge Mountains home for two nights. Upon arrival in Asheville, embark on an orientation walking tour with a local guide and discover the neighborhood around your downtown hotel. You’ll find that Asheville sparkles during the holiday season!
Breakfast
Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville
Day 7 - Asheville
Back in 1895, George Vanderbilt II decided to build himself a “little mountain escape” in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The result was the impressive and decadent grandeur of the Biltmore Estate. Today, tour the sprawling mansion and the manicured grounds and experience what it was like to be a wealthy tycoon in the Gilded Age of America. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast & Dinner
Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville
Day 8 - Charlotte – Tour Ends
Today your tour comes to an end. As you venture home, take the holiday spirit and the warmth of America’s Southeast with you.
Breakfast