Smoky Mountain Christmas Tour

November 10  (Friday) The excitement begins as we meet at the Salt Lake Airport for our nonstop flight to “The Music Capital of the World,” Nashville, Tennessee.  (Please note that flight arrangements can be made for travelers departing from other cities besides Salt Lake City).   After checking into our Hampton Hotel, we will visit the amazing Opryland Gaylord Hotel which is decked out for the holidays and is a fun way to begin our holiday tour.

November 11 (Saturday)  Our first visit for today will be at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.  Midday you’ll have some free time to purchase lunch, explore a honky tonk or do some shopping downtown.  Afterwards, we will enjoy a guided backstage tour of the world-famous Grand Ole Opry.  This evening we will enjoy dinner at the Santa Fe Cattle Company.   Tonight we have reserved seating at the “Grand Ole Opry,” the ultimate in world class country music.  This finger-snapping, toe-tapping evening is just the beginning of a fantastic tour filled with spectacular scenery and world-class entertainment.  (breakfast & dinner included)

November 12 (Sunday)  We say goodbye to Nashville and travel a few hours east to Gatlinburg, Tennessee where we will check into our comfortable accommodations which will be home for the next four nights. 

Experience Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede, and enjoy the fun and excitement of the grand performances during the spectacular holiday extravaganza! Nothing compares to the way they bring the spirit of the season to life.  This amazing Christmas show in Pigeon Forge will warm your heart and touch your soul.  (breakfast & dinner included)

November  13   (Monday)  We start the day touring Sevierville and then make our way to the Biltmore Estate in nearby North Carolina.   Before our arrival we will make a stop at the Bush Bean Museum and General Store.  A homestyle lunch is included at the Bush Family Café.  

Back in 1895 George Vanderbilt II, grandson of railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt, decided to build himself “a little mountain escape’ in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.  The result was the Biltmore Estate, a fabulous 250-room French chateau.  Today it is the largest private home in America and is situated on 8000 acres.    We will arrive at the estate, giving you time to visit the shops of Antler Hill Village, followed by dinner at the Stable Café at the Biltmore.  After dinner we will have an audio guided Candlelight Tour of the Biltmore House.  The Christmas at Biltmore extravagant celebration includes 70 elaborate hand-decorated Christmas trees (including the favorite 35-foot live Fraser fir in the Banquet Hall), 1,000+ poinsettias, miles of garland, and lights, live music, and expert holiday demonstrations.  (breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

November 14  (Tuesday)  Let the good times roll as we have a fun filled day planned at Dollywood – Dolly Parton’s exciting amusement park features stunning scenery, pleasurable performances, old-time crafts, and friendly folks.  At Dollywood, see one of the many daily shows and watch local artisans demonstrate their crafts; or enjoy a ride on the Smoky Mountain Express train.  Dollywood is  the biggest “ticketed” tourist attraction in Tennessee and is all decorated for Christmas.  You won’t be disappointed.   

This evening we will enjoy  dinner and a fun show at the Hatfield & McCoy Christmas Disaster Christmas show.  (breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

November 15  (Wednesday)  After breakfast we have reserved seats at “Tis the Season” at the Grand Majestic Theater as we celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.   Contemporary holiday favorites along with traditional Gospel hymns, holiday hits from Elvis, and of course their famous Classic Christmas Sing-A-Long will have everyone feeling the Christmas spirit!  A delicious southern style dinner is in store at the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant. 

The magic of Christmas abounds as the talented renditions of Christmas favorites combined with beautiful choreography, brightly decorated holiday sets and colorful costumes bring the enchantment of Christmas to the Country Tonite stage.  (breakfast & dinner included)

November 16  (Thursday)  Your experience in the Great Smokies, the “Music Capital of the World,” and charming Gatlinburg is sure to remain a treasured possession in your heart.  Our tour ends today as we catch our nonstop flight back to Salt Lake City with many pleasant memories of Tennessee.  (breakfast included)