Highlights
Walk the stunning grounds of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.
Explore the splendor of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Visit Louisville, Kentucky and the mecca of horse racing, Churchill Downs.
Itinerary
Travelers seeking a taste of southern hospitality and Appalachian charm will delight in this 9-day journey through Bluegrass Country and the Smoky Mountains. Beginning in Louisville and ending in Charlotte, this easy-paced guided trip invites you to explore Kentucky’s equestrian culture, Tennessee’s scenic wonders, and North Carolina’s vibrant arts scene.
Savor the flavors of bourbon, admire the legacy of baseball, and witness the grace of Thoroughbreds in Louisville and Lexington. Delve into the natural splendor of Daniel Boone National Forest en route to Gatlinburg, your base for exploring the majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In Asheville, discover a city alive with historic architecture and bustling arts districts, culminating in a tour of the iconic Biltmore Estate, George Vanderbilt’s famed mountain retreat.
With accommodations, transport, and meals included, this group tour ensures a seamless experience. Its unique selling point lies in its warm blend of cultural highlights and scenic landscapes, offering a gentle yet immersive exploration of the American South’s heart and soul—perfect for mature travelers who appreciate both comfort and cultural richness.
day 1Louisville, Kentucky
Welcome to Louisville, Kentucky, famous for Thoroughbreds, world-class bourbon, and baseball heritage. Settle in for a 2-night stay at your downtown hotel. Today, there are no included activities, so the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps you’ll take a stroll down Louisville’s historic Main Street, famously known as Whisky Row and Museum Row, lined with a variety of museums, bourbon distilleries, and tasting rooms.
day 2Louisville - Bardstown - Louisville
day 3Louisville - Lexington
day 4Lexington - Berea - Lexington
day 5Lexington - Gatlinburg, Tennessee
day 6Gatlinburg - Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Gatlinburg
day 7Gatlinburg - Asheville, North Carolina
day 8Asheville
day 9Asheville - Tour Ends
What's Included
Customer Reviews
The top 2 days of the trip were: Churchill Downs and the private tours of the thoroughbred farms, and the day spent touring Biltmore. All the hotels were solid 3 star, clean and comfortable.
This tour was MUCH more than I expected. Hotels were good in central locations for down time. It was nice to spend two nights in each hotel. Included meals were excellent! Tour guide was energetic and cheerful. Step on guides were very informative. I have a dietary issue and found NO problems. Southern charm was felt throughout the tour but especially so on Asheville!!!!
It was too slow. Way too much time spent in Louisville. Horrible lodging and location at Cambria hotel in Lexington. Needed another activity in Lexington. Why on earth wasn’t a group hike along Appalachian trail offered? Instead we wasted time shopping at an Indian tourist trap in Smoky Mtns. This trip was a horrible match for me. Too many people on it and not enough to do. A lot of down time in Asheville too. Tour of Biltmore was too short!! We need 4 hrs to tour estate, gardens, and get a bite to eat there. Way too rushed. Need to add more interesting activities and less “on your own”. Dial back the constant time spent on shopping. Collette travel style isn’t for me. I’m going to try pricier Tauck for better land tours.
I’m glad that I saw the things that were on the itinerary, but I feel that the trip was expensive for what I got.
The Biltmore experience was the high point of the trip. Absolutely amazing. The amount of walking involved made it somewhat difficult, but there was so much to see.
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