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 Welcome to one of the most
beautiful vacation destinations in North America, the
breathtaking Smoky Mountains. You’ll explore the history
and beauty of this enchanting region of Tennessee and
the “Bluegrass State” of Kentucky, enjoying great
entertainment, the work of superb artisans, and
delicious local cuisine. During your leisurely 3-night
stay in Gatlinburg, Tennessee you’ll explore the
awe-inspiring Great Smoky Mountain National Park; and
continue your adventure with a tour of the largest home
in America, the incredible 250-room Biltmore Estate,
including its exquisite winery where you’ll enjoy a
special wine tasting. In Nashville, enjoy a city tour
viewing the Old Ryman Auditorium and Music Row, and then
get ready for an evening of spectacular entertainment at
the Grand Ole Opry. Highlights of your final two nights
in Kentucky include visits to world-famous Churchill
Downs and the Kentucky Horse Park, as well as Sinking
Springs Farm, the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln.
- 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
- Visit Kentucky Horse Park, home to nearly
50 breeds of horses.
- View incredible scenery during a trip
through Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
 Day
1: Knoxville, Tennessee - Gatlinburg
Spectacular scenery and foot-stompin' entertainment surround you
as you travel through the Great Smoky Mountains and Kentucky,
the "Bluegrass State." Enjoy a leisurely three night stay in
Gatlinburg, beautifully situated at the entrance to the Great
Smoky Mountains. Tonight, enjoy a special welcome dinner
followed by an exciting country-western show at Country Tonite
Theatre. Enjoy the sounds and scenes from this great region with
country classics, today's top hits, gospel and patriotic music,
plus dancing and comedy. (D)
Day 2: Gatlinburg - Asheville, North Carolina - Gatlinburg
Start your day with an awe-inspiring trip through Great Smoky
Mountain National Park. Emitting a distinct smokelike haze,
these mountains are some of the oldest upland regions on Earth
and stretch from western North Carolina into eastern Tennessee.
Your journey continues 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.
(B)
Day 3: Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge - Gatlinburg
Begin your day with a lovely morning show in nearby Pigeon
Forge. Later, enjoy free time to explore Gatlinburg's lively
atmosphere and its many specialty shops and restaurants. You
will find everything from fine arts and linens to crafts and
collectibles; its charming sidewalk atmosphere gives window
shopping a whole new meaning. A wonderful evening begins with
down-home cooking at the Rocky River Restaurant, followed by a
wonderful and energetic performance by Louise Mandrell. (B, D)
Day 4: Gatlinburg - Nashville
This morning you have the opportunity to partake in an optional
excursion to Dollywood - Dolly Parton's exciting amusement park
featuring stunning scenery, pleasurable performances, old-time
crafts, and friendly folks. At Dollywood, see one of the 40
daily shows and watch local artisans demonstrate their crafts;
or ride the Dollywood Express, an authentic steam train that
takes you on a 5-mile ride through the stunning Smoky Mountains.
This afternoon you travel to "the music capital of the world,"
Nashville! Tonight, two-step your way down to the Grand Ole Opry,
where Collette has obtained reserved seating for tonight's
exciting performance. (B)
Day 5: Nashville
A tour of Nashville will enable you to truly experience Music
City, USA. You will see the Old Ryman Auditorium, Parthenon,
State Capitol, Music Row, and many of the stars' homes. Tonight,
entertainment and dinner await you at the famous Wildhorse
Saloon. (B, D)
Day 6: Nashville - Bardstown, Kentucky - Louisville
Today you depart for Kentucky, home of the Kentucky Derby. This
is where the finest thoroughbred horses in the world are raised.
In this state, the legacies of Abraham Lincoln and Daniel Boone
stand proud. Enjoy a visit to Sinking Springs Farm, the
birthplace of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, and
Bardstown, where fifty percent of the world's bourbon is
distilled. A tour of Maker's Mark Bourbon Distillery allows you
to see this interesting industry first-hand. Your last stop of
the day is the 18th century plantation known as "My Old Kentucky
Home", where Stephen Foster was inspired to compose the Kentucky
state song. (B)
Day 7: Louisville - Lexington - Louisville
HThis morning, enjoy a visit to famous Churchill Downs, home of
the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Derby Museum.H Next, travel
to historic Lexington via some of the most breathtaking
countryside imaginable including incredibly manicured horse
farms. A visit to Kentucky Horse Park is sure to be a highlight.
This working horse farm, with 1,200 acres surrounded by 30 miles
of white plank fencing, is a must see. Unparalleled worldwide,
this park is dedicated to man's relationship with horse, and
features two outstanding museums, twin theaters and nearly 50
different breeds of horses. During an evening of fine dining and
entertainment aboard the Star of Louisville, you will bid
farewell to your fellow travelers. (B, D)
Day 8: Louisville - Tour Ends
Your tour ends with many fond memories of the Great Smokies, the
“music capital of the world”, and Kentucky Bluegrass.
Stay Another Night -
Add a post night stay in Louisville Prices start at $110
per person, double.
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Uniquely For You
Biltmore Estate |
| The
world-famous Biltmore House and Gardens
was built by George Vanderbilt, youngest
grandson of business tycoon Commodore
Cornelius Vanderbilt, in 1895. He
envisioned an estate that would not only
showcase his collection of art, but also
become a self-supporting business. He
called his holdings "Biltmore" -
combining Bilt, the name of the
Dutch town where his ancestors
originated, and more, the
Old English world for open rolling land.
Biltmore House took 6 years and 1,000
men to build. Most of the original
furnishings are being faithfully
preserved and give the unique feeling
that the family is still in residence.
With just over 4 acres of floor space in
it contains 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, 43
bathrooms, and 3 kitchens. Vanderbilt
included such cutting-edge technology as
central hearting, electricity, running
hot and cold water to upstairs baths, an
elevator, and a swimming pool with
underwater lighting. Guests often
marveled at these wondrous conveniences.
Today, George Vanderbilt's grandchildren
continue to benefit the region through
employing a 650-person staff to maintain
Biltmore House for public enjoyment.
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Base Rates Per Person
| Departure Date |
Tour Rate – Twin |
Tour and Air Rate |
| Apr 25 2006 |
$1049 |
$1379 from MEM |
| May 16 2006 |
$1149 |
$1389 from ORD |
| Jun 06 2006 |
$1149 |
$1389 from ORD |
| Sep 19 2006 |
$1149 |
$1389 from ORD |
| Oct 03 2006 |
$1149 |
$1389 from ORD |
| Apr 17 2007 |
$1099 |
$1339 from ORD |
*Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on twin
occupancy and are subject to change. Rates do not include inter-air flights.
Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Tours departing BEFORE
4/30/06 may follow a different itinerary than what is listed here. Please
confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. For tours that
feature a cruise, port taxes are not included in the prices above. Additional tour dates
may be available, please call us for information.
8 days, 10 meals
6 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
Day 1 - 3 - Glenstone Lodge, Gatlinburg, TN
Day 4, 5 - Sheraton Nashville Downtown,
Nashville, TN
Day 6, 7 - The Galt House Hotel, Louisville, KY
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
NOTES:
- Due to tour scheduling, flight
on day of arrival must arrive prior to 3:30 p.m.
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