Smoky Mountain Christmas

Depart Southgate to make lifetime memories on this delightful Christmas themed trip to the Smoky Mountains. Visit some very special places you won’t soon forget. The early morning is a little quiet, but as you make new friends, you will know you made the right choice by joining this group. Stop for lunch on your own in Florence, KY and continue to Thoroughbred Park in Lexington to take pictures up close of the horse statues in motion. Make a short stop at the hotel before a fabulous included dinner; whether it be from the sea, sky or plains, the restaurant guarantees nothing but fresh, fine cuisine. The next special attraction is at the Kentucky Horse Park. It is a spectacular celebration of everything Christmas, from lights, beverages, photos, music and more. After a full day, enjoy your rest, because we have more memories in store for you tomorrow. Overnight at the Courtyard Marriott Lexington, KY. (D)

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Board the coach and travel to Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. Enjoy a light lunch on your own at a deli right out of the 50’s. Arrive at Antler Village and the wine experience. Antler Hill Village & Winery connects the estate’s past and present with dining, shopping, exhibits, world-class food and wine, and more. Dinner this evening is included at the Stable Café on the Biltmore Estate. Enjoy a bright and airy restaurant where converted stalls hold cozy booths, and tables share the center with a huge Christmas Tree. Stable Café is an OpenTable Diner’s Choice Awardwinning restaurant. The main event of the day is touring the Biltmore Mansion, well decorated for the holidays. Flickering candlelight, glowing fireplaces, and live music invite you to imagine yourself a guest at the first Vanderbilt family Christmas in 1895. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then experiencing the Mansion is worth a thousand pictures. Savor every minute of the beauty that surrounds the decorations. Another full day of making memories will guarantee a restful night. Overnight at the Comfort Suites Ashville, NC. (B,D)

Sleep a little later, and enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Pigeon Forge, TN. Make a stop at the Great Smoky Mountain Oconaluftee Visitors Center. Find it situated near the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Cherokee, NC. Visitors marvel at spotting elk in the area, as well as the museum-quality exhibits available for viewing. The center includes a gift shop and historic Mountain Farm Museum on the grounds showing a glimpse of early farm life in the region. Continue to Pigeon Forge arriving about noon. Our hotel is on the Trolley stop that traverses the area, and you will have free time in downtown Pigeon Forge this afternoon. You might want to visit one of the attractions like the Titanic Museum, Crime Museum, the Wax Museum, or spend some time doing some Christmas Shopping. Check into your hotel room later in the afternoon. Dinner is on the island in Pigeon Forge at the Timberwood Grill, with a genuine taste of the Mountains. Join a local guide for the Christmas lights tour making this Christmas a memorable one. See millions of lights in beautiful Pigeon Forge. With joyous wonder, comedy, and tons of sparkling Christmas lights, this tour brings a fun holiday spirit to the Smokies. The magic of Christmas abounds as holiday favorites combined with beautiful choreography, brightly decorated holiday sets and colorful costumes bring the enchantment of Christmas to the Country Tonite stage. The popular cast covers a number of holiday classics for a nostalgic, spirited holiday celebration. You’ll also find a few special guest performers that you certainly won’t see any other time of the year, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. What an evening with so many visions swirling in your head, but rest well for tomorrow. Overnight at the Best Western Pigeon Forge, TN. (B,D)

Breakfast at hotel. Today is a full day at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas (11am-9pm). You have the option to return to hotel for a couple of hours before a 5:00 pm dinner at the Song and Hearth Restaurant. Return to Dollywood at 6 pm., with last pick up at 9 pm to enjoy the evening lights. Overnight at the Best Western Pigeon Forge, TN. (B,D)

After breakfast at the hotel, it is time to check out and travel home sharing many memories of your Smoky Mountain Christmas Tour. (B)