Nashville & the Smoky Mountains Holiday featuring Gatlinburg & Asheville
Nashville & the Smoky Mountains Holiday featuring Gatlinburg & Asheville
8 Days Starting in Nashville, United States and ending in Charlotte, United States
Visiting: Nashville, Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Asheville
Tour operator:
Tour code:
16210
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a festive journey through the heart of America's Southeast with the Nashville & the Smoky Mountains Holiday tour. Begin in Nashville, the "Music Capital of the World," where you'll experience the dazzling holiday displays at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and enjoy reserved seats at the iconic Grand Ole Opry. Delve into music history at RCA Studio B and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Travel to Gatlinburg, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and revel in a Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood. Savor the local flavors with a moonshine tasting at Ole Smoky Distillery. Conclude your adventure in Asheville, exploring the opulent Biltmore Estate and soaking in the city's holiday charm. This tour promises a blend of natural beauty, musical heritage, and festive cheer, creating unforgettable holiday memories.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Nashville, Tennessee
Location: Nashville
Accommodation Name: Gaylord Opryland Hotel
Step back in time on a holiday getaway that opens in the “Music Capital of the World” – Nashville – and the glorious Gaylord Opryland Resort. This impressive property is a year-round wonderland, but during the holidays, it truly sparkles even brighter!
Day 2 : Nashville
Location: Nashville
Accommodation Name: Hotel
A local guide will share the history and lore of Music City during a sightseeing tour where you will view the State Capitol, Music Row and the Parthenon — a full replica of the Athenian original! Later this evening, take your reserved seat at the renowned Grand Ole Opry.* What began as a building where a local radio broadcast show aired once a week in 1925 has grown to become an entertainment complex that attracts music fans from all over the world.
Day 3 : Nashville
Location: Nashville
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Today, a tour of RCA Studio B gives you an insider’s look at Nashville’s oldest remaining recording studio, where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Charlie Pride once recorded some of their classic hits. Learn how each artist recorded their chart-topping music in this famous studio – you may even have the opportunity to record your own hit! Later, explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, the largest museum of popular music in the world. The museum's vast collections of memorabilia, costumes, recordings and instruments are artfully presented in cutting-edge exhibits relaying the vibrant history of country music and its artists. This evening, gather for a spectacular dinner and holiday show at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. Then, it’s your choice! Embark on a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride -OR- take in your resort’s amazing lights and holiday décor on a relaxing indoor river cruise.
Day 4 : Nashville - Gatlinburg
Location: Gatlinburg
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn
This morning we travel east to Gatlinburg, a lively mountain resort, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and your home for a two-night stay. Tonight, it’s a Smoky Mountains Christmas at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. Spectacular light displays and a lineup of shows celebrating the spirit of the holiday season make this a night to remember.
Day 5 : Gatlinburg - Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Gatlinburg
Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Begin your day with a local guide leading an expedition into the most visited national park in the United States. Great Smoky Mountains National Park** is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park contains one of the most diverse ecosystems on earth and the largest deciduous forest in the eastern United States. Explore the park, stopping at various lookouts on our way to Newfound Gap, which boasts views of both sides of the Smoky Mountains – those in Tennessee and North Carolina. Afterwards, enjoy a tour and tasting at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery. This evening, dinner is included at a local restaurant.
Day 6 : Gatlinburg - Asheville, North Carolina
Location: Asheville
Accommodation Name: Cambria Hotel Downtown
Depart for Asheville, North Carolina, our 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. You’ll find that Asheville sparkles during the holiday season!
Day 7 : Asheville
Location: Asheville
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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 and experience what it was like to be a wealthy tycoon in the Gilded Age of America. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8 : Asheville - Charlotte - Tour Ends
Location: Asheville
Today your tour comes to an end. As you venture home, take the holiday spirit and the warmth of America’s Southeast with you.
What's Included
-
Reserved Seats at the Grand Ole Opry
Enjoy reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry, the 'home of American music.'
