Smoky Mountain Sojourn

Smoky Mountain Sojourn

October 18 – 23, 2011

Of all the beautiful regions this great country has to offer, the Smoky Mountains are certainly tops on the list of many!  Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, The Smokies feature ridge upon ridge of forest and is world-renowned for the diverse plant and animal life along the ancient mountains.  You’ll get the full experience as we travel along scenic drives and railways unlike any you’ll find anywhere else in the world.

Taking in the wonders of nature here could easily fill an entire vacation, but we have so much more to do!  We’ll take in over 200,000 square feet of vendors at the Great Smoky Mountain Flea Market before we head to the capital of country music — Nashville.  There we’ll take in the full Nashville experience with a guided tour of the city along with visits to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry!

$749 Double Occupancy • $999 Single Occupancy • $679 Triple Occupancy

 

 

 

 

Day 1 Good Morning! Today we depart Cassville and head for Nashville, TN. We will enjoy a short break in Seymour, MO then continue on to Sikeston where we will disembark for an enjoyable, if not entertaining, lunch at the Famous Lambert’s Café, “Home of the Throwed Rolls.” We will have another restful stop at the Tennessee state line before we polish off the first leg of our journey in Nashville. We will then check into our deluxe hotel and settle in for a restful night.

Lodging: Hampton Inn (or similar)

 

Day 2 Rise and shine, travellers! We’ll be departing Nashville with our sights set on beautiful Chattanooga where we will take a ride on “America’s Most Amazing Mile,” the Incline Railway up historic Lookout Mountain. The Incline’s trolley-style cars climb through the natural beauty at a breathtaking 72.7% grade — the steepest passenger railway in the world! After taking in the amazing panoramic views of the Chattanooga Valley from the observation deck, we’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch before heading for more railway adventure. From Etowah, TN, we’ll embark on the Hiwassee River Rail Adventure for a 3.5-hour journey along one of the most beautiful river gorges in the U.S. The 50-mile round trip will take us to the top of the famous “Hiwassee Loop” where the tracks cross over themselves as they corkscrew up the mountain near Farner, TN. Following this wonderful ride, we’ll settle in for the night at our deluxe lodging in Athens, TN.

Lodging: Hampton Inn (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Today will be one for relaxation as we depart Athens and head for Gatlinburg, TN. Our deluxe motorcoach will be taking a scenic drive through the Smoky Mountains with a break in Andrews, NC, as well as a stop for lunch and free time in Gatlinburg. Once we complete our sightseeing trek to Gatlinburg, we’ll check in at our deluxe hotel where the rest of the evening is yours!

Lodging: Sleep Inn (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day 4 Now, we know everyone wants to bring home momentos that help in “Making Memories” of the journey. Today will be our biggest chance yet as we depart Gatlinburg and head for one of East Tennessee’s biggest attractions, the Great Smoky Mountain Flea Market! Nestled at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the market features over 200,000 square feet of climate-controlled indoor space, as well as outdoor space, featuring over 1,000 rotating vendors. After taking time to shop for needs, wants, and can’t-live-withouts, we’ll head out to Kodack, TN, where we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at Cracker Barrel. With our full bellies and shopping bags, we’ll hit the road bound for Nashville with a rest stop in Cookville, TN. Upon arriving at our destination, we check in to our hotel and relax for the remainder of the evening.

Lodging: Radisson Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

 

 

Day 5 As Country Music Hall of Fame member Hank Thompson said, “Wake up, Irene!” We’re in the capital of country music and ready to dance! Our day will begin with a professionally guided tour of the great City of Nashville to ensure we get the chance to take in all the sights. Lunch will then be enjoyed on your own before we head over to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as well as tour the “Home of 1,000  Hits,” historic RCA Studio B. The rest of the day will include free time for shopping, as well as dinner on your own, before we depart for the Grand Ole Opry. After taking in the show we’ll return to our hotel for a restful night before we say farewell to this wonderful journey.

Lodging: Radisson Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

 

 

Day 6 It’s time to head for home as our deluxe motorcoach leaves Nashville behind enroute to Cassville. We’ll take a break in Paducah, KY, before we enjoy a last lunch together at Ryan’s Steakhouse in Poplar Bluff. After another rest stop in Seymour, we’ll finish up the trip arriving in Cassville in the evening — leaving you plenty of time to drop your bags off at home and head out to share all the new memories we’ve made together!

Meals: Breakfast

 

Your package includes deluxe transportation and accommodations, all listed tour fees and five meals.