Christmas at the Biltmore Estate 27

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Join us for a fun-filled getaway filled with spectacular scenery, festive charm, and abundant holiday spirit in the beautiful mountain destinations of Asheville, North Carolina, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Before checking into the Hampton Inn & Suites, your home for the next two nights, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Your accommodations are ideally nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a perfect blend of comfort, scenic beauty, and seasonal charm.

Day 2

After breakfast we depart for the legendary Biltmore Estate for a full day of sightseeing. As the largest privately owned home in America, Biltmore offers an unforgettable experience. To enhance your visit, we have included the official audio guide, allowing you to explore the estate at your own pace while enjoying detailed narration throughout its grand rooms. Highlights of your visit include access to George Vanderbilt's magnificent French château-style mansion and its beautifully landscaped formal gardens. During the holiday season, the home is adorned with more than thirty-five spectacular Christmas trees, creating a truly magical atmosphere. A delicious luncheon is included at Biltmore's Stable Café. In the afternoon, we return to our hotel where you will have time to relax and freshen up before heading out for dinner at Stone Ridge Tavern. This family-friendly restaurant is known for its fresh vegetables and locally sourced ingredients from area farmers and the Western North Carolina Farmers Market, offering flavorful, original dishes and house-made desserts.

Day 3

After breakfast we meet our conductor and board a nostalgic trolley for a fully narrated tour of Asheville. Discover the charm and character of this mountain city, from its striking Art Deco architecture to the hidden gems tucked throughout "The Land of the Sky." Following our trolley tour, relax aboard our deluxe motor coach as we journey across the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Upon arrival, enjoy free time at The Island in Pigeon Forge to shop, explore, and have lunch on your own. Next, we take our reserved seats at the Country Tonite Theatre for a lively show featuring the very best of Pigeon Forge's country music along with a joyful celebration of Christmas. Afterward, we check into our accommodations for the next two nights at the Drury Plaza Hotel, where you can unwind and freshen up before attending the Manager's Reception. Enjoy complimentary hot food and cold beverages, including beer, wine, and mixed drinks - a perfect way to conclude a delightful day.

Day 4

Rise and shine as we depart for breakfast at the beloved Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant, an exceptional dining and shopping complex set amid scenic orchards in the heart of Sevierville, Tennessee. Housed in a historic farmhouse on a working apple orchard, the restaurant is known for its hearty, farm-style cuisine served with classic country flair. Following breakfast, enjoy time to browse the charming Apple Barn complex, featuring unique shops such as the Dessert & Wine Shop, Candy Shop, The Creamery, Apple Barn Winery, and the Christmas & Candle Shop. Afterward, we depart for Dollywood to experience the magic of Smoky Mountain Christmas. Step into a festive winter wonderland filled with holiday shows, traditional crafts, and seasonal treats. With more than four million sparkling lights, Dollywood offers a joyful celebration of the season that is sure to create lasting memories. Dinner is on your own at Dollywood, where a variety of delicious options are available throughout the park. Later this evening, we return to our hotel for a restful night's sleep.

Day 5

After breakfast we depart for home, taking with us many pleasant memories of a wonderful mountain getaway to North Carolina and Tennessee, filled with yuletide spirit, holiday music, and festive cheer, along with unforgettable visits to the Biltmore Estate and Dollywood. Today's lunch is included at The Pink Cadillac Diner, a classic 1950s-style diner known for its fun, nostalgic atmosphere. Surrounded by its bubblegum-pink exterior, neon lights, jukebox, vintage signage, and Elvis Presley memorabilia, enjoy a delicious meal while stepping back in time. Be sure to snap a photo with the iconic pink Cadillac before continuing home. As our tour comes to a close, we return home enriched by the music, history, and Southern charm that made this journey truly unforgettable. Happy Holidays!

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner, MR=Manager's Reception