Great Smokies and Kentucky

Spectacular scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains blends with America's musical traditions on this leisurely tour that travels through Tennessee, Kentucky and North Carolina. In Nashville, see the Old Ryman Auditorium, Parthenon, State Capitol and Music Row with dinner and entertainment at Wildhorse Saloon Enjoy an exciting performance at the Grand Ole Opry. Discover the opulence of the Biltmore estate, a 250-room French chateau. Visit Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby Museum and the Kentucky Horse Park.

Highlights
Pigeon Forge, Smoky Mountain National Park, Biltmore Estate, Asheville, Country Tonite Theatre, Nashville, Grand Ole Opry, Wildhorse Saloon, Churchill Downs, Kentucky Horse Park, Star Cruises

Collette Experience

  • 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.

    • Details

    Tour Operator
    Collette Vacations
    Offer
    Offer valid through 2/28/2009
    Duration
    8 Days
    DayDestinationDescription
    Day 1Pigeon ForgePigeon Forge, Tennessee - Tour Begins: 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 Pigeon Forge, beautifully situated at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains.
    Day 2Pigeon ForgePigeon Forge - Asheville, North Carolina - Pigeon Forge: 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.
    Day 3Pigeon ForgePigeon Forge - Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge: Begin your day with a lovely morning show before enjoying free time to explore Gatlinburg's 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. Tonight, enjoy 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.
    Day 4NashvillePigeon Forge - 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.
    Day 5NashvilleNashville: 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.
    Day 6LouisvilleNashville - 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.
    Day 7LouisvilleLouisville - Lexington - Louisville: This morning, enjoy a visit to famous Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Derby Museum. 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 Cruise, you will bid farewell to your fellow travelers.
    Day 8Tour endsLouisville - Tour Ends: Your tour ends with many fond memories of the Great Smokies, the "music capital of the world," and Kentucky Bluegrass.
    Dates/Pricing
    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    April 14, 2009$1,349.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    May 30, 2009$1,649.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    September 05, 2009$1,649.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    October 10, 2009$1,699.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    October 31, 2009$1,699.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    April 24, 2010$1,699.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    Disclaimer
    Note
    Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.
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