ARRIVE IN MEMPHIS. Welcome to Memphis, the "Home of the Blues". This evening, mix and mingle with your travelling companions at the 6 pm, for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
2
MEMPHIS.EXCURSION TO GRACELAND This morning, enjoy a guided tour of the city including a tour of the ROCK N SOUL MUSEUM, which traces Memphis' cultural and musical past and features the Smithsonian's Social Crossroads exhibition. Continue to the gardens and mansions of Elvis Presley's GRACELAND, named a National Historic Landmark in 2006. You'll also be able to board his private jet. The remainder of your day is free to explore on your own; perhaps visit the National Civil Rights Museum. Located at the Lorraine Motel, site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it traces the civil rights movement. (B,D)
3
MEMPHIS - NASHVILLE. Depart for Nashville. Upon arrival, experience this city up close and personal with a sightseeing tour of landmarks with a Local Guide, including Centennial Park's full-size replica of Athens' Parthenon and the recording studios of Music Row. This evening you may opt to join an excursion to Nashville Nightlife, combining dinner and the best of Music City's country entertainment (B)
Special Feature: Your hotel is the world-famous Opryland, where you'll experience all the grandeur of the South with hospitality at its finest. Explore nine acres of lush indoor gardens, winding pathways, and sparkling waterfalls, as well as 30 specialty shops, a spa, and a variety of restaurants.
4
NASHVILLE. Today, visit the COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME to see its rich collection of costumes, memorabilia, instruments, photographs, and, of course, Elvis Presley's "solid gold" Cadillac. Also, visit historic RCA STUDIO B-once a recording home of Elvis Presley. You'll even have the chance to make your own recording and take it home with you! Tonight you have reserved seats for an unforgettable show at the world-famous GRAND OLE OPRY, the mecca for country musicians. (B)
5
NASHVILLE-LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY. Head into the heart of Kentucky bluegrass country. At SINKING SPRING FARM, Abraham Lincoln's birthplace, see a replica of the original log cabin preserved as a shrine to the best-loved of American presidents. In Bardstown, visit MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME STATE PARK, where Stephen Foster composed Kentucky's anthem. Continue to the world's largest bourbon distiller, the JIM BEAM DISTILLERY, showcasing some of the world's finest bourbon, its production process, and the beautiful T.Jeremiah Beam home. (B,D)
6
LOUISVILLE-LEXINGTON. Start your day at CHURCHILL DOWNS, home of the "greatest two mintues in sports." Experience a morning on the track with a preview of the process of training world-class thoroughbreds during their early morning workout and a visit to the stables. Next, experience Derby Day from the starting gate to the finish line at the KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM. This afternoon travel the Bluegrass Parkway to Lexington for a visit of the fascinating KENTUCKY HORSE PARK, where lengends like Man o'War and Secretariat conquered the racing world. Stops include the International Museum of the Horse; the Hall of Champions, where famous horses from the past enjoy their retirement; the Parade of Breeds; and many exhibits and demonstrations. Pay your respects to Seabiscuit's great rival, War Admiral. He's buried at the foot of his father's famous statue, alongside the great Man o'War himself. (B)
7
LEXINGTON - GATLINBURG. This morning, journey south through the rugged wilderness of Daniel Boone National Forest, where you will stop to see the thundering, 125-foot-wide CUMBERLAND FALLS. Continue across the border into Tennessee and on to Gatlinburg at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, America's most visited national park. Arrive this afternoon for some free time in one of the country's most popular mountain retreats. Perhaps take a ride up the aerial tram to Mount Harrison for vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains. (B,D)
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GATLINBURG. EXCURSION TO DOLLYWOOD. Spend the day at world-famous DOLLYWOOD, an 88-acre landscaped theme park inspired by Dolly Parton and her love for the mountains, family, and country music. Before entering the park, stop in Pigeon Forge with time to shop for unique pottery and regional crafts. This evening, join an optional excursion to the Dixie Stampede, showcasing a hearty country dinner and an action-packed show. (B)
9
GATLINBURG - GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK-ASHEVILLE. Depart Gatlinburg and drive right through the center of SMOKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK along spectacular Newfound Gap Road to Clingman's Dome, peaking at 5,046 feet. As you travel through the park, witness the mist of blue haze that surrounds the mountains for which the park is named. Arrive in Asheville and head to George Vanderbilt's 8,000-acre BILTMORE ESTATE, the largest privately owned home in America. Tour the French Renaissance-style, 250-room chateau to view the priceless paintings and antiques, including Napoleon's chess table. Make sure and spend time exploring the spectacular gardens as well as the winery. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director. (B,D)
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ASHEVILLE-ATLANTA. This morning, depart Asheville for Atlanta. The motorcoach continues to the Marriott Atlanta Buckhead, were you continue yourstay in Atlanta. (B)
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ATLANTA. This morning, enjoy a guided city TOUR focusing on the thriving downtown area and the elegant residential neighborhoods that reflect a pride in tradition. Highlights of the tour include Peachtree Plaza, Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Headquarters, and the Governor's Mansion. This afternoon, why not visit the Georgia Aquarium or tour the World of Coca-Cola or CNN Studios. Your Globus Host can help arrange any excursion and offer useful shopping and dining tips during your stay. (B)
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ATLANTA. The vacation ends after breakfast ,with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided. (B)
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: Orientation tour
GATLINGBURG:Orientation tour
DOLLYWOOD: Explore the park and Pigeon Forge
ASHEVILLE: Tour Biltmore Estate; farewell dinner
MEALS:American breakfasts daily (B), 1 lunch (L), 3 three-course dinners (D) including a special farewell dinner in Asheville; Atlanta Extension: breakfast daily (B)Atlanta Extension; breakfast daily (B)
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Meals Breakfast - 11 Lunch - 0 Dinner - 4
Optional Excursions
To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.
Cost
Description
42
USD
Name:NASHVILLE NIGHTLIFE DINNER SHOW Location:NASHVILLE Details:Nashville Nightlife is Music City's premier entertainment theatre. After a wonderful buffet dinner, you'll hear all the songs that have made Nashville famous worldwide. Enjoy the music of everyone from Hank Williams Sr. and Patsy Cline to the superstars of today like Sara Evans and Toby Keith! The show celebrates today's country and honours tradition. Show and dinner last approximately 2.5 hours.
47
USD
Name:DOLLY PARTON'S DIXIE STAMPEDE PIGEON FORGE Location:PIGEON FORGE Details:Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show offers food, fun, and excitement all in one! The stars of Dixie Stampede are 32 magnificent horses along with beautiful southern belles and gallant heroes, competitive events, a friendly North/South rivalry, illusions, comedy, a fabulous four-course feast and a "Stand on your feet" patriotic finale written by Dolly Parton herself entitled "Colour Me America." Dinner show lasts approximately 3 hours.
Optional Excursions
