Autumn in the Great Smoky Mountains!

Monday, October 18: Today we board our flight to Nashville, Tennessee arriving in the early afternoon. Our deluxe, comfortable motor coach will be waiting to transport us to beautiful Pigeon Forge, at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains. Central Tennessee is lovely this time of year and we'll enjoy the drive, stopping for dinner about half way there. We'll arrive at our hotel about 8:00 in the evening. We stay at the lovely Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites. D



                                                                                                                                     Pigeon Forge

Tuesday, October 19: Welcome to Tennessee! After breakfast at the hotel, we'll enjoy a morning show performed by the very talented Patty Waszak. You may not have heard of her, but wait until you hear her talents. Patty is a vocalist, musician and comedian that performs all kinds of music. She herself plays 30 different instruments in the show. Lunch is on your own in the charming Old Mill area followed by an hour at the very interesting Titanic Museum. After a rest at the hotel, we have included a delicious dinner at the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant featuring delicious home cooking. Our evening show is called Country Tonite, featuring country sounds, clogging and talented young performers. B, D

                                                                                                                       Smoky Mountains fall foliage

Wednesday, October 20: After breakfast today, we'll spend several hours at world-famous DOLLYWOOD owned by Dolly Parton. Dollywood features traditional crafts, Smoky Mountain music, unique and delicious food and an unrivaled ambiance set amidst the scenic hills of Tennessee. This is fun. There are several "mini" shows going on that are fun to see. After visiting the park, we'll rest at the hotel. This evening, we'll see the most popular show in town performed by the Smith Family. These are a couple of brothers and their families who put on a high-energy family show that all of our groups have loved. Dinner is included at the theater before the show. B, D


                                                                                                                                            Dollywood

Thursday, October 21:Today we'll be joined by a local guide who will show us around the area. We are at the foot of beautiful Smoky Mountain National Park and there is beautiful color in those hills (nature willing). This week is the statistical peak for fall foliage in the park and it one of nature's greatest fall scenes. We'll first stop at the Visitor's Center for a quick film and orientation. We'll then enjoy the scenic drive to the top of the park (only about 20 miles). We'll stop at the Tennessee/North Carolina Border and admire the incredible scene. The famous Appalachian Trail passes through this spot. We'll continue down the other side via Cherokee (with a fun browsing stop) into Asheville, North Carolina where we'll visit the stunning Biltmore Estate. The estate was opened by George Vanderbilt on Christmas Eve in 1895 as a country retreat where he could pursue his passion for art, literature and horticulture. All are reflected here. We'll enjoy a tour of the mansion and time for lunch. We'll then enjoy the hour ride back to Pigeon Forge for a rest at the hotel before enjoying our evening dinner/show: Dixie Stampede. You may have seen similar shows in Las Vegas or Branson. It is a delicious four course meal accompanied by a fabulous variety show featuring music, 32 beautiful horses, some crazy comedians, and a whole bunch of fun. B, D

                                                                                                                                 Biltmore Estate

Friday, October 22: Sleep in today. Optional activities will be offered this morning. We'll leave town around 11:00 and drive back to Nashville (three hour drive). Before checking in, we'll tour the opulent Opryland Hotel with our local guide. Dinner is included tonight followed by dinner and reserved seats to the Grand Ole Opry with host Irlene Mandrell. The Opry is "the show that made country music famous" and it is part of our American culture. It is now in its 85th year and it is interesting to see whether you are a country music fan or not. We are staying at the Hyatt Place hotel tonight. B, D
                                                                                                                              Grand Old Opry

Saturday, October 23: Today after breakfast, we'll be joined by an interesting local guide that will show us around the interesting city of Nashville including a visit inside RCA Studio B where some of the most famous songs have been recorded. Our tour ends at the airport where we will check in, get some lunch and catch our flights home. B





                                                                                                                                       Nashville

It will be an autumn to remember….We hope you can join us!