Bluegrass Country & the Smoky Mountains featuring Louisville, Lexington, Gatlinburg & Asheville
Bluegrass Country & the Smoky Mountains featuring Louisville, Lexington, Gatlinburg & Asheville
9 Days Starting in Louisville, Kentucky, United States and ending in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
Visiting: Louisville, Kentucky, Louisville, Lexington, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Asheville
Tour operator:
Tour code:
15552
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Bluegrass Country and the Smoky Mountains, exploring the vibrant cities of Louisville, Lexington, Gatlinburg, and Asheville. Begin in Louisville, Kentucky, where you'll delve into the world of horse racing at Churchill Downs and savor the rich history of the Kentucky Derby. Experience the art and craft culture of Berea and the serene beauty of Lexington's horse farms. Discover the enchanting landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, guided by local experts. In Asheville, North Carolina, wander the opulent Biltmore Estate and enjoy the city's renowned culinary scene. Along the way, indulge in the flavors of Kentucky's finest bourbon at Buffalo Trace Distillery and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of America's Southeast. This tour promises a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and Southern hospitality.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Louisville, Kentucky - Tour Begins
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Downtown
Your tour starts in Louisville, Kentucky, famous for Thoroughbreds, Bourbon and baseball. Settle in for a 2-night stay at your hotel, ideally situated in downtown Louisville.
Day 2 : Louisville
Location: Louisville
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Downtown
Meals Included: Dinner
Enjoy a visit to Churchill Downs, the Thoroughbred racetrack famous for hosting the pinnacle of all horse races: the Kentucky Derby. Then, tour the Kentucky Derby Museum and learn about the legendary history of the “Sport of Kings.” Enjoy a walking tour of Old Louisville, a historic neighborhood of Victorian mansions. Later, head to “Museum Row” where it’s your choice! Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory for an All-Star baseball experience -OR- explore the Frazier Kentucky History Museum, and its Spirit of Kentucky exhibit, the official start of the Bourbon Trail. Tonight, join your fellow travelers at a local restaurant for a welcome dinner.
Day 3 : Louisville - Lexington
Location: Lexington
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree Suites by Hilton
Visit Buffalo Trace, the oldest continuously operating Bourbon distillery in America. Learn about the subtle craft, meet some of the people who make it all happen, and taste some of the home-grown spirit. Stop in the quaint, historic town of Midway before exploring Kentucky’s horse country. Learn about the area from a local guide and take in the rolling bluegrass pastureland and the horse farms that dot the landscape. Hear about time-honored traditions during visits to private horse farms before settling into Lexington for your 2-night stay.
Day 4 : Lexington - Berea - Lexington
Location: Lexington
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree Suites by Hilton
Meals Included: Dinner
Travel to Berea, the historic college town known as the arts-and-crafts center of Kentucky. Meet a few artisans while they demonstrate their craft. Then, explore musical artifacts and memorabilia during a visit to the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. Tonight, take in the tastes of Kentucky at a local restaurant.
Day 5 : Lexington - Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg
Travel through Daniel Boone National Forest. Extending across the western plateau region of the Appalachian Mountains, it’s named for the larger-than-life American pioneer who once blazed a trail across these rugged and wild lands. Arrive in the lively mountain resort of Gatlinburg, gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and your home for a 2-night stay. The rest of the day is yours, perhaps you will go to Dollywood,* Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountains theme park or enjoy time in downtown Gatlinburg.
Day 6 : Gatlinburg - Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Gatlinburg
Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg
Meals Included: Lunch
With a local guide, explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park (UNESCO) – the United States’ most visited national park. Stop at various lookouts on your way to Newfound Gap, which boasts views of both Tennessee and North Carolina. Enjoy your picnic lunch at a scenic location before continuing through the park to Cherokee and spend time at Qualla, the oldest Native American arts cooperative where you’ll learn about traditional crafts and customs over a discussion with an artist. Afterwards, tour the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery with a tasting before enjoying an evening at leisure.
Day 7 : Gatlinburg - Asheville, North Carolina
Location: Asheville
Accommodation Name: Cambria Hotel Downtown
This morning, depart for Asheville, North Carolina, your Blue Ridge Mountains home for two nights. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore a city known for craft breweries, chocolate, and farm to table cuisine.
Day 8 : Asheville
Location: Asheville
Accommodation Name: Cambria Hotel Downtown
Meals Included: Dinner
Back in 1895, George Vanderbilt II decided to build himself a “little mountain escape” in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The result was the impressive and decadent grandeur of the Biltmore Estate. Today, tour the sprawling mansion and the manicured grounds. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 9 : Asheville - Charlotte - Tour Ends
Location: Asheville
Today your tour comes to an end. As you venture home, take the spirit and the warmth of America’s Southeast with you.
What's Included
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Accommodation in Louisville
Enjoy a 2-night stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Downtown, ideally situated in downtown Louisville.