-
Gaylord Opryland Resort Holiday Displays
Experience the Gaylord Opryland Resort’s magical holiday displays with over 2 million lights and unique Music City-inspired décor.
-
Festive Holiday Dinner and Show
Delight in a festive holiday dinner and show at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.
-
Smoky Mountain Moonshine Tasting
Taste some Smoky Mountain Moonshine at 'the Holler.'
-
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tour
Explore the grandeur of nature at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a local guide.
-
Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood
Enjoy a Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood with spectacular light displays and holiday shows.
-
Biltmore Estate Tour
Marvel at Asheville's Biltmore Estate during the holiday season and tour the sprawling mansion and grounds.
What's Not Included
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
-
Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
-
Airfare
International and domestic airfare to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
Experiences
Experience the Gaylord Opryland Resort’s magical holiday displays with over 2 million lights and unique Music City-inspired décor.Enjoy reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry, the “home of American music.”
Culinaries
Delight in a festive holiday dinner and show at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.Taste some Smoky Mountain Moonshine at “the Holler.”
Must See
Explore the grandeur of nature at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Enjoy a Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood.Marvel at Asheville's Biltmore Estate during the holiday season.
Choice Highlights
Grand Ole Opry Show The Grand Ole Opry was created by an insurance company as a radio show in service to the public as a means to advertise insurance policies. Launched in the 1920s, the Opry quickly became the launch pad for many music greats. Today the worlds longest running live radio program, the Grand Ole Opry is the backbone of American Country Music.
Historic RCA Studio B Built in the late 1950s RCA Studio B quickly became the home of the "Nashville Sound." The Hitmakers of Studio B are country music legends, including Dolly Parton, Chet Atkins and Willie Nelson, just to name a few. Today the studio functions as a cultural attraction for visitors and a classroom for local students learning sound and recording technology.
Country Music Hall of Fame This museum in downtown Nashville tells the history of country music from its pre-commercial roots to modern times. The story is told through visual exhibits, photography and recorded songs.
Gaylord Opryland Resort Dinner & Holiday Show Gather together with your fellow travelers for a spectacular dinner and holiday show at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, one of the 30 largest hotel resorts in the world.
Dollywood Experience a Smoky Mountains Christmas at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. Spectacular light displays and a lineup of shows celebrating the spirit of the holiday season make this a night to remember.
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 Tennessee and North Carolina, with guided tours and comfortable transportation between Nashville, Gatlinburg, and Asheville, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey.
Accommodation
Stay at the luxurious Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, the Hilton Garden Inn in Gatlinburg, and the Cambria Hotel Downtown in Asheville, each offering comfort and convenience during your holiday adventure.
Check out our Q&As
-
What unique holiday experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood with spectacular light displays and holiday shows, a festive holiday dinner and show at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, and a visit to the Gaylord Opryland Resort's magical holiday displays with over 2 million lights.
-
What can I expect during the visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
During the visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a local guide will lead an expedition into the park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will explore the park's diverse ecosystems and stop at various lookouts on the way to Newfound Gap, offering views of both sides of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina.
-
What activities are available at the Gaylord Opryland Resort?
At the Gaylord Opryland Resort, you can enjoy a spectacular dinner and holiday show, and choose between a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride or a relaxing indoor river cruise to take in the resort's amazing lights and holiday décor.
-
What historical sites will be visited in Nashville?
In Nashville, the tour includes a visit to RCA Studio B, where famous artists like Elvis Presley recorded, and the Country Music Hall of Fame, which showcases the history of country music through exhibits and memorabilia.
-
What is special about the Biltmore Estate visit in Asheville?
The visit to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville includes a tour of the sprawling mansion and manicured grounds, allowing you to experience the grandeur of a wealthy tycoon's lifestyle during the Gilded Age of America.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Saturday
Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025Monday - Monday
Dec 08, 2025 - Dec 15, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Dec 10, 2025 - Dec 17, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025Book with Confidence
-
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.
-
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.
-
Terms and Conditions