Great Smoky Mountains, Nashville & Kentucky

September 4— 13, 2024
10 Days & 9 Nights

Tour ID: 419

$4,499.00 Per Person, Double Occupancy
$5,799.00 Single Occupancy

Sightseeing Highlights

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Over Mountain Aerial Tram
• Dollywood
• Mammoth Mountain Cave National Park
• Louisville’s Slugger
• Churchill Downs
• International Museum of  the Horse
• Ark Encounter
• County Music Hall of Fame & Studio B
• 2 Distilleries: Makers Mark and Buffalo Trace
• Nashville
• Grand Ole Opry

Tour Price Includes:

• Round Trip Airfare
• Transfers to Airport from center
• Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation
• Professional Tour Director
• Admissions
• Hotel Luggage Handling
• Meals: 
  • 9 Breakfasts 
  • 2 Dinners

Itinerary

Day 1 (Sept 4) Today we begin our tour by flying into Knoxville, TN. When your flight arrives you will be met by your Friendly Excursions tour director and transferred to your hotel. One night stay in Knoxville, TN. Day 2 (Sept 5) Begin the day in Gatlinburg, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With a variety of restaurant, unique shops with an enjoyable small-town feel. Visit the Sugarland’s Visitors Center at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with its interesting and informative museum. Then board the Over Mountain Aerial Tram to take in the stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. 2 Nights in Pigeon Forge, TN. B,D
Day 3 (Sept 6) Today we explore Dollywood, which has been voted one of best theme parks. Here you will find Country music everywhere with live entertainment indoor and out. There’s authentic mountain craft demonstration, museums, shopping and delicious food. Take a relaxing ride on the Dollywood Express Train an authentic 110-ton coal-fired steam engine takes you on a breathtaking five-mile journey through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. B
Day 4 (Sept 7) Today we travel to Nashville, TN. the “Country Music Capitol of the World.” Afterwards you can spend time exploring our hotel, the Gaylord Opryland Hotel Resort which features nine acres of indoor botanical gardens under a climate-controlled glass atrium, complete with rivers, pathways, and waterfalls. This evening we will attend the Grand Ole Opry. This is the country’s longest-running live radio show, and has not missed a broadcast since the beginning of 1925. The shows can offer bluegrass, comedy and gospel artists as well as many well-known country music stars. 2 Nights at Grand Ole Opry Hotel Nashville TN. B
Day 5 (Sept 8) Country Hall of Fame and Museum contains exhibits, films, interactive displays and costumes as well as instruments and lyric sheets. This museum identifies and preserves the evolving history and traditions of country music. Then enjoy a tour of the Historic RCA Studio B which is a one of a kind experience where you can walk in the footsteps of famous performers and songwriters alike. B
Day 6 (Sept 9) This morning travel north to Mammoth Mountain Cave National Park, Kentucky. This is one of the world’s longest known cave system, rich with a variety of plant and animal life. Earning it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. Enter through the Historic Entrance, see the Rotunda and explore a canyon passageway, on your self-guided tour. Next enjoy a bourbon tour at the Makers Mark Distillery on our way to Lexington. 3 Nights in Lexington KY. B
Day 7 (Sept 10) We will spend an amazing day at the International Museum of the Horse. This Kentucky Park is 1,200 acres working horse farm that features 50 horse breeds. Attractions are: Horse drawn trolley to tour the park, a Hall of Champions, a Museum of the Horse, and farrier and harness shops. Their local guide will take us to one of the Thoroughbred horse farms and through the rolling countryside and back roads of the Bluegrass area. B
Day 8 (Sept 11) Experience the Ark Encounter, a life size version of Noah’s Ark. This structure is 1.5 football fields in length (510 feet long, 85 feet wide and 57 feet high) and built with all wood craftsmanship. Our next visit is to the Buffalo Trace Distillery, that showcases the Kentucky tradition of bourbon making. Enjoy a tasting and tour which complete our day. B,D
Day 9 (Sept 12) Start out tour at Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby Museum. Next stop is the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory where the famous bats were made. Louisville, KY 1 Night. B
Day 10 (Sept 13) Our flight home will be from Louisville Airport. On the flight home you can reminisce about wonderful experiences, memories and new friends. B

Tags: Nashville, Smoky Mountains

Category: Arizona, California, Las Vegas, National Tours, Nevada, Northern California, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Southern California, Tour 2024, Washington