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Visit to Churchill Downs
Enjoy a visit to Churchill Downs, the Thoroughbred racetrack famous for hosting the Kentucky Derby.
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Kentucky Derby Museum Tour
Tour the Kentucky Derby Museum and learn about the legendary history of the 'Sport of Kings.'
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Old Louisville Walking Tour
Enjoy a walking tour of Old Louisville, a historic neighborhood of Victorian mansions.
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Buffalo Trace Bourbon Distillery Visit
Visit Buffalo Trace, the oldest continuously operating Bourbon distillery in America, and taste some of the home-grown spirit.
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Private Horse Farm Visit in Lexington
Enjoy a visit to a private horse farm in Lexington, Kentucky.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tour
Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a local guide, the United States' most visited national park.
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Biltmore Estate Tour
Tour the sprawling mansion and the manicured grounds of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.
What's Not Included
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Meals
Meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as visiting Dollywood or exploring downtown Gatlinburg are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional food, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
Experiences
Enjoy a visit to a private horse farm in Lexington, Kentucky.Stop in Berea, the arts and crafts capital of the state of Kentucky.
Culinaries
Sip on samples of Kentucky’s home-grown spirit during a tasting at Buffalo Trace Bourbon Distillery.
Must See
Explore the grandeur of nature at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Visit Louisville, Kentucky and the mecca of horse racing, Churchill Downs.Walk the stunning grounds of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.
Choice Highlights
Churchill Downs Enjoy a visit to Churchill Downs, the Thoroughbred racetrack famous for hosting the pinnacle of all horse races, the annual Kentucky Derby, which opened officially in 1875.
Kentucky Derby Museum Tour the Kentucky Derby Museum, and learn about the legendary history of the “Sport of Kings,” where Thoroughbred horses and their jockeys test themselves on a mile-and-a-half track.
Old Louisville Walking Tour Enjoy a walking tour of Old Louisville, a historic neighborhood that boasts the largest concentration of Victorian mansions in the United States.
Louisville Slugger Museum or Frazier Museum of Kentucky History Head to Museum Row where it's your choice! Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory for an All-Star baseball experience -OR- explore the Frazier Kentucky History Museum, and its Spirit of Kentucky exhibit, the official start of the Bourbon Trail.
Louisville Slugger Museum
Activity Level: 2
45 minute tour of the factory with no seating.
Frazier Museum of Kentucky History
Activity Level: 1
Self-guided time in the museum.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon Distillery Learn about the subtle craft of Bourbon distilling and taste some of Kentucky’s home-grown spirit at Buffalo Trace, the oldest continuously operating Bourbon distillery in America.
Lexington Horse Farms Enjoy the stunning, rolling bluegrass pastureland and the many horse farms that dot the landscape of Kentucky’s horse country, and visit private horse farms.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Follow a local guide into the most visited national park in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and explore the park on your way to Newfound Gap.
Asheville, NC
Biltmore Estate Tour the sprawling mansion and grounds of the Biltmore Estate, enjoy a wine-tasting at the historic Biltmore Winery, and experience what it was like to be a wealthy tycoon in the Gilded Age of America.
Mode of Transport
Travel through the scenic landscapes of Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina, visiting iconic locations such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Biltmore Estate, with comfortable transportation provided throughout the tour.
Accommodation
Stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Downtown for two nights, enjoy the comfort of DoubleTree Suites by Hilton in Lexington, relax at Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg, and experience the Cambria Hotel Downtown in Asheville.
Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect to see at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
During your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you will explore the park with a local guide, stop at various lookouts, and enjoy views from Newfound Gap, which offers vistas of both Tennessee and North Carolina. You will also have a picnic lunch at a scenic location and learn about traditional crafts and customs at Qualla, the oldest Native American arts cooperative.
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What activities are available in Louisville, Kentucky?
In Louisville, you will visit Churchill Downs, the famous Thoroughbred racetrack, and tour the Kentucky Derby Museum. You can also enjoy a walking tour of Old Louisville, explore Museum Row with options to visit the Louisville Slugger Museum or the Frazier Kentucky History Museum, and join a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
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What is included in the visit to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville?
The visit to the Biltmore Estate includes a tour of the sprawling mansion and its manicured grounds. You will experience the grandeur of this historic estate, which was built by George Vanderbilt II as a 'little mountain escape' in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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What can I do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee?
In Gatlinburg, you have the option to explore the lively mountain resort town, visit Dollywood, or enjoy time in downtown Gatlinburg. You will also tour the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery with a tasting and have an evening at leisure.
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What will I experience at the Buffalo Trace Bourbon Distillery?
At the Buffalo Trace Bourbon Distillery, you will learn about the subtle craft of Bourbon distilling, meet some of the people involved in the process, and taste some of Kentucky's home-grown spirit. It is the oldest continuously operating Bourbon distillery in America.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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